78 Activities for Kids Aged 8
At eight, children are growing more independent and curious about the world around them. They enjoy activities that challenge their creativity, encourage problem-solving, and let their personalities shine.
These screen-free ideas are designed to be simple, engaging, and flexible — perfect for weekends, school holidays, or just switching off for a while. However you choose to join in, it’s all about playful connection and time well spent together.
Refine your search
Activity Type
Location Type
Energy Level
Mess Factor
Age
Time Duration
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Interview a Family Member
A simple, low-prep chat activity where a child interviews a relative to capture family stories, build confidence, and practise listening.
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Forty-Forty
A classic hide-and-seek chase game where one child counts to forty, then tries to spot others before they dash to “base” and shout “Forty-forty in!”
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Morse Code Messaging
A playful way to send secret messages with light or taps, building rhythm, spelling, and patient turn-taking.
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Constellation Hunt
A calm, cosy night-time activity that helps families learn simple star patterns together while practising observation and patience.
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Knots
A hands-on way to learn useful knots through simple challenges, building confidence for shoelaces, den-building, and everyday problem-solving.
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Skimming Stones
A timeless outdoor challenge — find the perfect flat stone and see how many times you can make it bounce across the water.
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Magic Potion Mixing
Create fizzing, glittering “potions” using safe household ingredients and a big dose of imagination.
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Sand Mummy Wrap
Sculpt something silly in the sand by gently burying arms or legs — a fun and creative way to turn someone into a sand mermaid, dinosaur or superhero!
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Make a DIY Compass
Learn how to find North by making a simple compass from household items — a fun and hands-on introduction to magnetism and navigation.
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Join a Local Scouts or Guides Group
Scouting and Guiding groups offer fun, friendship and adventure. From Rainbows to Cubs to Explorers, there’s something for every age and interest.
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Elderflower Cordial
A lovely seasonal activity that starts with foraging and ends with a refreshing homemade drink. Get outside, pick some elderflowers, and make something delicious together.
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Junior ParkRun
Junior ParkRun is a brilliant, free way for kids to enjoy running in the great outdoors — all while building confidence, friendships and healthy habits.
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Simon Says
A classic listening game that gets children moving, thinking and laughing. Ideal for developing attention, coordination and self-control.
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Make Muffins
Baking muffins is a fun, tasty way for children to get involved in the kitchen, practise basic maths, and enjoy the rewards of their hard work.
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Beach Bowling
Turn the beach into your own bowling alley with just a beach ball and some plastic cups — perfect for a breezy bit of fun in the sand.
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Join a Local Music Group
Playing music with others is a joyful way for children to develop their skills, make friends, and experience the magic of performing as a group.
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Tray Memory Game
Children love studying a tray of curious objects and seeing how many they can remember once it’s been whisked away. It’s a calm, engaging game that encourages focus and memory skills — perfect for a quiet moment at home.
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Go Foraging
Foraging is a hands-on way for children to connect with nature, learn about the seasons, and discover wild food — all with close adult supervision.
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Rockpooling
Explore tide pools and discover tiny sea creatures hiding between the rocks — perfect for curious little beach adventurers.
