School’s Out! Where to take your family during the school holidays ☀️

School’s out for the summer! While we reminisce about the excitement as children, as parents, it can sometimes bring more anxiety than happiness. The challenge of keeping your family entertained for a full six weeks can feel overwhelming.

But fear not! If you're struggling for ideas, we've put together a list of 8 fantastic family outings to inspire you. So, keep reading and let the ideas flow!

If your family is full of thrill-seekers, or you’re eager to unplug and explore the outdoors, embark on an unforgettable adventure with your loved ones!

If your little ones are craving some treetop action, visit one of the many Go Ape locations scattered across the UK. Alternatively, if you prefer ground-level exploration, consider destinations like Cheddar Gorge or Bounce Below for a whole new experience.

For those seeking something even more exhilarating, how does snorkeling with sharks sound? At Skegness Aquarium, shark-lovers can come face to face with their favorite creatures during their Ranger Experience, for 6-11 year olds. Or if you want to join in on the excitement, try canyoning; combining sports like rock-climbing, swimming and rappelling, you and your family can scramble and splash over rocks and pools – even slide down waterfalls. What an adrenaline rush!

Summer brings warmer weather, even in England, paving the way for some outdoor fun. If you’re not the thrill-seeking type, then sit back and enjoy a movie outside. An outdoor cinema is the perfect chance to unwind and make the most of the summer weather. 

You can create one at home or visit one of the various outdoor cinemas throughout the UK. For a top-notch experience, consider Adventure Cinema, where you can enjoy movies in the picturesque surroundings of England's magnificent stately homes. Or why not explore online to find a local drive-in movie screening near you. Yes, drive-in cinemas are making a comeback!

Why not combine outdoor activities with doing good? This summer, consider exploring your local farm park or animal sanctuary. It's a fantastic experience for the whole family and also supports small businesses and wildlife conservation. Moreover, with so many open across the UK, they are very easily accessible.

If you’re planning a holiday to Cornwall, be sure to visit one of the numerous animal sanctuaries there. The Monkey Sanctuary, housing over 40 primates, is a top choice for both tourists and locals. Alternatively, head to Fairytale Farm in Oxfordshire, the UK's first family farm park designed to cater to children with sensory, learning, and physical disabilities.

For a walk on the wilder side, explore Howlett's Wild Animal Park. Howlett's is renowned worldwide for their exceptional breeding programs for rare animals and their commitment to animal conservation. Witness extraordinary creatures like gorillas, leopards, and African elephants, observe feeding sessions, and even get the opportunity to walk alongside lemurs in their walk-through habitat! If your family prefers aquatic life, a trip to The Deep in Hull will transport you on an oceanic journey through interactive displays and a chance to see some of the aquarium's 5000 residents.

While we all like to be optimistic and hope for the best weather during summer, the reality of living in the UK soon kicks in, and it’s on those days that the rain comes pouring in that are the hardest to keep your kids entertained. A great way to beat the rainy day blues is getting stuck in with arts & crafts, but trying to set this up at home can be difficult.

So why not sign you and your young artists up for a craft class? Locations across the UK hold arts & craft classes for a wide range of ages. Take a look on ClassBento’s website to see what sessions are being held near you. From drawing and pottery painting, to baking and even woodworking, ClassBento will have a type of craft for everyone!

If you're seeking a unique experience, then try fruit picking. This activity has become increasingly popular, with numerous local farms nationwide offering fruit picking during the summer months. It's a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to engage with nature while supporting local agriculture. And, it's tons of fun! Kids will relish the chance to play, run around, and pick their own fruit (maybe even sneakily sampling a few along the way!).

If you're planning a trip to Cornwall this summer, there are several local farms to explore, like Trevaskis Farm in Hayle. You can pick luscious strawberries, cherries, and even vegetables such as sweetcorn and runner beans. Other farms like The Balloon Tree in York, Hillfield Nursery and Farm Shop in Norwich, or the Cairnie Fruit Farm also offer a variety of fruits to pick, catering to everyone's preferences.

Many of these fruit-picking locations boast a café for sampling delicious produce and baked goods, play areas for children to enjoy, and sometimes even opportunities to meet the farm animals.

Nothing screams summer like having a blast at a water park. If you're eager to soak up the sun, then consider a visit to an inflatable water park. Aqua Parks are scattered throughout the UK, including locations like Lincoln, Cardiff, and Essex, offering inflatable obstacle courses on freshwater lakes. Glide, leap, and bounce your way around under the bright sun.

On gloomier days, indoor water parks are the way to go! Destinations like Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent and Calypso Cove in South Yorkshire boast amazing water slides, ensuring you can still enjoy the thrill even when the British weather doesn't cooperate.

For a one-of-a-kind water adventure, check out The Wave in Bristol – an inland surfing experience. You can even opt for boutique camping for the ultimate summer retreat!

Entertaining the family can be expensive, especially during school holidays when prices tend to increase. If you're seeking free and enjoyable activities, consider exploring the National Trails. Discover breathtaking natural landscapes along trails like the South West Coastal Path and the Yorkshire Wolds Way, offering walks suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, accessible walks are available, with detailed information provided on their website.

On rainy days during the classic British summer, if you're looking for a budget-friendly activity, consider visiting a nearby museum or gallery. Entry fees for museums and galleries across the UK are usually quite reasonable, especially for children.

However, we understand that kids may not always be keen on learning during their summer break after a year of being at school. Not to worry, there are museums that can capture your children's interests. For sports enthusiasts, the National Football Museum in Manchester is a great option – parents can delve into the game's fascinating history, while kids can enjoy interactive games and activities like Penalty Shootout.

For a trip down memory lane, consider visiting the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh. This museum boasts a dressing-up area and teepee in the pretend play section, providing an opportunity for the whole family to engage in play together. Who knows, you might rediscover an old childhood favorite!

That concludes our list of great days out for you and your family – but then you’ve got to work out how to get there. Driving for long periods of time can be stressful: attempting to navigate your way there, keep your kids occupied, all while trying to drive. 

So why not hire a minibus instead? Hiring a minibus means you can leave the driving and navigation to an expert, and you can focus on entertaining your kids (and saving some well-needed energy for the busy day ahead!)