Places to picnic, woods to explore and history to discover
Come rain or shine there’s plenty to do in Surrey over the summer holidays so the kids need never be bored. Here’s a roundup of some of the fun activities and places you can visit around Surrey. Don't forget to check out Visit Surrey’s Summer in Surrey for a full list of events.
Surrey Outdoor Learning
Looking for something active? Why not head out and explore the great outdoors and swing about from tree to tree at The Adventure Zone (TAZ) in High Ashurst. This adventure playground is set in a stunning woodland setting just outside of Dorking. If the kids prefer to splash about, they can enjoy fun water activities at the Thames Young Mariners | Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD) near Richmond.
Fun days out in Surrey’s countryside
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:
- playtrails
- natural play areas
- fun signposted trails with points of interest and information along the way
- lots of walks for varying abilities too
If there is summer rain, why not try The Discovery Centre at Newlands Corner?
Summer Reading Challenge 2025
As well as all the usual variety of activities and events for children in Surrey’s 52 libraries, we also have the annual Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors’. This exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
Heath Week events
From 28 July to 3 August 2025, join the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership and local partners for a celebration of Surrey’s rare heathland habitat. With over 80% lost nationally, these precious landscapes are home to unique wildlife, including migratory nightjars, rare butterflies, and all six native UK reptiles. Enjoy a week of free, family-friendly events like treasure hunts, guided butterfly walks, and reptile encounters.
Club4 free holiday activities
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) camps are fully funded by the government and are available to those receiving benefit related free school meals. These clubs are known as Club4 in Surrey. If your child is eligible for benefit-related free school meals, their school should automatically send you an e-voucher via email/text.
Historic Surrey
If any of that doesn’t pique your interest, you can dive into the history of Surrey. Visit Brooklands Museum, Chertsey, Haslemere or Runneymede Museum, or head to the hidden gem that is the Surrey History Centre in Woking. You could also visit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Living Centre in Woking to discover more about our natural world.
Family Information Service
We appreciate that often long stretches of school holidays can put pressure on family’s wellbeing, health and put a pressure on finances. Check out the Family Information Service which provides help, support and advice for families.
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