We’re about to head into the longest school holidays of the year, six weeks of having the kids at home and trying work out how you can occupy them.
We’ve pulled together loads of useful information into one place so you don’t have to panic, there’s ideas for FREE and low cost activities, things to do indoors when the weather doesn’t play ball, or activities outdoors for when the sun shines. We’ll be adding to this blog over the next few weeks, so make sure you check back.
FREE & LOW COST IDEAS
The Beach at centre:mk – 17 July to 31 August
The FREE indoor beach (pictured above) is the perfect day out with your little ones with hours of fun for the whole family, plus check out the Punch & Judy shows and beach games. There are also fun fair rides alongside with a Helter Skelter, Trampoline Bungees, Shark Roller Coaster, Mini Train and Hook-a-Duck – prices for rides start at £3 per person.
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/whats-on/free-indoor-beach/
Safari in the City at Midsummer Place – 18 July to 31 August
Families can enjoy a FREE interactive trail throughout the centre, discovering incredible animals, collecting embossings and learning fascinating wildlife facts.
Perfect for little explorers and animal lovers of all ages, this summer-long adventure brings the excitement of the safari to the heart of Milton Keynes. Complete the trail for the chance to unlock an exciting reward, with some wild prizes up for grabs.
MORE: https://midsummerplace.co.uk/events
Summer Replay at MK Gallery
Summer Replay movie screenings returning to MK Gallery Cinema throughout the school holidays. Perfect for the whole family, the programme features a spectacular lineup of the latest and greatest children’s films, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages including Hoppers, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Sheep Detectives and more!
Tickets are just £4 per person – and you can bring your own snacks and drinks.
MORE: https://mkgallery.org/
Elmer’s Art Parade – 11 July to 31 August
Meet Elmer, the patchwork Elephant who celebrates kindness, colour and being yourself. This summer, he’s bringing a burst of creativity to Milton Keynes with 12 uniquely designed Elmer sculptures for you and your family to find within the city centre. The trail is FREE to explore, you can pickup a trails sheet at local venues or head to the online map.
The Stables Family Fun Day – 26 July
Join The Stables for a fun-filled day of creativity for children and their grown-ups! Enjoy Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show with performances at 11.30am & 2.30pm, tickets just £7 per person, then get creative with free art and craft activities before and after each show.
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/whats-on/the-stables-family-fun-day/
The Parks Trust Summer Events – various dates
This year, The Parks Trust have a huge programme of FREE or low cost events to occupy the family with Parkland Play sessions, Open Mornings at Howe Park Wood, their Golden Summer Picnic, a Family Bat Walk and more.
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/blog/explore-play-and-picnic-in-milton-keynes-parks-this-summer/
Unity Place free workshops – 11, 18 & 25 August
Calling all future photographers! Ready to get behind the camera and start snapping like a pro with FREE photography workshop for young people at Unity Place. Beginner friendly, hands-on learning with just 10 places per session. Ages 7–12 | 11am. Ages 13–17 | 1pm. Booking essential.
MORE: https://www.unityplace.co.uk/whats-on-milton-keynes/
Salcey Forest – Room on the Broom trail
The FREE Room on the Broom activity trail is open all year round at Salcey Forest for you and your family to explore, but on 31 July & 1 August they are holding two special days with meet & greets from Witch herself, plus loads of other FREE fun.
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/blog/room-on-the-broom-meet-greet-at-salcey-forest/
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Willen Lake
Swap screen time for adventure time at Willen Lake with watersports, Treetop Extreme, crazy golf, Splash n Play and so much more. They have a giant FREE play area plus safe pathways for cycling and walking. Adventure starts here!
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/things-to-do/details/willen-lake/
Live Football at MK Dons
If the World Cup got you in the mood for some live football, MK Dons’ first home game of the new League One season takes place at Stadium MK on 22 August against Huddersfield Town. Tickets start at just £8 for under 12s.
MORE: https://www.mkdons.com/
Family Outdoor Theatre at Bletchley Park
On 27 August, the home of the WW2 codebreakers welcomes the Cambridge Touring Company and their production of The Sword in the Stone. The retelling of this classic legend is for every generation, tickets from £14.50. Under 3s are FREE.
MORE: https://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/event/the-sword-in-the-stone/
Go Ape at Salcey Forest
Take your family on a treetop adventure with towering trails and ziplines high in the ancient woodland canopy, a trip to Go Ape delivers fresh air, big smiles, and unforgettable moments. Tickets from £20.95 suitable for 4+.
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/things-to-do/details/go-ape-salcey-forest/
Theme Park Fun at Gulliver’s Land Resort
Discover family rides, attractions and entertainment at Gulliver’s Land Theme Park, Dinosaur & Farm Park, and themed accommodation. Visit for the day, stay the night or make it a weekend adventure. Enjoy more than 25 rides across 6 themed areas.
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/things-to-do/details/gullivers-land-theme-park-resort/
Bike Ride and a Picnic
There are over 343 km of dedicated bridleways, footpaths and cycle tracks across Milton Keynes to explore. We have 15 lakes,11 miles of canal and an abundance of open green spaces, parkland, woods and play areas. Get out of your bikes and discover something new about your area, why not take a picnic along or head to one of the many independent cafes on route.
MAPS & GUIDES: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/plan-your-visit/maps-guides/
INDOOR IDEAS
Xscape the Heat
Packed with big energy activities and delicious treats, Xscape Milton Keynes is the perfect place to keep the kids entertained. From thrilling indoor skydiving at iFLY and real snow action at Snozone, to burning off energy at Gravity Active and going head-to-head at Hollywood Bowl for a bit of family competition. Or maybe putt your way through Volcano Falls Adventure Golf or race against the clock at Escape Hunt.
Throw in arcade excitement at Funstation and the 16-screen Cineworld – whatever the weather, there’s something for everyone.
MORE: https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/things-to-do/details/xscape-milton-keynes/
Annie at MK Theatre – 21 to 16 July
The smash-hit West End production of Annie comes to Milton Keynes Theatre this July starring Claire Sweeney at the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
MORE & TICKETS: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/annie/milton-keynes-theatre/
Summer Fun for Families at Bletchley Park – 1 to 31 August
Discover Bletchley Park – the place where ordinary people came together to do something extraordinary. Enjoy exciting activities and interactive tours for the whole family throughout August to find out more about what happened here. And remember under 8s go FREE.
They offer Family Guided Tours, FREE drop in art activities, Secret Mission activity booklet (£1) and a FREE multimedia tour.
MORE: https://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/event/summer-fun/
Milton Keynes Museum
Looking for a fun, educational, and hands-on day out for the whole family? Look no further than Milton Keynes Museum – the perfect summer holiday activity. They have a additional activities running on specific days:
Trunk Tales: Cabinet of Curiosities – Oracles of Oddities: 5 – 7 August, midday and 1.30pm
Join Patch, Pebble and Key for a magical storytelling adventure featuring folklore, music, audience participation, scavenger hunts and family fun. Presented by the Black Sheep Collective.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic: 12 – 14 August
Bring your favourite teddy to the Museum for our Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Enjoy storytelling, a bear hunt trail, teddy zipline, crafts, games, competitions and prizes.
MORE: https://miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/
Climb Quest MK
Based at the Kingston Centre, Climb Quest MK is a perfect indoor activity to challenge the kids and get them to burn off some energy. Plus, they have a Summer Pass offer for just £37 per climber for all summer – must be purchased by 31 July. Valid for ‘Weekend and Holiday Climb’ sessions taking place between 11/7/26 – 1/9/26.
MORE: https://www.climbquest.co.uk/news-articles/unlimited-summer-pass-2026
Arts & Heritage, Entertainment, Events, Family Fun, News, Sport, Summer Holidays
