Make it an unforgettable summer with these 8 activities for the kids

With the long summer break from school fast approaching, the pressure is on for parents to keep their little ones occupied over the six-week break.

Keeping kids entertained, whilst also finding that delicate balance between getting them out and active and not spending the entire contents of your bank account can be tricky.

But it’s not impossible.

Let Vitality take some of that mental load off your proverbial plate with some ideas to keep your little ones entertained, while helping to preserve your sanity and finances.

1. Get together for a parkwalk

Joining your local parkrun and walking it – known as parkwalk – can be a great way to kick off your weekend as a family as it gives you time together to bond without other distractions; especially if you’ve had to juggle working alongside the children being off school in the week preceding.

England cricketer and Vitality Ambassador, Joe Root agrees: “It’s about being able to switch off and spend some time together and enjoy each other's company.

“Having something like parkwalk, getting out on a weekend, getting some fresh air and burning some energy early on in the day sets you up really nicely for the rest of the weekend.”

Plus, it’s completely free to join and you’ll earn Vitality points each time you do one.

Joe Root took part in a parkwalk with Vitality in March this year. 

2. Volunteer at parkrun

How about taking your parkrun participation one step further and volunteering at your local event?

There are roles for everyone, from cheering as marshals to handing out finish tokens or scanning barcodes – the whole family can volunteer.

“Volunteering at parkrun gives children the chance to build confidence, develop new skills, and feel a sense of responsibility – all in a friendly, supportive environment,” Elizabeth Duggan, Interim Chief Executive Officer at parkrun says.

“Plus, it’s fun. Whether they’re cheering people on, helping set up the course, or learning to scan barcodes, they’re playing an important part in something that brings people together.

“And it’s a great way to start the weekend with purpose and positivity.”

3. Enjoy a discounted day out at a Merlin Attraction

If you’re feeling up for a fun-filled adventure day, why not strap in and take the whole family on a day out? Merlin has a plethora of attractions to suit families of all ages.

From LEGOLAND to Sea Life Centres, the thrill of Alton Towers to exploring the world of Peter Rabbit, there really is something for families of all ages and dispositions.

Not only do they create a means to escape the daily stresses and strains of life, but they also enable you to make some core memories together as a family.

And, given the size of some of these attractions, you can be sure to hit your step count for the day.

Packing up a picnic the night before can also save time and money when spending a day out.

Plus, if you have a qualifying Vitality health or life plan, you can choose 30% off up to four Online Advance tickets every month when you play weekly in the Vitality UK app.

You can find out more about our new partner Merlin Entertainments via the link here.

4. Gear up for a game

The NHS recommends that children are kept active for at least 60 minutes a day.

There’s an array of sports listed on their website such as table tennis, dancing, football, gymnastics and basketball to name but a few.

You could get some family friends together and set up a family v family game of football and turn it into a social activity.

And because the great British weather does have a habit of being unpredictable, the NHS website also has a whole host of indoor pursuits if the rain dampens your activity parade.

Kids can also play games inspired by their favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters as part of the government’s ‘10 minute Shake Up games’ that encourages children to get more active.

From adventures with Olaf and Elsa to Hero Training with Captain America.

5. Head down to a Vitality Blast cricket match

The Vitality Blast is underway and it promises to be a summer of non-stop sport. With dozens of matches to choose from up and down the country, there’s likely to be a match nearby

Plus, this is the first year a women’s team will be playing in the tournament.

And, if you’re a Vitality member, you can enter to be in with a chance to win a cricket pass to Vitality IT20, Vitality Blast, Test and The Hundred matches for 2026.

Don't worry though, even if you’re not a member you can still enter, all you need to do is get a health or life insurance quote to enter.

Visit the link here to get started. The prize draw will run between 21 May and 13 September 2025, and the draw date is 6 October 2025. Terms and conditions apply.

You can also find the full fixtures list here.

6. Break out the BBQ

A BBQ is a great way to broaden your little one’s tastebuds as they can expose children to a greater variety of foods.

Not only that, but according to Great British BBQ they can help to expand your children’s knowledge about food, cooking and safety.

Get them involved with the prep – you can even get a set of safe knives for children to avoid any accidents whilst chopping but also showing them how to use knives safely.

It’s a great bonding experience for families and then whilst the food is BBQing, you’ll have some time to spare for a game or two.

Why not try some healthy BBQ recipes for the whole family: Healthy summer BBQ recipes | Magazine | Vitality.

7. Turn dinner time into an adventure

For some children, dinnertime signals the fact that bedtime is just around the corner and, when they know they don’t have school the next day, that can bring with it a whole other set of issues (if you know, you know).

So why not make dinner fun by packing up a picnic tea (perhaps even the leftovers from that aforementioned BBQ) and heading to your local park – or even beach if you’re lucky enough to live by the coast?

You could always throw in a game of football or rounders for dessert, snagging yourself some activity points and sleepy children to boot.

8. Embrace the boredom

It might feel like a daunting task knowing that you have six weeks to fill with a variety of activities, but there is value in doing nothing too.

After all, children are masters of finding their own fun.

“I think it is so important that our children experience regular periods of boredom,” says slow parenting advocate and author of Motherhood Your Way, Hollie de Cruz.

“Boredom is an invaluable landscape for imagination, creativity, problem solving and self-directed ideas, but it has to regularly appear in their schedule.

“We can’t stimulate children at every turn and then expect them not to seek stimulation or entertainment.”

de Cruz suggests getting little ones to help with day-to-day tasks around the house such as watering plants or matching up socks that have been washed.

She also recommends creating a ‘boredom jar’.

“Write simple ideas on a slips of paper, things like ‘make a card for someone’, ‘paint your own wrapping paper’, ‘create a costume out of things you can find’, ‘sharpen the colouring pencils’ and so on and leave them in a jar on the side.

“If your child says they’re bored, invite them to help themselves to an idea from the jar.

“Just make sure they’re things they can do by themselves, and you’ll be surprised how quickly they start creating their own ideas to meet that feeling of boredom.”

Related: 3 deliciously healthy recipes for the whole family