Sizzling Summer Fun: 20 Engaging Activities for Little Ones in the UK
- The Crafty Case Company
- May 22
- 4 min read
As parents, we know the joy (and sometimes the challenge!) that comes with school holidays. The UK summer brings the promise of sunshine and endless possibilities for making cherished memories with our little ones. But let's be honest, keeping those energetic minds and bodies entertained, without resorting to screens, can feel like a mission!
Here at The Crafty Case Company, we're all about inspiring screen-free fun on the go, and those principles extend right into our summer days at home. Having navigated countless summer holidays with my own two boys, I've gathered a treasure trove of activities that are not only fantastic for engaging young minds but also perfect for those unpredictable British summer days – come rain or shine!
So, ditch the devices and get ready to embrace the magic of a UK summer. We've compiled 20 brilliant, easy-to-do activities to spark imagination, encourage exploration, and, most importantly, help you and your little ones create those unforgettable family moments.
Sunshine & Smiles: Outdoor Summer Activities
When the sun makes an appearance, it's time to head outdoors and soak up that glorious British summer!
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural items to find (e.g., a smooth stone, a feather, a yellow flower, a twig shaped like a Y). Give your child a bag or basket and let them explore.
DIY Water Play Station: Fill various containers (bowls, tubs, plastic bottles) with water. Add sponges, scoops, small toys, and perhaps a drop of food colouring for extra fun. Perfect for the garden or a balcony.
Teddy Bears' Picnic: Pack a simple picnic with sandwiches, fruit, and treats. Lay a blanket in the garden or a local park and invite favourite teddies and dolls.
Chalk Art Extravaganza: Turn your patio, driveway, or a safe paved area into a giant canvas with colourful chalk. Draw shapes, animals, or create an imaginary road for toy cars.
"Car Wash" for Toy Cars: Fill a bucket with soapy water and provide sponges and brushes. Let your little one wash their toy cars, bikes, or even outdoor play equipment.
Leaf Rubbings & Flower Pressing: Collect interesting leaves and flowers. For rubbings, place a leaf under paper and rub with a crayon. For pressing, place flowers between newspaper sheets and under heavy books for a few weeks.
Miniature Garden Creation: Use a shallow tray or old planter. Gather soil, small stones, twigs, and moss to create a tiny imaginary garden for small toys or figures.
Bubble Fun with DIY Wands: Mix washing-up liquid and water for bubbles. Create giant wands using bent wire hangers or plastic bottle tops cut out.
Outdoor Story Time: Find a comfy spot under a tree or on a picnic blanket in the garden. Read favourite summer-themed books aloud.
Rainy Day Retreats & Cosy Summer Crafts
Even in summer, the UK weather can be a bit… British! These indoor activities are perfect for sheltering from a shower or for a calm afternoon.
Indoor Camping Adventure: Set up a den or a small tent in the living room. Bring in blankets, pillows, and soft toys. Tell stories or read books inside with a torch.
DIY Playdough & Sculpting: Make homemade playdough (recipe: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp oil, food colouring). Provide cookie cutters, rolling pins, and plastic knives for creative sculpting.
Cardboard Box Creations: Don't throw away those delivery boxes! Provide paint, crayons, glue, and scissors (child-safe, of course) and let imaginations run wild to create cars, houses, or spaceships.
Sock Puppet Theatre: Gather old socks, googly eyes, yarn, and felt scraps. Help your little one create characters and put on a puppet show!
Homemade Ice Lollies: A simple, refreshing activity! Blend fruit (berries, mango, pineapple) with a little juice or water, pour into lolly moulds, and freeze.
Cereal Box Post Office/Shop: Decorate a cereal box to become a post office counter or a small shop. Use old envelopes, magazines for "stamps," and pretend money for imaginative play.
Button Sorting & Crafting: Gather various buttons. Start with sorting by colour, size, or number of holes. Then, use them to glue onto paper for pictures or thread them onto pipe cleaners.
Decorate-Your-Own Plant Pot: Buy small, plain terracotta pots. Provide acrylic paints, brushes, and perhaps some glitter or stickers. Once dry, plant a small seed or a tiny plant.
Sensory Bin with Rice/Pasta: Fill a bin with dried rice, pasta, or lentils. Add small scoops, cups, measuring spoons, and tiny toys for hours of quiet, explorative play.
Craft a Summer Memory Jar: Decorate a clear jar. Throughout the summer, write down fun activities, special moments, or draw small pictures of memories and put them in the jar. Open it up at the end of summer or even next year!
We hope these ideas inspire you to make this summer in the UK the best one yet for your little explorers! Remember, it's not about perfection, but about connection and creating those precious, screen-free moments together.
Happy Summer from The Crafty Case Company!
Evlynne x
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