Summer is right around the corner, so we wanted to share some fun activities and events in Derby to keep you and your family entertained over the summer holidays, we hope you enjoy! Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s blog post, featuring more all around Derbyshire!
Outdoor Cinema at Makeaton Park – 2nd & 3rd August
Markeaton Park are hosting an outdoor cinema this summer showcasing two blockbuster films. So why not head down with the whole family to see Wonka, on Friday 2nd August, starring Timothée Chalamet; or Barbie, on Saturday 3rd August, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
There will be refreshments, including popcorn and pizza!
Tickets are available from the Sales and Information Centre, on 01332 255800, or online at derbylive.co.uk.
Summer Reading Challenge – Derby Libraries
Derby Libraries are hosting a free reading challenge this summer! This year’s theme is ‘Marvellous Makers’, which is all about sparking children’s curiosity and creativity.
The challenge is aimed at children ages from four to 11, however younger and older children are welcome to join in too.
Participants are expected to read just six books. These can be factual, fiction, joke books, picture books, audio books and eBooks. The only rule is they must be borrowed from the library.
Along with the Summer Reading Challenge, Derby Libraries are hosting a range of fun, free events at their Alvaston, Mickleover, Normanton and Riverside libraries. You can check out the Derby Libraries website for more details.
Make your own clay dragon: Summer Reading Challenge at Normanton Library – 2nd August
Normanton Library are hosting a make your own clay dragon event with Jumping Clay and Art in the Park. The event will take place on Friday 2nd August and is aimed at children aged from four to 11. The event is free but booking is essential, so click here to get your tickets before they run out! Alvaston Library will also be taking part on Thursday 8th August.
Chicken Licken: Summer Reading Challenge at Alvaston Library – 15th August
Alvaston Library are hosting Chicken Licken with Derby Theatre as part of the Summer Reading Challenge. The event will take place on Thursday 15th August at Alvaston Library and is aimed at children aged from four to 11. The event is free but booking is essential, so click here to get your tickets before they run out!! Normanton Library will also be taking part on Thursday 15th August.
Family Hubs
Derby’s Family Hubs are hosting various free activities over the summer for children and young people aged from 0 to 19. There will be everything from music, sports, animal handling, crafts, graffiti, gaming, climbing and more – there will also be free snacks!
You can visit your local Family Hub to find out more details. Or visit the Family Hub Directory.
Holiday Activities Food Programme
Derby Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme have thousands of free holiday club places available for children in Derby. They offer activities and food to children aged from five to 16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals in Derby.
It is a great opportunity for children to learn new skills and make new friends over the summer. A healthy meal will be provided for all children, along with cookery sessions and food experiences to teach children about healthy food and nutrition.
There will be 38 providers offering a range of activities all across the city – this will include six special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) specialists.
You can find out more by visiting the Derby HAF webpage.
Derby Parks
Derby’s many parks and open spaces offer a range of activities for children and families in the area. From walks and nature trails to playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sporting activities, there’s something for everyone. You can find out what’s available on the In Derby website.
Markeaton Park’s Mundy Play Centre offers pay and play activities which include activities such as pitch and putt, footgolf, mini golf, canoes, a bouncy castle and a play area, which includes The Adventure Gallery pirate ship. Their High Ropes Course has just re-opened, now run by the Tree House Trek, for you to challenge yourself and conquer new heights.
Darley Park Weekender – 30th and 31st August, 1st September
Three days of five-star, family-friendly music are coming to Darley Park this August.
Hear from stars such as Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes and DJ Scott Mills at the 80s Mix Tape (Friday 30th August), and Honeyz, DJ Chris Moyles and Blue for the Ultimate 90s (Saturday 31st August).
Tickets are £29.50 for adults and £15 for children each night. Under-fives go free.
The Darley Park Concert will take place on Sunday 1st September to round off the weekend. This will include classical music from Sinfonia Viva and a fireworks display. If you buy your tickets before 31st July you can get tickets for adults for £5 and under 16s for £2. Click here to book your tickets via the Derby LIVE website now.
Springwood Leisure Centre and Derby Arena
Want to keep your kids active over the summer? Springwood Leisure Centre and Derby Arena are offering a variety of opportunities for children over the summer, including the Junior Gym Sessions and exercise classes for young people aged 12-17 – only £13.50 if you join as a Derby Active young person’s member this summer, with no joining fee.
Cycle Derby at Markeaton Park
Cycle Derby have a range of activities over the holidays, including Holiday Clubs for children ages 6-12 at Markeaton Park and Debry Arena; Learn to Ride sessions at Markeaton Park and Track Days for 9-16 year olds at Derby Arena. Advance booking is required as spaces fill up fast! Click here to find out more on the Cycle Derby website.
Derby Museums
Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent – explore Ancient Egypt as you follow the trail through Derby Museum and Art Gallery’s exhibition.
Pickford’s House will also be offering a Summer Trail, exploring a reimagined view of its collections and history. There will also be the opportunity to attend workshops and play and craft activities at various locations. For more details, click here to head to the Derby Museums website.
Derbion – Summer Takeover
Every Friday in August, Derbion are hosting Summer Workshops in the Lower Mall of the shopping centre. Each Workshop is £5 per person, booking is not required.
Paint a Pot: Friday 2nd August, 10am-4pm
Design your own Squishie: Friday 9th August, 10am-4pm
Slime Workshop: Friday 16th August, 10am-4pm
Windchime Workshop: Friday 23rd August, 10am-4pm
Fun Clay: Friday 30th August, 10am-4pm
Elvaston Castle Country Park – Wyatts Teddy Bear Picnic: 7th August
Located in Elvaston, Derby, is the beautiful Elvaston Castle Country Park. Take a relaxing walk around the grounds of the castle and take a picnic or grab some food from the Wyatts café.
Wyatts café are hosting a Teddy Bear Picinic on August 7th from 10am to 3pm! Enjoy lunch, a bear hunt and prizes. The picnic includes a children’s lunch bag, adult’s meal deal, Teddy Trail card and Teddy Bear prize. Booking is essential and is £14.95 for 1 adult and 1 child, £4.95 per extra child and £3 per extra adult. Don’t forget to bring along your bear!!
Bluebell Dairy Ice Cream Farm
Why not head to Bluebell Dairy, in Derby, for a family day out at a fantastic farm where you can see lots of animals and grab a Bluebell Dairy ice cream?
All ice cream is made on the farm from their own cow’s milk. There’s also a café which offers a range of delicious homemade foods and cakes.
Calke Abbey Summer of Play – every Thursday in August
Every Thursday in August, Calke Abbey in Derby hold little wheels cycle skills sessions. With a new course every week, your children can build their confidence on two wheels by weaving through slalom poles, balancing over bridges and tackling ramps.
The course is aimed at children under eight who can ride a small pedal bike or balance bike. You have the option of bringing your own bike or borrowing one of theirs (no extra charge). From 10am-3pm every Thursday in August.
Outdoor Cinema at Calke Abbey – 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th August
Four nights of fun outdoor film screenings are taking place at Calke Abbey this summer. Films start at around 9:15pm, but you can arrive from 7:15pm to enjoy a picnic or purchase a range of hot and cold refreshments.
8th August: Grease Sing-A-Long
9th August: Top Gun
10th August: Mamma Mia
11th August: Back To The Future
Book your tickets here.
Best wishes,
Claire’s School Solutions x
Source: Derby City Council
