Make and Take
July 27–August 31
Art and craft sessions will be running throughout the summer at Reading Museum. From Aliens to 1960s music, each session is free of charge and has a different theme relating to the Reading, Steady Go Exhibition.
Prehistoric Park Boat
July 28
Travel back in time and discover life in the Lee Valley millions of years ago. Head to Lady of Lee Valley Moorings in Broxbourne to find out about the extinct animals that once roamed the valley. Take a boat ride followed then activities on land such as arts and crafts and quizzes.
Family Race day
July 30
The whole family can have a flutter at Newmarket Racecourses in Suffolk’s family fun day, featuring plenty of thrilling race action as well as free family entertainment and activities. Trot along for a day of traditional sporting activities such as egg and spoon racing, sack racing and an inflatable obstacle course.
Meet our Norman Conquerors
July 30-31
Visit the living quarters of the Norman soldiers in the fields surrounding Chiltern Open Air Museum and find out about Norman warfare techniques, including archery demonstrations and opportunities to explore Norman armour and weaponry.
Live at the Bandstand
July 31- August 28
Throughout the summer there will be free live music every Sunday afternoon at Portsmouth’s Bandstand. This is one of the most popular free events in the region and offers a variety of different music from urban to swing to country and western.
Go on an Art Hunt
August 1
Follow the Sculpture Trail around the gardens at Beaulieu, Hampshire. Spot figures, flowers, animals and abstract forms.
Birds, Beasts and Bugs
August 2-25
Throughout the summer there will be an interactive exhibition at Portsmouth City Museum showcasing Henry Guermonprez’s collection of animals, birds, insects and plants from the local area. Throughout the summer months there will also be falconry displays, farm animals, bug hunting trails and creepy crawly crafts.
Millets Farm Centre
Open Now
For a perfect summers day in the great outdoors head to Millets Farm Centre in Oxfordshire. Animal lovers will adore the free farm zoo, adventurous types can take on the giant maize maze and foodie families can pick their own strawberries then enjoy the fruits of their labours in the picnic area.
Pirate Day
August 5
Now an annual event, Pirate Day in Hastings, East Sussex sees people from across the UK, Europe and America take to the streets and enjoy the pirate themed activities and events that take place throughout the day.
Family Fun Days
August 5-26
Every Friday in August discover the country hideaway and colourful private life of Benjamin Disraeli, the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister. There will be a different theme each week, from WWII to Nature Detectives, and plenty of interactive activities at Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire.
Ascot Family Day
August 6
Bring the whole family along to Britain's only jockeys' competition, where teams of riders from all over the world compete over six races for the coveted trophy. As well as the exciting sporting events, family day at the exclusive Ascot racecourse in Berkshire offers the chance for children to have their own race cards and meet the jockeys. There will also be fairground rides, face painting and an eighties concert in the Old Paddock after racing.
Time Travellers, Gruesome History
August 13-14
Experience a horrible weekend in Hastings Abbey and Battlefield with a fun look at the smelliest, goriest and most gruesome aspects of history. Can you stomach the Medieval Surgeon? Mingle with the rat catcher and even have your face painted with the pox for genuine historical gruesomeness.
Doggy Delights
August 16
Roald Dahl Funny prize winner, Louise Yates, will be at the Roald Dahl Museum And Story Centre, Buckinghamshire to share the secrets behind Dog Loves Books and other tales....
Activity Open Day
August 13
Go to the Lee Valley White Water Centre for a day packed full of different activities, including orienteering, skateboarding and rock climb. For a flurry of frantic action, catch the rafters battling the rapids...
Portsmouth International Kite Festival
August 27-29
This year marks the 20th International Portsmouth Kite Festival, attracting hundreds of kite-fliers from around the world and tens of thousands of spectators. Taking place on Southsea Common, the event is free of charge and promises to be a colourful and fun day out for all.
Falconry Folklore
September 3-4
Visit the Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex and learn tales of local falconry folklore whilst watching majestic birds of prey swoop and soar over the historic site. Discover the local traditions of the autumn harvest and why the owl is the wisest bird of all.
Skull & Crossbones: Living Under The Jolly Roger
Now–October 31
Become a pirate in this special family exhibition at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport. Speak like a pirate, command a boat, discover treasure, the your Jolly Roger and set sail for a pirate tour of the museum.
