When the school term ends and the long summer holidays begin, there’s a particular kind of buzz (and slight panic) that every parent of small children knows well. The freedom from routines can be lovely, but let’s be honest – it’s also chaotic. Especially here in the UK, where the weather changes quicker than a toddler’s mood, the idea of entertaining little ones for six full weeks can feel daunting.
I’ve been there – muddy boots by the back door, snack requests every 20 minutes, and no childcare in sight. But over the years, I’ve found a few grounded, manageable ways to not just survive the summer holidays, but actually enjoy them. The trick? It’s all about soft structure, sustainable choices, and letting go of the idea that it all has to be perfect.
Let go of the pressure to do it all
We’re surrounded by glossy social media posts showing families on lakeside adventures, crafting masterpieces or baking picture-perfect fairy cakes. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling short if you haven’t scheduled a jam-packed activity calendar. But children – especially little ones – don’t need grand experiences to be happy.
Some of the days my kids remember most fondly are the simplest ones: jumping in puddles with wellies on or munching toast in the garden while watching bees in the lavender. Instead of striving for the flawless summer, aim for connection, comfort, and occasional messy fun. It’s more than enough.
Build a rhythm that works for your family
As relaxing as unstructured days might sound, children (and let’s face it, adults too) do better with a bit of predictability. Not a strict timetable – just a loose rhythm to your day that helps everyone know what to expect.
Think of it like scaffolding: enough to hold up your day, but not so rigid it collapses when plans change.
- Mornings: After breakfast, do something light and active – even if that’s just kicking a ball in the garden or walking to the corner shop.
- Late morning or midday: This can be your activity of the day – a bit of baking, painting, or a visit to the local library (check if they’ve got a summer reading challenge on, they usually do!).
- Afternoons: After lunch, settle down for quieter play. Audiobooks or a short nature documentary can give everyone a break.
- Evenings: Stick with your usual bedtime routine – it gives little ones a sense of security, especially if the rest of the day has felt a bit out-there.
Having a visual routine on paper or a wipe-clean board really helps children get a sense of control. They don’t need every detail, just the basics: play, snack, story. Trust me, it saves a lot of ‘what are we doing nows?’
Find a mix of activities – and keep it budget-friendly
You don’t need to splash out on theme parks or big attractions every week. Small, simple adventures can be just as exciting for a child – and kinder on your wallet.
- Home-based ideas: Create a treasure hunt in the house, build a fort from sofa cushions, or do a kitchen disco. Try freezing small toys in ice cube trays to free later with warm spoons – a quirky little science experiment my two loved.
- Nature fun: Make use of your local green spaces. Even small village parks hold endless opportunities – scavenger hunts, nature journaling (just a notebook to draw leaves or bugs), or puddle jumping after a rain. Woodland Trust’s ‘Nature Detectives’ website has free printable activities that are brilliant.
- Special outing days: Plan in advance and split them over the six weeks – perhaps one bigger trip each fortnight. Museums, city farms, and splash parks are often free or donation-based. Check out your council website or local Facebook groups – many local events aren’t widely advertised but offer great free fun.
Plan for down days
Your summer rhythm should include the odd nothing-day. You’re not a cruise director, and burnout is real. A grey, rainy Tuesday is the perfect time to cosy up for a film marathon or let the kids have a full-on duvet day. These quieter times give everyone a chance to reset, and they’re just as valuable as the big outings.
Make time for yourself, even in small ways
When I say survival sometimes means a cuppa in the garden for five whole minutes without anyone asking for raisins, I mean it. Build in time for your own wellbeing. Whether it’s swapping childcare with another parent, a Saturday morning lie-in while your partner takes over, or just sticking a podcast on during bath time – don’t put yourself last for six straight weeks. Your energy affects everyone else’s mood.
If you’ve got grandparents, neighbours, or family around, rope them in for help. It really does take a village – especially during summer holidays. Even an hour of backup can make the world of difference.
A final tip from one Yorkshire mum to another
Keep a ‘Summer Box’ ready – just a tote bag or basket with bits to pull out when boredom strikes. Crayons, playdough, sticker books, a football, a packet of wildflower seeds for instant garden missions. Some of our best afternoons started from rummaging in that box when plans were rained off or moods dipped.
Remember, it’s not about filling every minute – it’s about making room for joy, flow, and the odd ice lolly in the sun. You’re doing great, and in the end, it’s these ordinary summer moments that make the loveliest memories.
