20 Screen-Free Summer Activities for Kids

As parents, we understand 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. However, let’s be honest: keeping those energetic minds and bodies entertained without resorting to screens can feel like a monumental task!

Here at The Crafty Case Company, we’re all about inspiring screen-free fun on the go. These principles extend right into our summer days at home. Having navigated countless summer holidays with my two boys, I've gathered a treasure trove of activities. They 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 help you and your little ones create 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!

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of natural items to find—like a smooth stone, a feather, a yellow flower, or a twig shaped like a Y. Give your child a bag or basket and let them explore.

2. DIY Water Play Station

Fill various containers with water, such as bowls, tubs, or plastic bottles. Add sponges, scoops, small toys, and perhaps a drop of food coloring for extra fun. This is perfect for the garden or a balcony.

3. Teddy Bears' Picnic

Pack a simple picnic with sandwiches, fruit, and treats. Lay a blanket in the garden or a local park and invite favorite teddies and dolls.

4. Chalk Art Extravaganza

Turn your patio, driveway, or a safe paved area into a giant canvas with colorful chalk. Draw shapes, animals, or create an imaginary road for toy cars.

5. "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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Outdoor Story Time

Find a comfy spot under a tree or on a picnic blanket in the garden. Read favorite summer-themed books aloud.

Rainy Day Retreats & Cosy Summer Crafts

Even in summer, the UK weather can be a bit unpredictable! These indoor activities are perfect for sheltering from a shower or for a calm afternoon.

1. 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 for a cozy atmosphere.

2. DIY Playdough & Sculpting

Make homemade playdough using this simple recipe: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon oil, and some food coloring. Provide cookie cutters, rolling pins, and plastic knives for creative sculpting.

3. Cardboard Box Creations

Don't throw away those delivery boxes! Provide paint, crayons, glue, and child-safe scissors. Let imaginations run wild to create cars, houses, or spaceships.

4. Sock Puppet Theatre

Gather old socks, googly eyes, yarn, and felt scraps. Help your little one create characters and put on a puppet show!

5. Homemade Ice Lollies

This is a simple, refreshing activity! Blend fruit like berries, mango, or pineapple with a little juice or water. Pour into lolly molds and freeze for a cool treat.

6. 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.

7. Button Sorting & Crafting

Gather various buttons. Start by sorting them by color, size, or number of holes. Then, use them to glue onto paper for pictures or thread them onto pipe cleaners.

8. Decorate-Your-Own Plant Pot

Buy small, plain terracotta pots. Provide acrylic paints, brushes, glitter, or stickers. Once the pots are dry, plant a small seed or a tiny plant.

9. 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.

10. 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 at the end of summer or 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; it’s about connection and creating those precious, screen-free moments together.

For even more creative ideas, check out The Original.

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Happy Summer from The Crafty Case Company!

Evlynne x