There’s something magical about summer when you're a child—long days, sunshine-soaked adventures, and the feeling that anything is possible. But for parents, the summer holidays can also come with a bit of pressure: how do you keep the little ones engaged, entertained, and off screens (at least some of the time) without turning your home into a full-time entertainment centre?

The good news is that summer play doesn’t have to mean jam-packed schedules or expensive outings. Some of the best memories are made in the garden, the local park, or with a few clever toys and a sprinkle of imagination.

Whether you’re planning a full summer at home or just looking for a few fresh ideas to break up the weeks, here’s your ultimate guide to summer play. From outdoor adventures to quiet-time crafts, this list has something for every mood, every age, and every kind of family.

Let’s start with the classics. Summer is made for outdoor play—and there’s no better way to burn off energy, boost physical development, and build confidence.

It wouldn’t be summer without getting a little soggy. Water play isn’t just fun—it’s fantastic for fine motor skills and calming for busy minds.

Attach plastic bottles, funnels, and pipes to a fence or board—pour water at the top and watch it trickle down.

Soak sponges in water and throw them at targets (or each other!).

Add flower petals, grass, and leaves to water in a big bowl—stir and pretend to cook.

Pop small toys in water-filled containers and freeze—kids can excavate them with warm water and tools.

Toy vehicles + bubbly water + old toothbrushes = hours of satisfaction.

Fill a tray with sand, pebbles, lavender sprigs, water beads, or feathers for calming exploration.

Give kids a brush and a bucket of water and let them “paint” the fence, pavement, or walls.

Mix dish soap, water, and food colouring—blend into foamy clouds for messy play.

Chill them for a cool sensory experience (best for older toddlers and up, supervised).

Use baking soda, vinegar, and food colouring to create bubbling mixtures in jars.

Need something fun in a hurry? These easy ideas take just minutes to set up but are endlessly entertaining.

Hide soft toys or wooden animals around the house or garden for kids to find.

Let kids dress in silly outfits or themed costumes—superheroes, chefs, explorers!

Use real cones and scooped playdough, or create menus and price tags for role play.

Use masking tape on the floor for kids to navigate with toy cars or feet.

Pitch a blanket fort or tent, tell stories by torchlight, and serve marshmallow snacks.

Use fly swatters or paper plates on sticks to hit balloons back and forth.

Dino dig, fairy garden, farmyard—add toys and natural elements for open-ended play.

Make shakers with rice and jars, or use pans and wooden spoons for a band.

Perfect for car rides or dinner time—simple questions that spark big laughs.

Write kind ideas on slips of paper (e.g. “draw a picture for someone”) and pick one each day.

If you're home for the full summer break, planning weekly themes or projects can help give structure while still keeping things fun and relaxed.

Try easy experiments like making rain clouds in jars, vinegar-and-bicarb reactions, or rainbow milk.

Choose a new country each day—taste a food, learn a word, and make a craft from that culture.

Build cardboard rockets, learn the planets, and have a star-gazing night.

Pick a favourite book each day and plan an activity inspired by it—crafts, baking, or dress-up.

Try a new technique each day: stamping, watercolour, collage, sculpture, or photography.

Summer can be overstimulating. These slower ideas are perfect for winding down after a busy day or when you need a quiet afternoon.

There are lovely children’s yoga videos online, or just copy animal poses together.

Ideal for quiet time, travel, or rest after lunch.

Decorate stones with cheerful patterns or messages—then leave them on a walk for others to find.

Collect leaves, flowers, and shells, then draw them carefully or do rubbings with crayons.

Make tidying part of the fun—give each child a treasure bag and ask them to find five “lost” items.