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Summer in Kettering Town TiK

Every Saturday, 10am – 3pm

From Saturday 24th July – Saturday 28th August

Free activities and entertainment for the whole family, Just turn up and see what is happening in your local town centre! Support your local town centre, Shop and Enjoy Local.

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3
Saturday 24th July Saturday 31st July Saturday 7th August
Balloon Modelling Balloon Modelling Balloon Modelling
Kettering Library Take over Kettering Library Take over Part 2 Juggling
Story telling Story telling Football Panna Cage
Show & Tell Songs & Rhymetime Football Speed Cage
Reading Challenge Reading Challenge Tennis Club
Craft Activities Craft Activities Sport partners stalls
Giant Games Giant Games Table Tennis Table
Table Tennis Table Table Tennis Table Giant Games
Splash Fountains Splash Fountains Splash Fountains

 

WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6
Saturday 14th August Saturday 21st August Saturday 28th August
Balloon Modelling Balloon Modelling Balloon Modelling
Juggling Juggling Juggling
Circus Skills Workshop Stilt Walkers with Bubbles Stilt Walkers with Bubbles
Table Tennis Tables Junk Percussion Workshop Circus Skills Workshop
Giant games The Rig Arts & Crafts Table Tennis Tables
Circus Crafts Table Tennis Tables Giant games
Splash Fountains Giant games Circus Crafts
  Splash Fountains Splash Fountains

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Park Bingo Social Media

Families looking for things to do can explore the town’s green spaces, thanks to the free Keep Discovering Kettering Park Bingo passport trail.

The trail invites you to discover green spaces across Kettering to find more than 20 animals and other characters on wooden posts around the town’s parks. Participants can place their passport over the stencil and use a crayon to colour it in.

Printed passports contain a guide to the locations of the posts, you will need to explore the park to find the post and a blank space for your rubbing so you can collect them all. Passports can be picked up from several venues across Kettering.

For more information and to download your passport online, visit: www.thisiskettering.com/keephealthy   

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This_is_Kettering_Blog_Image_Halloween_1230x627

Make the most of Halloween this year around the Borough of Kettering! There\’s plenty of spooky fun days out, discos, movies, fancy dress, arts, crafts, workshops and much more for your little ones to enjoy during the October half term.

 

Halloween Museum
MANOR HOUSE MUSEUM

Come along to the Manor House Museum\’s Halloween Play Day on Wednesday 30th October from 10am until 3pm!

It\’ll be a fun-packed family day out on Kettering Market Place, with a host of FREE activities, including: face painting, crafts, the ghost train, circus of horrors, spooky storytelling, wickedly trails, musical games, a disco and much more!

Don\’t forget to put on your scariest outfit and enjoy some frightful fun.

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WICKSTEED PARK

Wicky Bear is holding his annual Little Monsters Ball at Wicksteed Park on Saturday 26th October, and he can’t wait! He and his crew will be performing some spooktacular dances as well as hosting party games and a disco, the perfect spooky treat for your little ones this Halloween. 

West Lodge Halloween
WESTLODGE FARM PARK

There\’s plenty of Halloween activities going on at the farm this year!

Don\’s miss:

SPOOKY HALF TERM FUN: Saturday 12th october until Saturday 2nd November. Loads of spooky activities to keep you entertained, including: Pumpkin carving, spooky walkways, witch\’s house tours, spooky tractor rides, panto style ghost stories plus all the usual fun of the farm.

GHOST HUNT BY TORCHLIGHT: Sunday 27th October. The ghosts of West Lodge Past have escaped and it\’s your job to find them! Search the grounds of the farm to find all of the ghosts. There will be prizes for the winners and a spooky disco, where you\’ll get the chance to dance and meet the ghosts!

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KETTERING PARK HOTEL & SPA

On Thursday 31st October, Join the Spooktacular Kids Afternoon Tea, where you\’ll enjoy spooky dancing and ghoulish games with the team from Just Party, followed by a movie and popcorn!

Fancy dress is optional.

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KETTERING BUCCLEUCH ACADEMY

Come along to Kettering Buccleuch Academy from Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November, 8am – 4pm, for the Halloween CSD Activity Camps for children in Reception all the way up to year 6!

You\’ll enjoy thriller dances, monster crafts, ghostly brownies and plenty more ghoulish activities during the half term holiday. Book online or call 01536 216431 for more information.

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BURTON LATIMER COMMUNITY CENTRE

Come along to the Burton Latimer Halloween Show at the Community Centre for a Halloween party perfect for your little ones! You\’ll enjoy pumpkins, spiders, witches, gruesome treats and atmospheric music to celebrate the spooky season.

Booking is not required for this event, and the party starts at 10am.

Halloween 2019 poster
THE CENTRE AT MAWSLEY

On Friday 25th October, come along to the Spooktacular Halloween Party for all your young ones!

Tickets are available from The Centre, which include a disco, fun & games and a Hot Dog!

robotics
ROTHWELL BAPTIST CHURCH

Are you a fan of robotics? Come along to the Rothwell Baptist Church on Tuesday 29th October from 10:30am for the October Half Term Robotics & Coding Club with iZWiZ Robotics. 

Here you\’ll create Halloween themed robotic talking pumpkins and scary ghosts! Follow instructions and learn how to use basic block programming to control motors and sensors.

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street sports

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a whole month of *FREE* sports sessions in your local area, led by qualified leaders.

No booking is required, just turn up and play!

2pm – 3pm: 8-12 year olds

3pm – 4pm: 13-17 year olds

Build your team and compete in football, basketball or dodgeball at our end of summer tournament to be crowned Kettering Sports champions.

To view the full timetable, click here.

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Summer Activities 2019 v2

School is officially out for summer, and there\’s plenty of things to do around the Kettering Borough to keep the children entertained! From Sports to Crafts to Play Days, there\’s something for everyone during the half-term…

kettering by the sea
Kettering by the Sea, Kettering Marketplace:

Kettering by the Sea is making a splash again this year on the Market Place, bringing you a taste of the traditional British seaside combined with a host of free activities every week for a month on Mondays through to Saturdays.

You\’ll enjoy the giant sand pit, annual National Play Day, splash fountains, magic shows, games, theatre performances and much, much more! View the full timetable by clicking the title link.

Don\’t miss the annual Summer Sticker Trail too! The trail route can be picked up at the Kettering Museum and Gallery Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10am until 4pm. Complete the trail around the town, claim your treat and be entered into the prize draw!

*FREE* Summer Playscheme\’s around Geddington, Broughton, Wilbarston, Burton Latimer, Rothwell, Desborough and Mawsley are also available throughout the event, showcasing the Jack and the Beanstalk performance from the Looking Glass Theatre and Steve the Magician magic show. Visit www.thisiskettering/bythesea for more details on times and dates.

DON’T FORGET, there’s FREE parking in all Council owned car parks during the event on:

Friday 2nd August

Friday 9th August

Friday 16th August

Summer Holiday Crafts
Summer Holiday Crafts, Manor House Museum:

Join the Manor House Museum for a fun-packed programme of children\’s activities for the summer holidays! Perfect for children aged 3+ from Thursday 25th July – Saturday 31st August.

There will be different craft sessions available every day with the opportunity for your little ones to learn new skills and express their creative talents.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot. Click the title link for more information on prices, times and contact details.

play days
Play Days, Kettering Marketplace:

Join us on the Marketplace every Wednesday during the summer half-term for a range of *FREE* things to do for all the children.

The New for 2019 Play Days comprises a number of summer activities, including: Short Story Theatre, Sports Day, Animal Magic, Family Fun Circus and more!

Visit the title link for more details. Every Play Day runs from 10am – 3pm, and the National Play Day will be held at the Museum & Art Gallery Gardens on Wednesday 7th August!

street sports
Street Sports, Kettering:

Don\’t miss the opportunity to get involved with *FREE* sports sessions led by qualified leaders in various locations around Kettering!

Build your team and compete in football, basketball or dodgeball at the end of summer tournament to be crowned Kettering Street Sports champions!

2pm – 3pm: 8-12 years.

3pm – 4pm: 12-17 years.

For more info, email leisure@kettering.gov.uk and to view the full timetable and locations of the sessions, please click the title link.

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Pacesetter Summer Holiday Sports Clubs, Montsaye Community Sports Centre:

Pacesetter offers a fantastic holiday club for your children of primary and Year 7 ages at Montsaye Community Sports Centre from Thursday 25th July – Wednesday 28th August.

They hold the clubs in a variety of different venues which all have both indoor and outdoor facilities so not even the weather can stop them from doing what they do best – sport!!

The core day runs from 9am until 4pm with a half day option available.

The extended day runs from 8:30am – 5pm.

For more information on prices and to book your place, click the title.

westlodge farm park
Family Camping, Westlodge Farm Park:

Westlodge Farm Park offer an array of family-friendly activities throughout the Summer half-term, and a perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones is to take part in one of the farm\’s family camping weekends!

The dates are as follows:

27th – 28th July and 3rd – 4th August.

Pitch your tent, enjoy a home reared hog roast, twilight walks, a camp fire, stargazing and all the fun the farm has to offer. It\’s the perfect summer, family event. For prices, click the title link.

Martial Arts Holiday Clubs
Martial Arts Holiday Club, East Northants Taekwondo Club:

The East Northants Taekwondo Club, on Northampton Rd Pavillion, is offering Taekwondo classes for children between 5-14 years old during the summer half-term!

All classes are suitable for both new and current students and begin at 9am, and finish 3:15pm, on the following dates in August:

Tuesday 13th – Thursday 15th, Tuesday 20th – Thursday 22nd and Tuesday 27th – Thursday 29th. 

Click the title link for more information, or contact 07974 813922.

knibb holiday club
The Knibb Holiday Club, William Knibb Centre:

Your children will enjoy four days of fun packed activities, including arts and crafts, a day out, a visit to Kettering by the Sea, cooking, sports and more at the William Knibb Centre from Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd August!

The activity days begin at 9am and finish at 3pm.

For more information, click the title link or call 01536 5183390 to secure your place!

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If you’re looking for some Easter arts and crafts activities, then treat the kids to craft fun workshops at The Manor House Museum:

  • Colourful Key Wind Chimes – Tuesday 9th
  • Springtime Spoon Puppets – Wednesday 10th
  • Clay Play – Thursday 11th
  • Excellent Easter Wreaths – Tuesday 16th
  • Bunny in a Basket – Wednesday 17th
  • Easter Egg Decorations – Thursday 18th

The sessions will last approximately 1 hour and take place at 10.15am and 11.45am. Booking is essential as the museum’s arts and crafts activities are very popular and often sell out.

  • Children – £3
  • Kettering Leisure Pass Holders – £2
  • Young Friends of Kettering Museum and Art Gallery – FREE

To book, please call the museum on 01536 534 219 or email museumandgallery@kettering.gov.uk

FREE drop in crafts are also available on Saturday 6th and 13th April, all day. The Manor House Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4.45pm (last admission 4.30pm), please note the Museum will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. We are open Easter Saturday.

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Summer Activities

Pack away those winter coats and slap on the sunscreen! Summer is finally here and what better way to celebrate than by taking part in a range of family-friendly activities within your local Borough. Here’s a list of events and locations you don’t want to miss:

1. Kettering by the Sea:

The annual Kettering by the Sea extravaganza is making a splash and returning to the Kettering Market Place from Friday 20th July until Saturday 18th August!  The perfect event for children of all ages with a variety of *FREE* activities. From getting creative with your sand castle skills in the sand pit to throwing some shapes during a hoop dance workshop, Kettering by the Sea has something for everyone.  Open Monday to Saturday from 10am till 4pm.
Click here to find out more and view the full activity timetable. 

Kettering By The Sea, Summer, Blog, events

2. Bugtopia – Great Cransley:

Less cute and fluffy but all the more fun. Face your fears with a family trip to Bugtopia in Great Cransley where you can book a 1 hour ‘Meet and Greet’ session to get up close and personal with a variety of creepy critters. It’s the fun, educational way to learn about insects you probably didn’t even know existed!
Click here for more information about prices, bookings and parties.

3. PlaySchemes – Geddington, Broughton, Wilbarston, Burton Latimer, Rothwell, Desborough & Mawsley:

Aimed at children 8 years and under, these *FREE* summer playscheme activities around the Borough are showcasing performances from Looking Glass Theatre with The Three Little Pigs and Steve the Magician!  The shows run from Monday 23rd July till Friday 3rd August and there’s no need to book. Just turn up on the day and enjoy the fun.
Click here for locations and dates.

4. Bands in the Park – Rockingham Road Pleasure Park

Come along and enjoy a selection of popular local bands and groups at Rockingham Road Pleasure Park this summer. All performances are on Sundays and will start at 3pm, with donations going to Cransley Hospice. If the weather is inclement, performances will be held in the nearby All Saints Church. Here is the full programme and line-up for 2018:

Bands in the Park 2018

5. The Summer Trail – Kettering Town Centre:

Join the sticker trail to win a host of fabulous prizes this summer. Grab your passports and explore to find trail stickers scattered around Kettering town centre from Friday 20th July till Saturday 18th August. Trails can be picked up at Kettering by the Sea from Monday to Saturday between 10am – 4pm or from the Kettering Museum and Gallery from Tuesday to Saturday between 10am – 4:30pm. Once you’ve retrieved all your trail stickers you’ll be entered into an exclusive prize draw. What’s more? This activity is completely *FREE* to take part in!
Click here to find out more.

6. Bats & Boats, Wicksteed Park:

Wicksteed Park is offering a fun, family boat trip ride around its lake to observe bats coming out to forage and feed again this year. You’ll be given a bat detector to hear their calls and view the beautiful lake scenery at twilight hours! The sessions start at 8pm, meeting at the Boathouse on Friday 10th, 17th & 24th August.  Suitable for children 8 years and over. Booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment. To book call 01536 512475 ext 200 or pop into their Box Office.


7. Alice in the Garden- National Playday, Manor House Gardens:

Make the most of National Playday this year at the Manor House Gardens on Wednesday 1st August, with an Alice in Wonderland themed, fun-packed programme of *FREE* activities for the children. The event runs from midday to 3pm and includes face painting, craft activities, balloon modelling and tea party! For further information, contact: museumandgallery@kettering.gov.uk

Alice

8. Family Camping, West Lodge Rural Centre – Desborough:

Pitch up a tent and spend quality time with the family at West Lodge Farm! Indulge in a home reared hog-roast and enjoy a range of activities, such as marshmallow roasting and stargazing, around the campfire. Your 2 day stay is a ticket only event and booking in advance is essential.  The family camping dates are Saturday 4th – Sunday  5th August and Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th August.
Click here for more information and to book. 

9. Summer Holiday Craft Activities – Kettering:

Kettering Museum and Art Gallery are providing a range of fun-filled, jungle-themed craft activities suitable for children 3+ this summer! Running from Tuesday 24th July until Saturday 1st September, these *FREE* craft activity sessions offer something for everyone. There are different craft workshops taking place every day at the Manor House Museum. 
Click here to find out more.

10. FREE PARKING – Kettering:

Don’t forget parking is *FREE* in all Kettering Borough Council car parks on the first three Fridays in August!

KBTS Parking 2018

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Easter Event Banner

With Easter weekend fast approaching (30th March – 2nd April) and the local school holidays this year falling the two weeks afterwards, here is a list of 10 things to do in the Kettering area. Whether you’re looking for a family event or something for adults, there should be plenty of activities of interest. Click on the links in red to find out more about the events.

Activities for families

1. Easter Egg Hunt

Head to Kettering town centre for an egg-cellent egg and word hunt over the Easter school holidays. Pick up a map and word search from the Manor House Museum for 50p and follow the clues to find the 15 Easter eggs that have been hidden in various locations in the town centre. Each egg has a word that is hidden in the word search on your map. When you’ve finished, return your map and collect a delicious sweet treat from ‘The Shop’ on Gold Street. One lucky participant will win Easter surprises thanks to the participating stores. Tuesday 3rd – Saturday 14th April, 10am – 4pm

2. Wicky’s Easter Trail

Wicky Bear has been very mischievous and he has hidden some huge Easter shapes in the Park and he wants all the boys and girls to help him find them! Entry is £3 per child and every entry receives an Easter gift. Collect your map from a Wicksteed Park Ticket Office. Every Day from 29 March to 15 April.

3. Lego Play Day

Head to Kettering Museum & Art Gallery and let your imagination run wild at our Lego Play Day. Come along and make your own creations and see if your model is a winner! Lego provided. Friday 6th April, 11am – 3pm.

4. West Lodge Easter Eggstravaganza

Throughout the Easter school holidays West Lodge Rural Centre have lots of fun activities for you to enjoy. On Easter Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday you can take part in the Easter Quiz, follow clues around the farm which will lead you to the Easter Bunny in his Easter garden and receive an Easter egg, paint an egg, take part in the egg and spoon race and egg painting competition. Friday 30th March – Monday 2nd April.

Easter Egg Hunt Event

5. An Alice in Wonderland Easter at The Yards!

Head to The Yards for a world of fun at their Alice in Wonderland themed Easter Event!  Easter Egg Hunts charged at £1 per child are at 12:15 and 13:00 starting from Alice’s tea party. Food and drinks will be available to buy as well as crafts for the children to do. They‘re hosting most of the fun inside The Exchange this year due to the weather forecast being a bit chillllyyy. But there will still be games and croquet outside in our courtyards AND Dandelion are holding a scavenger hunt (with prize) and a colouring competition! You might think we’re mad but it doesn’t stop there…We also have a raffle you can enter on the day to win a prize from The Yards!! Saturday 31st March, 11am – 3pm.

6. Easter Craft Fun @ Manor House Museum

If you’re looking for some Easter arts and crafts activities then treat the kids to craft fun workshops at The Manor House Museum. Booking is essential as the museum’s arts and crafts activities are very popular and often sell out. Children – £3, Kettering Leisure Pass Holders – £2, Young Friends of Kettering Museum and Art Gallery – FREE! To book, please call the museum on 01536 534 219 or email museumandgallery@kettering.gov.uk. Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th April and Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th April at 10.15am and 11.45am, lasting 1 hour.

7. Easter Holiday Craft Activities @ Wicksteed Park

Head to Wicksteed Park for some fun Easter themed craft activities in the Learning Space aka big grey portacabin including making your own Easter puppets, Easter basket and make your very own pompom bunny…cute! Activities will be available on . All children must be accompanied by an adult, please book through Reception. Tuesday 3rd & 10th April plus Thursday 5th & 12th April, 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm.

Boughton House Event Easter

Events for adults

8. Boughton House Gardens Open

Boughton House opens its house and gardens over the Easter weekend with exclusive public opening for a look inside the private home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Inside you can see the impressive Buccleuch art collection containing treasures from across the decorative arts spectrum. Saturday 31st March – Monday 2nd April, 1-5pm.

9. Dingley Races

The first Point to Point fixture of 2018 takes place over the Easter weekend in the village of Dingley. The races offer a wonderful day out for sports fans, families (including well behaved dogs!) and lovers of the great outdoors. Saturday 31st March, 11am – 7pm.

10. Free Parking!

Don’t forget there is FREE PARKING in all Council car parks throughout the whole Easter weekend from Friday 30th March to Monday 2nd April!

Want to find out more about local events? Have a look at our Events Calendar.

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October Half Term Halloween Events for Kids kettering

There’s plenty of Halloween events going on in and around the Kettering Borough this October Half Term! From a Ghost Hunt by torchlight to a Little Monster’s Ball, come along to a Spooktacular range of child-friendly events, workshops, parties and more!

1. The Manor House Museum: Half Term Crafts


The Manor House Museum are holding some creepy craft activity sessions every day over the half term holidays to celebrate Halloween!

Tuesday 24th October: Make spooky, sparkling sugar skull masks.

Wednesday 25th October: Craft a glowing Halloween lantern.

Thursday 26th October: Create spider plant spider pots.

Sessions start at 10:15am & 11:15am.

Click here for more information.

Kettering Halloween Kids Museum

Halloween

Half Term Halloween activities at Kettering Manor House Museum

 

2. The Manor House Museum: Halloween Family Fun Day


Take a visit to the Manor House Museum for some frightful fun for all the family!

Come dressed as your favourite spook, meet the ‘jeepers creatures’ and take part in some free crafts and games, storytelling and face painting! *FREE ENTRY*

Friday 27th October, 11am till 3pm.

Click here for more information.

halloween family fun day

 

3. West Lodge Rural Centre: Spooky Half Term Fun

Celebrate Halloween at West Lodge Farm Park with a host of activities!

Ride the spooky tractor, tour around the witch’s house, listen to ghost stories, take part in pumpkin carving and wand making, dare to enter the spooky walk through and enjoy all of the usual farm fun!

From Saturday 14th till Tuesday 31st October every day apart from Friday 29th.

Click here for information on times, tickets & prices.

Halloween Half Term

 

4. The Centre at Mawsley: Children’s Halloween Party

Save the date for the unmissable Children’s Halloween Party Spooktacular!

Come along and have fun with Just Party Entertainment.

Friday 27th October, 5:30pm till 8:30pm.

Click here for information on tickets & prices.

 

5. Wicksteed Park: Wicky’s Little Monsters Ball

Wicky Bear is holding his annual Little Monsters Ball, and he can’t wait!

He and his crew will be performing some Spooktacular dances as well as hosting party games and a disco. Don’t forget to bring your favourite Halloween costume for fancy dress!

Saturday 28th October, 11:30am till 2pm.

Click here for information on tickets & prices.

Wicky 1

 

6. West Lodge Rural Centre: Ghost Hunt by Torchlight

The ghosts of West Lodge Past have escaped and it’s your job to find them!

Join in at West Lodge Farm Park to search the grounds to find all of the ghosts! The winner will be awarded with some spooky prizes. After the ghost hunt, visit the new adventure play area to meet the ghosts and dance at the Halloween themed disco!

Saturday 28th October, 6pm till 8:30pm.

Click here for information on tickets & prices.

Ghost Hunt 1

 

7. West Lodge Rural Centre: Halloween Spooktacular

Come along to West Lodge Farm Park to meet Daisy in the Witch’s house!

There will be plenty of spooky activities to keep you entertained and get you into the Halloween Spirit! Make sure you bring your favourite spooky costume, as there’s a fancy dress competition too!

Sunday 29th October.

Click here for more information.

 

8. Kettering Library: Dracula


James Hornsby is back by special request to present his outstanding one man adaption of the well-known horror story, Dracula!

Refreshments are available for a small donation. Booking in advance is essential.

Monday 30th October, 7pm till 9:30pm.

Click here for more information.