Summer is one of the most special times of year for foster families. With longer days, school holidays, and more time together, it offers a wonderful opportunity to build bonds, create memories, and help the children in your care feel truly at home. At Solace Fostering, we know that shared experiences are one of the most powerful tools in a foster carer’s toolkit — and summer provides more of them than any other season.
Why Summer Activities Matter in Fostering
For many children in foster care, previous summers may have been marked by instability, boredom, or missed opportunities. Providing a structured, fun, and safe summer experience can be genuinely transformative. Research consistently shows that positive shared experiences help children develop trust, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience — all of which are central to good foster care outcomes.
Summer activities don’t need to be expensive or elaborate. What matters most is consistency, involvement, and a sense of belonging. A weekly trip to the local park, a simple BBQ in the garden, or a day at the beach can all create lasting positive memories for a child who may not have experienced much stability before.
Outdoor Activities for Foster Families
The UK summer offers a wide range of outdoor opportunities that are ideal for foster families across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the wider region:
- Beach days — Norfolk and Suffolk have some of England’s finest coastline. A day at Cromer, Hunstanton, Southwold, or Lowestoft beach gives children space to play freely and enjoy the sea.
- Nature walks and wildlife spotting — The Norfolk Broads, Thetford Forest, and local nature reserves offer low-cost days out that children of all ages can enjoy.
- Picnics in the park — A simple picnic with homemade sandwiches and games can become a cherished weekly ritual.
- Cycling — Many towns in Norfolk and Suffolk have cycling paths suitable for families, and cycling is a great way to explore the countryside together.
- Gardening projects — Growing vegetables or flowers together teaches patience, responsibility, and the reward of seeing something you’ve nurtured thrive.
Creative and Rainy-Day Activities
Of course, the British summer doesn’t always cooperate. Having a bank of indoor activity ideas is just as important:
- Baking and cooking together — Involving children in preparing meals or baking cakes builds confidence, teaches life skills, and is genuinely fun.
- Arts and crafts — Painting, drawing, collage, and model-making give children a creative outlet and a sense of achievement.
- Board games and puzzles — Unplugging from screens and playing games together promotes communication, teamwork, and laughter.
- Movie afternoons — Building a den and watching films together creates a cosy, safe atmosphere that many children in care find particularly comforting.
- Visits to local museums or libraries — Many local venues offer free or low-cost summer holiday activities for children.
Tips for Planning Summer Activities as a Foster Carer
When planning summer activities with foster children, keep the following in mind:
- Consider the child’s individual needs — Some children may find busy, noisy environments overwhelming. Start with quieter activities and build up gradually.
- Keep routines in place — While summer is a time for fun, maintaining regular meal times and bedtime routines provides security and predictability.
- Involve the child in planning — Asking a child what they’d like to do gives them a sense of control and ownership over their summer.
- Check any placement restrictions — Some placements may have specific guidelines about travel or activities. Always check with your supervising social worker if you’re unsure.
- Document the memories — Creating a simple scrapbook or photo album of summer activities gives children a tangible record of happy experiences they can look back on.
Financial Support for Summer Activities
At Solace Fostering, we understand that summer can place additional financial demands on foster carers. Our fostering allowances are designed to cover the reasonable costs of caring for a child, and we encourage carers to discuss any additional needs — such as holiday costs or activity expenses — with their supervising social worker. There may also be local grants or schemes available to help fund summer activities for children in care.
The Lasting Impact of a Good Summer
A positive summer experience can genuinely change a child’s outlook. For a child who has faced adversity, experiencing a summer filled with fun, safety, and belonging — even for a few weeks — plants seeds of hope and resilience that can last a lifetime. As a foster carer, the activities you share with the children in your care are never just activities. They are messages of care, stability, and unconditional support.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer with Solace Fostering in Norfolk or Suffolk, get in touch with our team today. We’d love to tell you more about what fostering with us looks like — including the support you’ll receive throughout the year.
What activities are best for foster children in summer?
The best activities are ones that feel safe, fun, and predictable. Outdoor activities like beach trips, nature walks, and picnics are popular, as are creative indoor activities like baking, arts and crafts, and board games. Always consider the individual child’s needs and preferences.
Can I take a foster child on holiday abroad?
Taking a foster child abroad requires prior permission from the local authority and, in some cases, additional documentation. Speak to your supervising social worker well in advance of any planned trip.
Are there costs associated with summer activities for foster children?
Solace Fostering’s allowances cover reasonable costs of caring for a child. For additional expenses like holidays or special outings, speak to your supervising social worker — there may be additional support available.