The school summer holidays are
nearly here. If you’re looking for ideas for low and no-cost things to do,
don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. You don’t need to venture far
either, there’s something to suit all tastes and ages right here in Buckinghamshire.
ParkPlay is a new initiative,
supported by Sport England, that has launched in three locations in
Buckinghamshire, Booker Recreation Ground in High Wycombe, Alfred Rose Memorial
Park in Aylesbury and Windsor Road Park in Chesham. The scheme offers two hours
of free organised community-led play, every Saturday or Sunday morning with
active and inclusive games where all generations can play together, offering a
safe and welcoming environment for people to connect and have fun. Find out
more: https://park-play.com/
Country parks, Black Park,
Langley Park and Denham Park - are great places to explore. With miles of
footpaths, play areas and café facilities you can make a day of it. A range of
family friendly events are taking place throughout the summer including outdoor
theatre productions, dinosaur trails and forest school sessions. Find details
and book onto events online: Buckinghamshire
Country Parks Events - 18 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Both Black Park and Langley
Park were recently awarded a Green Flag, along with six other parks and open
spaces in Buckinghamshire. The international accreditation scheme recognises
and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. Many of our local parks have
upgraded play facilities and Bedgrove Park in Aylesbury recently benefitted
from the opening of a new community-funded BMX Pump Track.
There are lots of exciting
summer activities happening throughout the school holidays in your local
libraries. From creative workshops to family-friendly performances, there’s
something for everyone - check out your local library to see what’s on.
Events include Mrs Armitage on Wheels, a
joyful theatrical adventure brought to life by Scoot Theatre and Farnham
Maltings. Based on the much-loved story by Quentin Blake, this interactive show
features live music, puppetry, and physical comedy - perfect for children aged
3+ and their grown-ups. Performances will take place at libraries and parks
across Buckinghamshire, including High Wycombe, Chesham, Aylesbury, and Chandos
Park in Buckingham. Don’t miss out - book your free tickets now online.
The Summer Reading Challenge is
all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and
confidence. This year’s theme of Story Garden is all about Adventures
in Nature and the Great Outdoors and inspires children to tap into a world of
imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between
storytelling and nature. The Challenge is open to children aged 4-11 and runs
through to 13 September. Visit the Summer
Reading Challenge website to sign up online, or alternatively, pop
into your local library.
Our local museums both have
lots of family friendly activities on throughout the summer holidays. Enjoy
some Cosmic Adventures at the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury with a range
of space-themed craft making and activities for all ages. At the Wycombe Museum
in High Wycombe you can get messy with clay, delve into science or take part in
a bug trail. Get all the details on the websites. Discover Bucks Museum – www.discoverbucksmuseum.org
and Wycombe Museum – www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Buckinghamshire leisure centres
are also a great place to spend a few hours enjoying a fun swim, soft play or
other sports including climbing and badminton. Each centre has its own
timetable so take a look and book ahead as some sessions fill up quickly: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/leisure-centres
Don’t forget, the
Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend takes place from 28 to 31 August. Over
four days, groups, organisations and creatives will hold events across the
county, with immersive and interactive activities around the theme of Stories
and Nature. From workshops to crafts and immersive music to cooking – there’s
something for everyone. Find out all the detail on the website: https://buckinghamshireculture.org/events/category/open-weekend-2025/
There are also free Weekends of
Wonder events taking place across the county throughout the summer as part of
this year’s WhizzFizz festival. Visit the website to find out more: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/whizzfizz-2025/
Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire
Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure said: “With so much to
choose from right here on our doorstep in Buckinghamshire, families really will
be spoilt for choice this summer.”
Peter added: “We know
entertaining the kids over the long summer break can be an expense and so it’s
great to know that there are so many low or no cost things to do so that
whatever your budget, no-one misses out on having a fun and carefree summer
holiday.”