Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Summer activities for children in Suffolk
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Updated: 1/5/2015
A sizzling summer it is sure to be with these top tips! Open up the diaries and fill the empty pages with fun activities that all the family will be able to enjoy. Of course, there’s so much to do in the area that will accommodate all tastes and interests – and we’ve included many of them here...
Merrivale Model Village’s Summer Illuminations
During those long summer days at the seaside in Great Yarmouth the evenings take on a very different feel when visiting Merrivale Model Village. The whole attraction takes on a very special glow when the sun light fades and dusk starts to fall as the little houses come alive with their little lights, the castle is flood lit with colour, the bushes and flowers shine in the spot lights - it is an experience like nothing else in Norfolk. Summer illuminations run from 23 July daily till 28 August and the gardens close at 10pm. Do remember that if you visit in the daytime your tickets allow a re-visit in the evening of the same day. Due to popular demand the illuminations will be switched on for the October Half Term from 26 October daily till 2 November from 4pm till 5.15pm only. To find out more go to www.merrivalemodelvillage.co.uk
Top Tip - Take up the Summer Reading Challenge!
A fantastical adventure awaits children who decide to take part in the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Mythical Maze’ which ties into the publishing trends for books that introduce children to the inventive world of legend and mythology. Young book-loving adventurers are encouraged to explore the Mythical Maze, simply by reading six books from the library. To find out more go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk or pop into your local library.
Get hands-on with history this summer!
Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained this summer? Look no further than Framlingham Castle! Discover the castle’s colourful past and embark on a journey of discovery around the magnificent wall walk; look down if you dare! There’s a new experience to be had every week from 28 July – 29 August. Young adventurers can enrol at the Knights and Princesses Academy, get their hands dirty with Awesome Archaeology, play like a medieval mischief maker, discover Framlingham’s darkest secrets, and even help defend the castle against attack. On 9 and 10 August stand back as 48 highly-skilled knights meet head-on with shield and club in a massive Clash of Knights event. If that’s not enough to whet the appetite then the whole family can marvel at the noble knights as swords are wielded in an attempt to prove who is most gallant on the August bank holiday weekend from 24 and 25 August. Plan your visit today and visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/framlingham
Top Tip - Spruce up the garden
Help nurture a lifelong passion for gardening in your child by devoting a patch of the garden, back yard or window box just for them. Children will love the chance to get muddy, remove worms, inspect tiny bugs and explore this tiny piece of wilderness. For ideas and inspiration on how to do this check out www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk
VW Whitenoise Festival rolls into Euston Park
The family-friendly VW Whitenoise Festival is at a beautiful new rural venue in Euston Park, Suffolk on 1, 2 and 3 August 2014. With art installations from Fantastical Contraptions, a live circus performance from Lost in Translation, free roller skating for all and a plethora of VW's ancient and eclectic it's a ‘must visit’ this summer. With 100+ trade stalls, a delicious selection of street food plus free yoga and crafts, entertainers and bouncy castles for children; there are plenty of reasons it attracts 10,000 visitors - including the amazing price! Music is also of huge importance with local talent including Killamonjambo, Myles Sanko, Kasabian Tribute, Goldstar and Soul in the Fine City and Skalypso DJ's ‘all set’ to provide the soundtrack to what is East Anglia's largest VW Music Arts Festival.
Make a weekend of it from just £27.50 per adult and £69.50 per family, including a free camping pitch – but be quick as these prices are for a limited time only. To find out more visit www.vwwhitenoise.com
Top Tip - Roam the countryside
It’s National Parks Week from 28 July to 3 August and this year’s theme is warmly titled ‘Space to Grow’. During this week families will be encouraged to get out and explore the great outdoors and enjoy the freedom that nature brings. To find out more visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk and follow the links to National Parks Week 2014. If a trip to a national park is not possible then plan time to allow the kids to freely roam the countryside, woodland or country park near you. Plan to make the visit as exciting and interesting as possible by organising a nature treasure hunt or by making dens. For more ideas visit www.countrysidelearning.org
Explore the Great British Food Hunt Maze
The Hemsby MegaMaze is sprawled over a 10 acre block and is grown from over 700,000 maize plants. A staggering 4 miles of paths have been created to make the maze and there are two bridges with superb viewing positions where visitors can see the offshore wind farm and all the other visitors who are getting lost within the maze!
Before entering the maze there are a range of other activities to discover such as a zip wire, trampolines and giant bouncy castles. There is also a Farmer Hirst Farm Tour to show visitors around the working farm and animals. After some a-maze-ing adventures visitors may wish to head to the beach to enjoy the miles of unspoilt sand in this part of Norfolk, or take a walk in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of normal daily life. For those wanting more strenuous activities there is a football game, a go-kart track, a hay bale mountain and Crazy Croque. There is also a chance to enjoy tasty refreshments from Maizeys Maze Shack and relax in the wonderful Norfolk countryside. To find out more visit www.hemsbymegamaze.co.uk or go to 07771 605797 or 07974 658993.
Top Tip - Celebrate Love Parks Week – 25 July to 3 August
Take advantage of the free activities that many local authorities host in recreation grounds during the summer months such as family fetes, live music and even big lunches! Notably, Love Parks Week takes place between 25 July and 3 August. To find out more go to www.loveparksweek.org.uk
Take a dip at Beccles Lido and take a trip on the Big Dog Ferry
Nothing beats swimming outdoors in the summer and a visit to the warm waters of Beccles Lido, situated on Puddingmoor, next to the River Waveney, will allow you to do just that. The 30metre x 15metre outdoor pool in Beccles, with a separate toddler pool and paddling pool, is heated to a warming 27°C which is perfect for lane swimming from 7am on weekdays and from 7:30am at weekends until 10am. Surrounded by plenty of grassy areas and sun loungers, the Lido also boasts a slide, springboard and giant-inflatable. The café, with covered eating area, serves hot and cold snacks, delicious fairtrade coffee, tea and Italian hot chocolate, cold drinks and ices. Open every day until 6:30pm and 8pm on Thursday, Beccles Lido is the perfect place for a swim or a family day out. New for 2014: there are canoes for hire and there is a chance for visitors to take a river trip on Big Dog Ferry to the historic Locks Inn, Geldeston. For more information visit www.beccleslido.com or www.bigdogferry.co.uk or call 01502 713297 or 07532 072761.
Top Tip – Last chance: Enjoy a free tennis taster!
There’s still chance to enjoy a free taster session at The Lawn Tennis Association’s final Great British Tennis Weekend on 19-20 July. During this weekend some tennis parks, clubs and venues in the area will open their courts to members of the public and offer free taster sessions. To find a participating venue close to you go to www.lta.org.uk
The Out There International Festival of Circus and Street Arts Returns
There will be plenty of free comedy, circus and family fun as the Out There International Festival of Circus and Street Arts returns to Great Yarmouth from 17 to 21 September.
Now one of the country’s leading circus and street arts event, this year’s festival is set to be the largest to date with around 40 international acts and 150 shows. Gt. Yarmouth’s St. George’s Park provides a focal point for the festival with shows spilling out across the town’s streets and venues. Spectacular aerial performances combine with comedy, clowning and plenty of hands on activities. This year SeaChange Arts is looking to recruit nearly 1000 volunteers to participate in shows and activities. To find out more, visit www.outtherefestival.com
Top Tip – Visit the local attractions
Those six weeks can crawl idly by, so a welcome treat to a local family attraction will inject a spark of excitement for all the family. Local theme parks and adventure parks are teeming with a variety of thrilling rides and slides that will stretch the imagination of both the bold and the bashful child. Plus, by meeting up with other parents during the school break will allow you to enjoy some adult conversation and swap holiday stories, content in the knowledge that the children are having a great time close by.
Go hunting for treasure at Market Gates!
Families are invited on a treasure hunt at the stores in Market Gates Shopping centre, Great Yarmouth throughout the month of August. There are free gifts on offer for the first 300 entries and a chance to win a £100 "back to school survival kit!" To take part just pick up a leaflet at the Centre and start hunting! To find out more visit www.marketgates-shopping.co.uk
Enjoy Spa Heaven whilst the kids play at Waterlane
This summer Waterlane Leisure Centre is offering a wonderful solution to all the family’s needs. Mums and dads will be able to relax and unwind in the spa whilst the kids play happily at the summer camp – the Energised Holiday Club! Parents can unwind in one of the two pools and then relax in the sensual thermal suite with fragranced steam room, special sauna, ice fountain, experience shower and heated loungers – all for just £10 for two people!
At the same time, at the Energized Holiday Club, the children will be having a whale of a time by encountering a number of thrilling activities such as roller-skating, rock climbing, arts and crafts, swimming, dance and much more. To make a booking go to www.sltrust.co.uk
Top Tip – Encounter some friendly animals
A smile will drift warmly to any youngster’s face at the prospect of an animal encounter. They will squeal with delight watching mischievous meerkats playing in a den, rush at every opportunity to cuddle a cute little pink piggy and giggle wildly at the perky penguins as they go on parade. There are plenty of places to visit an assortment of animals so whether you’re planning on a visit to a zoo, an aquarium, a sea life park, a safari park, a farm park or a specialised animal centre such as a donkey sanctuary or pony centre, children will not only enjoy seeing the animals but they will learn a great deal from the experience.
Suffolk Steampunk Spectacular
Don’t miss the weird and wonderful world of steampunk which will be at Leiston on 12-13 July. Enjoy the retro-sci-fi phenomenon of Steampunk where you can see bowler hats and bodices galore; ogle at goggles and enjoy the melding of the 19th and 21st centuries. Soak up the festival atmosphere in the wonderfully historical and industrial setting of the Long Shop Museum with lively bands, comedy, magic, fashion and film, duels and jewels, workshops, lovely food and more…
Saturday’s highlights include popular steampunk band ‘Thy Last Drop’ who will support the headline act, Metropolis. More musical delights will be provided by Steampunk DJ and his mobile disco and Count Rostov will bring a touch of comic genius to proceedings with his singular spoken word extravaganza; with a steampunk twist of course! Thrills and spills abound when magic goes under the magnifying glass with Mssrs Gooding and Jones indulging in steampunk science. With allusions to illusions, is it really all smoke and mirrors?
Sunday’s line up includes a screening of highly acclaimed Short Film ‘It's A Trap - Arms Race’ with a Q&A session discussing the ins and outs of its props and production. Toby Allen’s photobooth captures the essence of steampunk in perfectly staged portraits whereby the gleaming brass funnels and industrial components on display in the museum form evocative backdrops.
Last but not least, you can enjoy the spectacle of Umbrella Fencing throughout the weekend, and whet your appetite with delicious treats. Ticket prices cost £8 per day/evening and £15 for a weekend pass or £4.40/£8 for children. Full programme details are on the website at www.longshopmuseum.co.uk or call 01728 832189.
Top Tip – Become a super soaker!
Inspired by the aquatic athletes at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games? If so there are sure to be many chances to dive in the deep (and shallower) waters of the local swimming pools, diving centres, seaside resorts and wondrous water parks. Many swimming schools run crash course programmes throughout the summer holiday which can really bring children up to speed and improve ability. Have a look at the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) website - www.swimming.org/asa
Go Animal Mad this summer at Africa Alive!
This summer, explore the sights and sounds of Africa Alive! and discover lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas and many more animals and birds from the African continent. See the daily feeding of animals, the seasonal Bird of Prey displays and climb aboard the safari road train for a free journey around the park! From 1 to 31 August ‘Animal Mad’ is back with a summer full of animal handling sessions and feeding talks, whilst on 10 August it is World Lion Day – so why not go along and help Africa Alive’s World Lion Day celebrations get off to a ‘roaring’ start! For more details ring 01502 740291 or visit www.africa-alive.co.uk
Dreaming about the next great summer adventure with bRAVO
To help bring dreams to life for all children, bRAVO Theatre Workshops is proud to offer young people the opportunity to attend a Summer School Spectacular! bRAVO Theatre Workshops offer unrivalled opportunities to children of all abilities to experience the world of performing arts. Students will enjoy sessions focussing on acting, singing and dancing delivered by highly qualified and experienced teachers. For just £15 for 5 hours of dramatic fun and excitement, children will gain valuable experience of performing whilst socialising with like minded people who are passionate about musical theatre. Whether your child needs to boost their confidence or wants to be the next One Direction or Diversity, then this summer school is for them! Sessions are available across the county during the summer holidays. For further details call bRAVO Principal Anna Damigella on 01449 675395 or email bravotw@hotmail.com or go to www.bravotheatreworkshops.co.uk
Top Tip – Sign up for sport
The FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, the Tour de France and the Commonwealth Games are sure to motivate and encourage youngsters to get active this summer. Support this enthusiasm by visiting the fitness pages of the NHS website which lists a number of really useful tips and advice on how all family members can get active. Just go to www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/Activelifestyle to find the best sport for you.
Get Active this summer with Premier Sport!
Premier Sport’s holiday activities provide year round fun for children of all ages and abilities including multi sport camps all over Suffolk during the school holidays. At the camps children are able to develop their social skills, confidence, communication, self esteem, balance and co-ordination, plus all the courses promote decision making, general fitness and choices towards a healthier lifestyle. Some of the camps are Ofsted registered, so childcare vouchers can be accepted and, if eligible, the childcare element of Working Tax Credit can be applied to help pay for childcare costs. Prices start from £10 for a day, which runs from 9am – 3.30pm. Check out the venues by visiting the website www.chewits.premiersport.org or contact the Suffolk office on 01473 427010 or email suffolk@premier-education.com
New Local Summer School For Budding West End Stars!
West End Week is a fun packed summer project, running from 4 to 8 August, offering Musical Theatre Workshops with cast members from all the top West End Shows including Matilda, We Will Rock You, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Shrek, Legally Blonde, Footloose and many more! At the end of the week the students present their own West End performance in the prestigious West End theatre, The Playhouse alongside guest West End stars!
In addition, the project offers drama, singing and other theatrical master classes with its resident team throughout the week. The project is in its third year and it is delighted to announce that it will be running projects in previous venues, Ipswich and Felixstowe and new venues, Bury St Edmunds and Colchester. Visit the website www.westendweek.co.uk to book a place now!
Top Tip – Step back in time
During the summer months plenty of museums and art galleries run a number of child friendly events at very affordable prices. Notably, this year many attractions are hosting World War 1 commemorative events providing a wonderful opportunity to teach youngsters about this important part of history.
Remarkable Reptiles at Banham Zoo
Aside from marvelling at the magnificent wildlife collection featuring over 2,000 animals from around the world, families who visit Banham Zoo this summer will be treated to a mass of new and exciting experiences. There are daily animal feeding talks and displays, an exciting Birds of Prey display, the incredible Giraffe House and Zarafa Heights, Province of the Snow Cat, live Amazing Animal presentations, a free safari road train, indoor soft play, a Tarzan Towers adventure play area, and fun interactive activities in the Education centre.
On 29 July there is an International Tiger Day where families will be able to enjoy a day of ferocious fun, whilst from 1 to 31 August the Remarkable Reptiles event will enable children to get hands-on with reptiles, add a scale to a giant snake and have their faces painted as their favourite reptiles. For more details go to www.banhamzoo.co.uk or call 01953 887771
Top Tip – Become a nature detective
Re-engage with nature by taking part in fun interactive activities such as rock pooling, nature trail quizzes, bat watching and searching for wild reptiles. The Woodland Trust has a list of 150 free things for children to do in their ‘Big Summer Challenge’ which can be found at www.naturedetectives.org.uk/summer The website includes downloadable charts for children to identify trees, flowers and wildlife in woodlands, their gardens and the local park. Another section has several ideas for scavenger hunts. Alternatively, find out what is happening at your local nature reserve, forestry commission or national park or go to www.rspb.org.uk or www.wildlifetrusts.org or www.nationaltrust.org.uk
BeWILDerwood just got wilder!
Set high in the treetop canopy, the new Sky Maze at BeWILDerwood, Hoveton, Norfolk, takes adventure and playtime to magnificent new heights. Putting the ‘wild’ into BeWILDerwood - the newest addition to this hugely popular family attraction is of impressive wooden design, stretching nearly 1/2 kilometre and reaching over 8 metres in height. Weaving its way through the natural landscape, Sky Maze turns this way and that way; where no way is the wrong way. A puzzling and challenging experience, Sky Maze is made up of connecting tunnels, walkways and bridges, cargo nets and spiral staircases, zigzag beams and spectacular vantage points. For further information and prices visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk
Test the brain in the Southwold Maize Maze
Be puzzled, be challenged and be amused this summer in the Southwold Maize Maze - a giant puzzle of pathways within 8 acres of maize. A real brain-teaser, the maze will test each individual’s powers of deduction and navigation to the limit trying to find the 8 hidden stamp points and solving the ‘Mystery of the Maze’. This year’s theme is the RNLI and Southwold Harbour and enables visitors to follow a ‘Day in the Life of the RNLI Crew’ and enter an anagram competition. Afterwards, relax in the comfort and safety of the picnic and play area whilst enjoying delicious refreshments from the new cafe. The jumping pillow provides hours of fun and there are pedal tractors, large pedal go-karts with a track within the maize, climbing towers and a large sandpit. Also new are permanent toilet facilities. The Southwold Maize Maze is open from Saturday 19 July until 3 September from 10am to 6pm and last entries are at 4.30pm. Entry is £5 for adults, £4.50 for children/concessions, £17.50 for a Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). For more details go to www.southwoldmaizemaze.co.uk or call 07801 065845
Bowl the children over at Namco Funscape!
Namco Funscape Ipswich on Sproughton Road deserves more than a second glance - it’s not just a bowling centre, it’s a total entertainment package that will keep the family entertained this summer. The centre has ten pin bowling, arcade games, ping pong and air hockey to keep the children amused for hours whilst parents can settle down and enjoy a well-deserved rest. The café provides cold treats including ice creams and Polar Krush drinks to keep the family cool during the hot summer days, as well as an impressive array of delicious and varied food. Throw in free secure parking and easy access from the A14; it is ideally suited for any occasion.
Book online at www.namcofunscape.com or call 01473 241242.
HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!!!
Namco Funscape Ipswich now has 12 lanes of redemption bowling where they are giving away free tickets for every strike and spare. The more tickets collected - the bigger the prize. Another great family offer from Namco Funscape!