Summer Holiday Survival Guide
As much as we’re incredibly excited to have some fun with the little ones during half-term, the prospect of 6 weeks to fill with activities, trips and generally ensuring the children don’t turn into wild animals, can be quite daunting.
We’ve put together some ideas and activities that may help to keep everybody busy when you’re out of inspiration.
We’ve tried to include a variety of options including all price brackets, from completely free to some real treats.
Finding decorated stones in Summer!We’re going on a stone hunt..
I’m sure you’re already aware of the painted stone craze, but for a little bit of free fun, you can’t really go wrong.
You could start by painting your own stone, and then going out in search of any existing hidden gems!
If you don’t find any, at least you could hide your own, and a brisk walk in the fresh air will get the blood pumping too!
Pick Your Own Fruit Fields
This may not be possible depending on your local area, but here in Northamptonshire, we have many local fields offering PYO fruit.
This is a really nice way to spend at least a morning or afternoon out in the sunshine and keeping the kids active!
If you have particularly competitive siblings, you could even set a challenge to find the most interestingly shaped fruit.
Buckingham Palace Tour
Perhaps this one of more of a day or weekend trip, but it could be a really fun day out.
The official London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is opening its doors to visitors from 21st July-30th September 2018.
You can explore the State Rooms, and even some of the Royal Collection’s greatest treasures are on display!
Be warned that this is a popular event, and so we’d advise booking in advance.
Children under 5 go free and other ticket prices can be found on the link below:
https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace
Family Baking
Baking is a wonderful way to keep the kids entertained, whilst also producing something delicious to eat at the end of the day!
We have a selection of our tried and tested recipes you could try on the blog:
Jammy Dodger Blondies
Meringue Kisses
Unicorn Icing Tutorial
Or if you’re after something particular, Pinterest is a great place for easy recipes.
If you find your littles really enjoy baking together, you might enjoy a Junior Baking Subscription and as a bonus, enjoy all the ingredients and recipe guides being delivered directly to your door! Minimum effort, maximum fun!
https://www.mybakes.com/collections/junior-bakes-box
National Trust Days Out
If cabin fever is beginning to set in, now might be a good time to pop onto www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
You can search by location to find events, activities and places to explore.
A membership may well be worth the investment if you’re planning to make multiple trips like this over the year.
You might be surprised at how much is going on in your area – I certainly was! We found a very cool archaeological dig nearby that we could visit and take part in.
Summer Fetes
All hail the summer fete. Cheap and tiny fairy cakes readily available to consume, free entry (on the most part?) and lots of little raffles/games to keep the children entertained.
Find as many as you can, and make full use.
Local Museums
Hopefully you’ll have a local museum to consider.
Ours in Northampton has free admission and even runs some fantastic events and activities (for adults and children alike) to enjoy.
V&A Museum of Childhood – Bethnal Green
If you’re based in London, or further afield and are planning a trip into the city this summer, it would be well worth popping to Bethnal Green to visit the V&A Museum of Childhood. There are events and activities throughout the Summer, and existing exhibitions to explore and enjoy for a fun day out.
Cadburys World – Bourneville
This is definitely an activity that requires some forward planning – pre-booking is most definitely advised.
Besides being a really exciting trip out, they also offer Afternoon Tea and Chocolatiers Experiences!
Woburn Safari
I’m sure there will be a similar establishment/zoo if you’re nowhere near the midlands, but Woburn is our closest option – and a fabulous one it is!
The entry fees can be quite pricey, (although under 3’s go free!) so this activity may perhaps also double up as a treat for good behaviour?
Kids will absolutely adore this day out, spotting all the animals and perhaps taking part in some talks or demonstrations – and I’m pretty sure the adults will love it too.
DIY/Crafts
If you have the patience, letting the kids go (kinda) crazy with glue, stickers, feathers, card etc can provide at least a few hours of fun.
Most shops sell some value bags of mixed craft goods, or depending on the age of your children, you could consider a slightly more complex craft, such as constructing a giant paper dinosaur or pirate ship!
Here’s a really cool Unicorn headband tutorial, and with a little creativity you could use this base to create other styles too, perhaps a monster or alien!
https://www.redtedart.com/unicorn-headband-diy/
Hopefully this guide might give you a few ideas when you’re feeling a little stuck!
Please share your photos of other ideas with us. We’d love to know what fun you’ve been up to so far.
