How to Keep Your Child Learning While You’re on Holiday

Fun, fuss-free ways to sneak in learning on the go

The summer holidays are a time to rest, recharge and enjoy family adventures - whether you’re heading abroad, going camping, or exploring new places closer to home. But that doesn’t mean learning has to stop!

In fact, some of the richest learning opportunities happen away from the classroom - in car journeys, campsites, airports, museums and even in the middle of a nature walk.

Here are some easy, no-pressure ways to keep your child’s learning ticking over while you’re away:

🌍 1. Travel Sparks Curiosity

Use your trip to get your child asking questions:

• What language do people speak here?

• What currency do they use - and how does it compare to pounds?

• What’s the capital city? What’s the flag? What foods are traditional?

  
  

Let your child help read maps, look up fun facts or spot landmarks. A quick Google search together at lunch or a chat in the car can turn into a mini geography or history lesson - without them even noticing.

📏 2. Holiday Maths – It’s Everywhere!

Holidays are packed with chances to use maths in real life:

• Converting currency: “How much is 10 euros in pounds?”

• Reading timetables: Trains, ferries, buses or flights

• Measuring distances: “How far did we walk today?”

• Estimating travel time: “If it’s 3:15 now and we arrive at 4, how long left?”

• Budgeting: Give them a small spending allowance and let them manage it

  
  

It’s all brilliant for number fluency and decision-making and it feels grown-up too!

🧠 3. Writing with a Purpose

Encourage light writing that’s meaningful and fun:

• Keep a holiday journal - just a few lines a day

• Write a postcard to family or friends

• Make a restaurant review or a list of favourite moments from the trip
  

Even writing packing lists or helping with directions counts!

📚 4. Reading Can Travel Too

Whether it’s a book in the car, an audiobook on a plane or reading signs and menus together, reading can slot easily into holiday life:

• Download a few eBooks or audiobooks

• Bring a comic or magazine for something lighter

• Visit a local library or bookshop (especially on rainy days!)

• Read together at bedtime, even in the tent or hotel
  

Reading in new places can even boost engagement – it feels special, not like school.

✨ Final Thoughts

The goal isn’t to turn your holiday into school - it’s to gently weave learning into real-life moments. With a curious mindset and a bit of creativity, your child can return to school in September full of knowledge, confidence and new experiences to share.

If you’d like to keep the momentum going with calm, structured support, Little Smiles, Big Success Tutoring would love to help.