20 Things to Do on a Hot Day in the UK for Families
When summer temperatures soar in the UK, finding ways to stay cool and keep the family entertained becomes a top priority. This guide brings you a variety of things to do on a hot day, with options that suit both outdoor fun and indoor comfort. From splashing around in water parks to relaxing inside air-conditioned museums, these 20 family-friendly ideas are designed to help you beat the heat while making the most of your summer days together.
20 Fun Activities and Things to Do on a Hot Day
With the sun blazing, it’s time to plan activities that keep everyone cool, engaged, and smiling. Whether you prefer the thrill of water-based fun, the calm of shaded outdoor spaces, or the comfort of air-conditioned venues, this curated list of 20 fun things to do on a hot day offers something for every family. Read on!
1. Visit a Water Park
Cool off at Splashdown Poole, which boasts 13 indoor and outdoor flume rides plus dedicated under-5 splash zones for little ones.Or head to Alton Towers Waterpark’s tropical-themed Calypso Creek, Lazy River and thrilling Master Blaster watercoaster.Pre-booking online unlocks Merlin Pass discounts and guarantees entry on busy summer weekends.
2. Head to the Beach
Pack sunscreen and paddleboards for Bournemouth’s seven miles of golden sand, complete with deckchair hire, showers and pier amusements for all ages. Alternatively, Brighton’s iconic pebbly shoreline is dotted with colourful beach huts and lively arcades—perfect for paddling in gentle waves or building pebble sculptures.
3. Explore a Shady Forest
Escape the glare beneath New Forest’s leafy canopy on gentle family bike routes like the 9.3 mile Burley circular, passing woodland glades and historic villages. Or wander Sherwood Forest’s visitor centre and follow the Major Oak Trail to Robin Hood’s legendary 800-year-old oak, enjoying picnic clearings along the way.
4. Picnic by a Lake or River
Spread out at Brockhole on Windermere, where you can hire rowing boats, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards before dining al fresco on lakeside lawns. In Cambridge, punt gently along the River Cam with shared family tickets or private tours, enjoying university-front views and riverside greenery.
5. Visit an Indoor Aquarium
Discover 14 themed zones at SEA LIFE London, from Atlantic Coasts to Polar Adventure with gentoo penguins and a glass-floor “Shark Walk” tunnel. Or explore Bristol Aquarium’s Daily Talks & Feeds schedule—watch rays, sharks and tropical reef fish at lunchtime presentations in air-conditioned galleries.
6. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Hire canoes, kayaks or SUPs from Canoe Wild on the River Stour near Canterbury, with taster sessions and guided “Beaver Tours” for wildlife spotting. Young paddlers can join clubs or family friendly taster courses, while experienced folks take multi-hour trips from Fordwich to Grove Ferry.
7. Enjoy a Splash Pad
Let kids romp under fountains and jets at Hyde Park’s Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, designed for family play with gentle cascades and shallow basins. For little ones, LEGOLAND Windsor’s new Splash Safari offers DUPLO®-themed water features and interactive jets in a safe, colourful setting.
8. Go Camping Near a Lake or River
Set up a family campsite at a location like Coniston Water in the Lake District. Enjoy swimming, shaded tent areas, and evening campfires for a refreshing outdoor adventure. Don’t forget to bring a camping power bank to keep your family's devices charged, ensuring uninterrupted fun on your outdoor adventure.
9. Embark on an Ice Cream Adventure
Discover the finest ice cream parlours in your area and savour unique flavours at renowned spots like Gelupo in London or Snugburys in Cheshire. Alternatively, for an outdoor twist, pack a portable fridge like the EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Fridge. With its 38L capacity and ice-making feature, it allows you to enjoy your favourite ice cream on the go, perfectly chilled and convenient.
10. Visit a Museum
Cool down in London’s Natural History Museum, where interactive family trails and animatronic dinosaurs delight all ages amid spacious, air-conditioned halls. Up north, the Manchester Museum’s “Futures” and “Ancient Worlds” galleries offer hands-on exhibits and child-friendly guides for a breezy educational outing.
11. Go to the Cinema
Catch a summer blockbuster at Vue’s family-friendly Mighty Mornings, with early shows and discounted kids’ tickets before 10 am. Odeon’s Kids Club runs week-day deals where little ones under 3 go free and family bundles include a drink and popcorn for added value.
12. Host a Water Balloon Fight
Turn your garden into a water battlefield with eco-friendly self-sealing balloons like Bunch O Balloons for 37-at-once filling with one hose attachment. Add games like blindfolded balloon pinatas or water-soaked bases using towels for extra laughs and to keep everyone cool on scorching afternoons.
13. Explore a Botanical Garden
Wander Kew’s 18 m-high Treetop Walkway for shady canopy views and summer-misting installations that refresh visitors amid ancient oaks. In Edinburgh, step into the Victorian Tropical Palm House for a steamy jungle vibe and colorful ferns, escaping the peak heat under high glass arches.
14. Try Indoor Bowling
Score strikes in Tenpin’s Family Deal—one game for four from under £25, including lane hire and shoe fitting valid every day until 6 pm. Hollywood Bowl’s Family Deal covers two adults and two juniors (or one adult and three juniors) with bonus early-bird discounts before 11 am on weekdays.
15. Take a Canal Boat Ride
Drift across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on a motorized canal launch from Llangollen Wharf, soaking in UNESCO World Heritage views of the Dee Valley. Or board Anglo Welsh’s “Little Star” narrowboat for family cruises with onboard commentary, plus tea, cakes and scenic photo stops for perfect summer snaps.
16. Visit a Farm with Water Activities
Splash in H2Odds at Odds Farm Park, a 500 sqm waterplay area with 80 m of channels, streams and 28 interactive features designed for under-5s and bigger kids alike. Animal encounters and indoor soft-play add variety, making it a full day of farmyard fun with guaranteed cool-down breaks.
17. Go Fruit Picking
Wander strawberry and raspberry fields at Crockford Bridge Farm near Guildford, with orchard trails shaded by mature trees and pick-your-own buckets for little hands. Cool off under breezy hedgerows and reward your harvest with iced fruit smoothies or on-the-spot snacking in peaceful rural settings.
18. Attend a Summer Festival
UK summer festivals, like the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, offer family zones with water games, storytelling tents, and rides. Shaded tents, like the NCT tent, provide cool relief, while food stalls and music create a festive vibe. Festivals like Latitude and Camp Bestival also feature kid-friendly water activities and shaded areas for a fun, comfortable day out.
19. Make Homemade Ice Lollies
Host a kitchen crafting session by blending fresh fruit juice or yoghurt, pouring into moulds, and freezing for colourful, low-sugar treats. Experiment with pureed berries, coconut water or mint-infused lemonade for endless flavour combos—and a delicious antidote to the scorching heat.
20. Relax in an Indoor Play Centre
Air-conditioned play centres are perfect for things to do on a hot day with kids. Playfactore in Manchester offers slides, laser tag, and soft play, while Go Kids Play in Coventry features role-play and go-karts. With cafés and cool spaces, they’re ideal for fun, active indoor adventures during summer.
Conclusion
Finding things to do on a hot day in the UK doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a mix of outdoor water-based fun and indoor escapes, families can stay cool and make the most of summer. Whether you’re splashing at a water park, exploring a museum, or enjoying a shady picnic, these activities ensure everyone has a great time. Plan ahead, stay hydrated, and embrace the heat with these fun things to do on a hot day that cater to all ages.
And if you’re heading off-grid for some camping, don’t forget solar panels for camping. They’re a handy way to power fans, charge devices, or even keep your mini fridge running when there’s no plug in sight.
FAQs
What do you do on a really hot day?
On a sweltering afternoon, prioritise staying cool with visits to water parks, beach trips or exploring air-conditioned museums and cinemas. Always carry plenty of water, slather on sunscreen, and don't forget a portable power station to keep phones, fans or portable speakers charged when you're off the grid.
What to do when it’s hot and you’re bored?
Beat boredom by staging a water balloon fight, heading indoors to a play centre, or crafting homemade ice lollies. For a twist, set up a go outdoors camping fridge in the garden to keep cold drinks and snacks at the ready while you relax.
How can I cool myself on a hot day?
Stay cool by drinking plenty of water, wearing light clothing, and seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces. Activities like swimming, visiting splash pads, or eating ice cream also help lower your body temperature.
What to do during extreme heat?
During extreme heat, avoid midday sun and opt for indoor activities like visiting aquariums, bowling alleys, or museums. If outdoors, stick to early morning or evening for water-based fun like paddle boarding or beach trips.