Looking for fun ways to keep the children entertained during the summer holidays? From giant paddling pools and foam parties to wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of fantastic family days out across the Midlands.
Here are six great things to do with kids this summer, starting with one of Staffordshire’s biggest family summer events.
1. Farmarama at the Farm
If you’re looking for the ultimate summer day out for families, Farmarama at the National Forest Adventure Farm should be at the top of your list.
Running throughout the summer holidays, Farmarama transforms the farm into a beach-themed adventure packed with family fun. Children can cool off in giant paddling pools, build sandcastles in hundreds of tonnes of sand, dance at foam parties and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day.
Your ticket also includes all the Adventure Farm’s popular attractions, including animal encounters, tractor and trailer rides, outdoor adventure play, indoor soft play and family rides.
Whether you’re planning a full day out or simply searching for exciting summer holiday activities near Burton upon Trent, Derby or across Staffordshire, Farmarama offers something for children of all ages.
Highlights include:
- Giant paddling pools
- Foam parties
- Beach and sand play
- Live entertainment
- Animal encounters
- Tractor rides
- Outdoor adventure play
- Indoor soft play
- Family rides and attractions
With indoor and outdoor activities available, it’s a fantastic choice whatever the British weather decides to do.
2. Swing Through the Trees at Go Ape
For families with adventurous children, Go Ape offers an exciting way to spend a summer day outdoors. With locations across the Midlands, including Cannock Chase, children and adults can tackle treetop obstacles, rope bridges, zip lines and woodland challenges surrounded by beautiful forest scenery.
There are courses suitable for a range of ages and abilities, making it a great option whether you’re introducing younger children to their first aerial adventure or looking for a challenge that the whole family can enjoy together. Many sites also offer forest walks and cycle trails, allowing families to make a full day of their visit.
It’s the perfect activity for active children who love climbing, exploring and burning off energy during the summer holidays.
3. Experience Thrills and Family Fun at Alton Towers Resort
One of the UK’s most popular theme parks, Alton Towers Resort offers something for every member of the family. Thrill-seekers can enjoy world-famous rollercoasters, while younger visitors can explore CBeebies Land, packed with rides and attractions designed especially for younger children.
Throughout the summer holidays, the resort comes alive with entertainment, family activities and special events, making every visit feel like a complete holiday experience. Alongside the rides, families can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, play areas, restaurants and plenty of places to relax between adventures.
Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, primary school children or teenagers, Alton Towers remains one of the Midlands’ biggest and most exciting family attractions.
4. Get Closer to Nature at Trentham Monkey Forest
For a unique family day out, Trentham Monkey Forest offers the chance to walk among free-roaming Barbary macaques in a beautiful woodland setting. Unlike a traditional zoo, visitors follow a woodland pathway while hundreds of monkeys live and play around them in their natural-style habitat.
Children love watching the monkeys interact, climb, forage and care for their young, while informative talks throughout the day help families learn more about these fascinating animals and the conservation work taking place to protect them.
The attraction is easy to explore with younger children and offers a relaxed pace that makes it ideal for families looking for something a little different during the summer holidays. Combined with the nearby Trentham Gardens and shopping village, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full day out.
5. Enjoy a Wild Day Out at West Midlands Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park combines the excitement of a safari adventure with the fun of a traditional family attraction. Families can drive through the safari and come face-to-face with incredible animals including lions, giraffes, rhinos, elephants and zebras from the comfort of their own vehicle.
Beyond the safari experience, visitors can explore the park’s walk-through areas, discover smaller animal exhibits and enjoy a range of rides and attractions suitable for younger children and families. Educational talks and animal encounters throughout the day help create memorable experiences while teaching children about wildlife from around the world.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring, making it one of the Midlands’ most popular summer holiday destinations for families.
6. Discover Amazing Animals at Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo offers a fantastic combination of wildlife, conservation and family-friendly entertainment, making it a great choice for a summer holiday day out. Home to hundreds of animals from around the world, the zoo gives children the opportunity to get up close to everything from playful primates and majestic big cats to colourful birds and fascinating reptiles.
One of the zoo’s biggest highlights is its internationally recognised primate collection, which is one of the largest in Europe. Children love watching the monkeys and apes play, swing and interact throughout the day, while educational talks and feeding sessions provide opportunities to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
Alongside the animal experiences, families can enjoy outdoor play areas, interactive exhibits and plenty of space to explore. With a strong focus on conservation and education, Twycross Zoo provides a day out that is both entertaining and inspiring, helping children develop a greater appreciation for wildlife and the natural world.
Making Memories This Summer
The summer holidays are the perfect time to make memories together, and with so many fantastic attractions across the Midlands, there’s no shortage of adventures to enjoy. Whether you’re splashing in the paddling pools at Farmarama, meeting incredible animals, tackling treetop challenges or experiencing thrilling rides, these family-friendly destinations offer something for children of all ages.
Start planning your next day out and make this summer one to remember.