SUE’S GUIDE TO Free Summer Fun With The Kids

If you’re having the grandchildren to stay or organising a family day out, you’ll love my round-up of summer fun for smaller family members, all free!

For outdoor movies head for Birmingham’s Brindleyplace which is holding its annual free open-air film festival with big screen classics and family films from July 16-22. Full listings at WWW.BRINDLEYPLACE.COM

The grounds of Hertford Castle are the per fect backdrop for a free Teddy Bears Picnic on July 15. Kids can take along a teddy with activities including a bear hunt, teddy bear parade and water activities. Free entry from midday to 4pm.

There’s free gardening clubs for children aged four to 10 at Dobbies Garden Centres where they can learn more about green fingered activities on the first Sunday of every month. They get a free welcome pack too – but they’re very popular so you’ll need to book. Find your nearest one at WWW.DOBBIES.COM

Other regular school holiday events include Pets At Home’s free pet care sessions which are run in local branches on Small Furries and Aquatics.

If your young charges have been inspired by Wimbledon, book them some free tennis coaching at your local club during the Great British Tennis Weekend (July 21-22) at WWW.CLUBSPARK.LTA.ORG.UK

Lots of fire stations open their doors for free during the summer when you can climb aboard a fire engine and find out more about the fire ser vice. Look up your local fire service website for details.