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10 Cheap Things to Do with Kids in the UK This Summer

Planning short break holidays or adventure days out with the kids can be affordable and memorable. Make the most of the UK summer school holidays with budget-friendly activities at Buyagift. Whether you’re looking for short holidays near home or a countryside escape, there’s plenty to do without breaking the bank. Use gift experiences to create lasting memories, from fun days out to unique adventures. Explore our picks for affordable family fun and see how easy it is to plan a holiday they’ll never forget.

Things to do with kids in summer

School’s out and the UK summer holidays are here! Keeping the kids entertained without spending a fortune can feel like a challenge, but with a little planning, you can make this summer one to remember. From fun days out to exciting short break holidays, there’s plenty to do on a budget. We’ve rounded up 10 brilliant experiences that promise family fun without the high price tag. Make memories, explore, and enjoy your summer together!

When the long-awaited summer holidays arrive, every parent wonders how to fill those weeks with fun, adventure and quality family time—without emptying the bank account. The good news? With a little creativity and the help of affordable holiday vouchers, you can plan an unforgettable summer of short holidays and family outings across the UK.

A great way to make the most of the summer break is to mix up your days with local adventures, day trips and even a few short break holidays or cottage holidays for a change of scenery. At Buyagift, we offers an amazing range of budget-friendly experiences designed to delight kids of all ages, from animal encounters to magical days out and quirky family activities.

Whether you fancy a countryside escape, a coastal adventure or a city day trip, these experiences are perfect for adding a dash of excitement to your summer. Plus, they make fantastic gifts—why not treat the kids to an experience voucher as a reward for finishing another school year?

Here’s our list of 10 fun and affordable experiences to try with your kids this summer:

1. Family Visit to SEA LIFE Aquarium – Dive under the waves and discover fascinating marine life.

2. Go Ape Treetop Adventure – Let the kids unleash their inner explorer with a thrilling treetop course.

3. English Heritage Membership for Families – Unlimited access to castles, ruins and historic sites.

4. Family Day at Chessington World of Adventures – A wild day out with animals, rides and shows.

5. Birds of Prey Experience – Get up close with majestic owls and hawks in the countryside.

6. Chocolate Making Workshop – Delicious fun for kids and adults alike.

7. Family Steam Train Ride – Step back in time and enjoy a scenic heritage railway journey.

8. Harry Potter Coach Tour – Explore filming locations and behind-the-scenes secrets.

9. Family Canoeing or Paddleboarding Session – Perfect for adventurous kids and parents.

10. Overnight Family Glamping Stay – Swap screens for stars with a cosy night under canvas.

These experiences are great for mixing up the routine and giving the kids something to look forward to. Best of all, many of these days out cost less than you’d think—thanks to Buyagift’s experience vouchers and exclusive deals, you can treat the whole family for less.

So, why not plan a few days exploring historic sites with an English Heritage membership or surprise them with a steam train ride through the countryside? Making memories doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Pick your favourites, grab your vouchers and get ready for an unforgettable summer of family fun in the UK!

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Suhani Lotlikar

Content Writer

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