Summer family activities for every adventurer

Looking for fun family activities to do this summer? Whether you're after outdoor games to entertain the kids, a relaxing yoga class in a peaceful garden or a nature challenge to get your heart racing, we've got plenty for you to enjoy at the places in our care. Just get set, go!

Summer is here, and there are lots of activities for you to try as a whole family at the places we care for. It's a great time to get curious about nature – feel the tickly grass underfoot, smell the flowery scents and listen to the buzzing and twittering of wildlife all around you.

Throughout the 2021 school summer holidays, grab a 'Get set, go' card to create your own adventure as you explore the activities at a place near you. You can make a splash, add some bounce, follow the path, go barefoot or take a moment to notice nature.

From classic sports games and arts and crafts, to getting stuck into sensory activities, enjoy simple summer pleasures with your loved ones.

Have fun with 'Get set, go' cards at a place near you

Prepare to get set, go! 

At many of the places we look after, you'll be able to pick up a 'Get set, go' activity card — or, if you prefer, download them below to take with you — to inspire your summer adventure. These activity cards have lots of ways to enjoy summer activities, such as 'Find your way' to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or 'Feel the beat' to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature. Each activity is designed to have fun with what's around you and explore the simple things this summer.

Download activity cards (PDFs)
Want the activity cards in Welsh? Download the Welsh version (PDF)
Find your nearest place
Children on Mam Tor at High Peak Estate, Derbyshire

Summer family activities in the East of England 

Find places to have a summer adventure in East Anglia. The wild landscape of Dunstable Downs is great to reach the top of the hills, and North Norfolk Coast is the perfect backdrop to take a moment or two to appreciate all that summer has to offer.

Visitors enjoying a day out on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset

Summer family activities in the Midlands 

The Midlands has lots of different summer activities for you to have a go at. Try your hand at sports games and add some bounce at Berrington Hall, and find your way at places like Dudmaston, where you can wind through obstacle courses at your own pace.

Family visitors looking at wildlife in the garden at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire

Summer family activities in the North of England 

In the North of England, take your time on different trails at places like Gibside, and see what you can spot along the way when you tune into your senses. If you're looking for classic sports games, places such as Allan Bank are offering egg and spoon races, sack races, tennis and cricket to see if you can beat your best.

Girls running in the meadow at Clandon Park, Surrey

Summer family activities in Northern Ireland 

There's lots on at Northern Ireland to have a summer adventure as a family. Explore on wheels in Mid Ulster, where you can hire balance bikes, or discover the explorer trail at Rowallane Garden, where you can work together to make it through the obstacle course.

Family at the Natural Play Trail at Box Hill, Surrey

Summer family activities in the South East 

Find lots to do this summer in the South East. Get involved with Olympic- and Paralympic-inspired activities at Knole, so you can hit the target, beat your best and add some bounce. At places such as Sheffield Park Garden, find spaces to take a moment to breathe, connect with your senses and get creative.

Childred discovering a crab in a rockpool

Summer family activities in the South West 

Create your own summer adventure in the South West. Head to Wembury where you can investigate rockpools on the beach, or try archery at Godolphin. There are also yoga and mindfulness activities happening at Dunster and Avebury to slow down and use your senses.

Visitors exploring the Orchard Garden at Tredegar House, Wales

Summer family activities in Wales 

Get stuck into an adventure this summer in Wales. You can explore the sensory trail at Tredegar House or take barefoot walks in the meadow at Penrhyn Castle. If you're feeling sporty, challenge your family and friends to a game of tennis, quoits, or badminton in the garden at Chirk Castle.

A kite-making workshop at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire

Summer family activities to do at home 

If you’ve recently enjoyed summer fun at places we look after, why not carry on the adventure at home? And if you haven't had the chance to visit a place we look after, we’ve collected lots of ideas for things to do wherever you may be.

Find inspiration to play at home