When it comes to planning how to keep your not-so-little-one entertained, especially if you’re heading off on a staycation and want to find activities you can do together as father and son, mother and daughter or a complete family, it can be tricky to know what they’ll want to do or what it available local to where you are.
With this in mind, we have put together a list of possible activities you and your kids might like to do either on one of the many activity holidays UK destinations offer or as an activity day during half term or on the weekend.
As older children are ready for more adventurous and intellectually stimulating activities, here are some ideas for more engaging challenges you can enjoy together.
Go Ape and Treetop Adventures
- Activity: Try zip lines, rope bridges, and treetop walkways. Go Ape has different difficulty levels, some aimed at younger teens.
- Where: Go Ape has various locations across the UK, so it’s worth looking to see if there’s one near you. Tree Top Adventures in Snowdonia, Wales, is another great place offering ariel adventures. There are of course more places up and down the country offering this type of activity, so it’s always worth doing an internet search to see what’s local to you or where you’re staying.
- Why: Provides physical challenge, excitement, and a great opportunity for teens to test their coordination and bravery.
Surfing lessons
- Activity: Older kids will love learning to surf, bodyboard, or paddleboard at one of the UK’s famous surfing beaches.
- Where: Newquay in Cornwall, Rhossili Bay in Wales, and Bournemouth in Dorset are just a handful of the places that are ideal surfing locations here in the UK.
- Why: Perfect for thrill-seekers and a great way to learn a new skill.
Escape rooms
- Activity: Teens can use their critical thinking and teamwork skills to solve puzzles and escape themed rooms within a set time.
- Where: ClueQuest in London and Escape Reality in Manchester and Edinburgh, are just three places in the UK that offer this type of activity. There are, of course, more escape rooms on offer up and down the country, so if your early teens are into this type of activity, it’s always worth conducting an internet search to see what’s local to you.
- Why: Fun, challenging, and encourages teamwork while providing a sense of achievement.
Kayaking and canoeing
- Activity: Explore lakes, rivers, or the coast by kayak or canoe. Many activity centres offer guided tours.
- Where: Lake District, Loch Lomond, or River Wye are just some of the places that offer this activity, but there are many locations up and down the country offering water sports activities.
- Why: Combines adventure with nature and builds strength and confidence.
Mountain biking
- Activity: Try thrilling mountain biking trails designed for different ability levels.
- Where: Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire, Nevis Range in Scotland, or BikePark Wales are just some great locations in the UK to test your mountain bike skills.
- Why: Offers adrenaline-fueled fun and fitness, especially for older children who enjoy biking.
Rock climbing and bouldering
- Activity: Try indoor or outdoor climbing at dedicated centres or on natural rock faces.
- Where: The Climbing Hangar located in Liverpool, London and Plymouth) or you could try the Peak District too. Of course, many places in the UK offer a safe place for young teens to try their hand at activities such as rock climbing, so it’s always worth searching online to see where your local place is.
- Why: A great physical and mental challenge that helps build strength and problem-solving skills.