I’ve compiled a list of my own tried and tested family favourites. Some, we are fortunate enough to have right on our doorstep but all accesible for a day trip.
Water Parks
It doesn’t matter how old you are, water parks are great fun and there are several to choose from in our local and surrounding area. Find out more here.
Close to Home
Over 13’s can join a segway tour at Leeds Castle. Prices start from £23 pp. Or, for something a little different, Foot Golf at High Elms is great fun and a junior ticket is just £5.
Have you been to Bedgebury for the fun play areas and bike tracks ? Fill your car up as then you get your moneys worth in the car park! Taking your own bikes will also cut costs.
Bewel Water offers various water sports or get lost in the maze at Maze Moon – which one will you choose?
Get some friends together and kick a ball about at Tocca social (from experience 6 or less players is best) or arrange a combat laser session.
A Day in the Capital
London is full of things to do, especially for older children. The Microsoft Experience Centre on Regent Street is well worth a visit, with their X-Box lounge and simulators for your gamers. Sports Direct also have fun games to play on all levels.
Earn serious parenting points with a visit to the Oxford Circus Nike Store. Create your own personal clothing with their #NikeByYou in store service. Or, for your skaters, visit House of Vans to test their skills.
For thrill seekers, tickets to climb the O2 start from £35 and you can choose from a daytime, sunset or twilight climb to see London from above.
Not everything has to cost an arm and a leg. Why not wander through Borough market and take in the smells and tastes of the amazing food, head over Tower Bridge and have a look at the incredible wild flower moats at The Tower of London before heading back over London Bridge?
Check out the amazing Superbloom landscape at The Tower of London. You pay for entry but can view from afar for free.
Sky Garden is always a great time, make use of the free tickets that they release three weeks prior to visiting – you have to be quick to get them!
Walk along the Southbank, there’s always loads going on any time of the year or you can take in the sights of London walking in the other direction towards Victoria.
Covent Garden is a busy place where you’re always guaranteed to find entertainment and if you fancy the bustling atmosphere of Notting Hill then head to the market, wander the streets and take it all in.
The walk along the canal from Paddington to Regent’s Park is lovely in good weather, with great places to see and eat along the way.
Download these treasure hunt maps. These are good fun at any age and are ideal for all around the country – we have done a few – but the ones in London will guarantee to take you to places you have never been!
If you haven’t visited Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park then that is a must!
When you’ve worked up an appetite, John Lewis’ roof top restaurant Willow has Tinie Tempah’s fried chicken brand Raps amongst other things on their menu.
A Little Culture
Take in some culture at one of many museums, some but not all charge an admission fee. Choose from the Tate Gallery, V and A , The Design museum, Postal Museum, The Museum of Brands, The Museum of Comedy, and (no matter how old they are) they’ll always enjoy old favourites at The Natural History Museum.
Rainy Days
Bearing in mind how reliable the Great British summer weather can be, its worth having some ideas up your sleeve for a rainy day despite the predicted heatwave!
Lots of fun all under one roof at Gravity Wandsworth or why not head to a trampoline park? I’ve listed some of my favourites here.
Gamebox is a firm favourite in my house, choose from either Lakeside or Southbank or Bluewater has lots to offer whatever the weather including brand-new Hangloose Adventure, a 17 screen Showcase Cinema de Lux and Gravity Trampoline Park.
Upside Down House is great for keeping dry and they’ll love the photo opportunities, especially the obligatory upside down over the toilet bowl pic!
For the Thrillseekers
For your adrenaline junkies, theme parks are a good shout and you can often pick up a 2 for 1 offer on entry on cereal packets or save by booking online in advance.
Reach dizzy heights at Go Ape, try the Hangloose Adventure at Bluewater or Ride the Slide at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. For full days out, Chessington and Thorpe Park offer passes to save queuing in the sun at an additional cost.
Crazy Golf
Another universal family favourite for kids of all ages. I’ve listed some great options in our local area here.
And For Free..
Big days out are great fun but not for every day! Give your pocket a break with my suggestions for free or inexpensive days out.
Dulwich Park and Greenwich Park are a lovely way to fill a sunny day, as is Shorne Park and High Elms and a picnic usually goes down very well.
Bewel Water has lots of walking routes and the is plenty of fun to be had in the water at Shoreham or Enysford. Grab your fishing nets and towels and get stuck in to splashing around. (Safely and under parental supervision!)
Numerous walks here i.e circular walk and orienteering which is sure to get the eyeballs rolling but you watch, they love it!
We are lucky to have some great beaches close by, including Margate, Joss Bay, Camber Sands, Hastings, and Brighton. Go crabbing, eat fish and chips, take a picnic – just dont forget to check those tide times!
If in doubt.. Hide the crisps and chocolates – a whole summer of fun with the kids trying to find them, and keeps you entertained too!
Let me know what you try! Tag BR6Life in your own recommendations if I’ve not listed them here, I might even add them!