Working From Home in the Summer Holidays: Low-Effort Ideas For Busy Kids
Working from home during the summer holidays is a lot. At the moment, I’m trying to balance work with an active six-year-old and a baby, all while attempting to keep everyone happy, fed and entertained. Some days it feels like I open my laptop and someone needs me within about three seconds. I know I’m not the only parent trying to make it work; juggling work, childcare, the mental load of the holidays and the pressure to make every day fun.
This is not a guide to perfectly planned summer days. It is a collection of the simple things that are helping us. Easy home play, short outings that feel manageable and places where the children can move their bodies while you get a coffee and a moment to breathe.
Image captured for Hazel Wren Handmade Clothing
Easy ways to make home feel more fun
Garden Play
My best purchase this year
I recently bought a bouncy castle with a slide, and honestly, it has been one of the best things we have added to our summer-holiday survival kit.
It is not a magical solution that suddenly gives me hours of uninterrupted work (I’m still a parent, after all) but it has created little pockets of time where my six-year-old can burn off energy, play independently and have fun without us needing to leave the house.
For us, it has been especially helpful on days when I have editing or admin to catch up on, the baby is napping and I need my eldest out of the way so he doesn’t wake up, we do not have the energy for a big outing, whe weather is nice but we want to avoid busy places or my son just needs movement and a way to let off steam.
If you are thinking about getting one too, I would look at:
The size of your garden and the space needed around it
The recommended age and weight limits
Whether it comes with a blower, storage bag and ground pegs
How easy it is to put up and pack away
Whether your child is likely to enjoy bouncing, climbing or sliding
Where you will store it when it is not in use
We love our water play!
When it is warm and everyone needs something easy to do, I set up a quick water-play station in the garden.
It does not need anything fancy: a large plastic tub or water table, a few jugs and cups, toy animals, cars, a watering can and some sponges is usually enough. We also use a little slide with water, the bouncy castle, and whatever random containers we can find.
My eldest loves making “potions” with leaves and flowers, washing toy cars or setting up a mini car wash. The baby is happy splashing nearby with a few cups and floating toys.
It takes about five minutes to put together, gets everyone outside, and usually gives me enough time to sit down with a coffee or answer a few emails while keeping an eye on them.
My recommended water-play toys to buy:
Water table - perfect for pouring, scooping and splashing without needing a huge setup. We love the pirate boat one where you can shoot water out of the canon
Small paddling pool - easy to fill, easy to pack away, and a good size for younger children.
Duck fishing game - a lovely add-on for the paddling pool that gives children an easy game to focus on.
Pack-away water tray with boats - great for floating, racing and imaginative water play, without taking up much storage space.
Water slide - ideal for bigger-energy days when the children need to move a lot and burn off some steam.
Make your own garden “mission”
A simple scavenger hunt can work surprisingly well. Write or draw a few things for children to find: something soft, something yellow, a leaf bigger than their hand, a tiny bug, a stick shaped like a letter, or something that belongs in a fairy garden.
For younger children, hide a few toys in the garden or hunt for bugs. For older children, add challenges: build a den, create an obstacle course, make a nature potion or design a tiny world for imaginary creatures.
A small basket, magnifying glass, chalk and a few tubs can turn an ordinary garden into a full day activity
You can always take this idea out on a walk too if you feel like getting out and about.
Short outings that help everyone reset
A river, stream or quiet park
When my eldest is overstimulated, I often find that somewhere open and simple works better than a busy attraction.
A river or stream is brilliant for throwing stones, looking for tiny fish, paddling where it is safe to do so, or simply sitting and watching the water. A quiet park can work in the same way: space to run, climb and reset without lots of extra noise or pressure. Always check the area is safe, stay close to water and go at a time that feels manageable for your family.
Turn a local walk into a trail
Take the garden “mission” outside of the house.
Try a colour hunt, a “spot five different leaves” challenge, or a trail where children look for something smooth, something rough, something that makes a sound and something that looks magical.
You could make a simple checklist before you leave, or let your child be the leader and choose which way to go. It is not about covering miles. It is about giving them something to notice.
Sunflower fields
A sunflower field is one of those easy summer outings that feels like a proper little occasion without needing a whole day.
Cotswold Farm Park’s Flower Fields are running from 18 July to 31 August this year, with pick-your-own flowers available. Check opening times and booking details before travelling. Find current details here
I am also currently offering a small number of relaxed sunflower full photo sessions if you want to capture some memories during your outing.
Coffee-and-play kind of outings
Far Peak, Northleach
Far Peak is a lovely option when you want fresh air and somewhere with a bit more going on. It has outdoor activities including climbing, bike hire and padel, plus Roots + Seeds Café for coffee, food and cake. It is worth checking what is available and booking ahead if you want a specific activity. See Far Peak’s current details
KNEAD at Elkstone Studios
KNEAD at Elkstone Studios is a favourite for a slower, low-pressure outing. It is a lovely bakery and eatery between Cheltenham and Cirencester, with indoor seating and a heated outdoor courtyard. It is a nice place to meet someone for coffee, grab brunch and then have a little wander around the studios. See KNEAD Elkstone
A reminder for fellow parents
You do not have to fill every summer day with expensive plans or big adventures. A little fresh air, space to move and somewhere children can play freely is often more than enough.
The summer holidays can feel long when you are trying to keep children entertained and keep a business moving too. With a baby, a busy six-year-old and a business to keep moving, I am taking this summer one day at a time and sharing the places and ideas that are helping us along the way. Follow along with my blog to see more ideas of places and activities for the next 6 weeks!
A little note: some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy through them, at no extra cost to you.