BEST THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Published: 16/07/2026 | By: Alex Courbat

Six weeks. That's what stands between now and the September school run, and if you've got children to entertain for all of it, you already know the feeling: a mix of excitement, mild dread, and the sudden realisation that "I'm bored" is about to become the most repeated phrase in your house. This is how you make sure that doesn’t happen.

For many parents, the challenge isn't just keeping children entertained – it's fitting six weeks of school holidays around work. School holidays add up to around 13–14 weeks each year, while many full-time workers receive around five to six weeks of annual leave, making summer one of the biggest childcare headaches of the year.

The good news? You don't need to spend hundreds on expensive attractions to give your children a brilliant summer. Whether they're football mad, inspired by a fortnight of tennis, or simply desperate to get outside while the weather behaves, there are plenty of affordable ways to keep them active.

Here's our guide to the best summer holiday activities for kids across the UK – and the kit that helps avoid those inevitable mid-park meltdowns.

Football Camps

If there's one activity guaranteed to burn off energy, it's a football camp. Local clubs, councils and national coaching organisations run holiday sessions throughout July and August for children of almost every age and ability.

Beyond improving football skills, they're fantastic for building confidence, making new friends and giving parents a few uninterrupted hours.

If your child is heading along, don't send them in whichever trainers happen to be nearest the front door. A proper pair of junior football boots provides much better grip on grass, while shin pads are essential once friendly kickabouts become surprisingly competitive. Picking up a spare football kit also saves that last-minute 11pm washing machine panic before day two.

Park Football: Still the Best Free Entertainment

Some of the best summer memories don't cost a penny. A local park, a football, a couple of jumpers for goalposts and a handful of friends can keep children entertained for hours. For many of us, that's exactly where our love of football started.

Investing in a decent size 4 football and comfortable junior trainers designed for running rather than classroom wear means they'll get far more use out of every afternoon. And yes, letting them choose their own kit colours absolutely matters.

Junior Parkrun and Family Running

Running has become hugely popular with families, and for good reason. Junior Parkrun events take place every Sunday across the UK, offering free 2km runs for children aged 4–14. Because they're fun, social and community-focused, kids rarely see them as "exercise" – they're simply trying to beat their friends to the finish line.

If your child catches the running bug, supportive junior running shoes make a noticeable difference, especially for children who seem determined to sprint everywhere they go.

It's also a great excuse for parents to lace up too.

Tennis After Wimbledon

Every summer seems to produce thousands of temporary tennis fans. Instead of letting the rackets disappear into the shed until next July, make the most of the enthusiasm while it's still there.

Many council tennis courts are free or inexpensive to use, while local clubs often run beginner holiday sessions designed specifically for children.

A correctly sized junior racket and a multipack of tennis balls can provide weeks of entertainment in the garden, local park or nearest court.

Skateparks and BMX Tracks

For children looking for something a little different, skateparks continue to grow in popularity. Most towns now have a free outdoor skatepark or pump track, and while they might look intimidating at first, they’re often welcoming places where older riders happily encourage beginners.

The key is making sure children wear proper protective equipment from day one. A good helmet, knee pads and elbow pads make falls far less dramatic and help build confidence much faster.

Swimming: The Perfect Rainy-Day Backup

British weather has a habit of changing its mind halfway through the afternoon. When it does, swimming remains one of the easiest ways to rescue the day.

Most leisure centres run discounted holiday swim sessions throughout the summer, making them an affordable option for families. Better still, swimming is one of those life skills that's valuable long after the holidays are over.

Pack goggles that actually fit, a decent towel and a swim bag, and you've got several hours of entertainment regardless of what the forecast decides.

Make This Summer About Memories, Not Spending

The best summer holidays rarely involve elaborate itineraries or expensive attractions. They're the afternoons spent in the park until dinner time, football matches that somehow become World Cup finals, bike rides that end with an ice cream, and family walks that turn into unexpected adventures.

A football, a pair of trainers, a nearby park and the right kit can create far more lasting memories than another afternoon spent in front of a screen.

Keep it simple, let them get muddy, and before you know it, it'll be September again.