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As the long summer holidays now loom, many families are looking at creative ways to have fun which won’t cost the earth.
Here are a few suggestions on how to make those long holiday weeks fly by whilst making treasured memories to last a lifetime.
The popular annual Summer Reading Challenge is now under way in North Somerset libraries and runs until Saturday 14 September. The free challenge aims to promote reading for fun, while improving children’s reading skills and confidence during the school holidays.
This year’s theme is Marvellous Makers and it’s about painting outside the lines and dancing to the rhythm of our own stories. Participants can find new reads linked to their favourite creative arts, and access free activities in libraries, from dance to drawing, junk modelling to music.
The challenge is open to all children aged four to 11 and they can read anything they like to collect rewards.
Pop into your local library (https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/libraries-leisure-open-spaces/libraries/find-library/library-locations) to sign up or visit the Summer Reading Challenge website (https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/).
The challenge is developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries. This year’s theme has been developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing the creative arts to those who need it most.
To find out about more events in North Somerset libraries, visit https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/libraries-leisure-open-spaces/libraries/library-events or follow the library team on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nslibraries), X (https://twitter.com/nsomlibraries) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/northsomersetlibraries/).
Many of the following events are free or low cost so take the opportunity to get out and about with friends and family – and why not also support North Somerset local businesses whilst you’re out and about!
Free arts and craft activities for all ages will also take place every Monday afternoon during the school summer holidays in Grove Park, Weston-super-Mare. Sessions, organised by the Friends of Grove Park, take place from 1pm-3pm each Monday, from 29 July. (https://www.facebook.com/events/985568533187259)
- Magic, music and comedy can be had at a free family fun day (https://www.facebook.com/events/462752756208315) in Weston-super-Mare on Thursday 1 August. The event, organised by North Somerset Play Forum, takes place in Clarence Park from 11am to 3pm.
- Party on the Green (https://www.facebook.com/events/665422915785847) includes daredevil BMX stunts, circus skills, an acrobatic showcase and more. Visit Coniston Green, Bournville Road, from 1pm-5pm on Saturday 10 August.
Free family fun featuring live entertainment, inflatables, stalls, rides and more is coming to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 24 August. Summer Vibe (https://www.facebook.com/events/1675636553238478), hosted by children’s entertainer Action Pussycat, starts at 11am in the Italian Gardens.
- ParkPlay will also take place in North Somerset parks every Saturday providing fun and free activities. ParkPlay (https://www.betterhealthns.co.uk/information/parkplay/) is all about building happier, healthier communities through the life-changing power of play. It’s active and inclusive, so all generations can play together in a safe and welcoming space. Play and have fun with family and friends during these 90-minute sessions in Worle, Weston-super-Mare (https://www.facebook.com/events/867902894882907/867903044882892?event_time_id=867903048216225), and Clevedon (https://www.facebook.com/events/1364366841150894/1364366907817554).
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Lead Member for Children’s Services said: “As well as the summer reading challenge and a host of local events taking place across North Somerset this summer, there are lots of creative ideas online to help you have a fun-filled summer without costing a penny. Some ideas include painting pebbles, making an obstacle course, picnics in the local park, go on a bug hunt or make a bug hotel, learning to bake, make a den, make hand puppets using those odd socks or make musical instruments using recycling or pans.
“North Somerset Council’s Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) programme is also running to provide activities and food during the summer holidays for children who are receiving benefits-related free school meals. Information for parents and carers about this programme is available at https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/benefits-support/other-benefits-support/holiday-activities-food-haf-programme.
“If food and money-saving is a concern during the summer holidays, Money Saving Central has also updated its list of places where children can eat for free or just £1 (https://moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free). Please also check out our food support pages on our North Somerset Council website.”
For local cost of living information and advice, check out www.n-somerset.gov.uk/col.
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