Summer Bucket List: 100 Things to Do Before School Starts

The summer holidays always seem to fly by! Before you know it, it’s time to buy new school shoes, label uniforms and prepare for the new term.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve put together the ultimate Summer Bucket List packed with 100 fun things to do before school starts. Whether you have babies, toddlers, primary school children or teenagers, there are plenty of ideas to keep everyone entertained.

Better still, if you’d like to discover even more exciting experiences, Club Hub UK helps parents find local children’s activities, holiday clubs, baby classes, toddler groups, sports clubs and family events happening across the UK.

Why Create a Summer Bucket List?

Having a bucket list gives children something exciting to look forward to throughout the holidays. It also encourages families to spend quality time together, try new experiences and create lasting memories.

A summer bucket list can:

• Reduce screen time
• Encourage outdoor play
• Build confidence
• Inspire creativity
• Help children stay active
• Encourage family bonding
• Introduce new hobbies
• Make the holidays feel more adventurous

You don’t need to spend lots of money either. Many of the best family memories come from simple activities at home or in your local community.

100 Things to Do Before School Starts

1. Visit a local park.
2. Build a den.
3. Go on a nature walk.
4. Complete a nature scavenger hunt.
5. Visit the beach.
6. Fly a kite.
7. Have a family picnic.
8. Feed the ducks (where permitted).
9. Visit a farm.
10. Pick your own fruit.
11. Go blackberry picking.
12. Make homemade ice lollies.
13. Bake cakes together.
14. Decorate biscuits.
15. Build the biggest sandcastle you can.
16. Watch the sunset.
17. Watch the sunrise.
18. Sleep in a tent.
19. Camp in the garden.
20. Stargaze on a clear evening.
21. Learn about constellations.
22. Visit a local museum.
23. Explore a castle.
24. Visit a National Trust property.
25. Visit an English Heritage site.
26. Ride a steam railway.
27. Visit an aquarium.
28. Go to the zoo.
29. Visit a wildlife park.
30. Watch birds with binoculars.
31. Create a bug hotel.
32. Grow sunflowers.
33. Plant vegetables.
34. Paint rocks.
35. Hide painted rocks for others to find.
36. Make friendship bracelets.
37. Try tie-dye.
38. Create a scrapbook.
39. Make a time capsule.
40. Paint a canvas.
41. Make homemade playdough.
42. Create salt dough handprints.
43. Build with LEGO.
44. Complete a giant jigsaw puzzle.
45. Have a board game afternoon.
46. Read five new books.
47. Visit your local library.
48. Write a short story.
49. Put on a puppet show.
50. Perform a family talent show.
51. Have a dance competition.
52. Learn a magic trick.
53. Learn to juggle.
54. Learn a new card game.
55. Visit a soft play centre.
56. Go swimming.
57. Try paddleboarding.
58. Hire a rowing boat.
59. Play crazy golf.
60. Go bowling.
61. Visit a trampoline park.
62. Learn to ride a bike.
63. Go roller skating.
64. Learn to skip.
65. Play football.
66. Play cricket.
67. Play tennis.
68. Learn a new sport.
69. Attend a holiday club.
70. Try a dance class.
71. Attend a gymnastics class.
72. Try martial arts.
73. Join a coding workshop.
74. Attend an art class.
75. Learn a musical instrument.
76. Visit a family festival.
77. Go to an outdoor cinema.
78. Watch a theatre performance.
79. Visit a local fair.
80. Attend a family fun day.
81. Visit a splash park.
82. Go on a woodland walk.
83. Build an obstacle course.
84. Have a water fight.
85. Make giant bubbles.
86. Build a fairy garden.
87. Make bird feeders.
88. Write postcards to family.
89. Donate toys to charity.
90. Complete a kindness challenge.
91. Visit grandparents.
92. Learn basic cooking skills.
93. Make homemade pizzas.
94. Try a new fruit.
95. Learn a few words in another language.
96. Visit somewhere you’ve never been before.
97. Take lots of family photos.
98. Make a summer memory jar.
99. Let your child choose the day’s activity.
100. Find a brand-new children’s activity near you.

Discover New Children’s Activities This Summer

Summer is the perfect time for children to discover a new hobby.

Perhaps they’ve always wanted to learn gymnastics, football, dance, drama, coding, swimming, music, martial arts or art. The school holidays are a brilliant opportunity to try something new before the autumn term begins.

Many children’s activity providers also offer summer holiday clubs, taster sessions and workshops, making it easy to see what your child enjoys.

With thousands of listings across the UK, Club Hub makes it simple to find activities close to home.

Why Holiday Clubs Are Worth Trying

Holiday clubs aren’t just childcare – they’re an opportunity for children to make new friends, learn new skills and gain confidence.

Many holiday clubs offer:

• Sports
• Performing arts
• Dance
• Science and STEM
• Arts and crafts
• Forest school
• Outdoor adventures
• Coding
• Cooking
• Multi-activity camps

Parents often discover activities their children continue enjoying long after the summer holidays have finished.

Find Children’s Activities Near You with Club Hub UK

If your family completes this summer bucket list and you’re looking for even more inspiration, Club Hub UK is here to help.

Simply search by your location, your child’s age and the type of activity you’re looking for to discover:

• Baby classes
• Toddler groups
• Preschool activities
• After-school clubs
• Holiday clubs
• Sports clubs
• Dance schools
• Drama classes
• Swimming lessons
• Music lessons
• Martial arts
• SEND activities
• Family events

With thousands of trusted children’s activity providers listed across the UK, there’s always something new to discover.

Make This Summer One to Remember

The summer holidays are about making memories, spending time together and encouraging children to explore the world around them.

Whether you tick off ten activities or all one hundred, every adventure helps children grow in confidence, creativity and independence.

Before school starts, why not discover a brand-new club, class or holiday activity through Club Hub UK? You might just find your child’s next favourite hobby.