Fun and Educational Activities for the Summer Holidays in the UK

Hi, I’m Melissa - writer and editor for Author Anita Frost at Green Bean Studios. In my regular features, I’ll be discussing everything from children’s development, to books and publishing, to living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. You can also find me talking about author news, business, and community projects over on Anita Frost’s author website. Read my latest thoughts on Writing for Children and what kid’s want from books.  Follow me on Twitter @MelBrannlund or email me at [email protected]

Green Bean’s Storytime events may be fully booked for Summer 2021, but there’s still plenty of fun family activities taking place across the UK this summer. If you’re in need of some fun ways to entertain the kids during the summer holidays, we’ve rounded up some exciting events for the whole family to explore. ​

1. Meet the Author Kirstie Watson
   

Kirstie Watson is an Amazon best-selling children’s author and storyteller. She has just released her new children’s picture book, The Fairies - Petal & Nettle and the Big Birthday Surprise, and is hosting a meet the author event to celebrate the launch.

The event will be on 31st July 2021 at the Love Local Hub in Milton Keynes, where visitors will be able to get a copy of Kirstie’s new book in-store and get it signed by the author. Find out more and book here: 
https://allevents.in/milton%20keynes/meet-the-author-event/200021212934111 

1. POPKIDS – The Greatest Summer Carnival
   

Popkids has teamed up with the Queen’s Hotel in Portsmouth to host a fully interactive family garden party. There will be an exciting range of activities for children and parents to enjoy, with special guests each week to meet and greet, sing-alongs and performances to get involved with, a FREE bouncy castle and dance parties.

They’ve promised a feast for the senses, with bubbles, confetti and foam to heighten the fun, energetic atmosphere.

The event starts from Monday 2nd August 2021 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1pm–4pm  throughout the summer holidays. Find out more and how to book POPKIDS here: https://book.events/e/33022#order_form 

1. A Morning With John Mole
   

Join award-winning poet John Mole for a family-friendly morning of poetry. John will be reading some of his own poems and sharing riddles for the whole family to figure out together. This is ideal for children aged 4 and above.

This ‘Books on the Hill’ event will be held in St. Albans on Saturday 14th August 2021 from 10:45am–11:45am and you can book tickets here: https://www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk/festival-1/a-morning-with-john-mole 

1. Outdoor Theatre: The Jungle Book
   

Enjoy a new musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic children’s story, The Jungle Book. With original music and audience interaction, this will be a hilarious and exciting activity for the whole family to enjoy.

The event is held at Hylands House on the Back Lawn on Friday 20th August 2021 from 4pm–5.30pm and is recommended for kids aged 4+. Find out more and book your tickets here: https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/outdoor-theatre-jungle-book-2/ 

1. Granny Pearl: Beachcombing
   

Come along for an exciting, inspiring day of beachcombing, rock pooling and arts and crafts with Granny Pearl. Children will get the chance to explore the beach and get creative using natural materials that they find. The activities are ideal for children aged 3 to 10 years old, and family and grandparents are welcome to come.

The sessions will be filmed, with the footage featuring in a series of short films for Granny Pearl’s YouTube channel and social media pages.

The event takes place at Birling Gap beach in East Sussex on Saturday 14th August at 10am and you can book tickets here: https://www.jennylockyer.co.uk/about-1 ​

Colouring Fun Let's Go

1. Summer Holiday Kids Activities – Arty Afternoons

Burwell Museum & Windmill in Cambridge is holding arts and crafts afternoons on Thursdays throughout the summer holidays, starting from 5th August from 1:30pm–3:30pm. The sessions are part of the Summer with Museums by the University of Cambridge and Botanic Gardens.

There’s no need to book, you can just drop in. Children of all ages are welcome to come along and take a look around the interesting objects on display at the museum, then create artwork inspired by what they’ve seen. All activities are included in the admissions price. For more details and to book, visit their website: https://burwellmuseum.org.uk/event/summer-holidays-5thaug/ 

1. Get Cooking for Kids – Summer Holiday Event

Children aged 12 to 18 can enjoy a whole day of learning cooking skills, having fun, and building confidence in the kitchen at this event hosted by Live Learn Cook. Attendees will get the chance to prepare a range of delicious foods to eat during the day, as well as being able to take some home with them.

The workshop is aimed at young people with a desire to hone their skills in cookery, ideal for children doing GCSE Food and Nutrition or the Duke of Edinburgh Award, but also for any young people wanting to generally improve their cooking skills.

This will be held in Camerton Community Hall in Meadgate, Bath, on Tuesday 31st August 2021 from 10am–4:30pm and can be booked here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-cooking-for-kids-aged-12-18-summer-holiday-event-tickets-164120257107

1. Pop Up Festival of Children’s Literature

This FREE outdoor event celebrates children’s writers, illustrators and storytellers. Visitors will get to experience live readings, performances and activities which will entertain the whole family.

The event takes place from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd August 2021 and is open from 10am–5pm each day. It is held at the Aviary in Waddeson House & Gardens in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and is organised by the national children’s literature development agency Pop Up Projects.

Find out more and books tickets here: https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/pop-up-festival/ 

1. Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books

This festival will be an exciting family experience, featuring the amazing worlds from kids’ books. The magical stories will be brought to life by inspiring exhibitions, fun activities, and special events, with plenty of opportunities for kids to get dressed up and enjoy some dramatic fun with Seven Stories Theatre.

This event will be taking place throughout the summer holidays in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and is open from 10am–5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am–4pm Sundays. Find out more and book here: https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/gateway-to-the-north/explore-the-north/seven-stories-the-national-centre-for-childrens-books-p344141 


These are just some of the fun and educational activities happening across the UK this summer, with plenty more to enjoy for the whole family. Be sure to find out full details for these events by using the links provided, to ensure they are right for you and your family, and keep updated on any Covid-19 restrictions or guidance when visiting.
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Look out for Melissa's latest articles on Anita Frost's author website, where she'll talk about topics including business and publishing, author news and events, and giving back to communities. You can find her in-depth monthly feature on the News & Media page of the Green Bean Collection website, discussing children's books and reading, early years education, living a greener lifestyle and all things Green Bean!