Entertaining Kids Over the Summer Holidays – having fun on a budget!

by | Jul 16, 2025

Summer holidays are a time for fun, sunshine, rest, and making memories but it can definitely be a challenge keeping kids entertained for weeks – especially on a tight budget. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a summer full of laughter and adventure. Here are a few low-cost (or no-cost) activity ideas to keep the kids busy and happy all summer long!

DIY Garden Fun
Turn your garden into a mini adventure zone with water balloon games, homemade obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, or even a night camping under the stars in the garden with sleeping bags

Get Creative
Stock up on supplies like paper, glue, and recycled materials for kids to make their own puppets, paint rocks, or even create greeting cards for family and friends

Explore Nature
Take advantage of nearby trails or nature reserves and make a checklist of things to find such as feathers, flowers, leaves or interesting shaped rocks to look out for. There could even be a prize for who finds the most!

Movie Days
Have an at home movie day where you choose a film, buy all your favourite snacks and curl up on the sofa together as a family. Go one step further and spend time making homemade cinema tickets or film posters

Local Library Adventures
Most libraries run free summer reading programs, craft days, or storytelling sessions. It’s also worth checking any local facebook pages for other events happening near you!

While days out and going on trips can be great fun, the summer holidays don’t have to be expensive and with a little imagination anything can be turned into a fun adventure!

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