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.
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:
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
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!
