Beat the summer holiday boredom before it even begins with our ideas to get the whole family through the summer holidays.
It’s that time of the year that your children have been awaiting for what seems like eternity! But when the summer holidays arrive it’s often the case that your little ones, and often yourself, can get a bit stuck with coming up with enough ideas to fill the long holiday period. Have no fear. Our Summer Holiday Surival Guide is here to get the whole family through!
Camping
There are so many beautiful campsites around the country but you don’t even need to go far to enjoy a spot of camping. Even letting the kids camp in the back garden can be a great way to get them used to sleeping outdoors with the added security of being able to run back inside if things aren’t going to plan.
Rustic Camping at Trill Farm
Get in touch with nature and enjoy the fresh air, the stories around the campfire and the outdoor eating without having to venture too far from home at Trill Farm’s eco-campsite in Axminster. There’s no need to worry about noisy neighbours here as you can group up with your friends and family (minimum 10 people) for exclusive use of this campsite that is specially designed for learning camping and outdoor crafts. There’s the option to get involved with bushcraft activities, try out the zip-line and aerial woodland walkway as well as trying your hand at some cooking courses. Camping is £12 per night for adults, £6 for children and under 5s go free! Find out more about booking your experience at www.trillfarm.co.uk
Wild Camping on Dartmoor
For a real camping adventure why not try spending the night on the moors? Camping for a night or two on open moorland is legal so long as you aren’t within 100 metres of a road or on private land. This isn’t really suitable for family sized tents but if you’re planning on a backpacking adventure and utilise a no impact approach on the surrounding area then you’re free to give it a go. You can find out the full rules, a map on where you can camp and advice on wild camping at www.dartmoor.gov.uk
Walking and Bike Rides
One of our favourite things to do all year round, but especially in summer, is to simply get out there and explore! Walks and bike rides are a brilliant free activity that keeps you fit, gets you out into nature and is perfect for groups of friends and family. We’ve got a whole bank of routes for walks and bike rides here.
Eating out
Dip & dine at Cofton
Make a splash in the indoor and outdoor pools at Cofton Holiday Park before refuelling on either breakfast, lunch or dinner at Amelia’s Pantry and the Warren Retreat for just £12 for adults (with £9 going towards your meal) and £8 for children (£6 going towards the cost of meal). See the menu and find out more at www.coftonholidays.co.uk
Beach BBQs
When you think of summer and you think about food it’s either picnics or BBQs. Why not do both at once? There are loads of beaches that allow disposable barbecues so you can combine the fun of cooking outdoors with a trip to the beach. Always remember to clean up after yourself and never leave any hot coals on the beach to avoid any nasty burns to unsuspecting beach goers.
Summer Sports
Sports and activities are brilliant for banishing boredom and keeping fit and healthy all at the same time. The social interaction with friends is also perfect for learning teamwork and building relationships. Why not sign up to some summer courses and clubs or how about making your own family sports day for in the back garden using bean bags, hula hoops and skipping ropes!
Ice Skating
Ice Skating? In summer? I know I know, not quite what you would expect but head on down to the Exmouth Pavilion where they’ll be creating a synthetic ice rink from 15th – 18th August for all ages and abilities to enjoy! Sessions run from 11am – 7pm. Find out more at www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion
Exeter City Football Courses
If your children are football mad then they’d love nothing more than to join with the range of fun and interactive sport sessions at Exeter City FC during the summer holidays. There’s plans for a number of Football Roadshows that will be touring across Devon, including Exmouth, Teignmouth, Feniton, Cranbrook, Tiverton, Crediton and of course Exeter! Courses are aimed at 5-14 year olds and focus on fun and participation through skill development and games. Find out more at www.exetercityfitc.co.uk/courses
Connect with nature
Camp Wild
For some serious summer survival skills why not send your kids to Camp Wild day camp at Escot Park? Learn bush crafts, fire and shelter making, go on safari scavenger hunts and take part in loads of fun team challenges! Camp Wild suits children between 6-12 years old and costs £29 per child per day. Find out more at www.escotcampwild.co.uk
Wild East Devon
Wild East Devon offer activities and events all across the area, from Cranbrook to Seaton, to get children and families connected with nature. Whether it’s exploring the mysterious rock pools at the beach, learning how to light your own fire or preparing tasty treats around the campfire, there’s something to keep every child (and parent) excited.
Here are just a few activities happening this month:
9 Aug – Rockpool Ramble – Exmouth Beach
10 Aug – Traditional Hay Making – Peak Hill, Sidmouth
21 Aug – Canoe Safari – Seaton Wetlands
23 Aug – Mud Walk – Exe Estuary, Exmouth
28 Aug – Bug Hunt – Honiton Bottom
Many of the events are free too! Get involved at www.wildeastdevon.co.uk
National Marine Aquarium
Have a splashtacular summer with a whole host of events uncovering the weird and wonderful world of ‘Ocean Aliens’ at the National Marine Aquarium! The exhibition will be taking place throughout August until 3rd September and will include an exclusive alien-themed show, cosmic creature trails as well as live daily feedings and talks for the whole family to enjoy. Find out more at www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Make your own fun!
When you’re really stuck for ideas sometimes it’s best to just get creative and make your own ideas. Use clean yoghurt pots and other recyclable items for craft projects, come up with ideas for games using things in the garden.
The ‘I’m Bored’ Jar
One of the best ways to beat any boredom that might arise during the summer holidays is to make your own ‘I’m bored’ jar right at the start of the holidays. Get your kids to come up with a number of ideas of things that they enjoy, or might enjoy, doing during the summer holidays and write them down on small pieces of paper. Add these into the jar and when the inevitable ‘I’m bored’ statements come out you can direct your child to the jar and there’ll be an instant cure!
Ice-lolly Stick Rafts
With the amount of ice-lollies they’ll be eating to keep themselves cool, why not collect the sticks and recycle them to good use? Challenge the children to create mini-rafts that they can float in a paddling pool, in the bath or even on the river when out on a nature walk. You could even attach a sail to teach them all about wind power!
