Things to Do This August Bank Holiday with Under 5s: Family-Friendly Ideas That Inspire Curiosity

emilias918
5 days ago
3 min read

The August Bank Holiday is a golden opportunity to pause, reconnect, and make memories with your little one.

For families with under-5s, the best days aren’t about expensive outings or long car journeys — they’re about simple experiences that spark curiosity, independence, and joy.

From forest play to picnics in the park, here are some family-friendly ideas that make the most of the long weekend while supporting your child’s development.

Let's jump straight into Things to Do This August Bank Holiday with Under-5s.

1. Go on a Nature Treasure Hunt

Toddlers love collecting things — and nature offers endless treasures.

Write a simple list or draw pictures of things to find (or click here to download our printable treasure hunts), such as feathers, pinecones, smooth stones, or colourful leaves.

Developmental benefits: Treasure hunts build observation skills, vocabulary, and early categorisation skills.

Handling natural objects also strengthens fine motor skills, while the open-ended nature of the activity encourages problem-solving and imaginative play.

2. Visit a Local Farm or City Farm

Farms are not just a great day out, they also provide a wonderful opportunity for learning and development!

Click here to find a farm near you.

Developmental benefits: Meeting animals helps children develop empathy, boosts their understanding of the natural world, and provides lots of sensory experiences — from the sounds of clucking hens to the textures of straw and hay.

3. Pack a Picnic Adventure

A picnic doesn’t need to be fancy. Sandwiches, fruit, and a favourite snack or two are enough (don’t forget the hats, water & sunscreen!).

Choose a green space, spread out a blanket, and bring along bubbles or a ball for extra fun.

Click here to find a park near you.

Developmental benefits: Sharing food outdoors promotes social skills, patience, and independence as children help unpack, pour drinks, or tidy up.

Being outside also supports gross motor development through running, jumping, and rolling on the grass.

4. Splash into Water Play

If the sun is shining, head to a splash park, paddling pool, or set up a few buckets and bowls of water in the garden.

Add sieves, sponges, or even natural items like shells and pebbles to create a sensory experience.

Click here for some water-based activity ideas.

Developmental benefits: Water play develops hand–eye coordination, fine motor skills, and scientific thinking as children experiment with pouring, sinking, and floating. It also offers a calming, sensory play for little ones.

5. Story Time in the Park

Take a blanket and a favourite book to your local park. Reading under the trees can feel magical. Make story time interactive by acting out animal sounds or spotting things in nature that link to the book.

Click here to check out our summertime favourite reads!

Developmental benefits: Outdoor story time builds listening skills, imagination, and vocabulary, while connecting stories to the real world helping understanding.

6. Try a Forest School Adventure

Head into the woods and let your child take the lead. Build a den with sticks, create a leaf crown, or stir up a “forest soup” using petals, mud, and rainwater.

Click here for some extra ideas.

Developmental benefits: Forest play supports problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. It also develops gross motor skills through climbing, balancing, and carrying, while fostering a lifelong love of the natural world.

7. Bake Together at Home

If the rain sets in, try baking together. Simple recipes like scones, flapjacks, or vegetable muffins are perfect for little helpers to stir, measure, and taste.

Click here for some child friendly recipes.

Developmental benefits: Baking introduces maths skills (measuring, counting, weighing), builds fine motor skills, and boosts self-confidence as children see (and taste!) the results of their work.

8. Explore Local Festivals or Community Events

Many towns host family-friendly events over the Bank Holiday — from craft markets to outdoor music or funfairs. Even a short visit can be a new adventure for little ones.

Click here to see what’s on in surrey!

Click here to see what's on in London!

Developmental benefits: Exploring new environments helps children adapt to different settings, strengthens communication skills, and introduces them to the local community.

August Bank Holiday doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to feel special! Whether you’re splashing in water, building a woodland den, or enjoying a simple picnic, the time you spend together supports your child’s confidence, independence, and joy in learning.

For little ones, it’s often the simplest experiences that create the strongest memories.

Additional resources

Scavenger hunt downloadables