Ah, the six-week summer holidays – that magical (and slightly chaotic) time of year when the school run is replaced with snack demands every five minutes and your lounge starts looking suspiciously like a soft play centre. If you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to keep the little ones entertained without losing your sanity, you’re not alone.
At eve, we know a thing or two about sleep – and trust us, keeping kids active and engaged during the day definitely helps them drift off quicker at night (bonus!). So we’ve rounded up some tried-and-tested ideas to help keep the kids happy, busy, and hopefully a little bit tired by bedtime.
1. diy den building (indoors or out!)
All you need is a few bedsheets, some pegs, a couple of chairs or your sofa cushions – and voilà, you’ve got the makings of a top-notch den. Kids can turn it into a reading nook, a secret spy hideout, or even a pretend campsite. Want extra parent points? Add fairy lights and a picnic lunch.
2. water play in the garden
Who needs a fancy paddling pool when you’ve got a washing-up bowl and a few plastic cups? Water play is brilliant on a warm day – think sponge races, car washes for toy trucks, or even a ‘mud kitchen’ for the more adventurous little chefs. Just don’t forget the suncream (and maybe a towel or two)!
3. treasure hunts & nature trails
Create a scavenger hunt with things to find in the garden, local park, or even indoors if the weather's not playing ball. Think pinecones, feathers, something red, something shiny, a wobbly stone – you get the idea. Great for curious minds and mini explorers.
4. rainy day craft station
If there’s one thing we can count on in the UK, it’s for the summer holidays to bring at least a rainy day or 10! So, get prepped. Stock up on glue sticks, googly eyes, and all the glitter (or don’t, if you like your carpets). Then let them go wild. Cardboard castles, paper plate masks, salt dough handprints – it’s messy, it’s fun, and it keeps them sat down for at least 20 minutes. Maybe.
5. sleepover (without leaving the house)
Why not shake things up with a mid-week “sleepover”? Pull the duvets into the lounge, make some popcorn, pick a family film and let them stay up a tiny bit later. It feels like a treat – and spoiler alert – it’s still your bed they’ll sneak into at 5am.
6. the good ol’ library
Most local libraries in the UK run summer reading challenges or activity sessions for kids – and they’re completely free. It’s also a nice way to escape the heat and sneak in some quiet time (for you too).
7. let them help with the grown-up stuff
Little ones love being “in charge”. Give them some safe jobs – whether it’s picking dinner ingredients, helping fold washing (a stretch, we know), or setting up a “bedtime patrol” where they check all the teddies are tucked in. You’ll be amazed how much little ones love playing grown-up.
8. theme days at home
Pick a theme – like “Pirate Day”, “Jungle Safari”, or “Space Explorers” – and base the day’s activities around it. Dress-up clothes, themed snacks, some homemade crafts, and maybe a themed bedtime story too. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect – just fun and a bit different!
9. back garden camping (or living room glamping)
Pitch a tent in the garden or set one up indoors. Bring out the sleeping bags, torches, and marshmallows (microwave counts!). Tell spooky stories, look at the stars (or stick glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling), and enjoy a little screen-free magic together.
10. local free days out
Keep an eye out for free events in your local area – things like museum open days, outdoor theatre shows, or beach days if you’re lucky enough to live near the coast. Pack a picnic, bring a football or frisbee, and let the kids burn off some energy while you soak up a bit of sun (or clouds – this is Britain, after all).
top summer holidays tip from us
Whatever you do, don’t forget the power of a solid bedtime routine. Long summer days can throw everything off, but keeping some structure around winding down, bath time, and a comfy mattress they love to snuggle into can make all the difference.
Here’s to a summer full of memory-making, a few lie-ins (if you’re lucky), and plenty of giggles. You’ve got this, parents. Until next time, eve Sleep.
[GH1]Link to healthy summer snack recipes
