Out of Summer Holiday Ideas? Fun and Easy At-Home Activities for Kids

The summer holidays can be a welcome break. But after a while, the novelty wears off, and it can feel like you’ve exhausted every idea under the sun.

Whether you're a parent looking for low-cost ways to entertain the kids or a teacher enjoying a well-earned break, it’s totally normal to feel stuck.

You don’t need a packed schedule, a big budget, or anything fancy. You just need a few reliable ideas to turn long summer days at home into something a little more fun.

Here’s a go-to list of at-home summer activities for children, great for indoors, outdoors, or wherever your energy levels are.

1) Have a “Yes Day” 

Have you watched the film Yes Day? You don’t need to say yes to everything, but giving kids a mini version of control for one day (or even an afternoon) can be a fun reset.

Set clear rules (no spending, nothing unsafe). Then let them plan the day’s food, activities or outfits. Giving them responsibility builds confidence, and keeps them busy. Win-win.

This kind of choice-based activity is a great example of positive parenting summer ideas, simple and totally free.

2) Create a DIY Summer Camp (No Tent Required)

You don’t need to go anywhere to make summer feel like an adventure.

Try themed days to mix things up:

• Messy Monday: Water balloons, painting, homemade slime. 
• Tasty Tuesday: Bake-offs, smoothie making, picnic lunches in the garden.
• Wildcard Wednesday: Try something new together. Origami? Zumba YouTube workout? Build a den?
• Thoughtful Thursday: Journaling, gratitude jars, or writing postcards to friends and family.
• Film Friday: Homemade tickets, popcorn, and a living room cinema setup.

It gives a bit of rhythm to the week, without overplanning. These themed ideas are perfect for a summer camp at home, fun and fuss-free.

3) Boredom is Not the Enemy

When kids say “I’m bored,” it’s tempting to jump in with a solution. But sometimes, boredom is where creativity begins.

 Instead of filling every moment, try making a boredom buster jar. Fill it with open-ended ideas like:

• Build something from recycling
• Make a comic book
• Invent a new sport
• Make your own board game
• Create a puppet show

You’ll be surprised what they come up with when they think no one’s watching.

4) Turn the Garden Into a Playground

You don’t need fancy play equipment to make your outdoor space fun. Try a few of these garden activities for children:

• Water painting with buckets and brushes
• DIY obstacle course
• Bug hunts and scavenger trails
• Stargazing or cloud spotting sessions
• Drawing with chalk
• Backyard camping (yes, even if it's just until 9pm)

Don’t have a garden? Try nature walks, balcony picnics (ensure an adult is present), or growing plants on a windowsill.

Looking to mix in some local outings too? This ultimate guide to summer holidays in Kent is packed with ideas for days out and hidden gems across the Garden of England.

5) Make Creative Time Low-Mess and High-Fun

Art doesn’t have to mean chaos. Here are some simple, mess-free crafts for kids:

• Chalk art on pavements or patios
• Window painting with washable markers
• Salt dough crafts (just flour, salt, water, easy and oven-baked!)
• Scavenger hunts around the house with clues written by the kids
• Nature mandalas using leaves, petals and sticks

Want to go totally mess-free? Try printable activity sheets, origami, or sticker books. These are great indoor summer activities for kids, especially on rainy or quiet days.

6) Use Screen Time Smartly

Devices aren’t the enemy, especially when they’re used well. 

Try these:

• Dance videos like Kidz Bop
• Storytime podcasts
• Virtual museum tours or animal cams

Think educational screen time for children, not just passive watching.

Simple Can Still Be Special

Summer holidays aren’t a competition. You don’t have to plan the perfect summer. There’s nothing wrong with slow days, repeat meals, and backyard picnics.

If your child feels loved, safe, and has a few moments of fun each day, you’re doing brilliantly.

And when the “what now?” feeling hits, come back to this list. You’ve got plenty of ideas, and none of them involve spending a fortune or leaving the house.

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Bookmark this page, print it, stick it to the fridge, whatever helps. Because when you hit that “what now?” moment (and we all do), you’ve got a stash of easy ideas ready to go.

Still stuck for inspiration? These top 3 ways to fill your summer holidays in Kent are great if you're ready to venture beyond the garden or living room.