Free Things To Do This Summer!
If you ask any parent, they'll tell you that the summer holidays is one of the most expensive times of the year.
From keeping kids active and busy to making sure they're fed, costs can skyrocket around this time of the year. That's why we've come up with a list of FREE attractions and events happening throughout the holiday for you to discover!
1. North Northants Leisure - Turn Up and Play
Go for gold this Olympic summer and take part in a range of free multi sports sessions available at locations across North Northamptonshire for children 8-14 years. From badminton to table tennis, athletics and everything in-between, it's a great way to get the kids interested in keeping active and staying active. There's also no need to book, just turn up on the day!
Please note: there will be no toilet access and children are highly encouraged to bring a bottle of water. There are a range of dates and times available - please visit the North Northants Council website for more information.
2. Stanwick Lakes
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750-acre nature reserve and is widely considered to be one of the region’s most imaginative outdoor activity destinations. It offers extensive play areas for families and includes acres of wide-open spaces and paths for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists. The cafe in the visitor centre has wonderful views over the lake from the huge glass windows. It serves a range of delicious handmade hot and cold food – a perfect treat after a walk! *Parking charges apply.
3. Wicksteed Park
Have you visited one of the oldest amusement parks in the UK yet? Step into a world of magic at Wicksteed Park! Nestled in the heart of Kettering, it's not just a park; it's an experience, memory-maker, and place where history meets adventure. Spanning a vast 147 acres of lush, rolling parkland, Wicksteed Park is the perfect day out. From the thrill of over 25 exhilarating rides and attractions to the serenity of open spaces where you can lose yourself in a book or challenge your loved ones to a spirited football match, there's something for everyone. Wicksteed Park is a great place to run around, meet animals, and have a go on their rides (extra charges may apply). Stroll around their gorgeous gardens, devour some fantastic food, and explore the historic site!
*Parking charges apply.
4. Chester House Emergency Services Day
Get ready for an action-packed day of excitement and adventure at The Chester House Estate’s Emergency Services Family Fun Day! This is a not-to-be-missed event that promises thrills, fun, and learning for the whole family. Ever wondered what it’s like to be a hero? Now’s your chance to find out! See, touch, and even climb aboard a variety of emergency and armed forces vehicles. Meet the brave men and women who protect and serve our community and hear their thrilling stories of courage and dedication. Even witness live demonstrations to help you keep yourself and those around you safe e.g. CPR demonstrations, Defibrillator demonstrations and even have a go on some VR headsets. This is more than just a fun day out – it’s an opportunity to celebrate and support the incredible heroes of our community.
Find out more
5 Iron Pit Woods Summer Fun Day
A perfect way to keep your little ones entertained this summer holiday is the Summer Fun Day at Iron Pit Woods Adventure Course! Get ready for an afternoon packed with fun, with a free BBQ, tombola, bouncy castle, face painting, and more! As well as all of this, they're also offering huge discounts on their mini golf, high ropes, and axe throwing for this day only! Why not double up the events and have an incredible adventure all day for under half the price?
6. Archaeological Resource Centre Guided Tours
On certain days throughout the summer, the Archaeological Resource Centre are doing free guided tours! Walk around the archive, which stores the archaeological archives from excavations carried out in Northamptonshire and listen to the experienced volunteers explain how they curate and preserve the objects. They will also show some highlights they have within their collections.
Tours tend to last between 45 minutes and 1 hour, though they can be longer as the volunteers are very enthusiastic and try and answer any of your questions about archaeology. Due to space in the building, there is a need to limit spaces on each tour to 15 people. Whilst the tour is free, you need to book your ticket in advance to ensure you have a space.
Please be aware there is a chance you may see human remains during this tour if they are being accessed by researchers.
7. Daventry Summer Activity Days
Daventry Town Council are running loads of different sessions aimed for 3+ up to teens - there's a super fun workshop or coaching session to suit everyone!
Have fun and get active whilst you learn or improve on your skateboarding skills. Become an entertainer for the day with balance and circus skills coaching. Improve on your football skills with a kick-about, enjoy some games in the park or get your craft on in the museum. From morning and afternoon sessions of brilliantly fun sports and games like frisbee golf, rounders, badminton, dodgeball, and archery, to making summer-inspired crafts, including sunshine rainbows, pom-pom keyrings and summer butterflies! Whilst you're with there, enjoy the super museum exhibition, quizzes, colouring and scavenger hunts, it makes for a fantastically fun and free morning out.
8. Family Fun Days
This August, North Northamptonshire is set to come alive with he sound of laughter and joy as the highly anticipated Active Families Fun Days make a return! Active Families Fun Days are designed to bring the community together, offering something for everyone. Each Wednesday, families can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities, such as small rides, local sports clubs, stalls, play activities, and much more!
Organised by North Northamptonshire Council, the events will take place on Wednesday afternoons throughout August in Corby, Kettering, Rushden and Wellingborough.
9. Kettering By The Sea
From the 2nd - 23rd August, Kettering Town Centre will be transformed into a huge FREE play area! From craft workshops to skateboarding skill sessions, it's a great way to keep the children up and about this summer. They'll have a different event on every single day in the town centre - from puppet shows to historical crafts, there's something for everyone! To check what event is on for each day, please check the Kettering Town Council website.
10 Stoke Bruerne - The Canal Museum
Perfect for all the family! Learn all about the importance of the Grand Union Canal, and see the history come to life. Why not take a walk around the picturesque locks of Stoke Bruerne and treat yourself to a coffee and cake overlooking the water? Immerse yourselves in the treasure trove that is the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum, which is full of interactive displays and collections to bring to life what it was like to live and work on Britain's canals. Take a stroll along the towpath near Blisworth Tunnel, and the Woodland Walk, with its wire sculptures, and enjoy the view!
