Family entertainment does not need to cost a fortune. No matter what the time of the year there’s always lots you can do. Have a read through our 101 Activities for Families where you will find some fantastic ideas for family fun.
SPRING
Spring is a season of renewal and growth, as the weather warms up, people often take advantage of the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. Below we list some of the activities that families can partake in during spring:
1 – Visit a Landmark Attraction
The UK is home to many stunning landmarks, and the National Trust plays a significant role in protecting and preserving them. The organisation owns and manages a number of impressive stately homes, such as the stunning Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, which is home to an extensive art collection and magnificent gardens. Every spring you can enjoy free entry, special offers, free gifts and more at hundreds of attractions across the UK including a selection of National Trust properties as part of the National Lottery Open Week Promotion.
2 – Create Chalk Art, Play Hopscotch
Chalk art is a form of temporary street art that involves creating images or designs on a flat surface, such as a driveway or a wall, using coloured chalks. Chalk art is often associated with festivals and events, where artists gather to create stunning works of art that can range from simple drawings to elaborate 3D illusions. One of the unique aspects of chalk art is that it is impermanent, as it can be easily washed away or smudged by rain or foot traffic. Thanks to its temporary nature, chalk art is ideal for children to be creative on a large scale.
3 – Go on a Bike Ride
The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and exploring the great outdoors. Hiring an Ebike, pedal bike or tandem is an excellent way to get around and explore the UK.
4 – Launch a Rocket
Water-powered rockets can be great fun.
Having experimented with homemade versions, we treated the kids to an official kit and we were astounded by the results. By your ROKiT Bottle Rocket Water Pressure Kit from Amazon.
5 – Do an Easter Egg hunt
Easter Egg Hunts can be great fun. Kids love hunting for hidden eggs and then have the enjoyment of eating them. Every Spring the National Trust run Easter egg trails at many of the places they care for across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
6 – Plant some Seeds
There are so many flowers, grasses and plants that are loved by bees, butterflies and other wildlife. With their rich colours and soft foliage, these wildlife-attracting flowers are a joy.
Fast-growing annual plants like poppies, corn marigolds and cornflowers grow from seed to a mass of flowers in a few months, providing a buffet for bees and butterflies, food for birds, and cover for other creatures.
7 – Plan a Short Break
Short breaks in the UK are a popular way for people to recharge and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With so many picturesque destinations to choose from, including bustling cities, idyllic countryside, and quaint coastal towns, there is something for everyone. Popular activities on short breaks in the UK include swimming, cycling, exploring historic landmarks, sampling local cuisine, hiking scenic trails, and visiting museums and galleries. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, the UK has plenty to offer for a relaxing and enjoyable short break.
The UK is now home to some fantastic Holiday Resorts. We compiled a Top 10 listing of the UK’s best holiday Resorts with Waterslides.
8 – Make a Daisy Chain
Daisy chain crowns made from real flowers are so easy to make. Small wild daisies that grow in fields are best but just about any flower with a flexible stem will work to make a braided daisy chain crown or bracelet with!
The daisy chains we made as kids were so simple, we would just push our thumbnail through the end of the stem and then slide the next daisy through the hole similar to those seen in the picture below.
9 – Games to Play on a Road Trip
Going on a road trip, compile a list of games and activities to keep the family entertained. If you are going on a long journey then use our handy tool to Search for Attractions Near UK Motorways.
It is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and experience something new whilst also creating family memories.
10 – Bake Easter Nest Cakes
Cornflakes, Rice Crispies or Shredded Wheat are all perfect for making Chocolate Nest Cakes. Ready in just three simple steps, these cakes are so easy to make with the kids and Chocolate mini-eggs are a great finishing touch.
11 – Start a Vegetable Patch
Starting a vegetable patch can be a fun and rewarding project. Have a read of our post where we give some pointers on how to get started with your own vegetable patch.
If you get it right then you could be eating your own homegrown produce later in the year.
12 – Visit a Castle or Garden
Castles and gardens are the ideal places to get out into the fresh air and meet with friends and family. Every year the May Edition of Gardeners World Magazine includes a reusable card which offers 2-for-1 entry to over 390 castles and gardens across the UK.
13 – Explore a Cave
There are some fantastic show caves across the UK and what better way to enjoy a day out on a cold and windy day than to visit one?
Located in Nidderdale on the border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Stump Cross Caverns is one of Britain’s premier show caves.
14 – Play Catch
The classic game of catch is great for hand and eye coordination but you can make it even more fun with this great value game from Amazon.
15 – Visit a Movie Location
Fancy staying somewhere you’ve seen on screen?
From The Secret Garden to Harry Potter, there are some fantastic movie locations that you can visit and stay in the UK.
Have a read through our Top 10 UK Movie Locations and be inspired by breathtaking locations, retrace the footsteps of your favourite characters and discover the true stars of the screen.
16 – See the Spring Lambs
Lambs are one of the first and most eagerly awaited signs of spring. There are lot’s of places where you can see Spring Lambs including farms, National Trust properties and nature reserves. Check our offers pages to find great savings on days out near you.
17 – Swing Through the Treetops
High Rope courses are an exhilarating outdoor activity that will live with you and your family for a lifetime. Go Ape offer high ropes courses across the UK.
18 – Visit a Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s Markets provide an opportunity for local farmers to connect with their community while providing fresh, seasonal, and sustainable products. Farmer’s markets often offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, baked goods, honey, flowers, and more. They promote healthy eating habits and support the local economy while also offering a unique shopping experience.
19 – Go on a Train Ride
Discover the history of trains and take a ride at one of the UK’s many heritage railways or visit a miniature railway for family fun on a smaller scale.
20 – Go Geocaching
The objective of Geocaching is to discover hidden treasures whilst enjoying the outdoors. Geocaching is so simple to get started, doesn’t have to cost you a penny and adds fun and adventure to any walk out.
21 – Skim Stones
A calm sea, lake, pond or canal are the ideal location for skimming stones. It makes for great competitive fun with your family and friends, all you need is a nice flat stone that fits nicely in your hand, just be careful not to hit any people around you.
22 – Collect and Paint Rocks
Build rock formations or take some smooth rocks home and paint them. There are hundreds of different things you can paint on rocks, for example, ladybirds, hearts, words of inspiration or rainbows. Painting rocks is great fun for all the family.
23 – Visit an Animal Sanctuary
There are lots of free-to-enter animal sanctuary’s across the UK playing host to a wealth of different animals. A great example is the Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary located on the Lincolnshire coast between Mablethorpe and Skegness. It is a lovely little free-to-visit attraction run by volunteers where visitors can hand-feed the donkeys.
24 – Build a Bug Hotel
Create a bug hotel to provide hidey-holes for creatures galore. Building a bug hotel in your garden can provide a safe hideaway for wildlife and help make use of your garden waste. A well-built hotel can shelter anything from hedgehogs to toads, solitary bees to bumblebees, and ladybirds to woodlice.
25 – Do a Car Boot Sale
Car Boot sales are the ideal opportunity to have a Spring clear out and also make some extra pocket money, just don’t get too carried away and bring home more than you took with you.
SUMMER
Summer is a great time for families to spend time together and enjoy the warm weather. Here are a list of fun activities for families to do during the summer months:
26 – Build a Den
Kids can build a den in the garden at home or at some of the UK’s many attractions such as Stockeld Park and William’s Den.
27 – Go Camping
Go on a family camping holiday and disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Both Haven and Parkdean offer some lovely parks across the UK.
28 – Play at the park
There are some great parks here in the UK. In addition to the play equipment, there is often other activities on offer too such as mini-golf, miniature railways, boating lakes and lots more.
Clifton Park in Rotherham is a great example, in addition to the excellent children’s playgrounds it also has a large splash pad and a permanent amusement park.
29 – Make Mud Pies in a Mud Kitchen Café
Mud play is fun. Use your imagination and paper cups and plates to play Mud Kitchen Café.
Collect petals and herbs that are growing in the meadow and infuse them with water to make pretend nature tea. (Not for drinking though!)
30 – Experience local history, Architecture and Culture
Every September thousands of volunteers across the country organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore. Heritage Open Days offer free entry to historic houses, castles, gardens and much more…
31 – Discover a Waterfall
Discovering a waterfall can be a breathtaking experience that leaves a lasting impression. As you approach the waterfall, you may hear the sound of rushing water and feel a cool mist in the air. The sight of the waterfall itself can be awe-inspiring, with water cascading down a rocky cliff or boulder-strewn slope.
Depending on the size of the waterfall, the water may create a serene pool at its base or a turbulent stream that rushes downstream. There may be an opportunity to paddle across the river or cross via a fallen log or using stepping stones. Regardless of its size or location, discovering a waterfall can be an unforgettable moment that connects you with the beauty and power of nature.
32 – Visit a Zoo or Wildlife Park
The UK is home to some fantastic Zoos and Wildlife Parks. Have a read through The Attractions Near Me’s guide to the Top 10 UK Zoos and Wildlife Parks to help you to decide where to visit.
33 – Visit the Seaside
Breathing the sea air and spending some time on the beach delivers many health benefits and it also makes a great choice for spending family time together. Bury your feet in the sand, collect shells on the beach, Find creatures in a rock pool, Jump Waves and Build Sandcastles. There is so much to do on a day out at the seaside. Have a read of our Top 10 Days out on a Budget for more great ideas.
34 – Visit a Theme Park
You will be surprised just how many great Theme Parks there are dotted throughout the UK, discover what’s on offer with our Top 10 listing of UK Theme Parks for Families.
We understand just how expensive trips to Theme Parks can be so don’t miss the opportunity to claim 2 Free Tickets to some of the best Theme Parks in the UK. Enjoy a free day out at Alton Towers Resort, Legoland Windsor Resort and many more.
35 – Visit an Outdoor Pool
The UK is home to some fantastic Outdoor Pools and Lidos. Have a read through our Top 10 Outdoor Pools and Lidos listing to discover one near you.
36 – Explore the Woods
There are so many places where you can visit woodland in the UK. Kids can have a great time den building, climbing trees, playing Poohsticks and swinging on Tarzan swings.
Discover beautiful waterfalls and hideaway picnic spots and cafes. Wherever you visit there are always so many things to discover and activities to enjoy.
Search for free woodlands to visit using the Woodland Trust website.
For forests with additional activities including Gruffalo trails visit the Forestry Commission website.
37 – Visit a Farm
Every year in June, families can enjoy a free day out at a local farm thanks to LEAF Open Farm Sunday. There are lots of activities on offer at farms across the UK and the day gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about farming.
38 – Visit the Theatre
Kids Week, (which is actually now kids month!), runs every August and offers free theatre tickets for children aged 17 years and under to top West End shows.
39 – Go Crabbing
One of the best activities we have done was taking the kids crabbing.
With the right bait and a decent crab net, it was fairly straightforward to catch the crabs and the kids found it so rewarding. We found the best bait to be a pack of ham, breaking it up into small pieces and dropping it into the crab nets.
40 – Go on a Treasure Hunt
Discover Britain’s best bits with Marvellous Maps…
Folded, flat and framed maps made to inspire great adventures, liven up walls and put enormous grins on faces.
41 – Build a Waterpark at Home
Warm summer days are perfect for the kids to splash and play in Water. Get out your paddling pools, slip ‘n’ slides, water sprinklers and any other water-related equipment you own and let the kids construct their own waterpark in your back garden.
42 – Spot Shapes in the Clouds
Spotting shapes in clouds is a fun and creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Clouds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with a little imagination, one can see all kinds of things in them, from animals to objects to even people’s faces.
This activity can be a great way to exercise the mind and stimulate creativity, as well as provide a moment of relaxation and contemplation. Moreover, it can also be a great opportunity to spend some quality time with friends and family, as everyone can share their own interpretations and see who can spot the most shapes in the sky.
43 – Do a Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy a family ride on a sightseeing cruise or an open-top bus where you can learn some interesting facts and the amazing history of the cities here in the UK.
Pick up a great value York Pass which includes both an entertaining and informative cruise on the River Ouse with City Cruises and a sightseeing tour on an open-top bus.
44 – Go to a Festival
Family-friendly festivals are events that are designed to cater to people of all ages and provide a wholesome and enjoyable experience for families to enjoy together. These festivals typically feature a variety of activities and entertainment that appeal to both kids and adults, such as live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and interactive exhibits.
45 – Have a Picnic or BBQ
Picnics and BBQs make for perfect family gatherings. If you are visiting a theme park then why not take a picnic with you and save some money on your day out. Many attractions provide picnic benches and grassy areas where families can relax and enjoy a picnic together. You can include a variety of foods, including sandwiches, crisps, fruit, and lemonade.
On a summer’s day, enjoy a picnic in the park or on the beach where the children can play games like frisbee and tag while the adults chat and enjoy the scenery. After lunch, take a walk and get some family photos. Picnics and BBQs make everyone feel happy and content, grateful for the opportunity to spend time together outdoors.
46 – Water Balloon Fight
What could be better than a water fight on a warm, sunny day?
They’re a great way for the kids to use up their energy and have fun, and perfect for birthday parties.
There are loads of fun games you can play including Balloon Dodgeball, and Balloon Toss or use towels that act as a catapult and play Balloon Bounce.
47 – Play Rounders
A family game of rounders is always lots of fun on a summer’s day, it provides an opportunity to engage in physical activity while enjoying the company of loved ones. If the kids find it too challenging to use a baseball bat then switch to a tennis bat and ball or play football rounders.
The rules of the game are simple and it can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, making it inclusive and accessible. Additionally, playing rounders allows participants to develop their hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and overall fitness levels.
48 – Make Giant Bubbles
Making giant bubbles is a fun outdoor activity that involves creating large, translucent bubbles using a solution of soap and water.
The bubbles can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be caught or chased by children and adults alike. Making giant bubbles is a great outdoor activity that encourages creativity, imagination, and play, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
49 – Spend a Day at the Races
Family fun days at the races often include lots of activities and entertainment for the kids. Families can join in the activities, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and spend quality time together whilst enjoying the entertainment.
Family-friendly activities on offer include carnival games, fairground rides, bouncy castles, and face painting. With the energy and excitement of the crowd, a day at the races is an unforgettable experience that will create memories that last a lifetime.
50 – Visit an Agricultural Show
Agricultural Shows are a perfect family day out. Often very reasonably priced with lots on offer to keep everyone entertained. See the animals, vintage machinery, trade stalls, fairground rides and a whole lot more.
In conclusion, summer is a great time for families to bond and have fun together. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors or attending local events, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during the summer season so make the most of the warm weather and create lasting family memories.
AUTUMN
Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with colourful leaves, crisp air, and plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy together. Here is a list of activities for families to try during the autumn season:
51 – Pick Brambles
July to October are the best months for picking brambles. Look out for ripe blackberries growing in the hedgerows, if you’re with younger ones, arm them with bags, bowls or baskets and it won’t be long until everyone’s fingers and lips are dyed purple. The rich, deep, purple-black tones of the blackberry are delicious in pies, crumbles, ice cream, fools, jams and summer puddings and are a natural partner for cooking apples.
It is important to remember not to completely clear an area of food, leave some for the animals and give a chance for the plants to re-seed.
52 – Play in the Autumn leaves
Playing in the autumn leaves can be a wonderfully joyful experience. There is something magical about the way the leaves crunch and rustle underfoot as if they are inviting you to jump, kick, or dance in them.
The brilliant colours of orange, yellow, and red provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities, making the scenery around you simply breathtaking. The cool, crisp air adds a refreshing touch to the whole experience, and the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind is both calming and exhilarating at the same time. Overall, playing in the autumn leaves is a simple pleasure that can bring happiness and a sense of childlike wonder to anyone who takes part in it.
53 – Fossil Hunting
Fossil hunting, also known as palaeontology, is an exciting and rewarding activity that involves searching for and collecting fossils from various geological formations. Fossils are the remains of ancient organisms that have been preserved in rocks, minerals, or other materials over millions of years.
Fossil hunters typically visit areas with a high concentration of fossils, such as riverbanks, or beaches, and use tools like hammers, chisels, and brushes to carefully extract the fossils from the surrounding rock. Fossil hunting can provide important insights into the history of life on Earth and the evolution of various species, making it a fun, exciting and valuable scientific pursuit.
54 – Leaf Rubbing
Leaf rubbing is a fun and easy art activity where you place a leaf under a piece of paper and rub a crayon or pencil over it to create a beautiful impression of the leaf.
55 – Fly a kite
Kite flying is an inexpensive and fun activity that children and adults alike can enjoy. It is a great core exercise that can work the muscles in many areas. Being in the great outdoors and getting some sunshine and fresh air can instantly make you feel good. What better way to spend time with the family and children than to take them out to fly a kite!
Over the years with the increasing popularity of kite flying new concepts have been designed like stunt kites and para-foil kites. They’ve even started a new extreme sport using kites called kite-surfing.
There are also numerous kite festivals that take place throughout the year across the UK. Visit Kite calendar for more details.
56 – Visit a Halloween Event
UK Theme Parks and attractions really like to put on a show at Halloween. Each theme park has something different to offer with some targeting thrill-seekers whilst others offer family-friendly fun. Read our guide to the UK’s Best Halloween Events to help give you an insight into what’s on offer.
57 – Catch a Falling Leaf
Catching falling leaves is a perfect activity on a windy Autumn day. Get the kids to look up into the sky and watch the trees, waiting for a gust of wind. When leaves fall, it’s a race to catch them. The winner is the person who catches the most leaves.
58 – Go Stargazing
Grab your coats and find a cosy spot to lie down. Stargazing is a magical way to bring science alive and to experience the beauty of our natural world. The longer you look up, the more stars you’ll discover.
The UK has some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe, visit the Go Stargazing website and search for the best dark sky sites in the UK.
Enjoy a magical short break in a Stargazing pod at Alton Towers Resort.
59 – Make Homemade Pizza
Making homemade pizza is a fun and rewarding activity. It allows for creative freedom in choosing toppings and experimenting with different flavour combinations. Making homemade pizzas is a great bonding activity with friends and family, and provides a sense of accomplishment when the end result turns out well.
60 – Visit the City
There are lots of family-friendly activities and attractions in our cities. Have a read of our City and Resort Guides for an insight into what’s on offer.
We offer a number of city passes which offer great value for money, check out some of them below.
The Blackpool Big Ticket
Blackpool Pick and Mix Pass
York Pass
Warwickshire Pass
61 – Jump in Muddy Puddles
Kids love jumping in Muddy puddles, take part in puddle jumping championships at WWT Martin Mere or visit the home of Muddy Puddles at Peppa Pig World.
62 – Visit the Circus
A trip to the circus can be entertaining for all the family. The Circus at Blackpool Tower is operated by Merlin Entertainments who also operate major attractions such as Alton Towers and Legoland Windsor Resort. We watched the show and were very impressed, have a read of our review.
63 – Create a Time Capsule
Creating a time capsule can be a fun and exciting activity because it allows you to preserve memories of a specific moment in time, create a legacy for future generations, collaborate with others, and create a sense of anticipation for the future. It can be a creative and meaningful way to reflect on the past and share your experiences, values, and beliefs with others.
64 – Flower and Leaf Pressing
A flower pressing kit can be used to make greeting cards, scrapbooks, bookmarks, party invitations, and much more. It is not only a handicraft tool but also an educational tool. Use the link below to purchase a kit from Amazon.
65 – Play Hide and Seek
Playing hide and seek is a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages. The game involves one or more players hiding while another player seeks them out. The thrill of trying to find a good hiding spot, and the excitement of not being found, make these games so much fun.
In addition to hide and seek, other popular games include tag, capture the flag, and scavenger hunts. These games not only provide entertainment but also promote physical activity and social interaction. They encourage players to think creatively and strategically and develop problem-solving skills. Overall, playing hide and seek and similar games is a great way to have fun and stay active while also promoting social and cognitive development.
66 – Hit the Target
In a similar manner to lawn darts, get the kids to find three pinecones each. Now find an area of bare ground and mark out a square with branches or twigs, then another larger square around it, then another. Players stand a distance away from the target and try to throw their pinecones into the target square. The closer to the centre, the higher your score.
67 – Visit a Museum
The majority of people in the UK will have visited their local museum. There are some fantastic museums here in the UK, see our Top 10 Free Days Out listing for so great ideas on where to visit.