Yes, 2014 is shaping up to deliver us a sensational summer. Amidst the sun, the spectacular storms and the holiday planning I am sure you have all taken a moment to think about the many ways science can enrich your summer!

Whether you are in the UK or heading abroad here are some ideas for a fun scientific holiday.

Discover a new species The chances of this actually happening are fairly small but it is certainly possible.

While you are trying, you can enjoy pretending to be David Attenborough or Alice Roberts, or have a go at your own Bio Blitz. Start by picking an area of garden, beach or other outdoor space and seeing what you can find there.

Count how many beetles, butterflies and flowers you can spot and then draw pictures or take photos of them.

If you spot anything that looks a bit unusual or that you haven’t seen before why not take it to a museum and get them to identify it. My children love doing this and new species are being found all the time. Take the grasshopper found in Spain just this week or the water mite, named Litarachna lopezae, that was named after Jennifer Lopez.

Admire natural architecture We all love to visit a beautiful landmark, whether natural or man-made.

The awe-inspiring beauty of the Devils Causeway, the Hidden Valley in Scotland and Durdle Door are some of my personal favourites.

New research shows that some of those incredible coastline rock formations were formed not only by erosion of weaker stone while tougher stone remains but by changes in the rock when under stress.

Scientists found that when sandstone wears down the grains of rock that remain actually change the way they interact with each other forming stronger structures – just like the arch of Durdle Door.

This changes my view of rocks forever. How amazing that rocks can adapt themselves to survive – just like animals.

Do some kitchen science If you are trying to think of things to do then why not have a go at science at home.

No scientific knowledge is needed to have a bit of fun and do some hands-on experiments.

The Royal Institution and the Naked Scientists have loads of great activities and interactive games for people of all ages to enjoy.

You can test if balloons pop when they are filled with different liquids and lit with a match (this is a favourite of young children and particularly good on a hot day in the garden where everyone can get a bit wet and mucky).

There are a whole host of experiments you can do with Coca Cola and they are going to be much better for you than actually drinking it.

There are obviously chemicals and experiments that aren’t appropriate for messing with at home so do be a bit careful.

The best thing about these activities is that they are very cheap or even free and a summer of science is a super summer.