As the summer holidays approach, it is easy to feel the pressure of filling the six weeks with exciting activities, day trips, and memorable experiences. Social media can make it seem as though every day needs to be packed with adventures, but the reality is that children often find the greatest joy in the simplest things and you don’t need to keep them constantly entertained to have a joyful summer.

This blog post will give you simple, playful ways you can spend the Summer with your little ones.

Some days with kids feel easy and full of ideas.
Other days? Not so much and you can find yourself staring at the kids thinking:

“What should be do today?”

If this is you, you are definitely not alone.

These play prompts aren’t about doing more or filling every moment. It’s just a little bank of inspiration for the in-between days — when you want something to shift the mood, without overthinking it.

Think of it as a gentle nudge, not a to-do list.

If you’re looking for a wild, beautiful, and family-friendly Scottish island adventure, the Isle of Mull is hard to beat. With white sandy beaches, scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and plenty of space for kids to roam free, it’s the perfect destination for a family trip.

We visited as a family of five in our new campervan, and while things didn’t quite go to plan at first, it turned into an enjoyable and memorable holiday. Here’s our full itinerary, including some of the costs, campsites, and practical tips for travelling with kids.

Let’s be honest—keeping little ones entertained every day can feel like a lot. Between the weather, the mental load, and everything else on your plate, coming up with new ideas isn’t always realistic.

That’s why having a simple bank of go-to activities can make such a difference.

This April, instead of overthinking it, you can dip in and out of a mix of messy play, outdoor fun, and easy indoor activities—no pressure to do it all.

Spring is finally here. The days are a little brighter, the air feels fresher, and there’s the sense of new beginnings. And the best part? Spring offers so many simple, meaningful opportunities for play with your little ones — no complicated prep required.

If you’re a mum of a baby, toddler or preschooler (and perhaps older ones too) and you’re craving easy ideas you can actually manage, this month’s Spring Play Prompts are designed with you in mind.

February is a great time to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy simple play together. These February Play Prompts are designed to spark creativity, movement, kindness, and curiosity using everyday materials — no prep or perfection required.

You don’t need to do them all. Choose what fits your child’s interests and your routine, and enjoy the moments you create together. There are a range of prompts to suit a variety of ages.

Calm, clean and incredibly family-friendly, Copenhagen felt easy and enjoyable to explore with kids. With its perfect balance of culture, green spaces and fun, it’s a city I’d happily return to and one that reminded me not all cities should be put in the same box.

January can feel like a long month. The excitement of the holidays has passed, routines are starting again, and the weather often keeps us indoors more than we’d like. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “What can we do today?” — you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I’ve created these January Play Prompts: a gentle, no-stress way to support your child’s play and development throughout the month, without needing lots of prep, planning, or special equipment

Prince Albert’s Cairn, along with the other Balmoral cairns, is one of Aberdeenshire’s most iconic landmarks – and it’s easy to see why. Emerging from the peaceful Scots pine forest, you’re greeted by an impressive pyramid-shaped monument, erected by the Royal Family in memory of Prince Albert. It’s a walk that combines history, nature, and just enough challenge to feel like an adventure.

Looking for new places to explore with the kids? Kemnay and its surrounding countryside offer some fantastic family-friendly walks — from gentle buggy-friendly paths to woodland trails and views worth climbing for. Here are four of our favourite spots for a morning wander, weekend adventure, or a spontaneous “let’s get outside” moment.

The early years of parenting are filled with cuddles, bedtimes stories, fixing scraped knees with a kiss and little people following us around everywhere we go. Then seemingly overnight, our children start to grow into their own people - full of opinions, interests and a sense of independence that can sometimes take us by surprise.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the busier Balmedie or Newburgh beaches, Blackdog Beach might just be your new favourite beach spot. It’s a hidden gem — the beach is easy to reach and perfect for kids.

Between school runs, work, after school activities, and the never-ending laundry pile, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time in the day — especially when it comes to meals. If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 5 p.m. wondering what on earth to cook, you’re definitely not alone.

As parents, our days are packed. Between work, meals, school runs, and trying to keep up with laundry, it can feel like there’s never enough time to “do it all.” I used to think quality time with my kids meant carving out big, elaborate activities—family outings, special crafts, or hours at the park. And while those moments are great, I’ve learned something important: even just 15 minutes of play each day makes a huge difference.

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most incredible things your body can do. But once your baby is here and life begins to settle into a new rhythm, many new mums start to wonder:

“When can I exercise again after giving birth?”

This walk explores the forestry area just off the A96. Despite being close to the road, the walk itself feels peaceful and quiet. It’s a great “starter hill walk” for kids beginning to manage longer distances with a bit of ascent.

This trail takes you up through beautiful woodland to open heather hills, rewarding you with superb views from the top. The path is described as steep, rough, and rocky, with large steps and roots.

Monymusk is a small village around 15 minutes from Inverurie and Westhill. As well as having a great play park right in the village, there are plenty of opportunities for walks.

We’re spoilt for choice in this part of the world, with plenty of lovely beaches and secluded bays to explore—but if you haven’t been to Hackley Bay yet, I’d definitely recommend adding it to your list.

National Trust properties are always a great choice if you just want somewhere to wander without a set plan. At Drum Castle, there are two walking trails to choose from—both just over a mile long.