Free and low cost summer activities for kids

Splash parks offer great days of fun, water and games for the entire family. Take spare clothes, towels and enjoy some refreshing water to keep you cool and smiling throughout the summer heat. Here are some examples across England: 

• Granary Square, London
• Rivelin Valley Water Play, Sheffield
• City Park Mirror Pool and Fountain, Bradford
• Water splash play area, Rotherham
• Splash Park at Happy Mount Park, Morecambe

Summer holidays mean more time for fun, and your garden (or even a balcony or sunny windowsill!) is the perfect place for budget-friendly projects with the kids. Getting little ones involved in DIY garden projects is a brilliant way to keep them entertained, connect with nature, and even learn a few things – all without spending a fortune.

Museums are amazing for keeping the children entertained and cool during the hot days. They provide an educational element over the summer and tend to have family-friendly activities throughout the holidays to enjoy.

• Maritime Museum, Liverpool

• National Railway Museum, York

• National Science and Media Museum, Bradford

• Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

• The Lapworth Museum of Geology, Birmingham

• Natural History Museum, London

Creating art as a family is a perfect quiet time choice to let the children express their imagination and creativity without boundaries or restrictions. It also can encourage busy parents to rediscover their creative side and bond over paint and mess that they don’t have to clean up!

• Paper origami. All you need is paper! Find WWF’s free origami patterns and instructions to create your own paper animals.

• Recycled creations. Give old cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, plastic bottles or newspaper a new life! Think robots from cereal boxes, animal puppets from paper rolls or even a newspaper hat.

• DIY stamps/​printing. Cut shapes into old potatoes, or use natural items (like leaves or pinecones) as stamps. Dip them in washable paint and create unique patterns on paper, old newspaper or even spare fabric.

• Cardboard box adventures. Don’t throw out those big delivery boxes! They’re perfect for transforming into cars, rockets, castles or playhouses. Grab some markers or leftover paint and let kids’ imaginations run wild with a large-scale project.

More than ever, it’s so important that children and young adults learn money management skills. That’s why we’ve created interactive and fun money teaching resources, so you can help your children build strong foundations for future financial success. 

Why not put your children’s skills to good use and give them a food shopping budget? You could then challenge them to make some recipes on a budget!

Summer is the perfect time to step out into nature’s playground with the kids! It can cost absolutely nothing, and it gives kids opportunities to explore, learn and enjoy the fresh air. Whether you’re in a city park, a quiet, local wood or even just your own back garden, there’s a whole world of wonder waiting to be discovered.

• Go on a nature walk. Simply head to a local park, woodland or even just your street. Encourage your kids to observe what they see, hear, smell and feel.

• Try a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to find (e.g. a smooth stone, a specific leaf, a feather, something rough). You can even use free printable checklists from The Woodland Trust!

• Become a bug detective. Arm yourselves with a magnifying glass and look for insects, spiders and other tiny creatures under rocks, in grass or on leaves using a free minibeast checklist.

• Bird watch. See how many different types of birds you can spot. Listen for their unique calls and use RSPB’s free resources to record your observations.

• Collect natural treasures. Gather interesting leaves, pebbles, pinecones or shells (if near a beach) to use for nature art or decoration at home.

• Nature journalling/​drawing. Bring a notepad and pencils on your walk to sketch what you see, or write down observations and feelings about your surroundings.

When the weather isn’t cooperating for outdoor play, or you just fancy a cosy afternoon inside, why not turn your kitchen into a summer bakery? Baking is a brilliant, low-cost activity that’s perfect for all ages, especially with little helpers! It’s creative, teaches fine motor skills and the best part? Delicious results!

Summer is the perfect time to let imaginations run wild, and storytelling is a free and fantastic way to do it! Forget screens – this is about creating your own worlds and characters. It’s a brilliant way to boost creativity, language skills, and family bonding.

• Put on a puppet show. Craft simple puppets from socks, paper bags or even spoons, and let kids write and perform their own plays. A blanket draped over a chair makes a perfect stage, or learn how to create your own puppet theatre using materials you already have at home. 

• Create a story jar. Write down different characters, settings and plot twists on pieces of paper. Put them in a jar and draw them out randomly to create a spontaneous story.

• Act it out. Turn a favourite book or a made-up story into a mini play. Assign roles, find costumes (or use what you have!) and let the drama unfold.

• Storytelling picnic. Pack a lunch and head to the park or garden. Each person takes a turn adding a sentence or paragraph to a story, building it together as you eat.

• Use storytelling props. Gather random objects from around the house (a hat, a toy, a spoon etc.) and let each object inspire a different part of the story.

Camping is a great summer activity for kids, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune! Skip the expensive campsites and equipment by asking friends or family if you can borrow a tent. Then, pitch it right in your own back garden for a memorable ​‘staycation’ under the stars. You get all the fun of a real campout with easy access to home comforts.

No garden? No problem! Transform your living room into an epic den with blankets, cushions and fairy lights for a magical indoor camping experience. However you choose to camp, it’s about making memories, embracing simplicity and finding adventure wherever you are.

We hope you enjoyed these summer activities for kids! Is there anything that sticks out that you want to plan first from our list? You can always supplement activities with a family picnic or take portable games and toys with you and make it a memorable experience, whatever you decide.