YES FAM! SUMMER FUN

SUMMER HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF SPORT / JULY 28 – AUGUST 4 / DAPDUNE WHARF, GUILDFORD + AUGUST 10 – 18 / DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL, HINDHEAD

Get out and enjoy the great outdoors with a summer of sport courtesy of the National Trust. Found down by the river at Dapdune Wharf Guildford (July 28 – August 4) and in the hills of Hindhead’s Devil’s Punchbowl (August 10 – 18) in; whether you choose to canoe down the River Wey, have a go at archery or go for a bike ride – experience a week of family fun to remember.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SUMMER FUN / JULY 20 – SEPTEMBER 1 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY 

Celebrating the 50^thanniversary of Eric Carle’s classic tale of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, RHS Garden Wisley will host a number of summertime activities that the whole family can enjoy. From taking a trail through the garden and creating a giant collaborative artwork to puppet shows, storytelling workshops and more.

For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk

 

THEATRE ON KEW: ALICE IN WONDERLAND / JULY 20 – AUGUST 26 / KEW GARDENS

This July and August join Alice on her adventures in Wonderland, as you’re treated to a colourful and captivating outdoor theatre production of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. Booking in advance is essential, as is wearing suitable clothing to combat the British summer weather!

For more information, visit www.kew.org

 

WILD SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMP / JULY 29 – AUGUST 2, AUGUST 5 – 9 + AUGUST 12 – 16 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM

Painshill Park in Cobham is a great place to set up camp this summer – more so a Wild Summer Camp. Learn how to build a den, light your own fire the bushcraft way to toast marshmallows and create your own woodland mask with five days of really wild activities.

For more information, visit www.painshill.co.uk

 

TABBY MCTAT / AUGUST 1 – 3 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD + AUGUST 8 – 11 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

Join Tabby McTat, as the cat with the loudest meow sets off in search of his best friend Fred. A musical feline feast for the whole family to enjoy; get ready for a heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty.

For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk

 

STARS AND BANNERS: WINDSOR’S KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF THE GARTER /AUGUST 1 – 26 + 31 / WINDSOR CASTLE

Home to Britain’s oldest and most senior order of Knights, learn about the lives of people who once lived and worked at Windsor Castle. Try on some shining armour, meet a mail armour expert and make a sparkling Garter star to wear proudly at these fun summer activities.

For more information, visit www.rct.uk

 

SLIP AND SLIDE / AUGUST 1 – 3 + AUGUST 29 – 31 / SANDOWN SPORTS, ESHER

Need to cool down? Get wet and go wild as Slip and Slide returns to the slopes of Sandown Sports in Esher. Take a trip down the humungous 50 metres, two-lane water slide and experience some serious speed this summer.

For more information, visit www.sandownsports.co.uk

THE LOXWOOD JOUST / AUGUST 3, 4, 10 & 11 / LOXWOOD MEADOWS

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Transport your family back through echelons of time and to Loxwood Meadows for a weekend of medieval wonder. An almighty feast of fun for the whole family lies in wait as you discover a world of legends, myths and tales as well as witnessing a ferocious jousting competition contested by real Knights decked out in suits of awe-inspiring armour.

For more information, visit www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk

 

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND  / AUGUST 3, 4, 10 + 11 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM 

Enjoy an enchanting afternoon at Painshill Park with open-air family theatre courtesy of the fabulous and fun Cat’s Grin Theatre Co. Have a wail of a time with the Mad Hatter and follow Alice down the rabbit hole as Lewis Carroll’s classic tale of curiosity in Wonderland is lovingly brought to life. 

For more information, visit www.painshill.co.uk

 

INSPIRED BY ALICE FAMILY FUN DAY  / AUGUST 3 / GUILDFORD CASTLE GROUNDS

Fancy some free family fun? From 11 am – 4 pm make your way to the grounds of Guildford Castle for a day of Alice in Wonderland themed activities inspired by Lewis Carroll’s curious character. 

For more information, visit www.guildford.gov.uk

 

THE GRAND PICNIC / AUGUST 3 – 4 / HAM HOUSE AND GARDEN

From Aesop’s fables to Persephone & The Pomegranate Seeds, get set for a magical adventure inside the bell tent that has mysteriously appeared from out of nowhere in the gardens of Ham House. Listen to myths, legends and folk tales retold on stage as funny plays are performed throughout the course of the weekend. Booking is highly recommended.  

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

  

CREATIVE ARTS WEEK: IMAGINATION STATION! / AUGUST 5 – 9 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

8 – 14-year-olds can meet a cast of the freakiest and funkiest Aliens, Zombies and Monsters as illustrator Aaron Blecha and storyteller Fiona Moon bring their wonderfully weird world to G Live’s Imagination Station. Get set for a week of crazy workshops including anything from drawing and drama to mask making and story booking creating. 

For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk

  

GUILDFORD SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT / AUGUST 5 – 9 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD

One of Guildford’s most popular holiday camps, the Summer Youth Project takes place at the Electric Theatre is the place to be for any young budding performer. If you have a passion for dance, drama and singing then be part of this year’s production of the hit musical Annie. Tread the boards, master the dance routines, perfect the harmonies and learn the lines. Ages: 4 – 16

For more information, visit www.electric.theatre

  

TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC AND STORYTELLING / AUGUST 7, 14, 21 + 28 / CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN, ESHER

If you go down to the woods this August… to keep the little ones entertained, Claremont Landscape Garden will play host to some terrific teddy Bears’ Picnics and storytelling.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

GUILDFORD-ON-SEA / AUGUST 8 – 10 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Bucketful’s of fun are promised at this year’s Guildford-On-Sea event. Found in the centre of town just next to the Electric Theatre, enjoy all the fun of the seaside without all the fidgeting and fuss that a similar excursion to the south coast may entail. Complete with deck chairs, beach huts, free face painting, candy floss and of course a lot of sand, why not take a quick trip to the seaside once you’ve finished your retail therapy in town? 

For more information, visit www.experienceguildford.co.uk

  

ICE CREAM FESTIVAL RACEDAY / AUGUST 11 / ROYAL WINDSOR RACECOURSE 

Cold treats synonymous with summer are celebrated at Royal Windsor Racecourse this August, as the Ice Cream Festival Raceday returns. Fun for the whole family, sample gourmet ice cream from around the world (including boozy ones for the adults) and enjoy pony rides, face-painting, bouncy castles and an inflatable laser quest! Awesome! 

For more information, visit www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk

  

LUNA KIDS CINEMA / AUGUST 14 – 18 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Looking for some open air cinema that the little ones will love and more importantly, won’t be after bedtime? This August, Hampton Court Palace hosts the ludicrously excellent Luna Kids Cinema. Choose from a host of films being shown throughout the day, including Dumbo, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lego Movie 2, Peppa Pig: festival of Funand more.

For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk

MAKE CAKE POPSICLES  / AUGUST 17 / VICTORIA’S KITCHEN, WOKING 

Love to bake? Aimed at 6 – 15-year-olds and their parents, pop along to Victoria’s Kitchen in Woking for this parent and child cake popsicle course. Learn new techniques and take home some delicious treats to eat.

For more information, visit www.victorias-kitchen.com

ACM SUMMER SCHOOL / AUGUST 19 – 23 / ACADEMY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC, GUILDFORD

Can’t help but tap your toes to tunes? Want to sing loud and proud? Fancy yourself a super producer set to make the next banger? Hone those musical skills and head to the esteemed Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford for their annual summer school. Get expert tuition from some of the best in the business and leave with some serious skills.

For more information, visit www.acm.ac.uk

 

MINI PERFORMERS SKILLS BUILDER / AUGUST 19 – 23 / RICHMOND THEATRE

Perfect for children aged from 4 – 9, let the kids spend the week at Richmond Theatre developing some serious performance skills for the future. Get top tips on technique, as well as taking part in silly games and craft activities while making new friends, over five days of summer fun to remember.

For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com

  

QUACKY RACES / AUGUST 26 / MORDEN HALL PARK

Returning to Morden Hall Park this summer, why not take the family out for a day of quacky races? Hire some rubber duckys and race them down the river to see who is fastest. Quack! Quack!

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

SUMMER FAMILY FUN / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING 

On selected dates from the end of July and throughout August, The Lightbox in Woking will host a series of summer family fun days. From free drop-in sessions to pre-booked workshops, get creative and make keepsakes to remind you of the holidays. Whether you fancy learning how to tie-dye a t-shirt or fancy just having some bubble fun discover a summer of arts and crafts in Woking. 

For more information, visit www.thelightbox.org.uk

 

CRAFTERNOONS / WINKWORTH ARBORETUM, GODALMING 

Get colourful and get creative with a crafternoon session at wonderful Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming. Throughout the summer holidays, pay a visit to the craft tent from 1.30 – 3 pm and take part in free activities (normal admission price applies). 

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

  

EARTH, WIND, FIRE AND WATER  / EVERY THURSDAY IN AUGUST / DAPDUNE WHARF, GUILDFORD 

Discover the elements in all their glory with earth, wind, fire and water activities taking place every Thursday at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford. From mud-kitchens and flying kites to fire lighting and water games, discover nature’s key components have fun in a safe and friendly environment.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

POTTERY THROWING / GRAYSHOTT POTTERY

Spend the day amongst clay and book yourself and the kids space on this fabulous pottery throwing class, taking place in Grayshott at the eponymous pottery itself. Try your hand on the potter’s wheel and learn how to throw bowls and upright pots before creating your very own masterpiece to be fired, glazed and taken home with you as a symbol and keepsake of the day’s achievements. 

For more information, visit www.grayshottpottery.com

 

GIRLS FOOTBALL / EVERY THURSDAY / SURREY SPORTS PARK, GUILDFORD

Inspired by The Lionesses heroism at the World Cup? Fancy being the next Ellen White or Lucy Bronze? For girls aged 5 – 11, take part in these football sessions taking place every Thursday afternoon at Surrey Sports Park. Open to all abilities; learn new skills, make new friends and be active in a fun and friendly environment.

For more information, visit www.surreyfa.com

 

XTREME ACTIVATE / SPECTRUM LEISURE COMPLEX, GUILDFORD

From action-packed days out to weeklong activity camps, Guildford’s Spectrum Leisure Complex has a host of ideas for your summer fun. From making it a strike in the ten-pin bowling alley and making a splash in the pool to climbing to the top of the Rock Box and spinning around the ice-skating rink – get out and get active.

For more information, visit www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk

 

FIRE TECH CAMP  / ST.JOHN’S SCHOOL, LEATHERHEAD

Get technological and sign up to Fire Tech Camp based at St. John’s School in Leatherhead. With multiple 5-day courses running throughout the summer holidays, kids can go code crazy with video game design, become a master maker of Minecraft and even learn how to mastermind their very own mobile app! Ages: 9 – 17

For more information, visit www.firetechcamp.com

 

SUMMER HOLIDAYS: MEGA MAKE SPACE / SELECTED DATES IN AUGUST / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE

On selected dates throughout August, get messy at the Summer Holidays Mega Make Space found at Watts Gallery Artists’ Village found near Guildford. From plaster casting top geometric printmaking – these sessions are a must for creative kids looking to free their imagination.

For more information, visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk

LEGOLAND WINDSOR / UNTIL NOV 2

Enjoy a day of thrills and spills with a trip to LEGOLAND Windsor this summer, and get set for an adventure built for kids. From the Land of the Vikings to the Kingdom of the Pharaohs, discover a variety of themed worlds to inspire the imagination.

For more information, visit www.legoland.co.uk

BROOKLANDS SUMMER FETE / WEEKDAYS THROUGHOUT AUGUST/ BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, WEYBRIDGE

Fancy spending the day at a traditional summer fete? On weekdays throughout August, Brooklands Museum near Weybridge will be turning back time and inviting one and all to take part in an array of traditional family games including swingball, hopscotch and even a family race for those keen on some friendly competition.

For more information, visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com

  

BOATING /CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN, ESHER

Enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon boating in a traditional boat on the lake of Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher. From 10 am – 4 pm meet one of the Harbormasters at the dock before setting off on the water for a fun family afternoon.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

PLAY-IN-A-WEEK / THROUGHOUT AUGUST / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

For theatrical kids keen on drama, Rose Theatre’s popular Play-In-A-Week series of events returns this August. Learn and rehearse a play in five days, with a final performance for friends and family concluding a week of wonderful summer fun spent on the stage. Be quick! Always a sell-out, book your space today for fun and games.

For more information, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org 

 

THUMBS UP IT’S THURSDAY / EVERY THURSDAY / TOWN CENTRE, KINGSTON

Taking place every Thursday from 25^thJuly, Thumbs Up It’s Thursday returns to Kingston Town Centre, providing a tonne of fun for families. From face painting to cupcake decorating, pop along for playtime, and make new friends.

For more information, visit www.inkingston.co.uk

 

FAMILY CANOEING ON MIDDLE LAKE / SATURDAYS + SUNDAYS IN AUGUST / OSTERLEY PARK

Take to the water this August and spend the day canoeing with the family on Middle Lake, found in Osterley Park. Get tips on technique from the experts of Sharks Canoe Club, before paddling around and having a splash yourselves.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

HAVE A GO ARCHERY / AUGUST 24 / RUNNYMEDE MEADOW 

Think you’re the next Robin Hood? Have a Go Archery is a funand safe environment for children to learn the basics at Runnymede Meadow. More than just bows and arrows, you’ll find your competitive edge as you try to hit your target. Normal admission applies, and once inside you’ll be able to buy six arrows for £2.50. Booking is not necessary.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

OPEN AIR THEATRE: TREASURE ISLAND + THE SECRET GARDEN / AUGUST 24 + 25 / WINDSOR GREAT PARK

Enjoy a fun family day out with a trip to Windsor Great Park’s Open-Air Theatre this August Bank Holiday weekend. Taking place in The Savill Garden, watch the swashbuckling epic Treasure Island on Saturday afternoon, and get lost in the magic of The Secret Garden on Sunday. 

For more information, visit www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk

  

BOWS AND BUNNY EARS / AUGUST 30 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE

For a poptastic afternoon, pay a visit to Camberley Theatre as Bows and Bunny Ears – a tribute to Ariana Grande – and Jojo Siwa perform a medley of chart-topping hits. Expect amazing dance routines and sensational vocals that’ll have the kids singing and dancing from start to finish.

For more information, visit www.camberleytheatre.co.uk

 

TERRIBLE TUESDAYS / EVERY TUESDAY / RUNNYMEDE MEADOW

Head to the ancient meadows of Runnymede for a free family history talk exploring the history of the Magna Carta. Listen to King John’s sensational stories in the meadows that made him infamous.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

 

Looking for more things to do? Check out more guides to going out