SUMMER FUN

Words & images: Simon Paterson

With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, I have been looking at ways to save money this summer whilst ensuring the kids, still, have an awesome summer making memories.

Here is my list of free activities you can enjoy with your kids during the summer, and some cost-effective ways of making cherished memories.

Visit local parks: Parks often have playgrounds, walking trails, and open spaces for picnics and games. It's a fantastic way to spend time outdoors and let kids burn off energy. Queens Park, Somersall Park, The Badge Park, and Monkey Park are some of our favourites. Explore nature trails: Take your kids on a hike or nature walk on nearby trails or nature reserves. It's an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature, observe wildlife, and teach them about plants and animals. We love taking the kids and the dog to Linacre for a walk and seeing the sights at Curbar Edge.

Visit the library: Many libraries free summer events for all the family. It's a fantastic way to encourage a love for reading and participate in storytelling sessions or workshops. Chesterfield Library has a wonderful children's section filled with books, puzzles, and games. We like to tie in our visit with a walk around the flea market on a Thursday.

Plan a backyard camp-out: Set up a tent in your backyard, have a barbecue, tell stories around a campfire (if permitted), and enjoy stargazing. It's a fun way to experience camping without leaving home.

Attend community events: Check local community calendars for free events like outdoor concerts, movies in the park, or festivals. These events often offer entertainment and activities for kids. Peddler Market and Unhampered Live are our picks for amazing, free summer events.

Have a water day: Set up a sprinkler, water slide, or a kiddie pool in your backyard. Kids can splash around and have fun while staying cool in the summer heat.

Organise a scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with a list of items to find around your neighbourhood or local park. It's an exciting and interactive way to explore the area. Why not invite other families to take part and make it an annual event.

Get creative with crafts: Use recycled materials and household items to create art projects with your kids. You can make collages, sculptures, or even create a mini garden using pebbles and plants.

Remember to check our what’s on pages and regular events to see the best of what Chesterfield has to offer every month of the year. And, most importantly, have fun and don’t forget the suncream.

For a comprehensive list of great local events check out our 'what's on' pages and Unhampered-chesterfield.co.uk