20 brilliant ways to entertain the kids this summer
With the school holidays looming, keep loved ones busy with these top days out
London
Festival vibes
Cheshire For a magical weekend over 18-20 august, take a trip to Just so Festival, which is a bit like a mini glasto for families. Wander through the spellbound forest, listen to campfire songs and stories, watch performances or join in with workshops. visit Justsofestival.org.uk. day tickets £50 for adults; £20 for kids.
underwater World
visitors to the natural History Museum this summer can enjoy a free puppet show, which is suitable for under-sevens. Follow billy bob’s journey meeting deep-sea creatures, including the little Mermaid and the notorious sea Witch. although the show is free, you’ll need to book in advance as space is limited. visit www.nhm.ac.uk.
green Fingers Nationwide
Wannabe gardeners should head to Dobbies garden centres for its Little Seedlings Clubs, which take place the first Sunday of every month. Kids will learn about plants and the environment, as well as trying their hand at skills such as potting and planting. Best of all, it’s free. Visit www. dobbies.com/events/little-seedlings.
roar-some fun Birmingham
Journey waaaaaay back in time at birmingham nec’s dinosaurs in the wild exhibition. with its mixture of live action theatre, theme-park fun and scientific learning, kids can get to grips with everything there is to know about our prehistoric pals. Visit dinosaursinthewild.com. adults £35; kids £22.
beside the seaside Isle of Wight
thanks to english heritage, Queen Victoria’s private beach at osborne house will be brought to life with special Victorian seaside events throughout august. watch a Punch & Judy show, try some traditional Victorian games, and don’t forget to take a dip in the sea! Visit englishheritage.co.uk. adults £16.20; kids £9.70.
wet and wild Rutland
Aqua Park Rutland – a floating inflatable water park and home to the UK’S largest slides – will host special family-only slots every Saturday at 10am. Parents can have a go on the inflatable assault course too, with plenty of comic moments and epic fails guaranteed. Entry includes wetsuit hire. Ideal for thrill-seekers of all ages. Visit Aquaparkrutland.co.uk. Prices are £20 per person.
marathon mayhem Bristol and Hertfordshire
get the kids active – and help a good cause – with the nspcc’s messathon events. this family-friendly assault course is suitable for ages 4+ and features water slides, hay bales and mud pits. the aim is to raise £200 each for the charity, so get badgering those classmates and distant relatives now. Visit nspcc.org.uk. registration is £15.50 for adults; £9.50 for kids.
budding artists London
every sunday, the national gallery hosts free art workshops for kids, inspired by a different part of the collection. Children can develop their artistic skills, plus there are storytelling sessions for under-fives. Visit nationalgallery.org.uk.
Family camping
Various locations Kingswood adventure camps are open to families for the first time this year, having previously been reserved for school trips. Activities include obstacle courses, archery and abseiling, and there’s accommodation if you fancy making a weekend of it. Visit Families.kingswood.co.uk. Adults £39; kids £29.
role-play heaven
London Banish rainy day blues with a trip to Kidzania – an incredible indoor city where children aged 4-14 can test their skills in over 60 amazing careers! From pilot to pop star, firefighter to doctor, kids have the chance to live out their dreams. perfect for a family trip or a cool birthday party. Visit Kidzania.co.uk. prices start from £15 for adults; £18 for kids.
Arctic Adventure
Edinburgh Had enough of the summer heat? Then cool down at Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth centre, where little explorers can go on an Arctic adventure! Head off on a polar trek with some friendly penguins, try some Arctic arts and crafts, and learn all about the wildlife of the North and South Poles. While you’re there, don’t miss travelling in a time machine to witness the big bang, or getting up close to a volcanic eruption. Visit Dynamicearth.co.uk. Adults £8; kids £5.
nature calls
Nationwide the national trust is running a “50 things to do before you’re 113/ ” trail at
4 a number of its properties this summer. Kids can tick off activities such as building a den, climbing a tree and hunting for bugs – all while exploring some of the uk’s most gorgeous spots. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things-to-do. prices vary.
Museum action
London the V&a Museum of Childhood’s free annual summer festival on 23 July sees the grounds of the building come alive with music, dance and plenty for kids to make and do. enjoy some face painting or henna followed by a ride in a rickshaw, and set time aside to check out the museum itself. Visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc.
Carnival Cool
Liverpool the city’s famous waterfront is hosting a three-month-long festival. Pier head village boasts rides, an inflatable village, an urban beach and live music for parents to enjoy. Visit Pierheadvillageliverpool.com. Prices vary.
gruffalo hunting
relive the famous children’s story and track down the gruffalo and his friends through an unforgettable nature trail. Visit www.colinglen.org. free entry.
Beach in the City
Cardiff Make a splash in Cardiff’s bay area, which will be transformed into a city beach for the summer holidays complete with sand, deckchairs and a pool. take a ride on a traditional ferris wheel, challenge each other to a game of bumper boats, or just chill out by the water. Visit Cardiffbaybeach.co.uk. free entrance with charges for some activities.
show time
Sutton Coldfield Children will get to see their favourite TV characters in the flesh – including Dick & Dom, the Sooty Show and Basil Brush – at the Big Family Festival, from 28-30 July. For older kids, there’s live music in the evening, including Beatles and Queen tribute acts. Visit Bigfamilyfestival.co.uk. Day tickets from £10 adults; £5 kids.
all aboard!
Bury see thomas the tank engine come to life at the “day out with thomas” event at east lancashire railway. Kids can take a train ride with thomas, meet the fat Controller and enjoy some storytelling. Visit eastlancsrailway. co.uk. adults £18.50; kids £10.50.
real-life fairy tale
gorgeous alnwick garden’s fairy-tale trail is getting a revamp in time for summer. Collect clues on your journey around the garden to find the Precious! Visit alnwickgarden.com. free with admission to the garden.