Getting outside
Akieal, two & early years practitioner Georgina, on a Summer of Play camping trip, Sheffield
Time outdoors is one of the most valuable things children can have - and one of the most consistently free. Natural England's research shows that regular time in nature improves children's physical health, reduces stress, and helps them focus.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
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Go on a Nature Walk or Hike
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Local parks, woodlands, and nature reserves are endlessly explorable. Collect leaves, spot wildlife, or simply enjoy being outside without a destination. Turn walks into something purposeful by identifying trees, birds, or insects - many local wildlife trusts offer free downloadable spotter guides. Set a small challenge ("find five different colours in nature") and the walk becomes an adventure.
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Make a day of the park
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A picnic, a ball, and a few hours with no agenda is genuinely one of the things children remember. You don't need to organise it. Letting children lead their own play - building dens, making up games, exploring - is exactly what unstructured time is for, and it's what childhood development research consistently points to as valuable.
Creative Activities at Home
Some of the most absorbing activities are the ones children make themselves - and most of the materials are already in the house.
They are also a great way to develop your children's imagination for free.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
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Make Art and Crafts from Recycled Materials
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Cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, old magazines, and fabric scraps can become anything from robots to collages. Creative play develops problem-solving skills, imagination, and fine motor control. The Design Museum offers free online workshops and activity ideas using everyday materials.
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Home Science Experiments
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Kitchen cupboards hold the ingredients for simple science experiments - from vinegar and baking soda volcanoes to growing crystals from salt and water. The Science Museum provides free experiment guides that explain the science behind the fun.
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Create an Obstacle Course
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Use furniture, cushions, and household items to design an indoor or garden obstacle course. Time each other, create challenges, and adjust the difficulty as children grow more confident. It's excellent for developing coordination and physical literacy.
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DIY treasure hunt
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Draw a map, write clues, hide something small. Treasure hunts develop reading, problem-solving, and teamwork - and children will ask for them again and again once you've done one. For older children, make the clues harder or build in a theme.
Getting out in the community
Getting out doesn't have to mean spending money. There are more free resources in most communities than families often realise.
Taking part in community activities is a great way to meet new people, make friends and spend time with your little ones.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
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Visit Museums and Art Galleries
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Many UK museums and galleries offer free entry, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Tate galleries. These spaces aren't just for rainy days - they're designed to inspire curiosity and learning through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Check museum websites for free family workshops, story times, and special events. Many also offer free downloadable activity packs for home use.
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Take Advantage of Library Events
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Local libraries offer far more than books. Most run free story times, craft sessions, coding clubs, and holiday activities. Libraries also provide free internet access, quiet study spaces, and connections to local community groups. Find your nearest library through your local council website.
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Enjoy Community Events
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Local councils, community centers, and voluntary groups regularly organise free events - from outdoor cinema screenings to festivals, fairs, and sports days. Check council websites, local Facebook groups, and community notice boards to discover what's happening near you.
Learning and growing
There's so many ways to help you children help and develop for free.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
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Take Part in Free Online Learning Activities
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Organisations like BBC Bitesize, Khan Academy, and National Geographic Kids offer free educational content that makes learning fun. From geography games to coding tutorials, these resources support classroom learning while sparking new interests.
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Gardening
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Growing plants from seeds costs almost nothing and teaches children patience, responsibility, and where food comes from. Even a small windowsill or balcony can accommodate herbs, tomatoes, or flowers. The Royal Horticultural Society provides free gardening guides for children.
Cultural and Historical Exploration
Explore Historic Sites and Landmarks
Many historic sites, especially those managed by local councils, offer free access. From ancient ruins to historic buildings, these places bring history to life in ways textbooks can't. English Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland both offer free entry to some sites and free online resources.
How Save the Children supports children's play
At Save the Children UK, we know that play isn't just fun - it's fundamental to children's development, wellbeing, and right to a happy childhood. Through our work in communities across the UK, we're creating opportunities for children to play, learn, and grow, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
Our Early Learning Communities have run summer camping trips in Sheffield, holiday festivals in Wallsend, and play programmes in Belfast, Cardiff, Manchester and beyond. Through our grants programme, we've delivered more than 10,500 grants reaching over 21,000 children since 2021 - because a childhood without space for play is no childhood at all.
We've also developed resources to help parents and carers understand the importance of play and how to make it part of everyday life, even when money is tight.
When you support Save the Children, you're helping us ensure that every child has the chance to play, explore, and simply be a child.
Need more help this school holiday?
If you're looking for practical support - with food, uniform costs, energy bills, or accessing free holiday clubs - visit our help with costs during the school holidays page.
Free holiday clubs through the Holiday Activities and Food programme
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers free places at holiday clubs during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Each session includes enriching activities and a nutritious meal, and is organised by local councils across England. To find out more, search for your local council's HAF programme.
