7 Activities for Kids to Spend the School Holidays Outdoors
The school holidays are a great time to inspire your kids, keep them active and get them exploring the great outdoors. To make the most of the holidays, why not create a list of fun activities to enjoy as a family so you always have something exciting to do, whatever the weather. Here’s our list of top activities for kids to spend the school holidays having fun outdoors. And the best thing, they won’t break the bank!
Go Geocaching
Geocaching is an activity you might not have heard about before. Growing in popularity, this fun activity is much like a treasure hunt which combines technology with outdoor adventure. Pronounced geo-kash-ing), geocaching uses coordinates through a geocaching app or plotted on your GPS device to help you find areas where a cache is hidden. Caches are often containers filled with a logbook which you can sign (so don’t forget a pencil) and small items which can be traded.
There are millions of geocaches across the planet, with lots to discover in the UK. So if you’re looking for an Easter hunt with a difference, or a summer holiday adventure, why not head out into the British Countryside and try this modern treasure hunt activity, geocaching.
Make an Insect Motel
Inviting insects and wildlife into your garden is a great way for kids to have fun whilst learning. There are many simple ways to entice nature into your garden, from putting up bird boxes to planting insect-friendly plants. One of our favourites is building your very own insect motel; the perfect retreat for all kinds of critters to come and rest. You could buy a ready-made bug hotel, but making your own is much more fun.
Here’s our simple step by step guide to reusing natural materials to build to ultimate insect motel:
- Choose a good spot for your motel. Insects like cool, moist conditions so a shady area under a tree or hedge is great. Find a quiet space out of the way where the bugs won’t be disturbed and give it a firm, flat base.
- Using small old wooden pallets, place them on top of each other as tall as you want (max 6 high). Ask an adult to help. Pallets can easily be found on second hand online sites.
- Although not essential, you can secure the pallets flat using string, cable ties or even screws. Get help from a grown-up.
- Now the fun bit! Fill the holes between the pallets with dead wood, hollow stems, canes, stone, tiles, hay, straw, dry leaves, corrugated cardboard and bark. The wood and bark is perfect for wood-boring beetles, centipedes, spiders and woodlice. Stones and tiles are great for frogs and newts who like the cold surface. Hollow stems and canes offer safety for solitary bees looking to lay their eggs.
Ready to Ride
One of the best ways to explore the great outdoors is by bicycle. We’re super lucky in the UK to have access to amazing cycle routes catering to all abilities and interests. So finding a local trail that the whole family will enjoy is easy.
When setting off on any ride, be sure to do a quick check of the bike components and be sure to wear a helmet. If you’re child doesn’t yet know how to ride a bike, the school holidays (particularly the summer hols) can be the perfect time to teach them. Find your local park and get them pedalling!
Garden Camp Out
Imagine your kids telling their friends at school that in the school holidays they’re going camping! The best thing about any camping trip is you don’t have to go far. If you have a young family, camping out in the garden is a great way introduce them to the experience before you head further afield.
The basics you’ll need to camp in the garden or on a local campsite are:
- Tent – choose from a premium family tent air tent, or small weekend tent depending on your family size and adventure
- Sleeping bag – consider the time of year you’ll be sleeping outdoors. 1-2 season are fine for spring/summer conditions. 3 season means spring to autumn.
- Sleeping mat – the combination of a sleeping mat and sleeping bag creates the most effective sleep system so you’ll stay comfortable all night.
- Lighting – get that glamping look with string lights, lanterns and solar lights. Torches are also great for reading a bedtime story or telling ghostly tales.
- Toys and games – keep them occupied with fun board games and toys
For more inspiration, read our guide to back garden camping
Visit the Beach
Spring and summer holidays often bring sunny weather. So it’s the perfect excuse to grab your sandals and head to the beach. The beach is such a great place for kids to explore, learn and try new things. From building sandcastles and flying kites, to braving the sea to paddle, or trying their hand at body boarding, a trip to the beach is a day they won’t forget.
Read our guide to 8 Lifeguarded Beaches to Visit across the UK
Star Gazing
As the seasons move into the warmer seasons, the skies become clearer and we get the chance to see the wonder of our sky at night more clearly. Star gazing is a really fun activity guaranteed to inspire all the family. From spotting shooting stars to drawing the constellations with your finger, nothing beats looking up at the stars at dusk from your tent, blanket, or telescope. There are so many great stargazing hot spots across the UK to enjoy, and the best places if you’re willing to travel are areas with minimal light pollution (away from the bright lights of the town or city).
Get Creative
Kids love getting creative. Kids also love the outdoors. So why not get them to combine the two. Creating artwork from natural materials you find on a local walk or visit to the park is a fun and engaging activity to keep kids busy on their holidays. Once you have your materials, you can get cracking and even include paint and craft accessories.
Looking to step up your school holidays and try something completely new? The joy of the holidays is you can start an activity and if you love it, make great progress within a short space of time. Here’s a few extra ideas to try.
Horse Riding Lessons
Canter your way into a new activity by booking a riding lesson with your local stable. Spending time with animals and other kids is a great way for kids to bond and build experiences. Have a gander through our horse riding store, full of top notch gear for any aspiring jockey or equestrian!
Fishing
Nothing beats that feeling of hooking your first fish. Ask any angler and they’ll likely tell you a story of how they starting fishing with their parents. Shop all fishing here.
Climbing Indoors
Indoor climbing is a really exciting activity for kids to try. Most climbing centres offer trial sessions and you can even hire kit to see if they like it first. Or if your little one is already into climbing, why not treat them to some new gear over at our climbing store?
So that’s our guide to inspiration activities to keep kids entertained throughout their school holidays. So whether you’re looking for bank holiday adventures, half term activities or sensational summer holiday ideas, start making your adventure list today.
Explore a New Area
We are all programmed to seek discovery. We're very lucky to have so many amazing places across the UK which are Made for Adventure. Why not take a look at our extensive collection of attractions, walks and inspiring vistas in our Made for Adventure hub. We even have tips on how to explore your first National Park, or climb your first big peak.
