Sunny days out:
1. Wild About Woods
For all of those adventurous kiddos out there, Saltram is the place for you. In Snowdrop Woods, near Plymouth, kids will have the chance to enroll in Forest School, where they’ll learn to take care of themselves, each other and the environment. Children will discover nature through fun activities that stimulate their senses, and give them a big dose of fresh air and exercise.
Where: Snowdrop Woods, Saltram National Trust Park, Plymouth.
When: 29 May, 10am – 2pm
Ages: Best for kids up to 10 years
Price: £8.50 per child
Find out more: wildaboutwoods.co.uk
2. Hedgehog Heroes at Hyde Park
Come and meet these prickly friends at the Isis Education Centre in the heart of London’s Hyde Park. Kids can enjoy hedgehog-themed activities including crafting a hedgehog from a paper plate, painting, colouring activities and even designing a hedgehog-friendly habitat.
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 27-28 May
Ages: 2+
Price: Free
Find out more: visitlondon.com
3. Diggerland
Now here is something that you don’t get to do very often. Kids (and grown up kids!) now have the chance to take control of giant diggers, dirt diggers and sky shuttles! Search for buried treasure or try your hand digger skittles, and no don’t worry about height restrictions because there are rides for everyone. The little ones can have a go with mini landrovers, mini dumper trucks and even mini tractors.
Where: Strood in Kent, Cullompton in Devon, Whitwoord in Yorkshire and Langley Park in Co. Durham
Kent – Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, Kent, ME2 2NU – Visit in Google Maps
Devon – Verbeer Manor, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 2PE – Visit in Google Maps
Durham – Langley Park, Co. Durham, DH7 9TT – Visit in Google Maps
Yorkshire – Willowbridge Lane, Whitwood, West Yorkshire, WF10 5N
When: Everyday, 10am – 5pm
Ages: 2+
Price: £19.95; £16.99 adv; £9.95 over 65s; under 90cm tall free
Find out more: diggerland.com
4. Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures is a no-brainer for a thrilling family day out. Spin through the air at 43 mph or opt for the large soft play area for something less exhilerating. Extreme games, guides dressed up as fun characters and the most popular ride, The Vampire, are guaranteed to knock your socks off, no matter how old you are.
Where: Chessington, Surrey
When: Every day, 10am – 6pm
Ages: Great for teens
Price: £26 for day tickets
Find out more: chessington.com
Rainy days in:
5. In The Night Garden Live
A little bad weather shouldn’t stop little ones having fun. Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka are waiting for tots to join them on their magical adventures. The family-friendly show dome in Greenwich invites families to venture into their world in an enchanted forest, and ensures young fans are close to the action.
Where: Peninsula Square, Greenwich, London
When: 28 May, 10am
Ages: 6 months +
Price: From £25
Find out more: visitlondon.com
6. Paper Plane-Making Workshop
Let your competitive side loose as you craft your very own paper airplane. Inspired by Oliver Jeffers’ book ‘The Great Paper Caper’, join Discover’s Children’s Store Centre for their first ever Paper Airplanes Making Competition. Have a go and see where your creation ranks.
Where: Stratford, London
When: 27 – 31 May
Ages: 4 years+
Price: Adult £5, Family £18, Children £4.50
Find out more: discover.org.uk
7. Jungle Fun
Relive a childhood classic and take your favorite characters home with you at the end of the day. Kids can make their own animal finger puppets of their friends from The Jungle Book and explore their theatrical side by putting on a show for the family.
Where: Harrow Arts Centre, Middlesex
When: 28 May, 9 – 9:45am
Ages: 3+
Price: £3
Find out more: harrow.gov.uk
8. ‘Home’ at The Cinema
Grab your popcorn, get comfortable and join Oh as he goes on the journey of a lifetime. This little alien feels like an outcast among his people, until he meets Tip, a gutsy human. Follow their story of friendship in this action-packed adventure that is both emotional and out-of-this-world.
Where: Check your local cinema for listings
Ages: 8+
Price: Tickets starst at £4.29
Find out more: myvue.com
Festivals:
9. Foodies Festival
Start your half term the right way by tucking into some tasty food. Taste sweet treats in the Cake & Bake Theatre and seize the opportunity to try internationally-inspired dishes in the Street Food Theatre – yum! There is plenty of fun to be had with live music, a cider farm to explore and more than 200 exhibitors.
Where: St Andrews Square, Edinburgh
When: 23-25 May, 11am
Ages: A hit for teens with curious palettes
Price: Adults £15, Children 12+ £12, Under 12s go free
Find out more: foodiesfestival.com
10. Elderflower Fields
This fabulous festival is designed with kids in mind, making it the perfect choice for the school break. Rock climbing, face painting, arts camp, beach rugby and pond dipping are just a few of the fantastic activities you’ll find at Elderflower Fields.
Where: Pippingford Park, Sussex
When: 22 – 25 May, 12pm
Ages: Tots will love it
Price: Adult weekend ticket £105, Child weekend ticket £50, Under 5s go free
Find out more: elderflowerfields.co.uk
Free events:
11. Puppet Performers
Are you ready to be entertained by a troupe of puppet performers? Musicians, jugglers and singers will perform in various sites across London, and you and the kids are invited to join in. Little ones will become engrossed in a performers’ world by crafting their very own puppet.
Where: Museum of London, Docklands
When: 23 May, 11am – 12:30pm, 2pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 5+
Price: Free
Find out more: museumoflondon.org.uk
12. Notting Hill Mayfest
Celebrate your time off together by partying at the annual Notting Hill MayFest. Jam out to traditional musicians and contemporary artists in one of London’s most magical areas. Join together for music, art and family activities – not to mention a Mayflower Parade! The May Fair is loved for its traditional village games and stalls, Maypole dancing and dog show. With a vintage coconut shy and a bouncy castle, you won’t be able to drag the kids away.
Where: Notting Hill, London
When: 1 – 31 May
Ages: Best for little ones
Price: Free
13. Drama in The Docklands
A blast from the past awaits you at the Museum of London Docklands. Travel back to the docklands of yesteryear and meet pirates, rogues and other colorful characters. Kids can get into the spirit of things by crafting pirate props and acting out your their own drama in the Georgian warehouse.
Where: Museum of London Docklands
When: 27 May, 11am – 12:30pm, 2pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 5+
Price: Free
Find out more: museumoflondon.org.uk