Make this summer one to remember

Affordable adventures across Surrey

Come rain or shine, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the kids entertained in Surrey this summer. Whether your family enjoys getting outdoors, getting creative, discovering local history or simply finding affordable ways to enjoy the holidays, there’s plenty on offer across the county.

We've rounded up some of the best activities, events, and support available this summer.

Outdoor adventures for Surrey families

The Adventure Zone (TAZ), run by Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD), offers activity days packed with high and low ropes courses climbing, mountain biking, archery, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, bushcraft skills, orienteering, team games and much more.

Every session is led by qualified instructors, and all SOLD staff hold enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certification, so you can relax while the adventure happens. Places are available now across the summer holidays, with dates filling fast.

Explore Surrey's great outdoors

Get the kids outside in Surrey's countryside this summer. It's great for physical, mental health, and wellbeing.

We have plenty of ideas for fun family days out in Surrey's stunning countryside with play trails, natural play areas and lots of walks for varying abilities too. Check out the:

Basingstoke Canal Centre enjoy unpowered boat hire, including canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and pedalos, or relax on a boat trip, with public cruises running throughout the week and cream tea cruises on Thursdays. Families can also try an activity trail or discover local wildlife with pond dipping. To book, email canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk or call 01252 370073.
The Discovery Centre at Newlands Corner, a perfect spot to start a walk from or why not head deeper into the woodland and discover the yew tree boardwalk where you can learn more about the ancient yew trees and immerse yourself in nature.
Many different events across Surrey’s countryside, from the Surrey Hills Sheep Parade to Volunteering at Tice's Meadow, there’s something for everyone.
This month's Hidden Surrey article highlights Surrey's rivers, canals and waterways, from the wildlife that calls them home to the volunteers helping to protect and care for these special places.
To help everyone enjoy Surrey's waterways and countryside safely this summer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has advice on staying safe near rivers, lakes and canals, what to do in an emergency, and how to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Surrey Libraries and Summer Reading Challenge 2026

This summer, children across Surrey are being encouraged to get reading this summer with the free Summer Reading Challenge at their local library. With this year's ‘Read to the Beat’ theme, young readers can dive into exciting stories, discover music from around the world and enjoy a range of fun activities that bring books, rhythm and creativity together

Alongside this, Surrey Libraries are offering a packed programme of summer activities, family-friendly events, workshops and performances, making libraries a great destination for fun and creativity this summer. Discover our top 10 library events happening during August.

Great British Summer Savings

School holidays are a time for making memories, but they can also put extra pressure on family budgets. The good news is that there’s support available to help you make the most of summer 2026.

The UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme offers a range of discounts for families, including reduced-price children's meals at restaurants, cheaper tickets for cinemas and theatres, and savings on family days out such as soft play centres, amusement parks and museums. Best of all, the discounts are applied automatically, helping you save money at the checkout.

Find out more about what support is available where you live. The service is free to use, and you do not need to create an account.

You can also check out the Family Information Service which provides advice, support and information on a wide range of services for families throughout the year.

Free bus travel

Free bus travel is also available for children aged 15 and under on participating bus services in England. Find out what bus services are participating in Surrey. The Surrey LINK card is another way young people can save money on bus travel. Anyone aged 20 and under can apply and get 50% off the adult fare, all year round.

Please be aware that young people aged 20 and under can also apply for a LINK card to get 50% off adult bus fares in Surrey.

Escalate Arts Film Festival

Looking for a creative way to keep children and young people busy over the summer holidays? The Escalate Arts Film Festival is inviting children and young people aged 10 to 18 from across Surrey to create and submit an original short film of up to 10 minutes in length.

Whether they enjoy storytelling, filmmaking, acting or animation, the festival offers a chance to develop new skills, express their creativity and showcase their work to a wider audience.

The submission deadline is Sunday 23 August 2026, with the Awards Ceremony taking place Saturday 26 September 2026. Find out more and how to enter on the Escalate Arts Film Festival webpage.

Surrey History Centre: Free drop-in family activities

Come along to Surrey History Centre in Woking for some free pirate fun. Running Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 August and Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 August (9.30am to 5.00pm), enjoy crafts like creating a treasure map and a parrot friend, learn some pirate words and more!

Ages 3 to 12. Parents and guardians must supervise children. Free parking onsite, buggy friendly and baby change facilities. Donations welcome.

Surrey History Centre hosts events for all ages throughout the year, discover upcoming events.

What's on in Surrey

On the Visit Surrey What's on Guide you will find a whole range of events happening in Surrey from community, family, arts and culture, outdoor and seasonal activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.