School holidays. The phrase alone can induce a mix of excitement and dread in parents across the UK. Excitement because, hurrah, no more school runs or packed lunches for a while. Dread because, well, let’s face it, keeping the kids entertained for weeks on end is no easy feat.
From younger children with boundless energy to older kids glued to their screens, finding activities that engage everyone can feel like a Herculean task.
According to recent research, parents spend as much as £1,047 per week on their children during school holidays!
But worry not, dear parents! We’ve got a chart-topping playlist of school holiday activities that will hit the right note with kids of all age groups and won't break the bank! Think of us as your personal DJ, spinning tracks to transform your summer holidays from a potential ‘Highway to Hell’ into a ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ of fun and laughter.
So, grab a cuppa, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into these fun, exciting, and downright cheeky ways to keep your little ones entertained.
15 Exciting Activities For School Holidays
We may as well get straight to it, we know just how much you're dying to spend precious time with your kids for six WHOLE weeks! These 15 fun and engaging ideas will keep your kids entertained, active, and maybe even learning something new along the way!
1. Karaoke Extravaganza
Let’s start with a classic crowd-pleaser: the karaoke machine. Perfect for children aged anywhere from 5 to 105, a karaoke session can turn a mundane afternoon into a mini Glastonbury. Whether your little one is belting out ‘Let It Go’ for the millionth time or your teen is practising their best Billie Eilish impression, a karaoke machine for kids provides endless entertainment.
It’s also an excellent way for kids to build confidence and have fun performing. You could even turn it into a family talent show, with everyone getting a chance to shine. Plus, you get to play the role of Simon Cowell, minus the eye-rolling.
Read More: 10 Best Family Karaoke Songs For Your Next Get Together
2. Outdoor Art Adventures
Unleash the inner Picasso in your children with some outdoor art. Set up a mini art station in the garden and let them go wild with paints, chalk, and anything else you don’t mind getting a bit mucky. Provide a variety of materials like sponges, leaves, and even water guns filled with paint for some extra fun.
Older kids might enjoy creating more sophisticated pieces, experimenting with different techniques, while younger children will be happy just splattering paint around. The best part? No need to worry about indoor mess – the good ol' British summer rain will eventually wash it all away.
3. Local Library Treasures
Libraries aren’t just for whispering and dusting off old books. During the school holidays, local libraries often become bustling hubs of activity. Check out their summer reading challenge – a fantastic time for kids of all ages to get lost in the world of books.
Many libraries also host fun activities, like storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and craft workshops. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get out of the house and into some air conditioning. Encourage older children to explore new genres and younger ones to discover the joy of reading with interactive story sessions.
4. Musical Instrument Exploration
If the karaoke machine was a hit, why not go one step further and introduce your kids to musical instruments? From guitars and pianos to less conventional options like the ukulele or bongos, there’s an instrument for everyone. Rent or borrow instruments to let the kids try before committing.
Older children might enjoy the challenge of learning a new skill and might even want to form a band with their friends, while younger ones can simply have fun making noise. And who knows, you might just have the next Mozart on your hands.
5. Get Crafty with Recycled Materials
Turn trash into treasure with some eco-friendly crafting. Gather up those empty cereal boxes, toilet roll tubes, and any other recyclable materials, and let the kids’ imaginations run wild. They can create anything from robots and rockets to jewellery and dreamcatchers. It’s a fantastic way to keep them entertained and teach them about recycling at the same time. Encourage them to decorate their creations with paint, stickers, and glitter. Plus, it’s practically free!
6. Outdoor Sports and Games
Get those kids active and outdoors with some old-fashioned sports and games. Whether it’s a game of rounders, a football match, or a good old scavenger hunt, there’s nothing like a bit of fresh air and exercise to wear them out.
For older kids, set up a more challenging obstacle course or organise a mini-tournament with friends. The whole family can join in, making it a perfect way to bond and have fun together. Don't forget to bring along some healthy snacks and water to keep everyone energised.
7. Local Venues and Attractions
Take advantage of local venues and attractions. Zoos, museums, and theme parks often have special events and activities during the school holidays. Check out what’s happening in your area and plan a few day trips.
Many places offer discounted family tickets, so it’s worth looking out for deals. It’s a great way to break up the monotony and give everyone something to look forward to. Plus, it’s an opportunity to sneak in a bit of education under the guise of fun.
8. Movie Marathon Madness
Who doesn’t love a good movie marathon? Pick a theme, gather up some snacks, and settle in for a day of cinematic delight. Whether it’s a Disney princess extravaganza, a superhero showdown, or a journey through the Harry Potter series, there’s something for every taste. For an added twist, let the kids dress up as their favourite characters and make it a truly immersive experience. You can also set up a cosy viewing area with blankets and pillows to create a mini home theatre vibe.
9. DIY Science Experiments
Bring out your inner mad scientist with some DIY science experiments. Simple projects like making slime, baking soda volcanoes, or growing crystals can be both fun and educational. There are plenty of resources online with step-by-step instructions, and most experiments can be done with items you already have at home. It’s a great way to keep older kids entertained and spark a love of science in younger children. Be sure to supervise younger children to ensure safety and maximise the fun.
10. Baking Bonanza
Get the kids into the kitchen for some baking fun. Let them help measure, mix, and decorate their creations. Whether it’s cookies, cupcakes, or homemade pizza, cooking together is a great way to teach them new skills and enjoy some delicious treats. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get them practising their maths and reading skills as they follow the recipes. Encourage them to get creative with their decorations and flavours. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess – it’s all part of the fun!
11. Gardening Gurus
Turn your garden into a green paradise with some hands-on gardening activities. From planting flowers and vegetables to creating fairy gardens or bug hotels, there’s plenty to keep little hands busy. It’s a wonderful way to teach them about nature and responsibility, and they’ll love watching their plants grow over the summer.
For older kids, challenge them to design their own garden space – who knows, they might have a hidden talent for landscaping. You can also introduce them to composting and explain the benefits of sustainable living.
12. Tech-Free Time
A bit of tech-free time can be a blessing. Encourage the kids to put down their screens and engage in some old-fashioned board games, puzzles, or reading. For a real challenge, set up a screen-free day and see what creative activities they come up with to keep themselves entertained. It’s a good reminder that fun doesn’t always have to involve a battery or a charger. This can also be a great opportunity to reconnect as a family and enjoy some quality time together.
13. Nature Trails and Hikes
Explore the great outdoors with some nature trails and hikes. Find local trails that are suitable for your children’s age and fitness levels, and make a day of it. Pack a picnic, bring along a nature guide to help identify plants and animals, and don’t forget the camera to capture those precious moments.
It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while teaching the kids about the natural world. For added fun, create a nature bingo or scavenger hunt list to keep them engaged throughout the hike.
14. Indoor Treasure Hunt
When the weather isn’t playing ball, bring the adventure indoors with a treasure hunt. Create a series of clues and hide them around the house, leading to a final prize. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged, and you can tailor the difficulty level to suit their ages.
For an extra twist, theme the treasure hunt around a favourite book or movie. You can also involve older children in creating the clues and setting up the hunt for younger siblings, promoting teamwork and creativity.
15. Family Talent Show
Wrap up the school holidays with a family talent show. Let everyone showcase their unique skills, whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or comedy. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the end of the holidays and have a laugh together.
You might even discover some hidden talents among the family. To make it more special, set up a stage area with curtains and props, and maybe even invite friends and neighbours to join in the fun. Just remember, it’s all about fun, so no need to take it too seriously.
Looking for the Perfect Kids Karaoke Kit?
There you have it – a veritable symphony of school holiday activities to keep your kids entertained, happy, and maybe even learning a thing or two. So, parents, let’s hit play on this playlist of fun and make this summer one to remember. Just don’t forget to keep a stash of earplugs handy for those enthusiastic karaoke sessions!
Our very own Lucky Voice Karaoke Machines are perfect for kids, teens and the whole family! Whether they want to rock out to some Busted classics or keep it Disney with Hannah Montana, our song collection is guaranteed to keep everyone happy!
The kit includes everything you need for an epic karaoke party, including a mixer, microphone and access to thousands of songs!
