It won’t be long before the bell rings and school is out for summer, so we’ve put together this handy guide for how to keep the kids entertained.
Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season
Back by popular demand, our Outdoor Theatre and Cinema season (sponsored by Smooth Radio) has some great picks for kids! Join us at Markeaton Park Craft Village and prepare to be entertained. For the little ones, Babbling Vagabonds will be bringing another Wild Walk Adventure Shack to you between Wed 20 and Sun 24 Jul. If you’re more of a film fanatic, join us on Sat 30 Jul for an outdoor screening of Mamma Mia (PG) or Grease (PG) on Sunday 31 July.
Nothing says the summer holidays like a picnic, but why not do it in style in our Forest for the Future? The installation will be in Derby Market Place until Saturday 27 August and is the perfect space for the kids to explore as the woodland wonderland lets their imagination run wild. The installation is free to enjoy and is open all day, every day, with family-friendly events such as smoothie making and making bird & insect habitats, also taking place at the site throughout July and August.
There’s lots of different activities coming to a library near you this summer. Join the ‘Gadgeteers’ in the Summer Reading Challenge from Saturday 9 July until Saturday 3 September. Get your lab coat on for the Sublime Science Party between Friday 29 July until Tuesday 16 August or visit the Story time and crafts with Caryl Hart sessions on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 Aug. Both events are completely free but make sure to contact your local library to book in advance.
Back for 2022, The Darley Park Weekender is jam packed with family fun, music and fireworks. Bring along your picnics and join. Tickets purchased for The Darley Park Concert before 31 July are £4 for adults and £1 for under 16s. Also coming to The Darley Park Weekender this year is Classic Ibiza and 80s Mix Tape, under 5s go free.
Our parks are the place to be this summer with a season full of events. Starting strong is Alvaston Park Community Fun Day on Sunday 24 July, followed by our Superhero Picnic at Chaddesden Park on Wednesday 27 July and Darley Park on Thursday 28 Jul. The Big 1 is back at Chaddesden Park on Sunday 31 July and Hydrangea Derby Open Day will take place at Darley Park on Sunday 14 August. Finally, Sunnyhill Family Fun Day heads to Caxton Park on Saturday 20 August. While you’re there, why not try out the Love Exploring app for a little walk on the wild side and see what you can discover?
Markeaton Park and Mundy Play Centre
While you’re at Markeaton Park, don’t forget to visit the Mundy Play Centre with pay and play activities. These include all the favourites such as Pitch and Putt, Footgolf, Mini Golf, Canoes, Paddling Pool and the Bouncy Castle, as well as the fun-filled play area including The Adventure Galley pirate ship. The Park is open daily during the school holidays between 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Join us at Derby Arena for an open day full of fun family activities such as family classes, track cycling tasters, balance bikes, socatots, rackets, futsal, a mega inflatable park, vendor village and more. The event will take place on Sat 6 Aug between 9:30am and 4:00pm. Make sure to let us know you’re coming on Facebook.
Springwood Leisure Centre and Derby Arena
Springwood Leisure centre has lots of opportunities for kids to keep active this summer, including the Junior Gym sessions available to young people aged 12-17. Group exercise activities are available at both leisure sites and can be enjoyed using a young person’s membership. Coaching sessions including gymnastics, trampolining, badminton, martial arts and football skills. Similarly, we have Bouncy Castle and Soft Play sessions, Big Kids Play Sessions, Family Track Cycling, Balance Bikes and led rides. Derby Arena also has a range of sports courts which can be enjoyed at a 50% off rate this summer by children of any age when accompanied by an adult.
Cycle Derby have plenty of activities planned at Markeaton Park this summer! From their Holiday Club on 25 Jul and throughout Aug, to their Track Days at Derby Arena on 29 Jul and 12 & 26 Aug, there’s lots of choice. Don’t leave it too long as places fill up quickly! Booking in advance is required on the Cycle Derby website.
QUAD, Museum of Making, Derby Museum and Derby Theatre
Looking for some fantastic educational activities for the kids to enjoy? Check out the QUAD, Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill and Derby Museum & Art Gallery, all with a packed programme of activities to choose from! From Dino trails to creative classes, these are the perfect way to keep the kids entertained. The fun doesn’t stop there! Derby Theatre will be providing some family friendly productions throughout the summer, to find out what’s on offer head to their website.
The fun doesn’t end there, for more information on all the holiday activities being held in Derby this summer and beyond, visit the inderby website. Derby City Council is also proud to announce their Summer Promise Holiday Activities and Food programme, open to Derby children and young people receiving free school meals. With over 23 providers there is a variety of engaging activities from music, crafts, day trips, sports and more. Every participant will also receive a free meal while attending. For more information visit the Derby City Council website.