Summer Fun

The summertime offers a huge opportunity to go explore and make some memories, so don’t get caught on the hop, get your planner out and don’t miss a minute. Whether or not the sun decides to descend upon us, we have a whole host of amazing ideas to keep you on your toes all summer long. Not every experience or moment has to be expensive, there is so much to explore that doesn’t cost a penny and it's right in front of you. If the sun has got his hat on, it is truly hip, hip, hip, hooray as your options vastly increase if we are graced with summer rays. Sometimes we feel the need to spend big and seek greater entertainment, but you should spend within your budget, choose carefully, and remember creativity and joint play is often the making of the best days ever.

01 Plan a picnic where you don’t have to spend tons of money buying food or special picnic items, just grab what you can from the cupboard, make up your favourite sandwiches, a blanket and go explore nature at its best. Don’t forget to pack some games to play such as, 02rounders, football or a set of cards which could see away hours of fun in the sun. 03 Want to discover more for FREE? Step into the University Museum Of Zoology in Cambridge that has an amazing display of small animals, insects and skeletons galore, including an enormous Tusk Narwhal hanging from the ceiling as you walk in. The Museum forms part of the David Attenborough Building at the University of Cambridge, an iconic sixties building that has been re-invented as a centre for conservation science and research. Add in a train journey, pack a lunch or eat at their café and you have a day to remember. Make a splash. We are incredibly lucky that our local communities have invested heavily in our park facilities, especially with the inclusion of splash parks located in our nearby towns and cities. For the early years, this is truly a haven for freedom and fun, whilst the parent watching on or joining in with play, can cherish every moment, as they don’t stay small for long. If you're lucky, you might spot the ice cream van nearby so you can treat the little ones to a sweet treat too! Kids are older? Why not upgrade and submerge yourself in one of the local outdoor pools, like Letchworth Lido, surrounded by sunbathing areas and cool refreshments.

Below: Enjoying the splash park in Royston, Priory Gardens.

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Whilst you are in Cambridge you could tag on another little adventure, and it really is dinky. Dotted around the city of Cambridge you can go on a mission to find a whole host of miniature sculptures, ‘Dinky Doors’ lovingly made and hidden just out of plain sight. You can either get searching out on your own for free, or invest in a tour that helps you navigate around the city and find all of the doors.

Jurassic Links Adventure Golf. Visit Kingsway golf centre where kids and adults of all ages can enjoy golf with a twist. This well presented entertainment centre will spark the kid’s imagination with its life size dinosaurs positioned around a well thought out mini golf course. It’s a great way to get the kids into the game and you enjoy fun with all of the family. If you fancy taking it to the next level, you could always go and grab a bucket of balls and take aim on the driving range.

Above: Enjoy the stunning roof terrace, mini golf and shuffleboard at The Tivoli in Cambridge.

Right: The amazing Jurassic Links adventure golf at Kingsway, Melbourn.

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You don’t have to go all the way to the Costa Del Sol to get your bucket and spade out this summer, as you can join Bury Lane at the Beach. With oodles of sand surrounded by extra activities such as bungee trampolines and go karts, your only problem will be to convince the kids to leave. Adjoined to the Fun Barn, you have the opportunity to venture between both experiences and benefit from the aircon if the weather does decide to pick up and they need a breather.

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Right: Little ones playing in the sand at the Beach, at Bury Lane Farm Shop & Fun Barn.

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Summer Camp Out. There is so much fun to be had in your own back garden, where you can pitch up a tent and make it an enjoyable activity for the whole family. Even the experience of working as a team setting up the tent can bring the family together. There are so many ways you can add to the experience; BBQ, campfire, roasted marshmallows, board games and experiment with art of storytelling. Feeling even more adventurous, travel further afield to find a pitch and stop the temptation of going back indoors to the comfort of your home.

Above: Create the ultimate sleepover experience with Sleepy Creations and Tentshare

Right: The funny and inquisitive meerkats at Shepreth Wildlife Park

Walking with Wildlife. With a variety of animals to visit, step into Shepreth Wildlife Park; a great opportunity for kids to see some amazing animals close up. This relaxed and friendly venue allows you to roam around and take in the experience at your leisure, and has a variety of additional activities around the park to keep them all engaged, such as a café, fun barn and the opportunity for VIP experiences.

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Right: See the beautiful and powerful Sumatran Tigers at Shepreth Wildlife Park

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Get crafty and creative, whether you get out the art box at home or decide to take a visit to the professionals. Glazed creations pottery painting studio provides the prefect opportunity to have fun and get creative whilst making homewares, gifts or treasures. Collaborating with friends or family can be hugely rewarding and you can take away something very special that you created together.

Fancy challenging your inner gladiator? Achieve things you never thought possible? Take a trip to Obstacle Training Ground, Bassingbourn, where you can get muddy, get wet, climb walls and swing from pillar to post. We all know that if high-energy kids have nothing to do, they’re going to find something, 10so this is a great way to schedule some time out in the great outdoors, and away from the tablet.

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special thanks

A huge thank you to all of the businesses below, who contributed to our STONES big summer giveaway! Giving followers of STONES the chance to win fantastic activities and kick off the summer in style. Be sure to follow our social media pages to keep up to date with competitions and exclusive offers.

Bury Lane Fun Barn & Beach

Shepreth Wildlife Park Glazed Creations

Obstacle Training Ground - Bassingbourn Kingsway Golf & Jurassic Links Adventure Golf

Royston Museum & Cave The Tivoli

Sleepy Creations Gerry's Mobile Ices