Summer Holiday Activity Ideas

It’s already the end of July, but the school summer holidays have only just begun. Whatever the weather there are a lot of days to fill up if you have children home with you. If you are working through the summer the long days give you more of an opportunity to go out and have fun with your children after work and at weekends. I love this time of year for all the extra time it feels like you have.

One of my least favourite phrases at the moment is “I want the iPad”, which in many a temper tantrum has deteriorated into “iPaddy, iPaddddyyyyyyyyy!”. I am happy for M to watch TV or go on the iPad, but if she has too much screen time her behaviour definitely gets worse so I often try to suggest alternative activities first.

The National Trust launched 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4s several years ago. It’s filled with ideas of activities to get children out and about. They range from some of the very simple childish pleasures which cost nothing such as rolling down a really big hill and playing pooh sticks to the more adventurous canoeing down a river.
A copy of 50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4 book 2016 edition on grass


Thinking back on my childhood I remember doing 37 of the activities on the list which is pretty good going. Working through the list brought back many happy memories of long holidays with my sisters and being with my family so I think the concept of 50 Things to do before you’re 11 3/4 is a very clever one.  I will be working through the list with my girls as they get old enough for each activity.

You can find the list here, download the app or buy a book to guide you through the activities. These include ideas of how to complete the activities and suggestions of what else to explore. There are even events you can go to (unsurprisingly in conjunction with the National Trust). 


I’m giving away one copy of 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 3/4: An Outdoors Adventure Handbook because I have a spare copy and think it is lovely. If you are looking for ideas of things to do why not enter? Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget. Giveaway closes 8th August 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

21 comments

  1. Ooh, I've coveted this book for a while now! I was just thinking the other day how frustrating it is that my 4 year old has lost her love of outdoor play (unless a playground is involved) but she loves books so I think this would be a way to get her enjoying nature a bit more.

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  2. would love some ideas for my 4 year old who takes some encouragement getting outside!!

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  3. This ook great for my two girls thank you!

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  4. lovely prize fingers crossed x

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  5. My son would love this as always likes to be out exploring

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  6. This would be very inspiring for my son who loves outdoor adventures

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  7. I'd like this book for my nephew. He would love it.

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  8. Would love this for my little brother :)

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  9. My children love camping with me and we go every summer and always try to find new adventures, this book sounds fabulous!

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  10. I know two children who would love this book. It sounds very interesting

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  11. Great prize. Nice to see something that encourages kids to not be so reliant on technology for entertainment.

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  12. This looks fab - my nephew would love this

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  13. Lovely book! My two Children will enjoy working their way through this!

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  14. Brilliant prize, this would be fab for my girls

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  15. I love this idea - brilliant :) x

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