The summer holidays are brilliant - and long. There are sunny days, rainy days, travel days, snack days, “I’m bored” days and days where everyone needs an activity that does not involve another episode of something.

Screen-free summer activities do not need to be complicated or worthy. The best ones are simple, creative and easy to repeat: colouring, map games, storytelling, outdoor treasure hunts, café activities and little projects children can return to throughout the week.

How do you keep kids entertained during the summer holidays?

Keep kids entertained during the summer holidays with a mix of outdoor play, creative activities, travel-friendly toys, quiet time ideas and simple learning games. Reusable colouring activities are especially useful because children can colour, wash and use them again throughout the holidays.

Easy activities for home days

Home days are where simple activities earn their keep. Set up a colouring table, make a garden treasure hunt, build a reading den, design a café menu, create a mini museum or ask children to invent their own board game.

If you’re working from home or juggling jobs, choose activities children can start independently. A washable colouring placemat, pencil case and pens can become a quiet activity station without much set-up.

Educational activities that do not feel like school

Summer learning works best when it feels like play. Try map colouring, flag spotting, dinosaur fact hunts, space drawing challenges, nature journalling or storytelling prompts.

For example, children could colour a world map and choose one country to learn about, draw a new dinosaur and invent facts about it, or design a planet with its own weather, animals and rules. It still builds curiosity, vocabulary and focus - it just does not feel like homework. Browse educational activities for kids here. 

Reusable activities that last beyond one afternoon

The best summer activities are not used once and binned. Reusable colouring products can come out on Monday, be washed on Tuesday and return for a completely different design later in the week.

That matters during the holidays, when children need variety and parents need activities that do not require constant buying, printing or prepping. It also helps children build confidence because they can experiment without worrying about “ruining” the activity.

Simple summer activity ideas

Try creating a little weekly rhythm: one outdoor adventure, one creative project, one learning activity, one baking or food activity, one travel-friendly activity and one quiet afternoon reset.

You do not need to fill every hour. Children need downtime too. The goal is to have a few good ideas ready for the moments when boredom tips into grumpiness.

What are good screen-free summer activities for kids?

Good screen-free summer activities include colouring, outdoor treasure hunts, nature journals, map games, den building, storytelling, baking, water play and simple craft projects. Choose activities that are easy to set up and repeat.

How do I keep kids learning in the holidays?

Use playful learning activities like map colouring, flag games, dinosaur facts, space drawing, reading challenges and nature spotting. Children learn more willingly when the activity feels creative rather than like schoolwork.

What are good activities for rainy summer days?

Rainy day ideas include reusable colouring, indoor treasure hunts, baking, reading dens, make-believe shops, puppet shows, drawing challenges and activity kits. Keep a few low-prep ideas ready for sudden weather changes.

How can I reduce screen time in the holidays?

Offer easy alternatives rather than making screens the enemy. Keep a small basket of colouring, books, pens, games and creative prompts somewhere children can reach without needing adult help.

Make summer feel a little easier

The summer holidays do not need to be perfectly planned. A few reusable, creative activities can help with home days, travel days, restaurant waits and quiet afternoons. Explore our screen free colouring activities for kids for colourful ideas they can enjoy again and again.