The summer holidays are a fantastic time for children to get creative, stay active, and most importantly – have fun! If you’re not heading off on holiday or simply want some screen-free inspiration between outings, we’ve pulled together a mix of playful, low-prep ideas that you can try at home. 

These themed activities are perfect for children aged 4–14 and designed to keep little minds (and bodies!) engaged – all with minimal mess and maximum smiles. 

Fur & Feathered Friends 🐾

Got an animal lover at home? This theme brings the wild side to your back garden! 

• Pet Rock Zoo: Paint rocks to look like your favourite animals, then build a mini zoo for them in the garden. 

• Birdwatching Bingo: Make a checklist of local birds; robins, pigeons, blackbirds, and see who spots them first! 

• Animal Charades: Take turns acting like different animals and let the guessing games begin. 

• DIY Bird Feeders: Use pinecones, peanut butter, and seeds to create homemade feeders. 

• Make Animal Masks: All you need are paper plates, paints, and a bit of imagination to transform into a furry (or feathery) friend. 

Nature Explorers 🍃

Step outside and discover the magic of nature, right on your doorstep. 

• Scavenger Hunt: List things to find – leaves, feathers, interesting bugs, stones -and let the exploring begin. 

• Bug Hotel Building: Reuse sticks, bark, and old boxes to attract insects into your homemade bug hideaway. 

• Leaf Rubbing Art: A fun way to see the patterns in leaves using crayons and paper. 

• Nature Journal: Encourage kids to sketch or write what they see, hear and feel in the natural world. 

• Mud Kitchen: Grab some old pots and wooden spoons and let your child’s inner chef loose with a patch of soil. 

Garden Sports Stars 🏅

Keep the kids moving with sporty challenges that burn energy and spark some friendly competition. 

• Mini Olympics: Sock throwing, spoon races, long jumps – host your own backyard games! 

• DIY Obstacle Course: Use whatever you have – cones, hoops, ropes – for a custom-made agility circuit. 

• Balloon Tennis: Make rackets from paper plates and play indoors or out. 

• Home Bowling: Line up empty bottles and roll a soft ball for a strike! 

• Fitness Challenge Chart: Track simple daily movements like jumping jacks or stretches and build healthy habits. 

Under the Sea Adventures 🌊

Make a splash with ocean-themed activities that inspire creativity and sensory play. 

• Ocean in a Bottle: Mix water, blue food colouring, glitter, and oil for a calming sea-themed sensory bottle. 

• Seashell Crafts: Decorate shells or turn them into jewellery – especially fun if you’ve been to the beach recently. 

• Storytime with a Splash: Read ocean-themed books or make up your own underwater tales. 

• Jellyfish Crafts: Use cupcake cases or bowls and streamers to craft your own floating sea creatures. 

• Water Play: Add a few toys to a bowl or paddling pool of blue-tinted water for simple, soothing fun. 

Simple Setups, Big Smiles 💡

You don’t need a big budget or lots of prep time to create magical memories at home. These activities can be picked up whenever it suits your schedule – whether you’re looking for a calm morning activity or an active garden adventure. 

At PH Camps, we know that every child learns best when they’re having fun. Whether they’re with us at camp or at home with you, we’re here to inspire imagination, curiosity, and play – all summer long.