June marks the unofficial start of summer. The kids are winding down at school, the evenings are longer, and the weather (fingers crossed) is warming up. It’s the perfect time to switch up the family routine with a variety of fun family activities and make the most of the lighter days.
Whether you’re staying local, heading off on a mini adventure, or just enjoying your garden, here’s a family-friendly June bucket list to keep everyone smiling.
Photo by Maria Lin Kim on Unsplash
1. Have a Picnic in the Park
Pack up sandwiches, crisps, and strawberries, grab a blanket, and head to your local green space. Bonus points for a football or a game of rounders.
2. Make Ice Cream at Home
You don’t need a fancy machine, just some double cream, condensed milk, and your favourite flavourings. Let the kids get creative with toppings.
3. Camp in the Garden
Pitch a tent, toast marshmallows (safely!), and do a bit of stargazing. It’s a fun change of scene without leaving home.
4. Visit a Local Farmers’ Market
Let everyone pick something fresh, then cook a family meal using your finds. It’s a great way to talk about where food comes from.
5. Have a Water Fight
Buckets, balloons, water pistols, the works. Best done on a hot afternoon when everyone’s up for a laugh and getting soaked.
6. Go Strawberry Picking
It’s peak strawberry season in June, and loads of farms across the UK offer pick-your-own. Delicious and very Instagrammable.
Have a look at the Pick Your Own Farms directory to search for farms by region.
Photo by Sarah Janes on Unsplash
7. Try a Family-Friendly Hike
Find a woodland walk, coastal path or country trail near you. Look out for hidden gems like streams, rope swings, or wildflowers.
You can find lots of family-friendly walks and hikes on AllTrails.
8. Get Creative with Pavement Chalk
Turn the driveway or patio into a colourful canvas. Little kids can doodle; older ones can try murals or hopscotch.
9. Give Geocaching a Go
It’s basically a digital treasure hunt using your phone. Great way to make a boring walk feel like an adventure.
10. Set Up a Garden Cinema Night
Hang a sheet, borrow a projector or use a laptop, and watch a family favourite under the stars. Add popcorn and duvets for full effect.
11. Plan a Mini Road Trip
You don’t have to go far. Pick a nearby village, seaside town or quirky landmark and explore somewhere new for the day.
12. Head to the Zoo or Aquarium
Kids love animals, and it’s an easy way to sneak in a bit of learning, too. Look for feeding times or hands-on exhibits.
Day Out With The Kids is a good resource for finding local zoos and aquariums to visit.
13. Start a Summer Scrapbook
Print out your favourite photos each week and let the kids add drawings, stickers, or captions. A great screen-free project.
14. Try a New Sport Together
Never tried paddleboarding? Fancy giving pickleball a go? Find something none of you has done before and learn it together.
15. Volunteer as a Family
Check for local clean-up days, community gardens, or animal rescues that welcome families. A great way to show kids the joy of giving back.
16. Bake and Share
Make a batch of biscuits or cupcakes and drop them off to neighbours, friends or teachers. Sweeten someone’s day, literally.
17. Tie-Dye Old T-Shirts
Grab a kit (or some Dylon) and give old clothes a makeover. It’s messy fun, and you get wearable keepsakes.
18. Watch for Fireflies (or Bats!)
In the UK, it’s more likely to be bats than fireflies, but head outside at dusk and see what you can spot.
Check out the Bat Conservation Trust to find a local bat group.
19. Plant Something Together
Start small with herbs or strawberries in pots. Kids love watering plants and watching them grow, and you might get some fresh basil out of it.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
20. Have a No-Screens Day
Challenge the whole family to switch off for 24 hours. Fill the time with games, outdoor fun, and proper conversation.
Tips for Making It Work
This list isn’t about doing it all, it’s about having options and making memories. Here are a few tips to keep it fun:
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Get the kids involved: Let everyone choose a few activities or suggest their own ideas.
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Keep it relaxed: Two to four things a week is plenty; you don’t need to fill every day.
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Stay flexible: Plans change, weather changes, moods change. Swap days or skip bits. It’s all good.
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Capture the moments: Take photos, write down the funny stuff, or let the kids draw their favourite bits. You’ll love looking back.
June is bursting with potential. The longer days give you time to slow down and reconnect, without needing to spend a fortune or plan something complicated.
Which one will you do first?
We are planning to do a lot of these things over the summer although I don’t think we will manage the no-screen day.
We just went strawberry picking yesterday! Today is now jam making day.