Why I'm Looking Forward To The Summer Holidays (And You Should Be Too!)

Kimberley Rogan-Walker
Jul 1
5 min read

The summer holidays are nearly here — and honestly? I cannot wait.

I know that might sound slightly mad. As parents we all know the summer holidays can be a lot. They can be stressful, loud, chaotic, messy, and expensive. There are endless snacks, constant questions, sibling arguments, late nights, early mornings, and days where everyone seems to need something from you all at once.

But even with all of that, I am so looking forward to having the kids home from school. And I think it's worth talking about why — because I don't think we say it enough as parents.

Why I Actually Look Forward to the Summer Holidays (Yes, Really!)

Somewhere between the back-to-school rush in September and the Easter egg hunt in April, I find myself genuinely counting down to the long summer break. Not because it'll be perfectly peaceful (it won't be), but because of what it actually feels like when we're all home together.

There's a slower pace. A different kind of connection. The kind of lazy mornings and spontaneous adventures that just don't happen during the school term. And for me, that makes the chaos absolutely worth it.

The Real Reasons Summer Holidays Are Worth Looking Forward To

1. We Get Our Mornings Back

No more 7am alarm panic. No more searching for lost PE kits at the last minute. No more standing in the rain at the school gate wondering if you remembered to sign the reading record. Summer mornings are slower, lazier, and honestly so much better for everyone's mood — including mine.

2. We Create the Best Memories on No Budget

Some of our most-treasured family memories have happened during summer, and none of them cost a fortune. A paddling pool in the garden, a homemade den in the living room, a walk to the local park with a packed lunch. It doesn't take much to make the kids feel like the day was a brilliant adventure.

If you're looking for ideas to keep the kids entertained without spending a lot, check out our easy no-cook playdough recipe and free printable mats — an absolute summer holidays staple in this house!

3. The Kids Surprise You Every Single Day

Without the structure and pressure of school, the kids genuinely come alive in summer. They make up games, build things, create things, get curious about the world. They surprise me every single time with what they're capable of when they have the space to just... be.

We love setting up creative corners around the house to spark their imagination. If you fancy the idea, you might enjoy our guide on how to create a cosy corner at home on a budget — it's one of our most popular posts!

4. Home Actually Feels Like a Haven

I put a lot of effort into making our home a cosy, comfortable, family-friendly space on a budget. During school term, it sometimes feels like we only use it to eat, sleep, and rush around. Summer is when we actually get to enjoy our home. The kids play in every room. We watch films in blanket forts. We sit in the garden with drinks and snacks and nowhere to be.

That's exactly the kind of 'cosy corner' energy this blog is built around.

5. It's Okay to Lower the Bar

Summer holidays have this pressure to be magical and Instagram-worthy and full of enriching experiences. But honestly? Some of our best days are the ones where we did absolutely nothing in particular. A duvet day with films. A messy craft session on the kitchen table. A snack picnic on the living room floor.

You don't need to fill every day with activities. The kids just need you, and a home that feels safe and fun and theirs.

Some of the best summer days are the ones with no plans at all.

Budget-Friendly Summer Holiday Ideas at Home (UK)

If you're thinking ahead to the summer holidays and wondering how to keep everyone entertained without overspending, here are some of my favourite low-cost ideas:

Set up a craft station with paper, glue, stickers and whatever you have in the cupboard
Make a simple sensory tray with dried pasta, rice or lentils — younger kids love this
Have a 'bake off' day — even simple biscuits or no-bake treats count
Build an indoor or outdoor den using bed sheets, chairs, and pegs
Start a summer scrapbook or holiday diary together
Print off free activity sheets and printables — we have a growing collection right here on the blog!
Set up a mini car wash in the garden — guaranteed to entertain for HOURS
Have a movie marathon day with a different theme each time

What I'm Planning This Summer

This summer, my main goal is simple: be present, be flexible, and not put too much pressure on any of us. I've got a few ideas up my sleeve — some cosy home updates, a couple of family day trips, and hopefully a good chunk of time where we have nothing to do but enjoy each other.

I'll be sharing lots of summer content here on the blog over the coming weeks — from budget home decor updates to activity ideas and everything in between. Make sure you're following along so you don't miss a thing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Holidays With Kids

How do I keep kids entertained during the summer holidays on a budget?

The secret is to focus on free or low-cost activities: outdoor play, crafts with things you already have, free printables, library visits, and simple baking. Kids don't need expensive days out to have a wonderful summer — they need time, space, and a grown-up who's present with them.

How do I survive the summer holidays with young children?

Lower your expectations, plan loosely, and give yourself permission to have quiet days. Keep a loose routine for mealtimes, have a few activity ideas ready for when boredom strikes, and remember — the holidays don't have to be perfect to be magical.

What are fun summer holiday activities to do at home in the UK?

Try den building, paddling pools, homemade playdough, craft days, baking, outdoor art with chalks, and simple scavenger hunts around the garden or local park. Check out our free printable activity sheets too for more inspiration.

Let's Make This Summer a Good One

I'd love to hear what you're looking forward to this summer! Drop a comment below and let me know — are you an 'every day planned' kind of parent, or more of a 'see how it goes' kind of family? Either way, I hope this summer brings you lots of cosy, happy, memory-making moments.

— Kim x

P.S. Don't forget to save this post to Pinterest so you can come back to it later when you need a dose of summer inspo!