We were thrilled to see in our Readers’ Surveys how well-received the Children and Families guide has been. It’s wonderful to know that you value the many free or low-cost activities and events we highlight for families.
Supporting local families has always been close to my heart. When The Listing first began in 2005, my own children were little, and I was constantly on the lookout for fun, affordable ways to keep them entertained. We’re fortunate to have so many great options right on our doorstep, and I hope our suggestions continue to inspire your family adventures. Cath
- Take a picnic and enjoy an outdoors adventure on Therfield Heath, Priory Memorial Gardens or Ashwell Springs. Enjoy the fabulous playparks at Shepreth, Barrington and Whaddon, or head into Newnham on our side of Cambridge, where you can feed the ducks too for a fun day out. Do you have a favourite park? Please share it with us, so we can share with our readers too
- Royston First’s Jowler Trail, in conjunction with Kelly’s Kitchen, Royston Cave and Royston Museum, is an exciting way to explore the history of Royston Town Centre. It takes place from 26th July to 31st August. See page 11 for more details. For older children, visit Royston Library and pick up a copy of the Historic Town Trail Guide, for either a 45 minute or 1.5 hour explore of Royston’s history.
- Royston Museum invites you to train as a secret agent in their summer spy school! Drop in event every Thursday – Sunday during the holidays, a six week pass costs just £6, with each week featuring a different spy skill.
- The Summer Reading Challenge at Royston Library runs until 6th September Children are challenged to read six books, collect stickers along the way, with a medal and certificate for finishers.
- Whilst you are at Royston Library, enjoy other fun activities, including a LEGO Workshop, Life Skills for Little Ones, Family Nature Junk Modelling and a Nature Storywalk. Sessions £4.40 per child must be booked in advance at the library. Full details and timings on page 15
- Outside of the Box in Royston offer a wide selection of age appropropriate, low cost family sessions, including board games for teens, sensory play, art club and more.
Visit www.outsideofthebox.uk for details - Enjoy the beach! We might be miles from the sea, but there are two to choose from: The Common in Saffron Walden, 25th July-25th August, and The Market Place in Hitchin, 29th July-31st August. Royston Splash Park is open throughout the summer holidays, or for a visit further afield, which can be made all the more exciting by taking the train, check out the splash parks in Letchworth, Hitchin or Baldock.
For older children, there are Lidos at Hitchin, Letchworth and Jesus Green, Cambridge. Let’s all hope this glorious summer continues! - Grand Arcade, Cambridge, has a free exhibition for children of all ages, where you can discover 20 science related interactive displays, including a DNA Helix sculpture, with a free trail map to guide you; or enjoy STEM workshops: build human cells with lego bricks, enjoy neuroscience-inspired colouring sheets and craft challenges (selected dates, bookable, just £4 per session); or enjoy the The Great Alien Hunt interactive family workshop and explore the fascinating science behind the search for planets beyond our Solar System, on 23rd August – again just £4. Perfect for curious minds, find out more at www.grandarcade.co.uk/events/grand-discoveries
- Standalone Farm and Broadway Cinema and Theatre in Letchworth have teamed up to offer a summer programme, with preferential rates for annual pass holders (£110 for a year’s worth of entry, for a family of up to two adults and three children), or 50% off summer day entry tickets. Space, theatre, outdoors, animal activities and film, at excellent rates. Visit: standalonefarm.com or broadway-letchworth.com
- Here’s one website to check out for hands-on activities for all ages. Cambridge Museums venues such Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Saffron Walden Museum and The National Horseracing Museum are taking part, with many activities free, or very low cost (fossil painting, for example is £2.40 per child) Educational and fun, what’s not to love for the summer?! www.museums.cam.ac.uk/whats-on
