Scarlett Moffatt, known for winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, has revealed her top five budget-friendly activities to keep kids entertained during the six-week summer break. The 35-year-old, who has a three-year-old son Jude and is expecting her second child, suggests transforming gardens into beach clubs, recreating kids' clubs at home, and turning teatime into tapas.
Creating a 'Costa del Garden'
Her first idea is to create a 'Costa del Garden' - turning outdoor spaces into mini beach clubs with towels, sunglasses, refreshments, and a summery soundtrack. This brings a taste of the Spanish coastline to back gardens.
Recreating kids' clubs at home
After that, she recommends setting up dedicated periods for arts and crafts, games, dancing, snack breaks, and downtime to keep children engaged and banish boredom. This mimics the holiday kids' club experience.
Turning teatime into tapas
Scarlett also suggests making teatime a tapas experience, where children help prepare Spanish-style nibbles, fruit kebabs, vibrant drinks, or an ice-cream bar. This satisfies both their minds and stomachs.
Entertainment and escapes
To bring holiday vibes indoors, she proposes a kitchen disco, family quiz, or mini talent show. Finally, she advises planning a quick family escape for when cabin fever strikes, using AI to recommend a straightforward day-trip itinerary.
Scarlett has partnered with Google Gemini to help parents use AI for summer planning. She said: "Jude is only a toddler and already gets bored easily, so I can only imagine how tricky the school holidays can get. Gemini is like having a creative helper in your pocket, giving you ideas that work for your budget and your family and taking some of the stress out of summer planning."
Parental pressure and guilt
Research by Google Gemini found that 82 percent of parents feel pressure to keep kids occupied during the break, and 78 percent struggle to find activities for different ages and interests. Cost is a major stressor for 46 percent, while 60 percent find generating fresh ideas the hardest part. Parental guilt is widespread, with 84 percent feeling it at least occasionally.
In response, Google has introduced 'Gemidorm', featuring AI assistants that help turn ordinary spaces into affordable family getaways. The research also showed kids' favourite holiday activities are easy to replicate at home, including swimming (51 percent), beach trips (35 percent), kids' clubs and discos (29 percent), new cuisine (25 percent), and family time (18 percent).
Laurian Clemence, Head of Product Communications at Google UK, said: "The summer holidays should be full of fun, not six weeks of parents trying to magic up new ideas while the snack cupboard disappears before their eyes. Gemini is designed to help with exactly those everyday moments. Whether you need a holiday-inspired menu, low-cost day out, a kids' club-style schedule or a quick activity that works for different ages, Gemini can help turn 'what are we doing today?' into something simple, fun and doable."
