Fun & Active Ideas to Keep Kids Moving During the School Summer Holidays
The school summer holidays are a time every child looks forward to - a break from the classroom, the freedom to play, explore, and recharge. But for many parents, they can also present a challenge: how to keep the kids engaged, happy, and most importantly - active.
Physical activity is vital for children's physical and mental wellbeing. It helps boost their mood, supports their development, and burns off some of that endless energy! So, if you're wondering how to keep your little ones off the screens and on their feet this summer, we've got you covered with a range of fun, affordable, and creative ideas to get them moving.
1. Explore Local Parks and Nature Trails
You don't have to travel far for an adventure. Local parks and nature reserves offer a great way to combine exercise with exploration. Turn a simple walk into a scavenger hunt, or bring a picnic and make a day of it. Many local councils also host free or low-cost family-friendly events during the summer, such as nature trails, treasure hunts, and mini sports tournaments.
2. Take on a Virtual Challenge Together
Looking for something a bit different that will keep the whole family motivated? Enter: Conquest Challenges.
Conquest Challenges are virtual fitness adventures where you walk, run, cycle or swim a set distance - unlocking virtual postcards, fun facts, and achievements along the way. With real medals posted to your door upon completion, they're a fantastic way to encourage your children to get active and see their progress. Kids love the feeling of earning rewards, and the challenges can be completed at your own pace over the summer.
Challenges like The Jurassic Coast, Hadrian's Wall, or the Inca Trail make exercise feel like an epic adventure - and you can track your distance as a family using your phone or fitness tracker. A perfect mix of fun, fitness, and learning!
👉 Check out all the adventures at www.conquestchallenges.co
3. Create Your Own Mini Olympics
Get creative in the garden or local park by organising a family sports day or "Mini Olympics". Include fun challenges like:
- Egg and spoon races
- Sack races (use pillowcases!)
- Long jump using chalk markings
- Obstacle courses using household items
Let the kids help plan the events and design medals or certificates for the winners. It's great fun and keeps them moving.
4. Geocaching - Treasure Hunting for the Digital Age
If your kids love treasure hunts and gadgets, they'll love geocaching. It's like a real-world outdoor treasure hunt using GPS. All you need is a smartphone and the free Geocaching app to start hunting for hidden “caches” nearby.
It adds an exciting purpose to your walks, encourages problem-solving, and often takes you to hidden gems in your local area you may not have explored before.
5. Daily Fitness Goals with a Twist
Set fun daily movement goals - but make them playful. For example:
- 10 star jumps before breakfast
- Dance party in the kitchen for 10 minutes
- “Animal walk” races (bear crawl, frog jump, crab walk)
- Shadow follow game on sunny days
Add a sticker chart or small reward system to keep the kids engaged. Better yet, incorporate progress into your Conquest Challenge so they can see their activity contributing to a bigger goal.
6. Outdoor Clubs and Summer Camps
Many local leisure centres and schools run affordable holiday clubs that include sports, games, and crafts. Activities range from football and swimming to archery and climbing walls. Not only do these give children new experiences, but they also offer some much-needed breathing space for parents.
Look out for:
- Council-run activity schemes
- Youth sport development camps
- Dance, gymnastics, or martial arts taster sessions
7. Go on a Virtual Travel Adventure
Turn screen time into something active and positive. Pick a country your child is interested in and learn about it through active games, themed meals, and movement-based challenges.
For example, exploring Peru? Try cooking a simple Peruvian dish, playing traditional music, and using a Conquest Challenge like the Inca Trail to “travel” the route virtually as you walk or cycle through the week. Learning and exercise combined!
8. Get Involved in Local Events or Fun Runs
Summer is full of local events, fun runs, and charity walks designed for families. These community-based activities often include shorter, child-friendly routes and entertainment. Whether it's a 1k colour run or a muddy obstacle dash, they're great ways to get the whole family moving together with a purpose.
9. Gardening & Outdoor Chores
Not all activity needs to look like exercise. Gardening, watering plants, helping with a car wash, or even creating a bug hotel can all get kids moving while giving them a sense of responsibility. Create a challenge sheet where each task earns points or stamps they can cash in for a treat.
10. Evening Walks or Bike Rides
Make use of the long summer evenings with relaxing walks or bike rides as a family. It's a great way to wind down the day and gives you quality time together without distractions. Take turns letting each child choose the route or destination - a nearby ice cream shop makes a great motivator!
Bonus Tip: Let Them Take the Lead!
Children are more likely to stay active when they're involved in the decision-making. Let them create a weekly "activity jar" with ideas they'd like to try, from roller-skating to yoga in the garden. Pull one out each morning and enjoy the spontaneity!
Final Thoughts
Keeping your kids active during the school summer holidays doesn't have to be expensive or stressful. With a bit of creativity - and the right tools like Conquest Challenges - you can turn the holidays into a time of exploration, achievement, and movement.
Whether it's earning a medal for walking Hadrian's Wall or just building an obstacle course in your back garden, the key is to make activity fun and rewarding. So, grab your trainers, some suncream, and get ready to make this summer an active one to remember!