20 minute read
WHAT’S ON WHEN
Ongoing
Summer at the MERL
Collect your activity pack at the museum shop. £4 per pack. For families with children aged 5+, this pack includes a selection of crafts, recipes from the library collections to try at home, a gallery trail, colouring, a themed story and more! Running until 22nd September. Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. W: https://merl.reading.ac.uk
The Climbing Hangar
TCH specialises in bouldering; this fun activity helps kids to build strength, agility, balance, and co-ordination. Best of all, parents/ guardians can climb right alongside them. Book a family session or join a holiday club, where kids climb under the supervision of a friendly and qualified coach. Stadium Way, Reading. W: www.theclimbinghangar.com/ locations/reading
Activity Cart
Go along to Reading Museum and enjoy a range of nature themed crafts and papercraft inspired by the Abstract Art show. Free, drop in. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Lagoona Aqua Park
The perfect destination for schools, clubs and families looking for a fun and exciting day out. With a range of water activities suitable for all ages including a thrilling aqua park, paddleboarding, water bikes and much more. There are water activities suitable for smaller children too and a sandy beach, making it a perfect destination for families with children of all ages. Lagoona Park, Pingewood Road South, Reading. W: www.lagoonapark.com
Fi.Fest
A Picnic with BJORN the bear
If you come down to IKEA this summer you will be in for a big surprise! A very special visitor will be joining us for a party at IKEA Reading and you should too. With lots of free fun for all the family to enjoy plus kids can eat from 95p. Date TBC times 16:00-19:30 a bookable event for all the family to enjoy Keep an eye on the What’s on in store page to reserve your space soon. W: www.ikea.co.uk/Reading
Summer Fun House at IKEA throughout the Holidays
Join IKEA over the school holidays, where they will show you how building play into each day this summer can be easy, cost effective and great for the whole family’s wellbeing. At IKEA Reading, you can enjoy a host of free arts and crafts, games and competitions – and kids can eat from just 95p!
W: www.ikea.co.uk/Reading
Feeding Time at The Living Rainforest
There are so many exciting animals to see in the pleasantly warm and comfortable rainforest in West Berkshire. Animal feeding takes places daily at 10am and 2pm. Keep a lookout for keepers as they move between the animals.
W: www.livingrainforest.org/events
Coral Reef
Go on down and see the five amazing waterslides with pirate ship, erupting volcano, rapids, bubble pool and new splash pad! Accessible sessions, groups and quieter holiday parents and toddler sessions also all available and children under 5 swim for just £1.10! Coral Reef Waterworld, Bracknell.
W: www.everyoneactive.com/ coral-reef-waterworld
Summer at Bucklebury Farm
This summer experience an unforgettable time at Bucklebury Farm. Enjoy air-conditioned soft play, thrilling outdoor activities with bouncy pillows, snake swing, and zip wires. Meet friendly farmyard animals, take tractor rides to feed majestic deer, savor tasty treats at the café, and explore the charming shop. Stay in spacious glamping tents for a magical time. W: www.buckleburyfarm.co.uk
Visit the Ranger Station at Prospect Park
Have a go on the accessible 9-hole mini golf course, book a session on their outdoor climbing wall or on the archery range. For younger children, build up their confidence and coordination skills and let them enjoy a session on the low ropes course, designed for children aged 2-7, and under 122cm in height.
W: www.reading.gov.uk
Bracknell Library
Bracknell Library is a National Databank. Their aim is to help the community get connected with access to free data SIM cards or vouchers donated by: O2, Vodafone and Three. Visit Bracknell Library for information. W: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries
July
Monday 3rd
River Inspired Art Workshops
Inspired by the exhibition in their main Gallery, Kurt Jackson: River, The Base have organised a range of workshops to encourage young people to get creative this summer, using watercolours, mixed media, recycled materials, printmaking or collage –there’s something for all! For ages 6-16, running on various dates until 28th July. W: www.thebasegreenham.co.uk/children
Saturday 8th Museums My Way
Reading Museum has created a breakout room, aimed at neurodivergent visitors and their families. Quiet areas with tents and cushions and sensory toys will be available. Families can enjoy exploring the galleries using their sensory bags, then take time out to relax before continuing their visit. Free, drop in. Every Saturday. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Fi.Fest, Maidenhead’s biggest family-friendly music festival is set to be a date not-to-be missed. British chart toppers Scouting for Girls and The Feeling are set to headline this year’s festival. Alongside the festival is Fi.Fest’s Kidzone which will be packed with entertainment, crafts, free shows, a giant sandpit, fairground rides and so much more. Keep an eye out for Baxter the T-Rex making an appearance throughout the day.
W: www.fifest.co.uk
Thursday 13th World Championships
Local Liquid Leisure Team Rider, Liam Peacock, will be defending his Double Pro Men World Champion status at Liquid Leisure Windsor this week and you can gain FREE entry to watch (ticket registration required).
W: https://windsor.liquidleisure.com
Friday 14th
Readipop Festival
A three-day family-friendly charity festival by the banks of the River Thames in Caversham, Reading.
W: www.whatsonreading.com
July 14th – 16th July
IKEA Reading’s FREE 7th Birthday weekend!
Exciting news! IKEA Reading is turning 7 and you are invited to celebrate with IKEA Reading across a fun filled family weekend. With 200 offers going live exclusive to IKEA Family members and a birthday party on the evening of 14th, with games, music, and entertainment it is free to attend but you will need to RSVP for all your family members joining. Be sure not to miss it – book your space today! The celebrations continue in store across the weekend with lots of free entertainment from face painting, balloon art, fun games and competitions all you need to do is show your IKEA Family card or account to the co-workers at the stations. W: www.ikea.co.uk/Reading
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Saturday 15th Summer Mile Racing Weekend
Ascot hosts its second dedicated family day of the year and kids can go free with a full paying adult. Look forward to an action-packed day with the ‘Land of Discovery’ theme. Discover the excitement at the dino dig, dinosaur egg hatching and mobile cave. There are also family friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. W: www.ascot.com
Sunday 16th Summer Fair
Share all the fun of the Summer Fair in the beautiful surroundings of Shaw House, with craft stalls, live music, and craft activities. Shaw House, Newbury. W: www.booking.westberks.gov.uk
LEGO Club at Bracknell Library
An unstructured session where children are free to explore what they can make. Children must be supervised by an adult.
W: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Holiday Activities: Water Sport Sessions
A combination of on the water paddlesport skills with water sport games for a fun filled day. Wokingham Watersports Centre. Other dates and sessions are available. W: www.wokinghamwatersidecentre.com
Beehive Holiday Clubs
For a summer of fun, creativity, and adventures, book The Beehive Summer Holiday Clubs at either Crown Wood Primary School or Nine Mile Ride Primary School, 24th July-25th August or their new club at Hatch Ride Primary School, 31st July-18th August. For ages 3-11. W: www.beehiveclub.co.uk
Reading Football
Funtastic Kids Summer Holiday Camps
Dependable childcare in a safe environment. Running across Berkshire from 24th July-25th August. Ages 4-15. From £23.50 per day, sibling discount available. T: 01189 799253
Bertie’s Tree Trail and Craft Pack
Calling all nature explorers! Can you identify some of the trees in the town? Hunt for Bertie outside in the Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins and discover more about trees that grow there. Take home your craft pack to make some fun nature themed crafts. £2.50 per trail/pack (pay on the day or book via website). Reading Museum.
W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
21st Cobbs Play Barn
Friday
Make the most of indoor and outdoor play at Cobbs Play Barn near Hungerford. They have a bespoke wooden indoor, Play Barn, giant outdoor sandpit and a brand-new adventure trail this summer! Double decker bus café will also be open every Wednesday through to Sunday from today for the summer holidays. You’ll be able to enjoy decadent milkshakes and ice creams galore. W: www.cobbsplaybarn.co.uk
Festival of Fun
Join Odds Farm Park for some festival-themed fun & frivolities –with live entertainment, summertime games, carnival crafts and much more. Running until 3rd September. W: www.oddsfarm.co.uk
Saturday 22nd
Animal and Plant Tours
Available each day to highlight the stories behind the animals and plants of the rainforest. Running until 4th September. The Living Rainforest. W: www.livingrainforest.org
Woodland Explorer’s Summer Trail
Unleash the explorer in you with a trail and activity booklet for the summer holidays. Aimed at explorers up to 12. Collect your copy from the Information Point and guide yourself along the route. Suggested donation £2. Burnham Beeches near Slough. Runs until 3rd September.
W: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
George and the Naughty Dragons
Enjoy some creative crafting at Windsor Castle’s Learning Centre. Children can create little dragons as a memento before heading to the Castle to hunt for the naughty, hiding dragons. Activities take place throughout the local school holidays, 9.30am-3.30pm.
W: www.rct.uk/whatson
Marvellous Festival 2023
The tribute festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year! Also on 23rd July. Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst.
W: www.marvellousfestivals.com
Revival Reading – Blue Five
Revival Reading is a family fun day out with fairground rides, kids entertainment and a street food village. Prospect Park, Reading.
W: www.whatsonreading.com
Monday 24th
The Nature Discovery Centre
A Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust managed wildlife haven in the middle of Thatcham and Newbury. Walking trails for all ages taking in the lake, reed beds and the Kennet and Avon canal. The large adventure playground is open all year round and the café, selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams will be open seven days a week during the summer holidays. W: www.bbowt.org.uk
Reading Football Club’s Community Trust are running Football Camps throughout the summer holidays. Hosted at venues right across Reading and the local area, every camp is run by FA-qualified coaches. Activities are available to both boys and girls aged 6-14, including children with SEND and open to all abilities. W: www.readingfc.co.uk/ community-trust
Artemis Summer Theatre Camps
Fun and creative musical theatre activities with acting, singing and dancing. Includes daily lunch and fruit snacks, plus a medal at the end of each week. 9.30am-4.30pm daily.
Ages 4-15. Whitegrove, Bracknell. Also on 21st-25th August. W: www.artemis-studios.co.uk
Mad Science Camps
The camps offer an awe-inspiring blend of fun and exploration, designed to spark your child’s imagination and inspire their love of science. Led by experienced science educators, the programs are tailored to kids aged 5-11 and include a wide range of hands-on experiments, where no two days are the same! With flexible options and convenient locations across Berks, Bucks and Oxon. W: www.madsciencecamps.co.uk
Museums My Way
Themed sessions for neurodivergent visitors of all ages. 10am-2pm. Featuring a breakout room, aimed at neurodivergent visitors and their families. Quiet areas with tents and cushions and sensory toys will be available. Families can enjoy exploring the galleries using sensory bags, then take time out to relax before continuing their visit. Booking required. Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. W: https://merl.reading.ac.uk
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Follow the Yellow Brick Road at The Lexicon
Wizard of Oz fans of all ages will love summer at The Lexicon, Bracknell. There’s a spectacular theatrical experience, a yellow brick road trail, make and take home craft workshops and a beautiful Emerald City flower rainbow. Don’t miss out on all the fun. Runs until 27th August.
W: www.thelexiconbracknell.com
Tuesday 25th
Summer at The Look Out Discovery
Explore your curiosities and get inspired at The Look Out Discovery Centre, a hands-on science exhibition where your family can spend a marvellous day out building your own constellations, playing a harp made of lasers, testing your reaction speeds and so much more! Exhibition tickets are available to prebook online.
W: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Circus Week
A week of incredible circus skills and performing. Learn to walk on stilts, ride a unicycle, walk the tightrope, and perform on a trapeze! Running until 28th July. Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead. W: www.norden.farm
Wednesday 26th
A Very Vintage Summer at Parkway
Don’t miss out on a FREE retro themed activity each Wednesday from 26th July to 16th August. 10am-4pm. Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury. W: www.shopatparkway.com
The Lost Words
Family nature trail around Windsor Great Park.
W: www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Theatre Camps
BOOK NOW!
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Pond Dipping Workshop at Woolley Firs
Explore the depths and find out what creatures lurk in this hidden world. Two hours of nature fun at the beautiful private pond. 10am-12noon and 1-3pm. Woolley Firs Environmental Centre near Maidenhead. W: www.bbowt.org.uk
Family Activity Day
Make a Central American-themed musical stick to call the rain. 10am3pm. £2.50. Shaw House, Newbury. W: www.westberkshireheritage.org
Teddy Bears Picnic, Green Teds are Go!
Celebrate the start of the summer holidays by bringing your owners along to the Forbury Gardens. Enjoy making a bear-themed planting craft with your favourite teddy in the sun then follow the eco trail around the Forbury. (In the event of bad weather please go to the Museum.) 10am-12pm & 1-3pm. £2, pay on the day, drop in. Reading Museum. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Mini Masterpieces with Recycled Materials
Explore using found, used, and recycled materials with artist Gemma Kirby to make mini masterpieces to take home! Inspired by the work of artist Kurt Jackson. Ages 6-12. Corn Exchange Newbury.
W: www.cornexchangenew.com
Thursday 27th
Crafts, Quizzes and Guest Speakers
Take a fun trip to The Living Rainforest, in West Berkshire, between 27th-21st August, they will be highlighting different rainforest species along with crafts, quizzes and guest speakers.
W: www.livingrainforest.org
Collage Landscapes
Artist Yvonne de Savigny will help you experiment with collage to create your own landscape picture to take home. Corn Exchange Newbury.
W: www.cornexchangenew.com
Summer Family Fun
A range of seasonally and environmentally-themed activities and workshops each day, aimed primarily at 3-10 year olds. Cost for children 3 and over is £6 or £8 with workshop. Iver Environment Centre. Also on 28th July, 17th/18th and 24th/25th August.
W: www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Friday 28th
Messy Museum Day
Make a tile from air-drying clay and then draw or stamp on Saxon patterns. West Berkshire Museum. W: www.westberkshireheritage.org
MERL Family Picnic and Farm Event with Miller’s Ark
Take a picnic and blanket and enjoy a range of hands-on activities from The MERL and visit real farm animals from Miller’s Ark. Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. 10.30am-2.30pm.
W: https://merl.reading.ac.uk
Rivers by Watercolours
Have fun learning how to draw and paint rivers using watercolour paints with artist Ellie Kerr-Smiley. Corn Exchange Newbury. W: www.cornexchangenew.com
Saturday 29th
Summer Days Out
At Basildon Park the obstacle course with balance beams and hurdles will run off some energy, or there’s badminton for competitive spirits. There’s a mini stage with props and costumes, along with garden games and activities. Plus, there are bookable den-building sessions with the ranger. Greys Court, Nuffield Place and The Vyne will have traditional games on the lawns such as sack races and pin the tail on the donkey.
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Monday 31st
Wild Week
Wild Weeks provide 7-11 year olds with five days of fun activities during the summer holidays. Drop them off 10am4pm. Activities include games, outdoor activities, cooking and crafts, all with an environmental theme. Cost £185 for the week (£160 for additional siblings). Running 31st July-4th August and 7th11th August. Iver Environment Centre.
W: www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
August
Tuesday 1st
Victorian Fossil Hunters
Follow in the famous footsteps of Victorian fossil hunters, such as Mary Anning. Take a look at some of the fossils in the Loans Boxes and create your own with clay and plaster of paris. Ages 5+, families, one hour sessions starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm. £4, booking essential. Reading Museum. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Victorian Schoolroom Experience
Meet a Victorian schoolteacher and re-learn the ‘3Rs’. A 45-minute experience for adults and children over 5 in the unique Victorian classroom. Reading Museum. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Wednesday 2nd
A Bug’s Life
Outdoor cinema screening in the garden at the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. 11am. £6 per audio headset. For details and to book visit https://merl.reading.ac.uk
MERLvellous Movies –Outdoor cinema in the MERL garden
Enjoy your favourite family films in the MERL garden, including Peter Rabbit, Shaun the Sheep and more... The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX. 11am (Weds to Fri). Running until 11th August. Booking required Cost: £6 per audio headset. To book visit W: https://merl.reading.ac.uk/ summer-holidays
Thursday 3rd
Moths and Butterflies Family Event
Discover the marvels of moths and the beauty of butterflies at Windsor Great Park with this family friendly event! 10am-2pm. W: www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Fantastic Mr Fox
Outdoor cinema screening in the garden at the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. 11am. £6 per audio headset. For details and to book visit https://merl.reading.ac.uk
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Friday 4th
Peter Rabbit
Outdoor cinema screening in the garden at the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. 11am. £6 per audio headset. For details and to book visit https://merl.reading.ac.uk
Friday BBQs
Join the rainforest team for a delicious Friday BBQ running between 11am-3pm on Fridays in August. The Living Rainforest. W: www.livingrainforest.org/events
Saturday 5th
Kite Making Workshops
Get involved at Kite Making Workshops this summer, then see your creation take to the sky! The workshops are led by specialist kite makers Community Kite Project. Make and decorate your eco-friendly kite to stand out in the sky at the Kite Festival which takes place in Boyn Grove Park on Sunday 3rd September. Workshops are suitable for all the family and tickets are £6 per person. Pre booking is highly recommended. Running twice a day on 5th, 18th & 19th August. Norden Farm, Maidenhead. W: www.nordenfarm.org
Fun Dinosaur Trail in Reading
Discover brick-built dinosaur models in Reading town centre this summer!
The free Reading Dino Trail features 15 dinosaurs, including a 3m Tethyshadros and Velociraptors. Brought to you by Reading BID and BRICKLIVE, it’s an awe-inspiring spectacle. Running until 20th August. Check online for more details. W: www.visit-reading.com
Reading MELA 2023
Reading Mela is the largest event for the South Asian community in Reading. It’s a complete fun day with multiple attractions and breath-taking performances ranging from international and local singing talents, Bollywood and street dance, classical dance, street dance, Punjabi bhangra, belly dance groups, multiple shows for kids, and much more. Also on 6th August.
W: www.whatsonreading.com
Spectacular Sports Weekend
Explore Wellington Country Park and discover new sports for the whole family to enjoy. Meet coaches from Reading FC to learn about the world of football. Try out skateboarding with Tic Tac Skate School. Head to the Wellington Country Park Centre Court and challenge the Riseley Tennis Club coaches to a match. Wellington Country Park, Riseley near Reading. W: www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
Smoke and Fire Festival
The award-winning Smoke and Fire Festival is the largest BBQ festival experience in the UK, voted a great family weekend and charity event in support of the Air Ambulance. Running a Ascot Racecourse. W: www.ascot.com
Monday 7th Summer Project at South Hill Park
Calling all young performers! South Hill Park in Bracknell is running a Summer Project like no other. Participants aged 6-11yrs will learn new skills, build confidence, and form new friendships as they work towards staging a musical theatre showcase performance at the end of the week. Running 7th-10th August with a performance on Friday 11th August. Booking online: www.southhillpark.org.uk/shpevents/summer-project-23
Tuesday 8th Bug Club
Insect explorers can search for creepy-crawlies in the Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins with special kits. Identify, draw, and record your finds, plus take a look at some fabulous insect specimens from the loans collection boxes. Ages 5+. Organised by Reading Museum. A second session is running on 22nd August. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Art Week
Combining art, movement and play to provide a stimulating and creative week of fun. With a sensational exhibition at the end of the week! For ages 8-14 years. Running until 11th August. Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead. W: www.norden.farm
Wednesday 9th
Wall-E
Outdoor cinema screening in the garden at the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. 11am. £6 per audio headset. For details and to book visit https://merl.reading.ac.uk
Thursday 10th
Chocolate making workshops
Rosie’s Chocolate Factory would love to welcome you to her lovely little factory in Wargrave. She hosts chocolate making workshops for all occasions including birthday parties and family treats. Have fun making the most delicious creations you could ever imagine, sample some of her delicious melted chocolate and take all your amazing treats home the same day. For more information visit W: www.rosieschocolatefactory.co.uk or call Rosie on 07427 738803
Follow the Yellow Brick Road at The Lexicon
Saturday 12th
Welly’s Summer Fun Weekend
Featuring hilarious shows and bubble fun, performance by the UK African Acrobatic Team, 18ft jungle obstacle course and a juggling competition. Wellington Country Park, Riseley near Reading. W: www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
Summer Stories
These fun interactive storytelling workshops will bring a classic picture book to life followed by a guided craft activity. Running until 26th August. Corn Exchange Newbury. W: www.cornexchangenew.com
Wizard of Oz fans of all ages will love summer at The Lexicon, Bracknell. There’s a spectacular theatrical experience, a yellow brick road trail, make and take home craft workshops and a beautiful Emerald City flower rainbow. Don’t miss out on all the fun. Runs until 27th August.
W: www.thelexiconbracknell.com
Summer Art Club
The popular holiday Art Club takes over the Gallery this August so go along and get creative. Running until 24th August. Corn Exchange Newbury.
W: www.cornexchangenew.com
Tuesday 15th
Fun Dinosaur Trail in Reading
Discover brick-built dinosaur models in Reading town centre this summer! The free Reading Dino Trail features 15 dinosaurs, including a 3m Tethyshadros and Velociraptors. Brought to you by Reading BID
A Shaun
the Sheep Movie – Farmageddon
Outdoor cinema screening in the garden at the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. W: https://merl.reading.ac.uk
Friday 11th
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Take your teddy along for some summer fun at Woolley Firs Environmental Centre near Maidenhead. W: www.bbowt.org.uk
Encanto
Outdoor cinema screening in the garden at the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. 11am. £6 per audio headset. For details and to book visit https://merl.reading.ac.uk
Carnival of the World Carnival of the World returns to Broad Street Reading with a live stage and the Broad Street Parade. The live stage launches at 12pm with a range of performances to entertain you throughout the day, including award winning steel band Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO). W: www.whatsonreading.com
Summer Stories
Fun interactive Saturday storytelling workshops which bring a classic picture book to life followed by a fun guided craft activity for under 7s. Tickets £8 per child (includes one adult) / £2.50 per additional adult. Also on 19th and 26th August. The Base, Greenham.
W: www.thebasegreenham.co.uk/ children
Sunday 13th
Family Fun Day
Live horse racing alongside a host of free entertainment for kids. Windsor Racecourse.
W: www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Monday 14th
Summer Art Club
The Base’s popular holiday Art Club takes over the main Gallery this August to get creating on a supersize scale! 10am-1pm. Running MondayThursday until 24th August. Tickets £20 per child, per session, discount available for four or more sessions.
W: www.thebasegreenham.co.uk/ children
Rainforest Butterflies
For more information call Fiona on 0118 929 1631 or email f w yeth@sde11plus.com
The theme at The Living Rainforest from 14th to 20th August is beautiful rainforest butterflies! With guest speakers and butterfly related crafts and quizzes. W: www.livingrainforest.org/events
Wild Discovery Camp Day
A wide variety of fun activities and wildlife exploration. Learn lots about the amazing and interesting wildlife and how to protect their habitats through a range of games and crafts. Ages 8-12. Other dates available. Windsor Great Park. W: www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Luke Jerram’s Astonishing Museum of the Moon!
UK artist Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation will be at the Corn Exchange Newbury between until Sunday 3rd September as part of the Festival of the Moon. Free but suggested donation. Find out more online.
W: www.cornexchangenew.com
Theatre Week
Dive into the world of theatre, writing, directing and star in a brand-new play! Running until 18th August. Norden Farm Centre, Maidenhead. W: www.norden.farm
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!
Tuesday 1 Aug
OUT
BUG CLUB
Tuesday 8 August
ARTY PARTY BAGS
Wednesday 16 August
OUT IN THE FORBURY: BUG CLUB 2
Tuesday 22 August
SLUDGE RIVER ACTIVITY
Wednesday 30 August
Sunday 3 September
Festival of the Moon
Newbury 2023
The vibrant market town of Newbury is playing host to a three week long festival of a wide variety of moon themed events and activities for all the family to enjoy, including Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon. To view the full line up and book your events go to: www.visitnewbury.org.uk/ festival-of-the-moon
Wednesday 16th
Arty Party Bags
Brown Paper bags become ecocanvases ready for little hands to decorate. Inspired by the colours in the Abstract Art show. Families, half-hour sessions 10am-12pm & 1-3pm. £1, pay on the day, drop in. Reading Museum. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Thursday 17th
Follow the Yellow Brick Road:
A Wizard of Oz Experience
Prepare for a magical multi-venue performance inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Start at South Hill Park, which will be transformed into Kansas and the Land of Oz, where you will meet the performers, and complete your experience at the Emerald City in The Lexicon. This production is fun for the whole family with many surprises. Tickets are only £5 each. Runs until 27th August. T: 01344 484123 W: www.southhillpark.org.uk/ whats-on
Welly’s Big Dino Takeover!
Take a walk on the wild side and journey to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Come face to face with a dinosaur, from the fierce T-Rex, to the agile Raptor there are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to witness these fantastic beasts. Running 17th-19th August. Wellington Country Park, Riseley near Reading.
W: www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
Saturday 26th
Meet Skye!
Meet Skye from Paw Patrol at Parkway Shopping Centre in Newbury. She will be visiting The Entertainer store 11am-5pm so pop in for a selfie whilst doing your ‘back to school’ shop!
W: www.shopatparkway.com
Bouncy Castles in the Park
Bounce away the bank holiday weekend! Back for another year with a brand-new range of bouncy castles. 10.30am-4pm. Running 26th-28th August. Wellington Country Park. W: www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
Sunday 27th
The Swallowfield Show
A great day out with live displays and fun activities the whole family will enjoy! A community event run by volunteers raising funds for local causes and featuring dog, horse and classic vehicle shows, craft, food and trade stalls, plus a horticultural marquee including competition entries for children. Taking place on 27th & 28th August.
W: www.swallowfieldshow.co.uk
Summer Craft and Food Market
An indoor market where you can buy directly from the suppliers. 27th-28th August. South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell. T: 01344 484123 W: www.southhillpark.org.uk
Wednesday 30th
Sludge River Activity
Learn about the dangers to our wildlife caused by rubbish in rivers. Then create some cornflower sludge complete with mini fish. Inspired by the ‘Life Below Water’ theme. Ages 5+, families, 1-hour sessions starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm. £4, booking essential. Reading Museum. W: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
September
Sunday 3rd
Community Kite Festival
The annual Kite Festival is at Maidenhead’s Boyn Grove Park (Punt Hill). This free event is open from 12pm to 4pm and is a celebration of families and community spirit. Take your kite creations, pre-owned or shop bought kites and fly them on the hill. Everyone is welcome, with or without a kite! As well as all the kite flying fun, the afternoon will include food from local vendors and a beer tent. The live music stage will feature top local talent. In the lead up to the festival, families can create their own kites in a series of workshops held at Norden Farm. T: 01628 788997 W: www.nordenfarm.org
Rare Breeds Month
Discover more about the rarest UK native animal breeds on the farm. Running until 30th September. Odds Farm Park. W: www.oddsfarm.co.uk
Monday 4th
Museums My Way
Themed sessions for neurodivergent visitors of all ages. 10am-2pm. Featuring a breakout room, aimed at neurodivergent visitors and their families. Quiet areas with tents and cushions and sensory toys will be available. Families can enjoy exploring the galleries using sensory bags, then take time out to relax before continuing their visit. Booking required. Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. W: https://merl.reading.ac.uk
Saturday 9th
Heritage Open Day
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences. Free. Shaw House, Newbury.
W: www.westberkshireheritage.org
Saturday 23rd
Annual Open Morning
Leighton Park School are hosting their annual Open Morning at 9am. W: www.leightonpark.com
