30 Free & Easy Summer Activities for Kids

Summer holidays are full of promise, but let’s be honest, there’s also a little bit of pressure. Endless days to fill, snacks to pack, messes to clean up, and a constant chorus of ‘I’m bored!’.

If you're after simple, low-cost ways to keep the kids entertained (and ideally outside), you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up a list of fun, free and eco-friendly summer activities that make the most of nature, your local area, and things you probably already have at home.

Whether you’re planning for toddlers, tweens, teens or a mix of all three, our bumper list of 30 free ideas has something to keep everyone busy, happy, and (mostly!) screen-free.

Psst…don’t forget to download your free print out to keep with you this summer!

Why free & eco-friendly activities make sense this summer

Between the cost of living creeping up and a growing awareness of our environmental impact, many families are trying to do more with less. But low cost doesn’t have to mean low fun! In fact, these kinds of activities tend to be the ones children remember most.

You don’t need expensive tickets to big events or fancy toys, just some imagination and a bit of fresh air!

Fun summer activities by age

For toddlers (2–5 years old)
If you’re a parent to a toddler, it won’t come as a surprise that little ones are happiest when they can move about, explore the world, and get a little bit mucky in the process.

Nature scavenger hunt – make a simple list of things to find (a feather, a yellow flower, a stick shaped like a Y) and explore the outdoors together.
Water play – fill up a washing up bowl with water and a few drops of non-toxic washing up liquid, add some cups and sponges, and let them wash toys.
Pavement chalk art – great for creativity, and it washes away with the rain.
Make mud kitchens or magic potions – add leaves, petals, glitter, sticks - whatever they fancy!
Storytime under a tree – pack a blanket and a favourite book for a fresh-air read. Bonus points if they have a little alfresco nap after their favourite story!

For kids aged 6–10
This age group loves to get crafty and hang out with school friends, so try a mix of creative activities, outdoor adventures, and team games.

Build a bug hotel – stack sticks, pinecones and cardboard tubes in a shoebox or crate and see who moves in.
Make a bird feeder – thread cereal onto string or use an old toilet roll smeared with peanut butter and seeds.
Host a mini sports day – sack races, spoon-and-potato runs, obstacle courses with cushions and cones.
DIY treasure hunt – write clues around the house or garden for them to follow.
Wildflower spotting walk – see how many colours or types you can find, and bring a notebook to sketch them.

For tweens & teens (11–16)
They might roll their eyes at first, but given a little independence and a challenge, your teenager should love these ideas:

Outdoor photo challenge – make a list - something red, something round, something that makes you smile - and see what they snap. Extra points if they use a real camera, rather than a phone!
Volunteering taster – some organisations offer teen-friendly days helping with animals, gardening or events.
Upcycling challenge – give them a cardboard box, old T-shirt or jam jars and let them create something new.
Sunset picnic with friends – let them choose the snacks, bring a blanket, and catch golden hour.
Mini garden project – give them a patch (or a pot) to look after for the summer.

Kit & Kin Eco Friendly Summer Activities

15 quick & free summer activity ideas for all ages, to pull out when you need them

Make wildflower crowns by measuring a strip of cardboard to fit their head, and glueing on foraged petals
Stargaze with a blanket and a flash of hot chocolate
Create and bury a family time capsule in the garden
Press flowers in a book
Build a den out of sticks in the garden, or sofa cushions inside
Organise a mini Olympics with homemade medals for everyone
Draw and write postcards to grandparents and faraway friends
Try rock painting and hide them around your neighbourhood for people to find
Challenge them to do a ‘no electricity’ afternoon
Have a picnic breakfast outside
Learn to skip or hula hoop
Make homemade ice lollies
Watch clouds and make up stories about the shapes
Create a mini nature journal
Swap books with friends and review them

Simple ways to find free activities near you
If you’re stuck for ideas for free activities, or just need a change of scenery, try:

Checking your local library - they often run free events or craft clubs.
Looking at your local council or Facebook community group for listings of summer holiday activities near you.
Visiting free-entry museums, open days at fire stations or community gardens.
Exploring parks, nature reserves or National Trust free days.
Taking part in a reading challenge or summer trail (look for Woodland Trust or RSPB for kid-friendly nature activities).

Download our summer activities list

Want a free, printable list to tick off as you go on your summer adventures?

Download our handy checklist here.

FAQs

What are some fun and free summer holiday activities for kids?
You can try nature scavenger hunts, water balloon games, local library workshops, or free community events. These ideas are great for keeping costs low while creating fun summer memories.

How do I keep my kids entertained over the summer break without screens?
Get outdoors with park days, eco crafts, nature trails, and garden picnics. Try rotating weekly themes (e.g., science week, art week, explorer week) to keep things fresh and engaging.

Where can I find free summer activities near me?
Check local council websites, Facebook community groups, children’s centres, libraries, and museums. Search phrases like “free summer holiday activities near me” or “fun summer activities for kids in [your area].”

What are some eco-friendly summer activities for kids?
Make DIY toys from recycling, go litter-picking with gloves, start a mini veg patch, or visit wildlife reserves. These teach children to love and care for the environment.

What summer activities are good for teenagers?
Try photo challenges, volunteering, outdoor games like rounders, or joining a community project. Many areas run free summer camp activities for teens or “urban youth” schemes.

How can I make summer fun without spending money?
Focus on creativity and nature: make obstacle courses in the garden, go wild swimming (where safe), host themed playdates, or start a summer reading challenge using your library.