This article gives a retrospect on the key historical landmarks of the development of the recreational system and a review on various holiday and summer educational programmes. The author draws attention to the absence of the very definition of these programmes (summer or holiday schools) in modern practical teaching. The search for this definition anticipates a research on the origin and evolution of these programmes. This work demonstrates the bond between contemporary pedagogical and methodical solutions for holiday education and conservative practices originating in the 19th century. The author also points out the continuity of some modern schools when it comes to following the traditional educational programmes established in Russia in the middle of the 20th century.