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 tai chi class in a peaceful garden or a sporty challenge to get your heart racing, we've got plenty of reasons to come out and play.

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.

You’ll also be able to get stuck in with activities at many places we look after this summer, thanks to support from Sport England. From classic sports games to arts and crafts, enjoy simple summer pleasures with your loved ones.

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Come out and play tile

Come out and play

It’s the perfect time of year for outdoor play, and you’ll be able to get stuck in with sports and activities at many places we look after this summer thanks to support from Sport England. Many places will also have 'Come out and play' challenge cards to help inspire your summer adventure. Maybe you’ll 'Find your way' to explore new trails and or try orienteering, or 'Team up' to play group games or solve puzzles together?

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.

Young rider on a balance bike

Summer family activities in the Midlands 

There are plenty of summer activities for you to have a go at in the Midlands. Try your hand at giant garden games like quoits and noughts and crosses at Berrington Hall, and or hire balance bikes at Brockhampton to explore the accessible trails through the orchard.

Long bow archery

Summer family activities in the North of England 

There’s plenty to do in the North of England this summer, from flying your kite at Seaton Delaval to interactive science experiments at Quarry Bank. If you're looking for something sporty, places such as Souter Lighthouse are offering activities like archery, badminton, football and more.

A family on a boat on Lough Erne at Crom estate, County Fermanagh

Summer family activities in Northern Ireland 

Make the most of the warmer days in Northern Ireland this summer. Take your bike for a spin on the trails at Castle Ward or Florence Court, hire a boat at Crom or Strangford Lough, or climb to the peak of Slieve Donard or the Black Mountain, plus much more.

A family walking in the gardens at Polesden Lacey, Surrey.

Summer family activities in the South East 

Get outside come rain or shine in the South East. Explore nature trails and look out for summer wildlife, have fun in squelchy mud kitchens or refuel in family-friendly cafés.

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 Woolacombe where you can investigate rockpools on the beach, or try Victorian games at Tyntesfield. There’s also a sensory garden trail at Newark and monthly tai chi at Hidcote to help you slow down and use your senses.

A child jumping over logs in the wild play area at Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff, South Wales

Summer family activities in Wales 

Get stuck into an adventure this summer in Wales. Play pooh sticks in the Dell at Bodnant Garden, explore the colourful gardens at Dyffryn or let off steam on the natural play area at Chirk Castle. Where will you head next?

Close up of a young girl playing outside in summer

Let’s play this summer 

Still looking for something to keep the kids busy? As well as the 'come out and play' activities, you’ll also find special pavilions of play at several places over the summer holidays. Little explorers can use the look-out point to survey their surroundings, listen out for nearby wildlife, or invent their own way to play.

Find a pavilion of play near you