The end of a long winter is in sight, with more and more venues opening their doors. The sun is shining, making it the perfect opportunity to take the kids out for some much-needed fun. There’s more to see around here than your back garden and nearest park, so read on to discover some ideas for family-friendly activities to do this summer.
National Trust locations
National Trust gardens, cafes, and countryside locations are now open across the UK. Booking in advance is recommended for safety reasons and if you want to go at a quieter time. It’s not too late to explore the spring gardens and see the vibrant flowers in full bloom. Go for a stroll and bring a picnic basket for a relaxing, nature-filled day out. Once you’re home, it will be easy to settle your baby to sleep in this Wicker Moses Basket.
Theme parks
For an ultimate day of thrills and entertainment, take the older kids to a theme park filled with rides, games, and restaurants. Thorpe Park and Alton Towers are renowned for their fast rollercoasters and themed rides. The younger children may prefer Chessington World of Adventures or Legoland, which is home to Legoland driving school, where kids can obtain their first ‘driving license’.
The beach
A classic family day out—you can’t go wrong with a beach trip. There are many to choose from, with plenty of popular beaches across the UK. Blackpool Sands in Devon is a Blue Flag beach that is lifeguarded and cleaned daily. Plus, it has designated sandboxes, perfect for castle building! If you’re near Newcastle, Tynemouth beach is ideal for the little explorer, with secret caves to wander through and even an aquarium on the seafront. With the right supervision, they could even give water sports a go at Whitesands Beach in Pembrokeshire.
Museums
Museums are a wondrous place for a child. Not only do they keep the kids occupied, but they are a great source of learning and discovery for all ages. For the little historians, the Natural History Museum is where they will find answers to nature’s big questions. Look out for the blue whale skeleton! There are museums located in most towns and cities, so you won’t have to travel far. The V&A Museum of Childhood has rocking horses and Lego galore, while the adults can bask in nostalgia admiring the antique dolls’ houses.
The farm
A farm visit gives children the chance to see and interact with animals up close. It is an active learning experience that will make for an unforgettable family day out. Godstone Farm is one of many that allows children to feed and handle ducks and pigs while offering an outdoor adventure playground and a discovery trail for the little ones to enjoy. Children can learn about animal welfare at the farm and how the countryside is maintained, making it an enjoyable educational experience.