{"id":7151,"date":"2025-07-28T10:59:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T09:59:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slimmingworld.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=7151"},"modified":"2025-08-04T17:08:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:08:04","slug":"30-summer-holiday-activity-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/30-summer-holiday-activity-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer activity challenge\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re thinking about building a more active lifestyle, summer is an ideal time to start. And for those of us with kids to entertain at home, these 30 ideas will keep the whole family moving (come rain or shine). Try as many as you like for an action-packed month!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Click<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Our unique activity programme\u00a0is all about moving more in a way that feels comfortable for you and that suits your lifestyle. So, don\u2019t be afraid to skip, repeat or adapt any of these ideas.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a new park<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chasing the kids around and pushing swings will definitely get your heart rate up. If you\u2019ve grown tired of your usual park, find somewhere different to rekindle\u00a0the excitement. Ask on social media for local favourites, or\u00a0search\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 you could even set yourselves a challenge to visit a new park every day.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try an adventure activity<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to pack maximum activity into your day, a visit to an outdoor adventure centre ticks all the boxes. There\u2019s something to suit every age and activity level, from zip wires and challenging obstacles to rope walkways and bounce nets. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Adventure-loving Consultant Glen Tansey has abseiling, wild swimming, canoeing and bungee-fitness on her summer activity hit list!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Play a game<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the weather\u2019s playing ball, garden games of catch, frisbee and chase are a fantastic (and free!) way to\u00a0get active with the kids. You could also invest in a swingball set, a basketball hoop, child-friendly skittles, croquet or quoits \u2013\u00a0or an oversized set of dominoes, Jenga or snakes and ladders. If the sun stops shining, simply move playtime indoors!\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out the leisure centre<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local leisure centres often have special timetables during the holidays, which can include everything from roller skating to badminton. Joining in with the kids will give your activity levels a brilliant boost! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan an active day trip<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spending a whole day at a theme park or zoo can tot up a surprising number of steps. To reap the biggest health and wellbeing benefits, explore at a brisk pace \u2013 one that increases your breathing, raises your heart rate and makes you feel warmer (while you\u2019re still able to hold a conversation). <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Steven<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Steven Little loves theme parks even more after losing more than 6st (38kg) in a year with Slimming World. Read Steven\u2019s story.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go retro<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think back to your own childhood and what kept you occupied during the long summer holidays. Hula- hooping, roller skating, skipping, hopscotch… a trip down memory lane can be a lovely way to add some movement into your day and get the kids off their devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More on the blog: Pack a Slimming World picnic<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Press play on a workout video<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slimming World members can take their pick from 90 exclusive activity videos<\/a> that are specially designed to help them enjoy the benefits of regular activity, whatever their fitness level or ability. The collection includes seated workouts, strength training, dance, cardio and balance exercises \u2013 everything\u2019s covered! <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Elsie<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Our member Elsie Perks gradually worked her way through our activity awards and feels stronger, more energised and proud of what her body can do. Discover how she transformed her habits for a healthier lifestyle here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the dog out<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though walking is one of the simplest ways to get active, sometimes there may be barriers that stop us from stepping out. If you feel self-conscious walking by yourself, or you just find it\u00a0a bit dull, a furry walking companion can help. Those who aren\u2019t dog parents themselves could borrow a willing one from family, friends or a neighbour. There are also apps that connect would-be dog walkers with local pooches, for the best paw-sible match.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head to the beach<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re off to the seaside, there\u2019ll be buckets (and spades) of activities to try, from frisbee and kite-flying to beach volleyball. Or release your inner child and build a sandcastle \u2013 all the squatting, digging and walking to and from the shore definitely counts as Body Magic activity! <\/p>\n\n\n

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Lynn Sheridan has lost more than 6st (38kg) by following our flexible Food Optimising plan. She stays on track on beach days with a tasty salad to go!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the dog out<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though walking is one of the simplest ways to get active, sometimes there may be barriers that stop us from stepping out. If you feel self-conscious walking by yourself, or you just find it a bit dull, a furry walking companion can help. Those who aren\u2019t dog-parents themselves could borrow a willing one from family, friends or a neighbour. There are also apps that connect would-be dog walkers with local pooches, for the best paw-sible match. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Caroline<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Our member Caroline has lost 5st 7lbs (34.9kg) and enjoys keeping active with seaside walks (accompanied by her furry friend, Molly).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opt for an outdoor gym<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are thousands of outdoor gyms across the UK, so\u00a0there\u2019s likely to be one near you (you\u2019ll find interactive maps online). These gyms include bikes, cross-trainers and toning machines to give you a well-rounded workout \u2013 and they\u2019re all free to use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a splash<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimming is an energy-burning, body-toning stress buster that works every major muscle group without putting pressure on your joints \u2013 which is why it\u2019s suitable for so many of us. If little ones need a bit more variety to keep them occupied, a trip to a water park is a real treat.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More on the blog: Our guide to swimming for fitness<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download a new app<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are thousands of fitness apps \u2013 many of them free! With apps for everything from running to home workouts, you\u2019re bound to find one you enjoy \u2013 and that\u2019s the secret to making activity a lasting habit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slimming World members can track workouts using the Planner on the Slimming World app. Plus, Fitbit, Apple Health or Google Fit apps can be linked to our Planner to automatically track steps and achievements.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Find<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Hit the shops<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making the most of your local greengrocers, butchers and food markets is a great alternative to driving out to a supermarket. Give the kids a list and make it a game to find what you need, clocking up steps as you go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set up a sports day<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you weren\u2019t a fan at school, setting up a garden \u2018sports day\u2019 can be brilliant for a sunny afternoon (whether it\u2019s with the kids or a game-for-a-laugh group of friends). You can pick up inexpensive kits containing everything you need \u2013 or go \u2018old school\u2019 and hard-boil some eggs for the egg-and-spoon race! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a walk <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh air, lovely views, birdsong\u2026 no wonder a study found that people who head outside for a stroll can feel their mood lift in just 15 minutes \u2013 and you can up the family fun-factor by taking along scooters or bikes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any walk that makes you feel warmer and speeds up your heart rate brings benefits, and choosing a route with a hill or two will work the muscles in your thighs and bum even harder. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Joining Slimming World helped Cheri to discover a love for walking \u2013 and achieve her target 3st (19kg) weight loss!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More on the blog: Fancy some company? Tune in to our Slimming World walking podcast<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dive into wild swimming<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find doing lengths a bit unexciting, and if the weather\u2019s nice and warm, an energetic paddle at a wild swimming spot is sure to get the blood flowing!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get on your bike<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry days are a perfect opportunity for a bike ride. If it\u2019s been a while since you were last in the saddle, a flat cycle trail is the safest bet (you\u2019ll find routes on the Sustrans website<\/a>). If you\u2019ve got really young children, you could hire a bike with a trailer or child seat.   <\/p>\n\n\n

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Our member Georgia lost 4st (25.4kg) and found the confidence to try new activities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organise a treasure hunt<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A trip to the woods is great for keeping the kids entertained in the holidays \u2013 throw a treasure hunt into the mix and turn your walk into a real adventure! Plan your own course and clues, or head to Treasuretrails.co.uk<\/a>\u00a0to find routes near you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give watersports a go<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you visit a watersports centre or book a taster session at the seaside, activities like kayaking, sailing and surfing are adrenalin-pumping ways to squeeze in some exercise.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Mary Watkins has lost 7st (44.5kg) with Slimming World. Discover her ‘lifesaver’ tip for busy mums here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Switch on the console<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video games have come a long way since the early days of Mario and Sonic, and you can now combine activity with boosting your top score. Depending on your console, you can play a variety of fitness games \u2013 from fun dance party games to bowling, boxing, skiing, yoga and tennis. They\u2019re ideal for those inevitable rainy days during the holidays, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spruce up your garden<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer is always a busy time for your outdoor space. Energetic digging and raking count as cardio, while pushing a wheelbarrow or mower and carrying heavy pots will add some strength training, too.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Take a leaf out of Andrew\u2019s book with a day of mowing, digging, raking and planting \u2013 it all gets your muscles working, boosts flexibility and leaves you with a garden that\u2019s had a glow-up, too!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sign up to Parkrun<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organised running (or walking) events are brilliant for boosting your commitment to activity \u2013 and for discovering new routes and meeting other runners. Going along to a Parkrun is a good starting point, as there\u2019s likely to be one near you and they also offer junior events.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try a new outdoor sport<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you live near a tennis court, a golf or mini golf course, or a cycle track? Make it your mission to try something you\u2019ve never done before this summer and, who knows, you might find an activity you really love. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Judit<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Slimming World Consultant Judit made the most of the sunshine by playing a few sets at her local outdoor tennis court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More on the blog: Beginner’s guide to tennis<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hit the arcade<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arcades aren\u2019t just for seaside trips \u2013 you\u2019ll find them in shopping malls and entertainment centres. Jump on the dance mat, whack-a-mole or hoopla to tot up activity while scoring plenty of brownie points with the kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get in your lane<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowling alleys are another fab place to strike off your daily activity with friends or family \u2013 or you could invest in a bowling set for the garden (works best on a flat patio surface). Trampoline parks, climbing centres, laser tag and Ninja Warrior obstacle courses are other options for drizzly days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do a little dance<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you going to a music festival or garden party this summer? Let your hair down and show off your moves to get your heart rate up and the feel-good endorphins flowing \u2013 or challenge the kids to a kitchen dance-off and show them how it\u2019s done! <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Hannah<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Our member Hannah Roberts has so much more energy since losing weight. She loves Zumba classes and listening to the Slimming World Podcast<\/em> while walking her dog.<\/strong> Discover how she found her ‘bikini confidence’ here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join a club<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now\u2019s a smashing time to road-test a new hobby, and joining a club will help you maintain your commitment. Climbing, jogging, archery, horse-riding, tennis, wild swimming, dog agility, axe throwing… the list is almost endless!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stretch it out<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On those days when you just want to take it slow, a simple stretching workout can help to boost flexibility and leave you feeling relaxed. Slimming World members have access to 16 flexibility workout videos on the member website, ranging from 5 to 15 minutes long so they\u2019re easy to fit into your day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gather a team<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve got playing fields or a beach near you, organise a light-hearted game of rounders, cricket or football. You can set the pace and there\u2019s no need to keep score unless you want to. It\u2019s all about getting together in the fresh air for some fun with friends and family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More on the blog:  Discover five brilliant benefits of playing team sports <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk and talk<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sociable stroll can turn a simple walk into something to really look forward to \u2013 and buddying up can be an excellent motivator. Putting plans in your calendar will make you more likely to stick to them, especially if you know they\u2019re on someone else\u2019s calendar, too! \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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How will Slimming World help me get more active?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our unique activity programme supports you to build up your fitness levels at your own pace. When you join Slimming World, you\u2019ll get access to our full get-fit tool kit, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n