The summer holidays are nearly upon us but don’t worry – there’s lots to keep the children entertained this summer in Derby. Check out our handy guide!
Outdoor Cinema
Pack up your chair and bring a picnic to Markeaton Park to enjoy al fresco showings of two blockbuster films. On Friday 2 August, Markeaton Park Outdoor Cinema Season brings you Wonka (PG), starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka.
Then take a trip to Barbie Land with the Golden Globe-winning Barbie (12A) on Saturday 3 August. You can also enjoy delicious refreshments including popcorn and pizza! Tickets are available from the Sales and Information Centre, on 01332 255800 or online at derbylive.co.uk.
Derby Libraries
The Summer Reading Challenge is bringing free family fun to Derby Libraries. This year’s ‘Marvellous Makers’ theme is all about sparking children's curiosity and creativity. The challenge is aimed at children aged from four to 11, but younger and older children are welcome to join in too.
All they need to do is read six books, which can be factual, fiction, joke books, picture books, audio books and eBooks - just as long as they are borrowed from the library.
As well as taking part in the Challenge, children and their families can have fun at free events at Derby Libraries. Alvaston, Mickleover, Normanton and Riverside libraries will be hosting some fantastic sessions during August – check out the Derby Libraries website for more details.
Family Hubs
There are lots of free activities going on at Derby’s Family Hubs for children and young people aged from 0 to 19. The Summer Sessions will have everything from music, sports, animal handling, crafts, graffiti, gaming, climbing and more – and free snacks!
Visit your local Family Hub for more details of what’s happening over the summer, or visit the Family Hub Directory.
Holiday Activities and Food Programme
There are thousands of free holiday club places available to Derby children through the Derby Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. It offers activities and food to children aged five to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals in Derby.
Youngsters can learn new skills while socialising and having fun with their friends. They will also be provided with a healthy meal and given the opportunity to learn about healthy food and nutrition through food experiences and cookery sessions. This summer, there will be 38 providers offering a range of activities in all wards across the city, including six special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) specialists.
You’ll need a code from your child’s school to book. Families can find out more by visiting the Derby HAF webpage.
Derby Parks
There’s a wide range of activities available for children and families at Derby’s many parks and open spaces, from walks and nature trails to playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sporting activities. You can find out what’s available at all our parks on the In Derby website.
At Markeaton Park, the Mundy Play Centre’s pay and play activities include all the favourites such as pitch and putt, footgolf, mini golf, canoes and the bouncy castle, as well as the fun-filled play area including The Adventure Galley pirate ship. you can also challenge yourself to conquer new heights at the newly re-opened High Ropes Course, now run by Tree House Trek.
You can also check out events in our parks. Alvaston Park Community Fun Day returns on Sunday 21 July at 12noon until 4pm, in partnership with Alvaston Park Friends group. There’ll be live entertainment, a funfair, children’s activities, stalls, refreshments and more!
Darley Park Weekender
The city’s favourite summer event is back with three days of five-star, family-friendly music, set in the beautiful surroundings of Darley Park. Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes and DJ Scott Mills will appear at the 80s Mix Tape on Friday 30 August, while Honeyz, DJ Chris Moyles and special guests Blue take to the stage, on Saturday 31 August for Ultimate 90s. Tickets for each night are £29.50 for adults and £15 for children – and free for under-fives.
On Sunday 1 August, the Darley Park Concert will round off the weekend with classical music from Sinfonia Viva and a dazzling display of fireworks. Tickets bought before 31 July are from just £5 for adults and £2 for under 16s. Book your tickets for the Darley Park Weekender at the Derby LIVE website.
Springwood Leisure Centre and Derby Arena
Springwood Leisure Centre and Derby Arena have lots of opportunities for kids to keep active this summer, including the Junior Gym sessions and exercise classes for young people aged 12 to 17. Join as a Derby Active young person’s member for only £13.50, with no joining fee this summer.
Families can enjoy 50% off racket sports and outdoor courts every weekday in the summer, at Derby Arena and Springwood Leisure Centre.
And head down to the Arena on Saturday 27 July for the Arena Fun Fest - a family extravaganza of fun-packed games and fitness activities! Try the track, play pickleball, football, or get the little ones on balance bikes or first pedal - all for free. There will also be a bouncy castle, penalty shoot out and a surprise visit from our local fire service!
Cycle Derby
Get on your bike this summer with Cycle Derby. They have a range of activities over the holidays including Holiday Clubs for children aged 6-12 at Markeaton Park and Derby Arena, Learn to Ride sessions at Markeaton Park and Track Days for 9-16-year-olds at Derby Arena. Advance booking is required - don’t leave it too long as places fill up quickly! You can find out more on the Cycle Derby website.
Derby Museums
Derby Museums will have a great selection of events to choose from this summer. Explore Ancient Egypt as you follow the trail through Derby Museum & Art Gallery’s exhibition Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent. Pickford’s House will have a Summer Trail exploring a reimagined view of its collections and history, plus there will be a range of workshops, play and craft activities at various locations. For full details of what’s on, visit the Derby Museums website.