Summer is the perfect time to ditch the screens, soak up some sunshine and make memories as a family—but you don’t need to spend a fortune on big days out to keep the kids entertained. These fun, low-cost outdoor activities are ideal for children of all ages and can be done right in your garden, local park, or neighbourhood.
Whether you’re planning summer holiday activities, a weekend boredom buster, or just want to encourage more outdoor play, these 10 fun outdoor activities for kids this summer (that don’t cost a fortune!) are guaranteed to get your kids smiling and active during the warmer months of the year.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Best for: Ages 3+ | Nature scavenger hunt for kids!
Make a simple list of things for your kids to find—like a feather, a yellow flower, something rough, or three different types of leaves. Take it to your local park or even just the garden. My kids and I love trying to find something of every colour in nature and having a little collection of ‘nature treasures’ at the end of our scavenger hunt.
2. Garden Obstacle Course
Best for: Ages 4–10 | The best garden fun for all the kids!
Use hula hoops, skipping ropes, cardboard boxes, or whatever you have on hand to create a mini course. Let the kids take turns designing the layout—it keeps them active and creative!
Time them and make it a mini family Olympics! You could pick up cheap winner’s medals or trophies from the likes of Poundland or The Range and turn it into a great family event this summer.
3. DIY Water Play Station
Best for: Toddlers & preschoolers | Water play ideas for toddlers!
Set up a plastic tub with cups, spoons, sponges, and toys. You don’t need to buy anything new for this activity, just use what you have at home. Add a dash of food colouring or bubbles for extra sensory fun. This is an excellent way to cool off on warm afternoons.
Bonus: Add ice cubes and see how fast the kids can melt them using only their hands!
4. Go Fly a Kite
Best for: Ages 5+ | Let’s go fly a kite!
There’s nothing like seeing a child’s face light up when they get their kite in the air. Head to a local field or beach on a breezy day for this classic summer experience. Tying this in with a beach day always makes for the best fun.
Affordable kites can be found at The Works or Decathlon UK.
5. Picnic & Playground Combo
Best for: All ages | Perfect family picnics!
Pack a simple picnic, bring a blanket, and head to your nearest park. Combine it with a trip to a playground or a nature trail and you’ve got a full afternoon of fun.
Get the kids involved in packing the snacks—they’ll love choosing their favourites.
6. Bug Hunt Safari
Best for: Curious kids 4–10 | Insect spotting activities!
Grab a magnifying glass and head to the garden or woods. Look under rocks, peek at leaves, and see what tiny creatures you can discover. Make a journal of your findings for bonus learning!
Free apps like Seek by iNaturalist help identify bugs and plants.
7. Family Bike Ride
Best for: Ages 5+ | Explore the best family cycle routes UK
Find a local family-friendly cycle path (like greenways or canal paths) and explore your local area from a new perspective. It’s great exercise and a screen-free win for everyone.
📍 Try the Sustrans route planner to find safe, scenic routes.
8. Backyard Camping
Best for: Ages 3+ | Enjoy camping in the garden!
Pitch a tent in the garden, roast marshmallows over a fire pit (or grill), and tell stories under the stars. You’ll get the magic of camping without the travel stress. If you have a projector, turn your camping experience into a under the stars movie night also.
Add a stargazing app and turn it into an educational experience!
9. Sidewalk Chalk Art Gallery
Best for: Creative kids of all ages | Let the kids play artist with chalk!
Give them a bucket of chalk and an invitation to transform your patio, pavement, or driveway into a gallery. Themes could include under the sea, jungle, or family portraits.
Don’t forget to snap pics for your summer memory album!
10. Dinosaur Dig in the Sandbox
Best for: Toddlers & young kids | Dino themed sensory play!
Hide toy dinosaurs (or fossils, pebbles, anything really!) in the sandpit or a tub of soil. Add brushes and shovels for a mini excavation adventure. Or, if you’re going on a beach day, take the dinosaur toys along and let the kids excavate them out of the sand.
Tip: Poundland and B&M often have cheap dinosaur toys perfect for this.
Outdoor play doesn’t have to be expensive or overly planned. Sometimes the simplest ideas spark the most joy for kids. Try one or two of these each week during the summer holidays and you’ll create a season filled with sunshine, laughter, and connection with your little ones.
