18 low-cost things to do this summer
Need a bit of summer holiday inspiration? We've put together 18 fun, low-cost ways to keep the kids entertained - and help the time fly by for everyone!
1. Put on a puppet show
Let imaginations run wild with their very own puppet show! If you're feeling creative, make them yourselves using socks, or treat them to a new set, like these realistic safari puppets. They’ll love performing the show for you (or even just their toys)!
Safari animal finger puppets (set of 5), £9.95
2. Do some face painting
Why should face painting just be for parties and Halloween? Get out the face paints and have fun! You can all take turns at painting each other, either on faces or just hands and arms.
Rainbow face paints, £3.95
3. Learn a new card game
Many card games are surprisingly addictive and are an easy way to pass a few hours, either at home, in the park or at a café. Let the little ones invent their own game if you're feeling brave!
Periodic Table playing cards in a tin, £4.95
4. Set up a secret spy mission
Turn an ordinary day into a top-secret mission! Set up undercover operations at home, and the kids can figure out the clues with this fingerprint set, invisible pen and more. Great for keeping curious little minds busy and a fun challenge for yourself.
Secret Agent detective kit, £15.95
5. Start a nature journal
It might sound like an obvious one, but going for a walk is a great way to get away from screens and burn up some of the school-holiday energy. Make it more fun by making your own nature journal. You can get as creative as you like using paint, pencils, crayons and much more as you explore your surroundings.
Nature Trail journal, £4.95
6. Practice origami
Use a ready made kit, or simply pick up some coloured paper (our wrapping paper doubles up well as it’s nice and thick) and look for some templates online. Our Prehistoric Land kit contains 100 sheets of paper and step by step instructions to make five fearsome dinosaurs.
Prehistoric Land origami kit, £9.95
7. Do some gardening
Kids love helping out with gardening. Whether you've got a large garden, a small courtyard or even just a balcony, you can still get them stuck in and enjoy some quality time together.
Pack of flower seeds, £1.95
8. Make ice lollies
Sunny days and ice lollies are a match made in heaven! You can get as creative as you like with ice-lolly moulds; try using different colours for a rainbow effect, or even pop some chopped up fruit in for a hidden sweet surprise.
Pink bunny ear ice lolly mould, £4.95
9. Write a letter
No matter what age we are, it's always fun to receive post! Children can spend an afternoon writing a letter to their friend or relative, sharing everything they’ve been up to. They can really get stuck into decorating the letter and envelope with stickers, washi tape, or even some fun stamps.
Ocean mini stamp set, £6.95
10. Have a tea party
Host the ultimate picnic or afternoon tea at home! Kids can invite their favourite toys and you can spend the morning preparing lots of fun finger food and drinks together. Ideal for helping children to develop their social skills, as well as their creativity and imagination.
Wooden toy tea playset, £24.95
11. Go on a picnic
A classic summertime activity, a picnic is a great way to spend an afternoon. And if it transpires that the weather isn’t on your side, you can always host it indoors!
Watermelon picnic basket, £18.95
12. Go for a bike ride
Get ready for some two-wheeled fun! Head out on a bike ride for some screen-free energy burning. Look up some family-friendly routes in advance that aren't too challenging, and have some interesting landmarks to discover on the way.
Liven up bike rides with a colourful pair of streamers, £4.95
13. Enjoy a crafternoon
Get creative with one of our craft or construction kits! Whether it’s learning a new skill, building your own vehicle, or doing science experiments, crafting is a great way to wile away the hours.
Sausage Dog learn to sew wooden set, £3.95
14. Fly a kite
Make the most of any blustery days that might occur this summer and head to the nearest park or beach for some kite flying.
Traditional diamond kite, £9.95
15. Get baking
Baking with kids can be really fun (and messy!). It’s best to keep it simple so they don’t get too frustrated and make sure that it’s something they can’t wait to eat at the end to keep them motivated.
Wipeable cotton ladybird apron, £14.95
16. Go glamping (in your back garden!)
Kids love backyard camping, and you don’t have to travel far to have a fantastic family adventure. Bring out some board games or have a picnic in the garden!
Wild Wonders teepee, £99.95
17. Create a 'bored jar'
Stop any whines of ‘I’m boooored’ in their tracks, and get the kids to choose their next activity with a bored jar. Simply fill a jar with ideas and activities - everyone gets to contribute!
Café de Paris storage tins (set of 2), £8.95
18. And lastly, prepare for a rainy day
The good ol’ British weather means there is never a rainy day far away, even in summer. So we say embrace it! Throw on those wellies and raincoats and do some activities out in the rain - you'll have a laugh if nothing else!
Coloured chalk eggs, £4.95
Wishing you a very happy summer holiday from everyone at Rex London!
