School’s out, the sun is shining, and the kids are officially bored by day three. Sound familiar? The summer holidays are full of potential – long days, free time, and endless opportunities for creativity and fun. But let’s be real: keeping kids entertained for weeks on end can feel like a full-time job. If you’ve run out of ideas and don’t want to hear “I’m boooored” one more time, we’ve got your back.
Whether your kids are into messy fun, outdoor play, or screen time (hey, it has its place), this list is packed with fresh ways to keep them busy, happy, and maybe even learning a little along the way. As the go-to source for the coolest toys and gifts, we at Wicked Uncle have rounded up our favourite tried-and-tested boredom busters. Here’s how to have fun this summer holiday – without losing your mind.
- Arts and Crafts 🎨
- Have a Movie Day 🎬
- Make Slime 🧪
- Baking 🍪
- Construction Toys 🧱
- Playing Outside 🏃♂️🌳
1. Arts and Crafts 🎨
Let your kids’ creativity run wild with a table full of craft supplies! From making paper plate masks to building cereal box castles, arts and crafts are the ultimate summer holiday win. It’s hands-on, relatively quiet (you’re welcome), and great for developing fine motor skills. Stock up on markers, glue, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and watch the magic happen. Of course, we stock some cool Creative Kits too!
Bonus tip: host a “gallery day” where kids display their work and play tour guide!
2. Have a Movie Day 🎬
When the heat gets too much (or you just need a break), nothing beats a cozy movie marathon. Pick a theme – superheroes, animated classics, or “so-bad-it’s-good” oldies – and let the kids wear pajamas, build a blanket fort, and munch popcorn like mini critics.
Bonus Tip: Have them rate each movie or draw their favorite scenes. Entertainment and quiet time? Yes, please.
3. Make Slime 🧪
Is it messy? Absolutely. Do kids love it? You bet. Making slime is part science experiment, part sensory joy, and 100% fun. You only need a few ingredients – glue, Bicarbonate of Soda, contact lens solution, and maybe some glitter if you’re brave. There are endless ways to customize it, and the process itself is a blast. Set up an “outdoor slime lab” and let them mix, stretch, and squish to their hearts’ content. If you want to have a go yourself, have a look at this handy recipe from The Imagination Tree.
4. Baking 🍪
Let your little chefs take the lead in the kitchen! Baking is not only a delicious way to spend an afternoon, it also teaches measurements and patience too. Choose simple, kid-friendly recipes like cupcakes, brownies, or homemade pizzas. UK Blogger and Food Artist, Grace, at Eats Amazing, has some really great recipes you can make with the children.
5. Construction Toys 🧱
Bring out the building blocks or magnetic tiles and watch imaginations soar. Construction toys are perfect for developing problem-solving skills and spatial awareness – and they’re great for solo or group play too. You can see our selection of Construction Toys on the site, or pick one of the tried-and-tested sets below.
Bonus Tip: Set fun “build challenges” like tallest tower or coolest vehicle.
6. Playing Outside 🏃♂️🌳
The summer holiday is all about spending time outdoors. Never underestimate the power of fresh air and grass-stained knees. Whether it’s classic games like hide-and-seek or setting up a mini obstacle course in the garden, outdoor play is key to burning off energy. Plus they’ll sleep like logs after all that running around – score!
