Sizzling Summer Holidays: Fun & Memorable Activities for Kids ! 
By Sarah Hartley, 18 June 2025.

The summer holidays are a time for my kids to unwind, explore, and create memories that last a lifetime. I know the long break can be difficult: how to keep my kids entertained, active, and learning without them just staring blankly into screens. With a little planning and creativity, summer holidays can be packed with meaningful activities that spark the imagination, build skills, and strengthen family connections. 

The Summer holidays are a fantastic opportunity for me  to spend precious time with my children. Whether we're off exploring National Parks or our back garden, what matters most is creating shared moments of fun and cherished memories for  myself, my husband and my three children. In this simple guide, I've looked at what activities can be enjoyed during this time but realise it can be an expensive time so I've included ideas and inspiration that won't cost the earth or are completely free. Links to possible activities and places to visit are included at the end. 

Get Creative 

Turn your home into a mini art studio. My kids love expressing themselves through creative projects. Whether it's painting, building cardboard forts, or making friendship bracelets, crafting helps them develop fine motor skills and creativity.

Ideas to try:

  • Tie-dye T-shirts or tote bag
  • DIY bird feeders or wind chimes
  • Nature collages using leaves, flowers, and twigs
  • Make-your-own comic books or summer journals

 

 

Discover

My kids love outdoor adventures and it helps them help blow off steam, improve their mood and build curiosity about the world around them.

Take Day Trips and Mini Adventures

Break the routine with outings that offer something new and exciting. Whether it’s a day at a theme park or exploring nearby towns, day trips help create special memories.

 Where to go:

  • Local farms or petting zoos
  • Outdoor adventure parks or high ropes courses
  • Botanical gardens or butterfly houses
  • Historic castles and landmarks

 Activities to enjoy:

  • Family hikes and nature scavenger hunts
  • Bike rides through local trails
  • Picnics in the park with outdoor games like frisbee or rounders

Learning = Fun 

Learning through play:

 

  • Simple science experiments at home (like baking soda volcanoes or making slime)
  • Reading challenges with rewards, just because its not national book day doesn't mean kids can't dress up as their fave characters
  • Visiting museums, aquariums, or historic sites
  • Enrolling in online workshops—coding, animation, or creative writing

Camps & Clubs

Summer Camps and Clubs

Summer camps offer children the chance to build independence, make friends, and discover new interests. Many organisations run short-term day camps or week-long residential programmes.

Types of camps to consider:

  • Sports and dance camps
  • Theatre and performing arts workshops
  • Nature and outdoor survival camps
  • Coding or Science, technology,  engineering and mathematics (STEM) focused clubs

Safe places to cool off

If it gets hot consider safe places to visit where you and the kids can cool off. Great places include lidos, supervised outdoor swimming, safe beaches, inland surfing and public fountains. 

 

 

 

 

Stay at home 

If you're on a budget or don't feel like travelling simply stay at home.  Maybe try one of the themes below or create your own: 

"Around the World" week—cook global meals and learn about other cultures

 "Movie Marathon" days with homemade tickets and popcorn and remember they can dress up like favourite characters, e.g. spiderman, Harry Potter.

 "Olympics at Home" with obstacle courses and silly challenges

 "Time Travel" week exploring different historical periods through books, crafts, and costumes

Glastonbury Festival 2025: Quick Guide
By Sarah Hartley, 3rd June 2025.

Our Travel writer Sarah Hartley provides you with a bitesize guide to Glastonbury 2025, with all the need-to-know information on dates, tickets, highlights, line-up, getting there, where to stay, what to bring and top tips to have a great time. 

When is it? 

Festival Dates: Wednesday 25 June – Sunday 29 June 2025

Main Music Days: Friday 27 – Sunday 29 June

Location: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, UK

Tickets?

 

General Tickets: Sold out in minutes during the main sale in November 2024

Resale (Spring 2025): Limited number released—keep an eye on Glastonbury’s official site. 

Price: ~£378.50 (includes booking fee & 5 days camping)

ID Required: Photo ID must match your ticket—registration is mandatory

Who's Playing?

Headliners (Pyramid Stage):

Friday: The 1975

Saturday: Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts

Sunday: Olivia Rodrigo

Legends Slot: Rod Stewart (Sunday afternoon)


Other Acts: Charli XCX, The Prodigy, Biffy Clyro, RAYE, Loyle Carner, St. Vincent, Fatboy Slim, Doechii, Deftones, Future Islands, Busta Rhymes

Mystery Set: The enigmatic “Patchwork” on Saturday—speculation includes Radiohead, HAIM, or Ed Sheeran

Stages: Over 100, including Pyramid, Other Stage, West Holts, The Park, Arcadia, Block9, Shangri-La, Glade, Silver Hayes

Getting There?

By Coach: National Express and See Tickets coach packages (includes ticket + coach)

By Car: Parking pass required (~£55), expect queues; follow official signs

By Train: Castle Cary Station + free shuttle bus

By Bike or Walking: Green Travellers get perks like faster entry lanes

By Air: Fly to Bristol, then train or coach

Where to Stay? 

Bring Your Own Tent: Most people camp in fields across the site

Tipis & Pre-pitched Tents: Book early via Glastonbury’s official partners

Campervans: Need separate pass & designated zones

Glamping Options: Worthy View, Sticklinch—more comfortable but pricey

Accessibility Camping: Available for those with mobility needs—pre-register with medical proof

What to pack? 

Essentials:

Ticket, ID, phone, charger/power bank

Tent, sleeping bag, roll mat

Waterproofs (jacket & boots—mud likely)

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

Water bottle (refill stations available)

Snacks, cash/card, tissues, wet wipes

Headlamp/torch

Earplugs (for sleep and sets!)

Nice to Have:

Folding chair, small stove (if allowed), biodegradable glitter

Costumes, flags, face paint for fun!

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