The Return Of The Flying Scotsman
July 23–September 4
Celebrate this famous engine with summer fun at the National Railway Museum in York. There will be steam rides, explosive science shows, interactive storytelling and live theatre.
Wild, Wild West
July 23–September 4
Saddle up for fun at Eureka! in West Yorkshire. Children can pitch Cowboy Camps, take part in Cherokee Challenges and join in with arts and crafts.
Dragons’ Day
July 24
A ‘dragonish’ day of fun activities for all the family – mask making, badge-designing, a dragon hunt and more! Drop in for a while or stay the day at the John Rylands Library, Deangate in Manchester.
Seven Stories
July 29–September
Hit the books, big time, with a summer of fun at Seven Stories in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Highlights include the alien-inspired Out Of This World Week July 22–28, with intergalactic dressing-up and Aliens Love Underpants storytimes; a visit from Claude On Holiday author Alex T Smith on August 1; pop-up book making on August 3, 31 and monster fun with Into The Swamp Week August 15–21.
Don't Mess With Bess
July 30
, 31
Children can join costumed actors and help bring to life the colourful reign of Queen Elizabeth I with riotous re-enactment Don’t Mess With Bess at Conisbrough Castle, nr Doncaster.
Trails And Hockney Backpacks
Open Now–September 18
Explore the work David Hockney’s in the great outdoors of East Park, Hull this summer with an outdoor family adventure. To celebrate the arrival of Hockney’s largest ever painting, Bigger Trees Near Warter, at the Ferens Art Gallery, families can pick up a Hockney backpack full of activities which explore both the natural beauty of the park and Hockney’s iconic artworks.
Foolish Fun
August 1–31 (Except Saturdays)
Embrace your inner fool this summer at Muncaster Castle in Cumbria; the only castle in the world that appoints a modern-day jester! The month-long calendar of tomfoolery will include circus skills workshops, magic shows and performances by official castle fools past and present.
Family Orienteering Challenge
August 7
Embark on the Family Orienteering Challenge around the Formby Reserve, Liverpool. Complete a series of clues and challenges which will test your family's teamwork skills.
Feva
August 12–21
The North Yorkshire town of Knaresborough will be swinging into party mode for its ten-day Festival Of Entertainment And Visual Arts (Feva). Enjoy street entertainment, live music and dance, film screenings, foodie feasts and more
Master The Maze
August 27
For a truly different view of the world's largest maize maze, York Maze, join its Torchlight Maze event. Put on pyjamas and don't forget to bring a torch to light the way.
Activity Afternoons
Now-November 27
A variety of wildlife themed activities each weekend at the Discovery Centre in Derbyshire. Each month sees a new theme, July/August it is Bugs/Spiders at Clumber Park in Derbyshire.
Freedom Festival
September 1–3
The annual Freedom Festival in Hull will feature a mix of interactive events, family activities, music stages, street performance, world dance and comedy. Taking place in a selection of venues across the city with many of the events free of charge, this festival is certain to have something to please every member of the family.
A Day Out With Thomas
September 1–4
All aboard! Thomas The Tank Engine will be chugging into the Museum Of Science And Industry in Manchester this summer for a long weekend of fun. Meet the amiable engine and his portly superior, Sir Topham Hatt, for a day of fun activities including face-painting, balloon modelling and a return trip on Thomas himself.
Sunday afternoon Band Concert
September 4
Pack a picnic, dig out the deckchairs and head for Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire for a sophisticated afternoon of family fun. Soak up the sounds of the Crawthorne Brass Band whilst relaxing in the autumnal splendour of Brodsworth’s beautiful Victorian gardens.
