The summer holidays are winding down, but there’s still time for some fun before the school bags come out. Here are 10 fun things to do with your child before school starts — simple, low-cost ideas that make the last stretch of the holidays memorable.
#1. Make Some Ice Cream
Try making homemade ice cream together. You don’t need an ice cream maker — here are some fun ice cream recipes to try.
#2. Play Some Mini Golf
If you don’t have a mini golf course nearby, check for driving ranges or pitch and putt courses. Or set up your own mini golf course in the back garden with plastic cups and balls — lay the cups on their side if you’d rather not worry about sinking them.
#3. Water Fun
Head to an outdoor pool while the weather’s still warm, or try a new water activity like kayaking or surfing for a change. Always take care around water (read our tips for water safety for kids), and don’t forget the sun cream if you’re heading to the beach. Here’s our handy beach checklist to save you running back to the house ten times.
#4. Visit an Elderly Neighbour or Relative
Arrange to stop in and visit an older relative or neighbour. Maybe there’s a nursing home nearby, or someone close by who’d love the company. Perhaps they could use a lift to the shop or an appointment. Encourage your child to ask them about their childhood and what life was like many years ago — it’s a lovely way to connect generations.
#5. Make Super Bubbles
Whip up a super bubble mix and see if you can make bubbles big enough to stand inside! Here are some bubble ideas and a recipe for large bubble mix.
#6. Have a Big Toy Clear-Out
Grab three boxes or bags — Keep, Donate, Not Sure — and have a big toy sort-out together. You might get a little resistance at first, but children often get drawn back into toys they haven’t played with in a while. (You can always deal with the Not Sure box later.)
#7. Hold a Scavenger Hunt
Organise a scavenger hunt around your back yard or nearby woods with a nature scavenger hunt, or go round the neighbourhood hunting for bugs. If the weather isn’t great, try an indoor hunt instead.
#8. Write a Summer Diary
Make a summer diary, blog, or newsletter about everything the family got up to over the holidays. Illustrate it with drawings or photos taken over the summer — a lovely keepsake to look back on.
#9. Back to School Shopping
If you haven’t got fully organised already, take a trip to the shops for the final back-to-school bits. Take a break from shopping and enjoy lunch together, with a bit of people-watching thrown in.
#10. Hold a Family Game Night
Let the kids pick one or more games for the whole family to play together. Sort out some snacks (popcorn is always a winner) and drinks. Here are some favourite board games plus 15 card games to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy, low-cost things to do with kids before school starts?
Many of the best end-of-summer activities cost little or nothing — a toy clear-out, a scavenger hunt, a homemade bubble mix, or a family game night all use things you likely already have at home.
How can we ease back into a school routine before term starts?
Start winding down bedtimes and mealtimes a week or two before school begins, and mix in calmer activities like writing a summer diary alongside the last of the outdoor fun.
What indoor activities work well if the weather turns before school starts?
An indoor scavenger hunt, a family game night, or a baking session like homemade ice cream are all great options when you can’t get outside.
How can visiting an older relative or neighbour benefit my child?
It’s a lovely, low-key way to build connection across generations, and children often enjoy hearing firsthand stories about what life was like years ago.
Related Articles
Looking for more ideas to fill the last of the summer days? You might also like:
- You Too Can Make Loom Bracelets Without a Loom
- 50 Fun Summer Activities for Kids
- 100 Free Activities for Kids
Save These Ideas for Later
Short on time right now? Save this list and dip back into it whenever you need a fresh idea before the school term begins.
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Do you have any suggestions for things to do before school starts? Share them with us in the comments below.
