15 Fun Bank Holiday Activities for Family and Friends
For Families, Friends and Anyone Who Loves Having Fun!
The bank holiday weekend is your perfect excuse to break from routine, gather your favourite people and try something a little different. Whether the weather is glorious or more “British summer”, this list of 15 fun, simple activities will give you plenty of ways to make memories at home or in your local park.
Outdoors (Park, Garden or Nearby Green Space)
1. Picnic Olympics
What you need:
- Picnic blanket
- Frisbee
- Eggs and spoons
- Rope for tug-of-war
- Blankets
- Stopwatch
- Foil and ribbon for medals
How to play:
- Pick 4–5 lighthearted events (three-legged race, frisbee accuracy throw, egg-and-spoon relay, blanket folding challenge).
- Assign a score system (e.g., 3 points for 1st, 2nd or 3rd).
- End with a medal ceremony – wrap cardboard circles in foil and string ribbon through.
Tip!
Make sure everyone gets a medal for something (“Best Throw” “Most Graceful Runner” etc.).
2. Sunset Cinema
What you need:
- Portable projector
- White sheet
- Speakers
- Snacks
- Camping chairs/blankets/pillows
How to do it:
- Secure a sheet between trees or poles, hook up the projector and start at sunset.
- Choose a family-friendly film or a nostalgic favourite.
Tip!
Provide hot chocolate, snacks like popcorn and pizza. Remember to place citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay. Read my full blog on how to set up a fantastic outdoor cinema here.
3. Scavenger Hunt
What you need:
- Printed checklist
- Pens
- Camera/phone for photo challenges
How to do it:
- Create a list (e.g., “find a heart-shaped leaf”, “spot a butterfly”, “find something older than you”).
- Teams tick items off or snap photos for proof.
Tip!
Include creative challenges like “take a photo where you all jump at the same time.”
4. Treasure Hunt
What you need:
- Clue cards
- Small treasure box with prizes
How to do it:
- Hide clues around a designated area, each leading to the next.
- Mix trivia with mini-physical challenges (e.g., “balance a pinecone for 5 seconds before opening next clue”).
Tip!
Time teams for extra competition!
5. DIY Silent Disco
What you need:
- Smartphone
- Headphones for each player
- Shared playlist
How to do it:
- Everyone syncs to the same playlist and dances away.
- For fun, have “dance-off” rounds judged by the audience.
Tip!
Have 2–3 different playlists for variety.
Indoors
6. Around-the-World Dinner Party
What you need:
- Assign countries
- Recipes
- Themed décor
How to do it:
- Each guest prepares a dish from their country.
- Set up food “stations” with flags, music and fun facts.
Tip!
Give guests mini passports and stamp them at each station.
7. Board Game Tournament
What you need:
- Selection of quick-play games (e.g., Uno, Dobble, Codenames)
- Paper for scores
How to do it:
- Rotate games every 15–20 minutes.
- Keep scores and crown the “Bank Holiday Champion”.
Tip!
Include one wild card round where winners get double points.
8. DIY Escape Room
What you need:
- Printable puzzles
- Locks/boxes
- Theme props
How to do it:
- Create a story (e.g., “You must solve the clues to unlock the dessert vault!”).
- Place clues around the house leading to the final prize.
Tip!
Time-limit of 45 minutes keeps energy high.
9. Home or Garden Talent Show
What you need:
- Fairy lights
- Blankets
- Snacks
- Stage area
How to do it:
- Set up an open mic for music, poetry, drama, impersonations or comedy.
- Rotate acts and have a “headliner” at the end.
Tip!
Create a printed “line-up” to make it feel official.
10. Retro Night
What you need:
- Costumes from your chosen decade
- Themed music
- Food and drinks popular with your chosen era
How to do it:
- Choose a decade (’70s disco, ’90s pop, etc.).
- Everyone dresses up, dances and enjoys era-themed snacks.
Tip!
Organise a pop and culture quiz.
Rain-or-Shine Hybrid
11. Ready, Steady Cook-off
What you need:
- Fresh fruit, dairy, chocolate and/or vegetables
- Cooking utensils
- Timer
How to do it:
- Split into teams and give each the same set of ingredients.
- Set a 45-minute cooking challenge.
Tip!
Have a neutral judge or vote anonymously.
12. Craft & Sip
What you need:
- Craft kits (candles, tie-dye, pottery painting)
- Drinks and snacks
How to do it:
- Set up a craft station with all supplies ready.
- Play relaxing music and sip tea, coffee, cocktails and mocktails.
Tip!
End with a mini “show and tell” of creations. Arrange a stall at a local market or school fete to sell creations, donating proceeds to charity.
13. Photo Memory Game (Pairs)
What you need:
- Old family photographs
How to do it:
- Make two photocopies of each photo using quality thick paper or thin card (do not use original photographs).
- Trim
- Place all the copied photographs (pairs) face down and mix up well.
- Players take turns turning a photo and trying to find its matching pair.
Tip!
Have fun recalling stories and memories whilst playing.
14. Story Relay
What you need:
- Pen & paper or mobile phone for recording
How to do it:
- One person starts a story with one line; each person adds a line in turn.
- Read or play it back at the end.
Tip!
Make it even sillier by choosing random props.
15. Mega Jigsaw Race
What you need:
- 3–5 (or as many as you need) puzzles of similar difficulty
How to do it:
- Small teams (2-3 per puzzle) race to finish their puzzle first.
- Can be indoors or outside setting up tables around the garden.
Tip!
Choose puzzles with bold, distinctive images for faster play.
Final Tip:
Pick a mix of activities: something active, something creative and something relaxed, so there’s a balance for all ages and energy levels.
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