Things to Do in Jersey and Guernsey This Summer

Summer break is a great time for families in Jersey and Guernsey to get outside and explore. Libraries, parks, historic sites, and sports programs are offering free and low-cost activities for kids of all ages. Whether you love swimming, reading, or learning about history, there is something fun to do on both islands this summer.

Sports are a big part of the summer fun. Jersey Sport is offering free taster sessions for kids aged 8 to 15, including gymnastics, dance, football, and boccia. In Guernsey, a program called Street Sports holds free sports sessions at Les Genats. Young people can just show up and pick the activities they want to try.

Swimming is another popular option, and there are great spots on both islands. La Vallette bathing pools in Guernsey are natural, tidal sea pools on the east coast that are free to use. In Jersey, the Havre des Pas Bathing Pool is a historic tidal pool from the Victorian era, with a diving platform, fresh water showers, and changing rooms — and it is also free.

Libraries are busy this summer with activities for all ages. Jersey Library is running a free summer reading challenge, a chess club, a LEGO Club, and toddler time sessions. Over in Guernsey, the Guille-Allès Library is hosting free workshops and craft sessions, including a board games day and a paper crafts session.

Parks and gardens also offer plenty of space to play and explore. Saumarez Park in Guernsey is free and has a large playground, nature trails, and open space for cycling and picnics. Right next to the park's café is the free Folk and Costume Museum, currently showing an exhibition on Victorian clothing. In Jersey, Coronation Park has two large playgrounds and a free outdoor Splashpad paddling area.

Nature lovers will find lots to enjoy, too. The National Trust for Jersey Wetland Centre is built inside a restored World War II bunker and looks out over St Ouen's Pond. It has 16 viewing windows, interactive exhibits, and remote-controlled cameras to watch wildlife like marsh harriers, all for free. For a hands-on animal experience, Golden Guernsey Goats Farm in St Peters lets you feed goats for just £1.

Both islands have rich history, and many historic sites are free to visit. Vale Castle in Guernsey dates back to the early Iron Age, and Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 that is now a shipwreck centre. In Jersey, Le Hocq Tower and Howard Davis Memorial Hall — with its rose garden and war graves cemetery — are both free to explore. With so many choices, there is no shortage of things to do this summer.