There’s something so special about summer school holidays — slower mornings, longer days and more family time together. But after the initial excitement wears off, it can sometimes feel like a challenge to keep kids entertained without defaulting to screens.

This list is designed to be gentle, flexible and fun — activities that suit a range of ages, can be adapted for boys and girls alike, and don’t require elaborate planning. Some are perfect for sunny outdoor days, others are ideal for rainy afternoons, and a few work beautifully for teens as well.

Pick one, save a few for later, or let the kids choose what sparks their interest - and if you can, join in - the kids will love your involvement, and you will be creating memories that you will always cherish.

If you want to keep these ideas on hand, I've created a FREE downloadable checklist you can print off for when you need inspiration - scroll down to find the link.

Here are your 12 Screen-Free School Holiday Activity Ideas for Summer:

1. Get to Know Each Other with Conversation Starter Cards

Best for: All ages, great for mixed age groups & teens
Use conversation starter cards at the breakfast table, on a picnic, or before bed. Questions like “What’s your favourite memory?” or “If you could learn any skill, what would it be?” encourage connection and often lead to surprising conversations — especially with older kids.

2. Backyard Treasure Hunt

Best for: Younger kids, adaptable for older ones
Hide small prizes, handwritten clues or nature-based treasures around the garden. Older kids can help design the clues or make the hunt more challenging with riddles and maps.

3. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Best for: Sunny outdoor days
Create a simple checklist of things to find — a smooth stone, something yellow, a leaf with holes, a feather. This works just as well in your garden, on a neighbourhood walk or at the beach.

4. Shell Art or Dried Banksia Art

Best for: Rainy or calm afternoons
After a beach walk or garden forage, use shells, seed pods or dried banksia pieces to create natural artworks. Glue them onto cardboard or canvas for a keepsake that feels very “summer”.

5. Create a Miniature Fairy (or Gnome) Garden

Best for: Outdoor creativity
Using small plants, pebbles, twigs and tiny figurines, kids can design their own miniature world in a pot or corner of the garden. Older children often enjoy planning the layout and building structures. 

Here is a potted fairy garden that my daughter and I had such fun building and designing together, with succulents from my parent's garden and figurines borrowed from her larger fairy garden. My parents also loved hunting around their garden looking for succulents - a beautiful moment for us all to share together.

6. Write a “Choose Your Own Adventure” Story

Best for: Rainy days & creative minds
Start a story together, then take turns adding to it. At key moments, let the group vote on what happens next. Teens often enjoy adding twists, humour or dramatic turns.

7. Paint Your Own Wrapping Paper

Best for: Rainy days
Roll out butcher’s paper or recycled paper and paint patterns, shapes or abstract designs. Stamps work well too. It’s a wonderful way to create unique gift wrap for birthdays or future celebrations.

8. Outdoor Picnic (Even in the Backyard)

Best for: Sunny days
Let kids help plan the menu, pack a basket and choose the spot. Sometimes simply changing where you eat makes the day feel special.

9. DIY Craft Station

Best for: All ages
Set up a table with mixed materials — paper scraps, string, fabric offcuts, glue, markers and natural finds. Leave it open-ended and let imagination lead.

10. Build a Cubby or Fort

Best for: Indoors or outdoors
Using sheets, cushions or cardboard boxes, kids can design their own hideaway. Teens may enjoy engineering a more solid structure or creating a themed space.

11. Journaling or Holiday Scrapbook

Best for: Older kids & teens, or adapt for younger kids
Encourage kids to document their holidays through drawings, photos, ticket stubs or short reflections. It’s a quiet activity that often becomes a treasured keepsake.

12. Evening Games Night

Best for: All ages
Board games, card games or word games are perfect for winding down together. Let older kids take turns choosing or teaching a new game.

If you would like a FREE downloadable checklist to have on hand, please click below:

A Gentle Reminder

These holidays don’t need to be packed with activities to be meaningful. Sometimes the most memorable moments come from unplanned play, shared laughter and simply being together.

I hope this list brings a little inspiration to your summer days — whether you try one idea or many.

Happy holidays,