Who says you have to travel far to have a great summer? Whether you’re saving money, avoiding the chaos of airports, or just fancy a slower pace, a well-planned staycation can be just as memorable (and a lot less stressful). With a bit of curiosity and creativity, you can uncover incredible staycation ideas for families that bring adventure, discovery, and fun right to your doorstep.
The countdown is on. School bags are nearly packed away, lunch boxes are seeing their final cheese string, and children everywhere are dreaming of six glorious weeks of freedom. Parents, however, are mostly staring into the middle distance wondering how they’ll survive it.
For many Americans, the 4th of July means fireworks, barbecues, and all things red, white, and blue. Here in the UK, the date tends to pass with little more than a raised eyebrow and perhaps a meme or two about “losing the colonies.” Still, this date offers a brilliant opportunity to talk to children about history, cultural differences, and international traditions in a fun and engaging way.
When the summer sun makes everything feel like it’s melting – including your patience – there’s nothing better than a bit of water-based fun to cool everyone down. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy pool or pricey gear. With a bit of imagination (and a decent hosepipe), you can create brilliant DIY water games for kids right in your own back garden.
School’s out, the sun is (hopefully) shining, and it’s time to embrace the chaos, joy, and ice cream drips that come with the summer holidays. Whether you’re staycationing or venturing a little further afield, having a go-to summer bucket list for families is a brilliant way to make the most of those long sunny days and avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” chorus before breakfast.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family walking adventure, the Offa’s Dyke walking route is a must-do. Spanning 177 miles (285 km) along the historic Welsh-English border, this national trail is packed with panoramic views, wildlife encounters, ancient landmarks and charming towns. Whether you’re tackling it all or dipping into sections, it’s a brilliant way to get your family outdoors and immersed in history and nature.
Looking for ways to make learning fun outside the classroom? Educational day trips are a brilliant way to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and bring subjects to life for children of all ages. Whether your child is into science, history, nature, or art, the UK is full of inspiring places to explore.
A while back, I wrote about the differences in skiing holidays pre- and post-motherhood. If you missed it, you can read it here. Despite the extra planning and effort required for a family ski holiday, I’ve always believed it’s completely worth it. Our latest trip to the mountains only reinforced that for me. There are so many benefits of skiing with children, from building confidence and coordination to creating unforgettable family memories. If you’re wondering whether to take your children skiing, here’s why I think it’s one of the best holidays you can give them.