Places to picnic, woods to explore and history to discover
Come rain or shine there’s plenty to do in ßÙßÇÂþ» 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 ßÙßÇÂþ». Don't forget to check out for a full list of events.
ßÙßÇÂþ» Outdoor Learning
Looking for something active? Why not head out and explore the great outdoors and swing about from tree to tree at 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 near Richmond.
Fun days out in ßÙßÇÂþ»’s countryside
Get the kids outside in ßÙßÇÂþ»'s countryside this summer. It's great for physical, mental health and wellbeing. We have plenty of ideas for fun family days out in ßÙßÇÂþ»'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 ßÙßÇÂþ»’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 ßÙßÇÂþ»’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 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 in ßÙßÇÂþ». If your child is eligible for benefit-related free school meals, their school should automatically send you an e-voucher via email/text.
Historic ßÙßÇÂþ»
If any of that doesn’t pique your interest, you can dive into the history of ßÙßÇÂþ». Visit Brooklands Museum, Chertsey, Haslemere or Runneymede Museum, or head to the hidden gem that is the ßÙßÇÂþ» History Centre in Woking. You could also visit the 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.
More from community matters
- Become an On-Call Firefighter
- Make this autumn your season of learning
- Communities Month
- Unlock the power of music and get playing with ßÙßÇÂþ» Arts
- Building community with a smile
- Take the Lead for ßÙßÇÂþ» Day
- Pharmacist’s ingenious solution saved lives of his community and beyond
- ßÙßÇÂþ»'s Community Champions
- Nominate a young person for the ßÙßÇÂþ» Youth Voice Awards 2025