Here at DE HQ, we’ve found some of the best activities and events to do this summer, completely for free! So, if you’re looking for something perfect for the family (or even just for you!) we’ve found fun and educational activities for all ages!
Disney Store arts & crafts
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday Disney Stores across the UK are hosting free activities, including designing bookmarks and badges, creating key rings, learning how to draw Mikey Mouse and a special Disney Pixar, Cars 3 event where the little ones can race and rebuild the famous Lightening McQueen. Check on the Disney website to see your closest store’s activities and when they are on.
National History Museum
Located in London, the admission to the Natural History Museum is free, but there may be a charge for certain temporary exhibitions. The museum has a world-class collection of animals and birds from bygone eras at the National History Museum at Tring. Along with a never-ending list of attractions and an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, including the Sensational Butterflies exhibit where you can see hundreds of live butterflies and moths in the tropical butterfly house while learning things such as where exactly is a butterfly’s nose? (I bet you want to know now!) Or make sure to explore the Whales Beneath the Surface exhibition and discover the lives of these amazing sea creatures and find out if they really can live for over 200 years!
Museum of Science & Industry
The Museum of Science & Industry is in Manchester and will be hosting a range of free activities throughout the summer (although donations are appreciated). Activities will include the Imagine It, Make It, Move It Workshop, with an interactive session ‘Inventors Wanted’, as well as learning how steam can power an engine the size of an elephant! Along with having the opportunity to meet real life scientists working on cutting edge research, and don’t forget the MakeFest Workshop where craft and science mix, try out anything from crafting to coding in a completely free and fun day out!
meet the animals at City Farm
There are many city farms you visit for free around the UK and spend the day with baby cows, lambs and chicks! The Surrey Docks Farm, close to our own Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, is an interactive, free and educational farm, open 7 days a week where you can help to feed all the animals and joining in on the summer activities including family cooking sessions and bushcraft survival skills. There is also the Bath City Farm, very close to our Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, where you can meet the adorable animals, a fabulous kids zone and a list of community events!
nothing beats the great outdoors
Visit your local park or if you’re lucky to live along the coast, your nearest beach! Check the Blue Flag Awards website to visit your closest sandy beach, Sandymouth Holiday Resort in Bude, Cornwall, has a Blue Flag Beach just 10 minutes down the road from the family fun resort. A local park is always full of fun an imagination for family activities.
create a treasure hunt
Your very own back garden is a map just waiting to be discovered (if you’re on holiday, use the lodge as a sunken ship!). Create a treasure map with little treats or toys for an afternoon of fun for the whole family! Dress up with tea towels and paper eye patches for some extra fun!
Lego builds
The Lego Stores offers a free ‘first toy build’ on every Thursday during the Summer holidays for 6 – 14-year olds. Getting the little one’s imagination working with everyone’s favourite building bricks!
pick your own fruit farms
A fun way to spend a day in the summer sun, there are pick your own fruit farms all over the UK, with Bellis Country Market (near Wrexham) and Hawarden Farm Shop both close our 5 Star and family focused Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park in North Wales. Spend the day picking fruit and only pay for anything you decide to bring home with you, if you do bring home some delicious and fresh fruit, you can cook up a dessert pie! Even if you’re on holiday, as all our holiday homes and luxurious lodges come equipped with fully fitted kitchens including an oven.
We hope you liked our list of free summer activities to do with the kids this August! Let us know any activities you and your little ones get up to over the summer holidays via social media, we love to see your holiday snaps!