By Parkdean Resorts on 26/06/2019
The school summer holidays can be a daunting few weeks if you’re struggling to come up with fun days out with the kids. With that in mind, we’ve put together some inspiration for some of the best school holiday activities around the country, many of which have extra exciting events on during the summer and offer something to suit all weathers. With plenty of UK attractions for families right on your doorstep, they’ll be far from bored and might even learn something along the way!
1. Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo
- Where is Folly Farm? Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, SA68 0XA
- When can I visit? Opening times vary throughout the year, however from 18th July to 1st September you can visit Folly Farm every day between 10:00am and 5:30pm.
- How much is entry? Save 10% on day tickets by booking online here. Annual passes are also available. Extra charges may apply for certain experiences and optional extras.
- Where can I stay nearby? Pendine Sands Holiday Park is a 20 minute drive from Folly Farm.
- Trip Advisor rating: 5.0 stars
If you’re looking for a whole array of kids’ activities all in one place, head to Folly Farm Adventure Park which is bound to keep them occupied for a whole day. The park is home to the tenth best zoo in the world, as voted by Trip Advisor in 2017, with over 90 different species including penguins, lions and the only giraffes in Wales. If that’s not enough to feed your animal fix, head to the Jolly Barn where you’ll find farm animals and pets to cuddle and a land train if you fancy a tour. Engross yourself in the fun of the fair at the vintage fairground where you can take a spin on the big wheel or battle it out on the dodgems; the choice is yours. On top of all of that, there are plenty of themed play areas, a theatre with events and performances throughout the holidays and even a go-karting track. Folly Farm has a good mix of both indoor and outdoor activities to suit all weathers, so should you encounter an unexpected shower there is still plenty to do. With so much on offer, your only problem will be trying to fit it all in!
2. Alnwick Castle
- Where is Alnwick Castle? Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NG
- When can I visit? The main castle and grounds are open daily from 27th March until late October 2020 between 10:00am and 5:30pm. Find more information here.
- How much is entry? Book online here and get unlimited free returns for one year.
- Where can I stay nearby? Cresswell Towers is a 30 minute drive from Alnwick but it is also easily accessible from all of our Northumberland holiday parks.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.5 stars
Calling all Harry Potter fanatics, it’s time to get your wands at the ready as you step into the magical world that is Alnwick Castle. Instantly recognisable from the much-loved film franchise, you’ll feel like a real life wizard entering Hogwarts for the first time. Providing the iconic backdrop to the lively market town of Alnwick, the castle delivers plenty of activities throughout school holidays and beyond to keep both you and the kids amused. As you would expect, there are plenty of wizard themed antics to get involved in from costumed guided tours and performances to the famous broomstick training situated where Harry himself mounted his first broom. During the summer holidays there are even dedicated Wizarding Weeks to immerse yourself in! It doesn’t end there; from interactive Dragon Quests to Knight School and other medieval experiences, your kids will be entertained and educated in equal measure.
With combined ticket prices available, why not extend your stay in Northumberland and take a day to visit the nearby Alnwick Gardens too?
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
3. Eureka: The National Children's Museum
- Where is Eureka Museum? Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE
- When can I visit? During school holidays, Eureka is open between 10:00am and 5:00pm every day. Find more about opening and closure times here.
- How much is entry? Buy your tickets here and visit as many times as you like for a whole year.
- Where can I stay nearby? Our Todber Valley Holiday Park in Lancashire is approximately an hour’s drive from Eureka.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.0 stars
For an action-packed day out filled with hands-on activities and learning through playing, head to the national children’s museum, Eureka. Specifically created with kids in mind, Eureka is both interactive and educational, offering up some exciting summer holiday activities for them to enjoy. With six themed zones and countless different exhibits to explore, they’ll be engaging in all sorts from expanding their knowledge on the human body to experiencing the world of work in a child-sized town square. The school holidays are a great time to visit due to the Big Summer Festival running from 18th July to 6th September where you can expect lots of outdoor activities, guest performances and science shows. Eureka typically caters to kids up to 11 years old and includes plenty for under-fives such as soft play areas, arts and crafts and an outdoor playground with a sandpit and sensory garden.
Video sourced from Eureka Museum
4. Go Ape: Grizedale Forest
- Where is Go Ape Grizedale? Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ
- When can I visit? Opening times vary throughout the year depending on location, adventure and season. The best way to find out when to go is by using their booking tool to find available dates and times.
- How much is entry? Head to the Go Ape website for ticket information and bookings.
- Where can I stay nearby? Grizedale Forest is within driving distance to all of our Lake District holiday parks, the closest being White Cross Bay.
- Trip Advisor rating: 5.0 stars
Embrace your inner Tarzan and swing through the treetops with a trip to Go Ape at Grizedale Forest. One of the great things about Go Ape is that they’re dotted all over the country, however we’ve handpicked Grizedale Forest as one of the best locations with a wide range of activities suitable for all ages. Situated in the heart of the beautiful Lake District, there are three treetop challenges to choose from depending on your age and ability. The Tree Top Adventure is perfect for younger children where they can enjoy an hour long introduction to high ropes with bridges and a zip wire. Alternatively, older children and teens will be dying to try the Tree Top Adventure Plus, featuring a more challenging obstacle course with higher platforms. If that isn’t enough to give you an adrenaline rush, there are even more summer activities to get involved in such as forest Segway routes with stunning views of the mountains and lakes or a zip trekking adventure for over 13s.
Video sourced from Go Ape
5. Paultons Park
- Where is Paultons Park? Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL
- When can I visit? The park is open every day throughout the summer holidays between 10:00am and 5:30pm. Find more information here.
- How much is entry? Book online in advance here and save on your ticket price.
- Where can I stay nearby? Paultons Park is a 45 minute drive from Hayling Island Holiday Park.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.5 stars
Voted the best UK family theme park by Trip Advisor, Paultons Park is an absolute haven for kids and definitely one to add to your to-do list for the school holidays. With over 70 rides and attractions, there are family activities to suit all ages and you’ll be spoilt for choice! Home to the celebrated Peppa Pig World, your little ones will love having their photo snapped with their favourite characters or making a splash in the water playground. The Lost Kingdom is full of roar-some dinosaur themed rides and there is even a 4-D cinema when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Keep an eye out for events and shows running throughout the day such as dinosaur encounters, animal feeds and character meet and greets to name but a few.
Video sourced from Paultons Park
6. Eden Project
- Where is the Eden Project? Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
- When can I visit? Eden Project is open for the majority of the year. From 25th July to 2nd September, gates open at 9:00am and close at 6:30pm. Find more details here.
- How much is entry? Buy tickets online in advance and save up to 10%. Membership also available.
- Where can I stay nearby? The Eden Project is accessible from several of our Cornwall holiday parks, the closest being Newquay and White Acres.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.0 stars
Want to teach your kids how to be more environmentally-friendly? The Eden Project in Cornwall is a great way to spend a family day out whilst learning a thing or two while you’re at it! The site is made up of biomes, one of which houses the largest rainforest in captivity with over a thousand varieties of plant, a canopy walkway and a rubber exhibit. The Invisible Worlds exhibition is a must-see, explaining how our lives are shaped by an invisible support system or head to the Mediterranean biome for a journey through paradise and a spot of storytelling. The outdoor gardens play host to plants, sculptures and a play area for the kids to enjoy and there are lots of family events and concerts throughout the season.
Image courtesy of Eden Project
7. Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium
- Where is Sea Life Loch Lomond? Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8QL
- When can I visit? Sea Life Loch Lomond is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day. From March to October, opening times are 10:00am till 5:00pm. Find more details here.
- How much is entry? Save up to 40% on tickets by purchasing online here. Annual passes also available which include entry into over 30 of the UK's top attractions.
- Where can I stay nearby? Both our Wemyss Bay and Sandylands holiday parks are an hour’s drive away from the aquarium.
- Trip Advisor rating: 3.5 stars
Dive right in and get ready to learn about all things aquatic at Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium. This one’s always worth saving for a rainy day and the great thing is, once you’ve bought your ticket it’s valid all day and you can leave and return at your leisure. Each zone has something different to offer from creatures native to the Lochs of Scotland to tropical ocean tunnels and interactive rock pools. The new ‘Claws’ zone is home to lobsters, shrimps and the world’s largest species of crab, the Japanese Spider Crab. You can expect various talks and feeds throughout the day; the otter encounter is very popular with kids and definitely worth checking out! If they’re feeling really adventurous, there is even a VIP shark feeding experience available to ages 8 and over. For even more underwater fun, the aquarium also hosts themed events throughout the summer holidays.
8. Beamish Museum
- Where is Beamish? Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG
- When can I visit? From 28th March to 1st November 2020, Beamish is open daily between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Find out more here.
- How much is entry? Tickets are the same price on the day and when purchased online here. Pay once and visit for a whole year free of charge.
- Where can I stay nearby? Beamish is under an hour’s drive from all of our Northumberland & County Durham holiday parks.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.5 stars
Leap back in time at Beamish, the famed open air museum where you can submerge yourself in the industrial history of the North East of England. If you’re staying in the region this summer, Beamish is a must-do day out which the whole family will love. Take a stroll through the reconstructed 1900s town where you can visit the chemist, bakery and the unmissable sweet shop where you can see mouth-watering old-fashioned sweets being made! Be sure to pop into the Sun Inn too, a traditional cosy pub serving up locally brewed ales and snacks. Experience the pre-First World War pit village filled with miners’ cottages, a school and even a colliery if you fancy seeing what life was like down the mine. Delve even deeper into history with a visit to the 1820s Pockerley Waggonway for a jaunt on the steam train and no trip to Beamish is complete without a tram ride! With new attractions added regularly, there is always something to see and do and don’t miss the Summer of Fun which runs every day throughout the school holidays with plenty of games, demonstrations and more.
Image courtesy of Beamish Museum
Are there any school activities in your area perfect for the summer? Let us know on our Facebook page!