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
Updated 4/7/2016
So, it’s early July, the Euro football festivities are over, the cheery summer clothes have re-surfaced in the wardrobe and the paddling pool has been re-filled with cool water.
Time to relax. Then suddenly the thought hits you: ‘Six weeks of school holidays! What shall I do with the kids?’
Okay, don’t panic! There’s so much out there for you and the family that is rewarding, educational and doesn’t even break the bank.
Plus, there will be plenty of opportune moments to get “Out’ and equal time to learn ‘About’ something new this summer.
Here are some ideas for starters…
It's time to go 'Out'...
Love Parks Weeks – 15 July to 24 July.png)
The aim of Love Parks Week is to raise awareness of the importance of parks and green spaces throughout the year. Local parks are great communal places to meet other mums and dads who have children at the same school as yours, making it easier to maintain contact over the school summer holiday. So, love your local park and celebrate what it has to offer. The official dates this year are from 15 July to 24 July. Visit www.loveparks.org
National Fishing Month – 22 July to 29 August
Many people get hooked on fishing as it offers an idyllic escape route away from the daily grind to a mini waterside haven of tranquillity. For a child, the excitement of the first catch can leave a lasting impression, laying the foundations of what could be a lifelong passion.
During National Fishing Month, from 22 July to 29 August, there will be plenty of opportunities for children to experience the joys of fishing. Visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com
National Play Day – Wednesday 3 August.png)
Many local authorities host free fun activities in recreation grounds throughout the summer. From family fetes to live music in the park – these events provoke a lively atmosphere and offer a real taste of community spirit. For younger primary school children, look out for one of the National Play Days that are usually held in local parks on the first Wednesday in August – this year it takes place on Wednesday 3 August. Visit www.playday.org.uk
Head to the local Sports Centre or Pool.png)
During the lengthy summer days many sports centres and swimming pools conveniently serve the needs of all members of the family with a packed programme of activities. Complete training packages can bring youngsters up to speed on their favourite sport and many swimming pools lay on intensive lessons over the six week break, enabling a child to build confidence in the water.
Be beach bound or venture into the countryside
Pack a mouth-watering picnic with a cocktail of fresh juicy fruit, yummy cakes and icy cold drinks and venture outside for a cheap day at the local beach or nearby countryside. The children will love it – and those wide open spaces will allow their imagination to run riot.
Visit an attraction
Beat the boredom and spring little surprises throughout the holiday! Be it a day trip somewhere or a quick splash down at the local paddling pool. Give the kids something to look forward to. So, treat them to a day at a local attraction, lift their spirits and let them expend all that boundless energy.
Sleep underneath the Stars
Enjoy an enlightening night lying under the stars and sample the pleasures of living al fresco. Camping out is a fantastic adventure for any child so pitch up in the back garden or local campsite, and embrace the outdoor experience to the full.
Take an intrepid expedition at dusk by torchlight and search the sky for constellations. Then, on your return, toast some gooey marshmallows over a fire or BBQ and listen to all the unfamiliar night time sounds. For a list of family friendly campsites visit www.pitchup.com
Do something different
The list of things to do during the school holidays is inexhaustible, but the children tire of doing the same things again and again. There are many places to go in this country that offer ‘something different’.
Children could enjoy an encounter with wild dolphins and seals – visit the Marine Conservation Society’s website to discover more –www.mcsuk.co.uk - or search for wild animals at a National Trust property (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) or at one of the Wildlife Trust’s many events (www.wildlifetrusts.org).
Learn 'About' - Things to learn in the summer...
Learn a Language
Children are at a prime age to learn a language, so whether you are travelling overseas or enjoying a staycation this summer – choose a language and learn a few basic words. The BBC languages website - www.bbc.co.uk/languages - is a great place to start and has the added advantage of being a free service. To take it one step further look at www.rosettastone.com/kids
Learn Coding.png)
The interest in coding for kids has heightened over the last 12 months and you won’t be short of places and websites to start a journey into the wonderful world of computer programming. Get clued up and visit https://code.org or www.microbit.co.uk/create-code or www.codeclub.org.uk
Summer Reading Challenge – The Big Friendly Read
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free scheme that encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six books during the long summer holiday. Children sign up at their local library, read six library books of their choice, collect stickers and other rewards along the way. This year’s theme is The Big Friendly Read. Read more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Learn to play a musical instrument
Alleviate pangs of boredom and divert a child’s attention away from any screen technology by introducing them to a new musical instrument. Recorders, acoustic guitars and keyboards are good starting instruments – just remember you may need to invest in a pair of earplugs too! Some groups affiliated to local councils may provide an instrument loan service – check with your local council to see if such a service exists locally.
Exercise the grey matter with Mathematical Games
Mix some simple maths puzzles and counting or multiplication skills into everyday actions throughout the summer. The positive results of drip feeding simple arithmetic in such a way may even improve your child’s mathematical ability. Ask the kids to count the number of red cars they see on a journey, or the number of cows they see in a field, or ask them to weigh the ingredients for dinner.
Write a story
The summer is a propitious time to cultivate a child’s creative writing skills. Nurture any natural ability and purchase a simple exercise book with an array of pens and see where it leads them! A child with a natural affinity to writing will embrace the challenge and allow their imagination to construct a literal delight. Get some inspiration from www.wordsforlife.org.uk
Summer Survival Tips…
1. Keep Calm! You don’t need to fill every minute of every day with exciting adventures. It will only exhaust you, and anyway children don't need that much stimulation. Besides, if you work or are 
tied to other commitments, remember it's quality time that counts.
2. Be Flexible. Find out what childcare options are available in your area. Although some parents share childcare with friends, relatives and each other, others balance it with children's clubs. A variety of options will make childcare more satisfactory for everybody.
3. Let your children get bored. Seriously! It may be a challenge, ignoring the whining, but, in time, imaginations dream up ideas. Children need unplanned chill-out time just as much as we do.
4. Just relax and remember it's your holiday, too. Give yourself a break. Don't feel guilty if you pack the kids off for the day, or get a sitter-in for a night out. You need and deserve time to rest up and unwind.
5. Re-establish their normal school routine in good time. Although summer holidays are all about late nights and long days, children will need to re-adjust as the holiday comes to an end. That way, bedtimes won't be such a struggle when they do go back to school.
Olympic Fever
Quite simply, there is no other sporting occasion like it. In just 16 intense days, 31 World
Championships will take place staging the very best sports people in the world.
The Games of the Olympiad have come a long way from its humble origins in ancient Greece. The first recognised games took place in Athens from 6 to 15 April 1896 when there were just 43 events and 241 male athletes. The soul of the Olympics remains in Greece, where a flame continues to burn.
This year the Olympic torch was lit in Athens on 21 April and it will end its journey at the Olympic stadium in Rio on 5 August, signalling the beginning of the games. Then the sporting dreams of more than 10,000 athletes will come alive as they compete for those hard-won 301 Gold medals. For the Rio Olympics visit www.rio2016.com.
Feeling Inspired? How to get involved in one of the Olympic sports…
Athletics
Track and field events present such diversity; there truly is something for everyone. A child who may not show natural athleticism on the running track, may be a natural with the javelin or shot put and vice versa. To get involved, find your local club at www.britishathletics.org.uk. Startrack is a British Athletics' flagship grassroots athletics programme, aiming to give 8 to 15 year olds real athletics experiences and help them to develop skills – visit www.academy.uka.org.uk/startrack
Cycling
GB Success in the Velodrome and on the roads has elevated the sport of cycling to great heights and is particularly appealing to many children. There are leisurely Sky Rides taking place in various cities across the country and Go Ride Racing events are specifically targeted at young people. Visit www.britishcycling.org.uk to find out more
Diving
Diving is a wonderful sport for adrenaline-fuelled children who have high levels of athleticism and who thrive on a challenge. Most local pools offer basic diving facilities but to take it to the next platform and find a diving pool close to you visit www.diving-gbdf.com
Swimming
Many kids are keen to take the plunge and head to the pool to appease their competitive streak. To be inspired and take swimming to a higher level look at www.britishswimming.org. To find a local pool or swimming club, many of which run intensive summer courses, take a look at www.swimming.org
Gymnastics
Gymnastics featured in the original 1896 Olympic line up. Children have a natural affinity to the sport, with their natural flexibility, and thousands of young gymnasts enjoy the sport in the school environment and take part in the recreational sessions offered at many leisure centres. Go to www.british-gymnastics.org
The Dates and Times of the Olympics:
5 August to 21 August
The UK is in a time zone 4 hours ahead of Rio, Brazil
Inspire Suffolk's Holiday Clubs
Inspire Suffolk’s holiday clubs run at venues across Suffolk throughout every school holiday from £12 a day. Our fun-packed clubs for 5-13 year olds offer a variety of sports, crafts, and dance*. Sports include football, tennis, badminton, basketball, rounders and much more to add variety to your child’s day. *Dance only in Ipswich & Woodbridge!
We also offer specialist Courses; including our Goalkeeping, specialist Football and Footy 4’s camp. All of these are Football camps with more specialist coaching for those with a real interest in Football, combining a mixture of Technical skills, fun games and matches for those aged form 5-13 For Goalkeeping and Specialist Football and 4-6 for our Footy 4’s.
Go to www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk
Looking for something to keep the kids amused this summer?
Keep the children occupied this summer by heading over to the National Stud where tours will run every Wednesday through to Sunday at 11.15am and 2pm.
Be sure to pop into Wavertrees Coffee Shop afterwards where the children can enter the colouring competition for a chance to win a horsey cuddly toy.
Family tickets are available throughout the summer holidays and cost from just £30 for a family of four. Pre-book now to avoid disappointment - http://bit.ly/2aaf64u Please remember to mention Primary Times on your visit.
A themed course for golf-loving youngsters
Congo Rapids Lost World at Ufford Park Hotel, Woodbridge is a brand new Florida styled Adventure Golf course. The jungle/dinosaur themed course includes a self-propelled boat, a jungle plane crash, an abandoned temple, jungle animals, life sized dinosaurs and an erupting volcano. The course is open to everyone 364 days a year and is also floodlit.
The www.congorapids.co.uk website features a gallery of course photographs. To win one of 3 family tickets name one of the animals and one of the dinosaurs featured at the course. Visit www.uffordpark.co.uk
RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout: 29 – 31 July 2016
Grown-ups and children alike are in for a treat over the upcoming summer holidays as the RSPB will once again be urging nature lovers to spend a night under the stars for its annual Big Wild Sleepout. The charity is challenging children and their families across the area to go on a mini-adventure, get wild, and discover what goes bump in the night with the amazing nocturnal wildlife on their doorstep.
The event takes place over the last weekend in July, and with the late sunsets and early sunrises in store, there will be plenty of fun-filled hours for people of all ages to set up camp and spend a memorable night in nature. Sign up for a Big Wild Sleepout pack at www.rspb.org.uk/sleepout
Free family fun at the Arc Shopping Centre
There’s plenty of free family fun to be had at the Arc Shopping Centre in Bury St Edmunds this summer. On every Monday between 25 July and 22 August, there will be many chances to meet plenty of animals as they board Noah’s Arc before the rain comes.
There will be a line-up of cute and fluffy animals as well as creepy and crawly creatures for you to meet. All activities will take place between 11am and 3pm. For specific performance times and information visit www.arc-burystedmunds.com
Ambitious project to build a model of St Edmundsbury Cathedral using Lego bricks
An ambitious plan to recreate St Edmundsbury Cathedral out of 200,000 Lego bricks was recently launched. The model will be built in the Cathedral itself near to the font and will take around three years to complete. St Edmundsbury Cathedral is just one of four cathedrals in the country to undertake the Lego project, the others being Exeter, Chester and Durham.
Visitors are invited to make a donation to add a brick to the model and make their mark on history. The final model will include many build features such as the Organ, Bishops’ Throne and the Font. For more details call 01284 748721 or visit www.stedscathedral.co.uk
Alton Water in August
There’s a free Alton Water Open Day on Sunday 21 August which promises to supply plenty of summer fun for all the family. Between 10am and 4pm families will be able to appreciate the festive atmosphere and dance along to the live music, jump on the bouncy castle, listen to the storytelling plus there will be plenty of arts and crafts activities to amuse the children.
A week later, on Monday 29 August, Chapterhouse theatre will be presenting Peter Pan at Alton Water Park. For more information call: 01473 589105.
Minty’s Whizzy Windmill Garden Parade
Having fun outside is a top priority at BeWILDerwood, the curious treehouse adventure park near Wroxham. With lots of awesome structures to explore, and magical, mystical woodland areas to find and play within the boggy bogs and marvellous marshes, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained from Saturday 16 July to Sunday 4 September.
Due to the success of last year’s event, Minty’s Whizzy Windmills, Minty is putting on a full Whizzy Windmill Garden Parade, every day, all summer long! Everybody is welcome to join in the witty and wondrous daily variety of creative and captivating activities, from art and craft making to storytelling and face painting and it’s all included in the ticket price.
BeWILDerwood is located in woodland off the A1062 near Wroxham, situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Norfolk Broads. For more information about BeWILDerwood and all the events in 2016 visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk or call 01692 633033.
Mini Drop-in Sessions at Flatford Mill
The Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill in East Bergholt (between Colchester and Ipswich) is running a series of environmental activity days for children and families during the summer holidays. On Tuesdays, they are running free drop-in mini sessions for people passing by as they explore the beautiful countryside of the Dedham Vale.
On Thursdays they have a full day of fun and learning for £10/person. The days are run by qualified and very experienced environmental tutors and will include fun history sessions about Flatford and the painter, John Constable, Science Discovery Days, Creative Nature, Bushcraft Survival days and there will be a chance to take a Walk on the Wildside. For information call 01206 297110 or email enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Lowestoft Turtle Trails for 2016
Between 16 July and 4 September, Lowestoft Vision will be inviting visitors to become international turtle detectives and discover the Lowestoft turtles. Following the success of the 2014 and 2015 Lowestoft Turtle Trails, the 18 decorative turtles have returned home to Lowestoft from all four corners of the world.
The turtles will be located in shops and services in the town centre, historic High Street, Whapload Road and Station Square - simply locate each turtle by using the turtle trail map. To be in with a chance of winning £1,000, find a turtle (each turtle represents a country from around the world), then write the name of each country on the trail map in the relevant place before submitting your entry.
In addition look out for weekly competitions via www.discoverlowestoft.co.uk. For details call 01502 502205 or visit www.lowestoftvision.co.uk
Discover Newmarket this summer
Discover Newmarket offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at racing’s headquarters to see the equine stars at work and learn about the fascinating history, heritage and culture of the town. Expert guides deliver tours for groups and individuals which can be organised for a half day, full-day or longer.
Tours include visits to racehorse trainers’ yards, the famous gallops, the National Stud, the National Horseracing Museum, the exclusive private members club at The Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket Racecourses, the Animal Health Trust, Sheikh Mohammed’s breeding operation Darley, and much more.
This year also marks 350 years of making history in Newmarket, a key anniversary that celebrates the Home of Horseracing. Stay up to date with all of the goings on throughout 2016 by visiting www.weare350.co.uk or visit www.discovernewmarket.co.uk
Unique Experiences at Linton Zoo
Summer is a perfect time to visit Linton Zoo which is simply buzzing with activity. Primarily a breeding centre for endangered species, Linton is home to some very exciting animals which include magnificent tigers, lions, snow leopard, tapirs, kangaroo, binturong, Mountain zebra, lemurs, lots of birds and some unusual reptiles.
A fantastic schedule of events over the school holidays and at weekends is designed to get you much closer to some of the animals. If you want a little more than just a zoo visit, then the VIP Behind the Scenes Tortoise Tours is a must. Or, if you’d rather hold hands with a lemur and help the keepers feed them try one of the VIP Lemur Tours.
For an even more special day you can pre-book a “Keeper Experience” for adults and children (age 8-13). The “Keeper’s Little Helper” designed especially for 5 to 8 year olds is also very popular. Visit www.lintonzoo.com or call 01223 891308.
Pack more into your summer holiday and visit Suffolk museums this summer!
Looking for last minute holiday ideas? Suffolk museums have got it covered! Throughout the school summer holiday museums across the county will offer a jam-packed line-up of exciting events, activities and trails for the whole family to enjoy together.
From arts and crafts to archaeological digs, science workshops to giant craft fairs and discovery trails galore - there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the museums this summer. Download your free events programme at www.suffolkmuseums.org or like them on Facebook at www.summerinsuffolkmuseums.com
Step back in time at Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle is taking visitors back to 1066 in sizzling events to kick off the summer.
Children can enjoy Norman Knight Time from Monday 1 to Friday 5 August and become Norman knights for the day, then all the family can enjoy watching full-on fighting knights at Meet the Normans on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August.
The almighty clash of lances, thundering of hooves and cheers of the crowd at Joust on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July will entertain all the family. Swiftly following this action-packed family event is something just for kids on Monday 25 - Friday 29 July with children attacking mini castles at Castle Attack.
Discover the castle’s bloody history at the Heroes and Villains event commencing Monday 8 to Friday 12 August, hotly followed by Medieval Mayhem from Monday 15 to Friday 19 August. Rounding off the summer season is the block busting Knights Tournament event on Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 August and Awesome Archaeology on Monday 22 to Friday 26 August. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle
Free Family Fishing Fun Days
There will be a Free Family Fishing Fun Day on Saturday 16 July at Suffolk Water Park, Bramford, Ipswich (IP8 4JS) from 11am to 4pm. All sessions are free and include fishing tackle, instruction from licensed coaches and there will be free refreshments too.
Plus there are many other activities for non-anglers and family members such as pond dipping and casting games. Everybody is welcome - just turn up on the day and have an enjoyable day out with the family. For details call Sam on 07548 737624.
A ‘Wheely Great’ addition to Pleasure Beach
Great Yarmouth's Wheel of Elegance, located at the Pleasure Beach, stands approximately 108ft tall dominating the skyline of Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile. The wheel has 24 pods with a capacity of six people per pod.
For just £5 per person (there are special family rates) experience the big wheel and see spectacular and unrivalled views across the North Sea, Great Yarmouth itself and the Norfolk Broads. The Wheel of Elegance is open each day from 11am until October. There are special ‘per person’ rates for families. For details call 01493 844585 or visit www.pleasure-beach.co.uk
Science in the summer and holiday activities at the Long Shop Museum
This summer, the popular Workshops Wednesdays will continue with ‘Luminous Light and Super Sound’ on 27 July and ‘Fantastic Forces’ on 10 August; making science fun and inspiring young people.
The museum’s “Marvellous Makers Fair” on 28 August will include handmade stalls and activities such as weaving, welding, carving and more. From 22 July to 4 September, families will be able to enjoy a trail every day, with two trails over the six weeks, changing on 13 August. These events are part of the Making it Work Project and summer in Suffolk Museums. See www.longshopmuseum.co.uk
Take the plunge at Beccles Lido
Swimming outdoors is one of life’s great pleasures and at Beccles Lido, the 30 metre x 15 metre outdoor pool, separate toddler pool and paddling pool are all heated to a balmy 27°C.
There is a slide, springboard and giant-inflatable, and some kiddies’ adventure play equipment and all-weather exercise equipment are new additions this year. Beccles Lido is located on Puddingmoor, next to the River Waveney, and boasts plenty of grassy areas, a well-stocked café and sun loungers to sink into. The lido is open every day until 11 September.
Beccles Lido also offers canoe hire and is home to Beccles Triathlon Club (www.becclestriclub.moonfruit.com) who swim there every Monday at 7pm. The nearby Big Dog Ferry offers relaxing river trips to the historic Locks Inn, Geldeston. Visit: www.beccleslido.com or call (01502 713297).
Feather and fun at St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Get close to some of most majestic of birds who rule our skies on 23 and 25 August at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Witness eagles, owls and hawks in full flight at 11.30pm and 2pm, and learn about their lives and challenges in the natural world. In addition, there will be falconers’ demonstrations and a chance for you to have your photo taken with them.
Plus, there will be arts and craft activities and a family trail. The price is £5 per person (includes one flying show). Call 01284 748721 or visit www.stedscathedral.co.uk
An annual celebration of Wholesome Family Fun
Jimmy’s Festival of Sausages and Beer, on 23 and 24 July, is an annual celebration of great live music, delicious food, and wholesome family fun. The Kids’ Zone will be packed full of activities for children of all ages which, in the past has played host to The Flying Seagulls, a craft camp, Peppa Pig animal petting and den building.
There will also be a chance to see CBeebies Mr Bloom and JB Gill from Down on the Farm. Some truly great artists such as Reef, Newton Faulkner, Gemma Ray and Chas and Dave will take to the Main Stage Arena. 2016 will see a brand new area added to the already jam packed weekend of fun.
The Science and Nature Trail will feature some great educational and seriously fun children’s entertainment. Expect lots of flashes, bangs, pops and whizzes. Visit www.jimmysfestival.co.uk