The six-week summer holiday is one of the busiest times of year for councils, community organisations, libraries, shopping centres and family event organisers. Families are looking for affordable activities, local events and opportunities to keep children entertained throughout the school holidays.
Whether you are organising a family fun day, community festival, park event, library programme or holiday activity scheme, choosing the right entertainment can help increase attendance, encourage repeat visits and create positive memories for local families.
Here are some of the most popular summer holiday entertainment ideas for councils and community events.
Bubble Shows
Bubble shows are one of the most effective attractions for family audiences because they appeal to a wide age range.
Toddlers, primary school children and even adults are often fascinated by giant bubbles, bubble sculptures and interactive demonstrations. Unlike many activities that only engage a small number of participants at once, a bubble show can entertain a large audience simultaneously.
Bubble shows work particularly well for:
- - Family fun days
- - Park events
- - Community festivals
- - Library summer programmes
- - Holiday activity schemes
- - Shopping centre events
Outdoor bubble shows can also become a visual attraction that draws visitors from across an event site.
Bubble Show London | Kids Party Bubble Entertainer & Giant Bubbles - Kat's Krafts
Face Painting
Face painting remains one of the most requested activities at community events.
Children love transforming into their favourite characters, animals and superheroes, while parents appreciate an activity that provides a personalised experience.
Face painting works particularly well for:
- - Summer fairs
- - Festivals
- - Community celebrations
- - Cultural events
- - Family fun days
Professional face painters use cosmetic-grade products designed specifically for use on skin and can often paint dozens of children throughout an event.
Face Painting London | Children's Party Entertainment - Kat's Krafts
Balloon Modelling
Balloon modelling creates both entertainment and a take-home souvenir.
Children enjoy watching balloon creations being made and love choosing their own design. Popular requests often include animals, flowers, swords, superheroes and themed creations linked to the event.
Balloon modelling is particularly useful because it can be provided as:
- - Walkabout entertainment
- - Queue entertainment
- - A fixed activity station
- - Part of a larger family event package
The visual nature of balloon modelling also helps attract attention across busy event spaces.
Balloon Twister London | Kids Party Balloon Modeller & Entertainer - Kat's Krafts
Glitter Tattoos
Glitter tattoos are increasingly popular at community events because they are quick to apply, waterproof and can last for several days.
This makes them ideal for summer events where children may be participating in water play, sports activities or outdoor adventures.
Popular designs include:
- - Butterflies
- - Dinosaurs
- - Unicorns
- - Sharks
- - Superheroes
- - Festival-themed designs
Because glitter tattoos are fast to apply, they can often accommodate higher visitor numbers than some other activities.
Glitter Tattoos London | Sparkly Party Fun For Kids - Kat's Krafts
Craft Activities
Craft activities are particularly popular with councils, libraries and holiday clubs because they encourage creativity and provide a quieter alternative to high-energy entertainment.
Depending on the age group, activities might include:
- - Mask decorating
- - Wand making
- - Summer-themed crafts
- - Badge making
- - Festival crafts
- - Recycled art projects
Craft workshops can often be tailored to fit event themes, local heritage celebrations or seasonal campaigns.
Entertainment for Large Family Fun Days
When planning larger events, it is often beneficial to offer a mix of activities rather than relying on a single attraction.
A successful family fun day may include:
- - A bubble show performance
- - Face painting station
- - Balloon modelling
- - Glitter tattoos
- - Craft activities
This combination helps reduce queues, appeals to different age groups and encourages visitors to stay at the event for longer.
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Outdoor party ideas - Kat's Krafts
What Happens If It Rains? Children’s Party Backup Plans That Actually Work - Kat's Krafts
Choosing the Right Entertainment
When selecting entertainment for a summer holiday event, consider:
Audience Size
A bubble show may be ideal for entertaining large groups simultaneously, while face painting and glitter tattoos provide individual experiences.
Available Space
Some activities require only a small gazebo or indoor room, while others benefit from larger outdoor spaces.
Age Range
Family events often attract children from toddlers through to teenagers, so offering a variety of activities can help ensure everyone feels included.
Weather Plans
British summers are famously unpredictable. Choosing entertainment that can operate both indoors and outdoors can help minimise disruption if the weather changes.
Planning Ahead for Summer Events
Summer holiday dates are often booked many months in advance. Councils, community organisations and event organisers who begin planning early generally have the widest choice of entertainment providers and availability.
If you are organising a family fun day, community festival, library event or holiday activity programme, selecting engaging entertainment can help create an event that families remember long after the summer holidays have ended.
Looking for entertainment for your summer event in London? Get in touch to discuss bubble shows, face painting, balloon modelling, glitter tattoos and craft activities for councils, community organisations and family events.
Contact Kat's Krafts | Check Availability & Book - Kat's Krafts