After what has been another topsy turvy and uncertain year, the six-week holidays arrived with very little fanfare. And while things seem to be reverting ‘back to normal’ to some degree, the unpredictable nature of living in a pandemic means you can never be too certain when it comes to planning things to do with the children this summer. So, with that in mind we’ve compiled a diverse list of fun activities to inspire you to get outdoors and participate in adventurous outdoor pursuits, or alternatively stay indoors and keep things closer to home if that’s more your bag.

1. Cook up a storm in the kitchen with Barilla

Get creative (and messy) in the kitchen with your little ones with leading pasta company, Barilla. The world’s largest pasta company recently launched an online hub called Kids in Cucina where parents and kids can learn how to cook delicious pasta-based dishes created by chef Michela Chiappa. So, get ready to enjoy summer evenings dining on homemade Hey Pesto, Carry On Carbonara and Viva Lasagne.

To learn more visit here

2. Catch up on the fun you’ve missed at KidZania

In acknowledgement of just how difficult the last 18 months have been for children around the world, the mayor of KidZania, Livia Annabel Stone, has declared summer 2021 the summer of fun at the indoor city (take note, Sadiq Khan). Livia has worked hard with KidZania to create a host of thrilling activities due to take place at the London based ‘mini-city’, such as the Wonderland Experience, where children will be able to experience activities inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, including a live performance by West End professionals and a Queen of Hearts’ Garden Party, which can also be attended by us adults. In addition to the Wonderland Experience, kids can also participate in confidence building activities and ‘role play’ essential worker/key worker jobs such as fire fighters, hospital workers and policeman/woman.

For more information visit here

3. Roam with the Dinosaurs at Jurassic Encounter

You can’t go wrong with a little dinosaur adventure when it comes to the kids. Jurassic Encounter is an exciting new event which features over 50 animatronic dinosaur scenes, which includes an 18 metre T-Rex that breathes and sways its tail hunting for prey, a Pterosaurs’ that screeches and climbs through the trees, and a 16-metre long Diplodocus who cries out to passers-by. The unique and immersive experience takes place on beautiful parkland trails and is set to make its debut in London in late July before moving on to Cardiff, Glasgow and Birmingham.

Visit the website here for further details.

4. Go on a local treasure trail

If you are not quite up for venturing out too far just yet, a great way of discovering and exploring your local area is to embark on a treasure trail. This cool concept provides families with the opportunity to set out on captivating challenges replete with mind-twisting clues, and intriguing stories across winding back streets and hidden corners of villages, towns and cities throughout the UK. Embrace your inner child as you and your kids get to play-act as spies hunting down crooks or even go on a treasure hunt. To locate your nearest trail, visit the link below and enter your location in the search bar and you’ll be presented with a list of potential routes to explore. There are over 1200 routes in the UK.

https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk

5. Put on a circus act in your living room

It wouldn’t be a real British 6-week summer holiday if there wasn’t the odd rainy day thrown in for good measure. If you are stuck indoors and looking for a fun activity to do with your young ones (which isn’t hide ‘n’ seek), have a go at learning some fun circus skills by taking part in free tutorials on kineticcircus.co.uk. Taught by the enigmatic Circus Master Mr Paul, learn the basics of juggling, hoola hooping, plate spinning and even how to make your own juggling balls.

www.kineticcircus.co.uk.

6. Shop and play at Selfridges

Now we all have a great excuse to visit every woman’s favourite shopping haunt, Selfridges, as this summer the Kids & Toys department comes to life with a little help from some of the most beloved toy brands. From 24 July to 29 August, both the Manchester and Birmingham branches will be hosting family fun days, where kids can visit and meet characters from Paw Patrol as well as attend a summer craft workshop by Herboo where you and your children can learn plant pot making and choose a seed to take home.

Book Here

7. Channel your inner adventurer with freerunning classes

For those families who love a bit of thrill and adventure, take a parkour class at the Kinetix Academy in Essex. Team Kinetix are some of the most experienced freerunners and acrobats in the country who hold world records and have made appearances in films and TV programmes. The crew will be running classes for toddlers, children, teens and adults every day of the week throughout the summer. Visit teamkinetix.co.uk for more information.

Visit here for more information