20 Low-Cost Summer Adventures for Little Trekkers & Their Families

Summer’s here, and that means sunshine, fresh air, and the perfect excuse to head outside and make magical memories as a family! You don’t need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable summer. From exploring the great outdoors to discovering local treasures, we’ve put together 20 budget-friendly ideas that are full of fun for your Little Trekkers.

Get your backpacks ready because it’s time to explore!

1. Picnic in the Park

Grab a blanket, pack your favourite snacks, and find a sunny spot in the local park. Add in a frisbee or a game of rounders and you’ve got a perfect day out.

2. Trip to the Beach

Buckets, spades, and sandy toes! Whether you’re building castles or hunting for seashells, a day at the seaside is always a hit.

3. Visit a Local Farm Attraction

Say hello to the animals and learn about life on the farm. Many farms offer free or low-cost entry and even tractor rides or animal feeding times.

4. Explore Nature Trails

Lace up your walking boots and head to the woods! Nature trails are great for wildlife spotting, collecting leaves, or making bark rubbings.

5. National Trust or English Heritage Sites

Discover castles, gardens, ruins, and secret paths. Many offer child-friendly activities and trails — check for family passes or free days!

6. Go Along to a Local Carnival

Think music, bunting, colourful parades, and lots of community fun! Keep an eye on local listings for summer carnivals or fetes.

7. Try Geocaching

Join the worldwide treasure hunt! All you need is a smartphone and a sense of adventure to find hidden “caches” in your local area. Check out 'What is Geocaching' official blog here.

8. Wildlife Watching

Visit a nature reserve or your own garden with a pair of binoculars. Can you spot a fox, a deer, or a woodpecker? Don’t forget to listen for birdsong!

9. Garden Camping

Who says you need to travel to go camping? Pitch a tent in the back garden and enjoy stargazing, torch stories, and toasted marshmallows.

10. Go to an Outdoor Cinema Screening

Check your local community for open-air movies — bring your own popcorn and a blanket for a magical evening under the stars.

11. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Many museums are free or have low-cost family tickets. Look out for summer activity days, treasure hunts, or hands-on exhibits.

12. Join the Local Library

Libraries aren’t just for borrowing books! Most run free storytelling sessions, craft days, and summer reading challenges for kids.

13. Go Fruit Picking

Head to a local pick-your-own farm for juicy strawberries, raspberries, or cherries. It’s a tasty treat and a great day out.

14. Go on a Scooter or Bike Ride

Turn your summer adventures into a two-wheeled treasure hunt! Don't forget to wear a helemt!

15. Try Rock Pooling

Perfect for coastal explorers, peek into tide pools and discover crabs, anemones, starfish, and more!

16. Fly a Kite

Make your own or buy one ready to go. Parks, beaches, and breezy fields make the best runways for kite-flying fun.

17. Build a Bug Hotel

Use sticks, pinecones, flower pots, and leaves to create a mini shelter for your garden’s tiniest visitors. Great for learning about insects!

18. Have a Water Fight

Cool off with water balloons, sprinklers, and buckets of fun! Perfect for hot summer days, and guaranteed giggles. Why not invite your friends to join!

19. Make Natural Art

Use leaves, stones, flowers, and sticks to create a wild masterpiece. Try a mandala, a nature collage, or paint with mud!

20. Stargazing in the Garden

Wrap up in blankets, lay on your backs, and watch the stars appear. Can you spot the Big Dipper, or maybe even a shooting star?

Ready, Set, Adventure!

You don’t need big budgets or far-off destinations to have big fun. This summer, let your Little Trekkers roam, climb, splash, and discover all while making magical memories close to home.

Which activity will your family try first? Tag us in your summer snaps, we’d love to see your adventures!