KIDS HOLIDAY
BOOK NOW
Basingstoke Aquadrome
Wednesday 24th July, 10am- 4pm Family Fun Swim
Thursday 25th July – Friday 30th August, 10am- 4pm take a splash in our Lagoon Pool and ride our splash-tastic flumes!
Kids BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Tadley Health & Fitness Centre
Wednesday 24th July - Friday 30th August Family Fun Swims & inflatable sessions, see website for timings.
basingstokeleisure.com
Basingstoke Aquadrome Tel: 03301 099313
Worting Road, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
Tadley Health & Fitness Centre Tel: 0118 981 7818 New Road, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 3LA
The Team:
EDITOR: Lesley Chambers 07863 790592
editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk
SALES SUPPORT: Claire Clarricoates 07812 218331 claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk
DESIGN: Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk
NEXT ISSUE: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
Booking deadline: 31 July Feature: Education
IN THIS ISSUE:
If your school or family-friendly venue would like to receive FREE copies of Families Hampshire North magazine, contact us at editor@ familieshampshirenorth.co.uk
Where is Families Hampshire North?
Editor’s Welcome
Welcome to our summer 2024 issue!
Creating the July/August issue is always fun, because there is so much promise in the months ahead and I hope you feel the sunshine and adventure in these pages too!
The long summer holiday break can seem daunting for parents and carers: it’s a lot of time to fill! Luckily, we have put together lots of affordable ideas for ways to spend the summer with the family and also created a roundup of holiday games for family fun.
Local businesses have loads going on over the summer, whatever the weather, and we hope this guide will help when you’re out and about or at home over the school holidays.
Have a happy summer!
Competition winners
Congratulations to Sonia Varghese, who won a set of early years books, and to Janet Cordery, who won two children’s mental health books, in our May/June 2024 giveaways.
We distribute 16,000 copies every issue!
Summer Reading Challenge 2024: Ready, Set, Read!
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.
Children can read any books they like on the Summer Reading Challenge: stories, fact books, poetry, jokes, graphic novels. This year’s theme is Marvellous Makers and the organiser’s aim is to tap into children’s imaginations, telling amazing stories and coming up with fun new creations, to celebrate the creative arts.
It’s all FREE, fun and a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.
The Challenge will launch in libraries on 6 July and continue until 1 September.
More info at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Enjoy the scenic Basingstoke Canal
Galleon Marine Boatyard has been judged a quality accredited boatyard by Visit England and British Marine and is based in Odiham on the beautiful Basingstoke Canal. They offer narrowboats, rowboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and electric boats for hire.
The online booking system allows you to book ahead for small boats and holiday narrowboats.
Why not pack up a picnic and come and spend a few hours by the water in their canal-side garden or on a boat? Fresh coffee, tea and snacks are also available from Hettie, the fabulous vintage horsebox.
There are a few parking spaces available on site but also plenty of free parking nearby in Colt Hill Wharf car park.
Please visit the website www.galleonmarine.co.uk for more information.
Recycling Challenge for Children!
The SuperQuesters, Lilicorn, Bea Bumble and Leo Zoom have been solving quests in SuperQuesters: The Case of the Great Energy Robbery, learning about renewable energy and in SuperQuesters: The Case of the Angry Sea, finding ways to remove rubbish from our rivers. They have a 5-day challenge to help you get engaged with recycling and sustainability.
R you Ready?
Monday: Re-Use What do you have in the house that you can re-use from the weekend? Have you ever thought about painting plastic bottles to use as flowerpots?
Tuesday: Re-Purpose If you have any old clothes you don’t mind cutting up, cut them into thin strips and make into friendship bracelets.
Wednesday: Re-Fill Look around your home or school and see what you can refill, for example a plastic bottle cut open across the base for your pencils or a cardboard box for crayons.
Thursday: Re-Duce Have a think about what you don’t need to buy again. Have you ever considered making your own yogurt and reusing the pots?
Friday: Re-Cycle At the end of week, look at the waste and decide what you can recycle and what you can upcycle for the next week.
www.questfriendz.com
GIVEAWAY: We have one set of 4 SuperQuesters books to give away with posters and bookmarks. To enter, e-mail editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk by 31st July, marking your e-mail ‘SuperQuesters’, and a winner will be chosen at random and contacted after this date.
PICK YOUR OWN SUNFLOWERS
Just off A33 between Basingstoke and Reading
August 2024
Thousands of sunflowers to enjoy with plenty of photo opportunities! Lots for the children including bale play area, toddler tipis, barrel train rides and FREE nature trail.
PLUS NEW for 2024 : Cornflowers, Cosmos, Dahlias and dig your own Potatoes! Adults £7.50, which includes 5 sunflowers to take home. Children £1. Dogs welcome. Follow us on social media for updates www.flowerplot.co.uk
Welcome to Stagecoach
Stagecoach Performing Arts was founded in 1988 and continues to grow as the UK’s largest network of extracurricular performing arts schools for children, with 60,000 students enrolled in their weekly classes worldwide.
One of the first extra-curricular children’s performing arts schools in the country, Stagecoach aim to inspire students, making a difference in their lives by teaching Creative Courage For Life®.
Fleet and Basingstoke branches are pleased to offer classes throughout the week and now have a BRAND NEW Tuesday school. Summer workshops are available too.
Notable alumni are Emma Watson, Jamie Bell, Eleanor Tomlinson, Tuppence Middleton, Tom Fletcher, Dani Harmer, Josh Cuthbert, Danny Mac and Charlotte Jaconelli.
For more information visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/fleet or stagecoach.co.uk/basingstoke
Olympic-themed family fiesta at Winchester Science Centre
Fiesta is an exciting mini children’s festival of curiosity for ages 3 to 12. It’s FREE with general admission and this year it’s all about the Olympics and Paralympics!
Families are invited from Sat 13 Jul to Mon 4 Sep to adventure outside to enjoy interactive activities like the fun and friendly Bug Olympics. Set in the stunning South Downs National Park, competitors of all ages can take part and see if they’re as fast as a dragonfly or as strong as an ant. Children can also perform their very own opening ceremony inspired by nature’s sounds on the mini stage. And, back inside, mini scientists can discover the science of us in an interactive zone and during brand-new live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise. Find out more at www.winchestersciencecentre.org
Summer fun in Basingstoke
Are you looking for ways to entertain the children this summer? Join in the fun fun fun at Basingstoke Aquadrome, Knight’s Realm Adventure Golf and Tadley Health and Fitness Centre. From Wed 24-Fri 30 August you can take advantage of the summer 2024 timetable, bursting with activities for everyone to enjoy.
Take a splash in Aquadrome’s lagoon pool, ride the exciting flumes or enjoy the interactive water features this fun pool has to offer. Or why not visit the Knight’s Realm Adventure Golf? The 18-hole crazy golf course is right by Basingstoke Aquadrome; a trip to both venues would be the perfect family day out.
Tadley Health and Fitness Centre is also a great choice for splash seekers - check it out for family fun swims or inflatable sessions.
All sessions can be booked at www.basingstokeleisure. com or call on Basingstoke Aquadrome 03301 099313, Knight’s Realm Adventure Golf 01256 350054, Tadley Health and Fitness Centre 0118 981 7818.
Take nature’s pulse - join the Big Butterfly Count
The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey which helps to assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies we see.
This year, the world’s biggest survey of butterflies will take place from Friday, 12 July until Sunday, 4 August. The annual citizen science programme attracts tens of thousands of people out into their garden, local green space or the countryside to spend fifteen minutes counting butterflies and helping to inform conservation action.
Butterflies are indicators of a healthy natural environment and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.
More info at www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the FREE Big Butterfly Count app.
Cultural capital: what it is and why it matters
By Erin Miller
The term ‘cultural capital’ entered the social consciousness in 1979, when Pierre Bourdieu introduced the concept in his book Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Broadly speaking, it refers to the knowledge, skills and experiences that are valued by a society.
It is thought that those who gain and harness this type of knowledge are more likely to have a social advantage. Take a child who is regularly taken to libraries, museums and sports games, with further cross-cultural experiences through travel. It completely follows that this child is likely to excel further in their education and enjoy more social mobility than a child who is not offered these experiences.
Cultural capital is sometimes thought of as the background knowledge to understanding a culture. For example, a passage in your child’s English test might mention that food has been ‘sautéed.’ A child who has had the benefit of eating in restaurants using this descriptor may well understand the term, whereas another child who has not had these experiences will not. This gives the first child a reading advantage.
Latin words are another obvious example. A child who has had some training in Latin might come to automatically understand Latin phrases in our everyday lives eg the Invictus Games or phrases such as ‘quid pro quo.’
Now don’t worry, I’m really not about to suggest that you start taking your child to Michelin starred restaurants and enrol
Summer experiences that build cultural capital
The summer holidays give you time to line up some culturally rich activities for your kids. It’s great to capitalise on your local area and look for low-cost activities.
Check out whether your nearest museums are hosting events for children over summer. Why not visit the museum anyway to soak up some local history? We often take local places of historical significance or interest for granted but this summer you could spend longer there and seek to learn a bit more together.
Local libraries may also be running events for kids over the summer. Or deep dive into one of your child’s interests and borrow a stack of non-fiction books on the subject. Galleries and exhibitions may also be popping up in your local area: have a look at what’s on in July and August.
Cultural capital is not and should not be limited to a single culture, so do try to go beyond British culture. Are there any local opportunities to experience forms of art from other cultures?
them in an immersive Latin course this summer! However, it is valuable to think about how you can equip your child with the type of knowledge, skills and experiences that can help them both in school (reading especially) and in their life beyond. In fact, research has proven that background knowledge compensates for a weaker reading ability, so any opportunities to bolster your child’s background knowledge are beneficial.
Some people are concerned that attempts to teach cultural capitalism might lead to expressions of cultural elitism and it is certainly a reasonable concern. However, providing broad based knowledge and experiences are not exclusive to a single culture and your child should certainly not be getting the impression that one culture is superior to another.
In conclusion, it is definitely worth considering how to support your child’s background knowledge, in the form of cultural capital.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
A summer of adventures with the National Trust
This summer at Mottisfont, discover the wild and wonderful world of John Burningham with a family-friendly exhibition and activity trail, (20 Jul-29 Sep). You’ll find over 60 original illustrations in the gallery, with comfy reading zones, giant scenes for family photos and dressing up. Outside, an energetic activity trail weaves through the gardens with games and challenges to complete.
Roll-up for the circus at Hinton Ampner, (20 Jul–1 Sep). Try circus yoga, perform on a stage and showcase your best juggling, balancing and hula-hooping skills. Drop-in to workshops from Storm in a Teacup circus performers and book outdoor theatre ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck’ (9 & 16 Aug).
At The Vyne, enjoy FREE family activities from the Heritage Explorer Trail (13-28 Jul) to Summer Games (24 Jul-1 Sep) where all ages can have a go at bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens. Plus, enjoy outdoor theatre with The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle (12 Jul) or an open-air cinema screening of The Greatest Showman (3 Aug).
Holiday games to keep the family entertained
If you’re heading off on family camping or caravanning holidays this year or indeed any trip where you’ll have time and space to play games, here are some top tips from our friends at Tin Box Traveller (www.tinboxtraveller.co.uk) to keep the whole family entertained.
Twister
Everyone’s guaranteed a giggle with Twister. The best choice is the picnic blanket version with a waterproof backing for outdoor play.
Scavenger hunts
All you need for this active game is some paper, a pen and maybe a bag in which to gather your scavenger goodies. Prepare a list of objects your children need to find around the area and send them off on a hunt. If you need inspiration, you can also find pre-prepared scavenger hunts online.
Charades
Den building
All the best campsites come with a bit of woodland attached and some will even have a den building area. Check with the owners first before you start a den building competition.
Story bag
Before your trip, fill a bag with lots of different objects. They might be small toys, kitchen utensils or junk drawer finds. Sit your family down, take it in turns to pluck an item from the bag and use it to tell a story. Pass on the bag for the next instalment. This is an imaginative ‘round the campfire’ activity!
Pass the Pigs
This is another favourite camping game from my childhood. Much hilarity was had late into the evenings over ‘leaning jowlers’ and ‘double trotters.’
This classic family game is even more fun around a campfire or fire pit.
Parachute games
Play parachutes are a great choice for wide open spaces. Make some new friends and get them all to hold on to one of the handles. Billow the parachute up and down to bounce a ball, working as a team to keep it from hitting the ground. For more games, go to www.bit.ly/parachutegm
Mini beast hunt
Make the most of being in the great outdoors and go on a mini beast hunt. The Woodland Trust (www.woodlandtrust.org.uk) has mini beast hunt sheets you can download before your trip or draw up your own.
Geo-caching
There are treasures to be found all around the countryside, hidden by Geo-Cache adventurers. Download the app at www.geocaching.com/play before you leave home and get involved in the world’s largest treasure hunt.
Card games
A pack of cards offers endless possibilities, from Snap for young kids through to Patience and Canasta for teens. We’ve also discovered the brilliant card game Dobble recently; great fun for kids aged six and up.
Who am I?
Pack some Post-it notes for this fun game. Everyone has the name of a celebrity stuck to their head and has to question the other players to work out who they are. Take turns to ask questions and guess your character. The first to work it out wins. Set your own rules about what type of celebrities count: dead or alive; real-life or fiction; or human or animals. The choice is yours!
Mini board games
Travel-size magnetic board games are easy to pack and come in handy for amusing bored children on a rainy day. Have a board game marathon and see who can tot up the most points until the sun comes out again.
Swing ball
A family trip favourite, the equipment itself is really light and can be broken down into smaller pieces to transport in the back of your car. Just watch out for the most competitive members of your family smashing the ball around like Andy Murray!
A more affordable summer
By Zuzu Jordan
Summer holidays are very expensive for families with the extra childcare, holidays and day trips. As much as we may love the break, six weeks is a long time to fill. Time for some planning, research and budgeting!
A good starting point for an inexpensive summer break is asking your children what they would like to do. From there, write a list together of things they can do to fill those ‘I don’t know what to do’ moments. This can take the pressure off parents to be constantly providing the entertainment.
Equally, summer holidays are for pyjamas days and not planning anything too. Enjoy! Remember there’s value in letting them get ‘bored’ …sometimes out of boredom creativity is born.
To get your list started, try some of these cheap or FREE ideas.
OUTDOORS
Country parks. Many accredited country parks run their own individual events and activities. Equally, you can create your own activities such as rainbow walks where you collect natural things of different colours and textures or simply pack a picnic. To find your nearest country park, check out www.gov.uk/find-yourlocal-park
Gardening, whether it is just weeding, planting or growing a vegetable patch from the seeds that are in the food you buy.
Create your own Scavenger hunt as an exciting way for children to explore the natural world.
Star gaze! Of course, you will have to wait for a clear night and preferably somewhere with little to no light pollution. There’s plenty online to help you guide children on what to look for in the night sky.
Den making or camping outside in the garden can be fun especially on hot summer evenings. Use your imagination to create a den if you don’t already have the correct equipment.
Tap into your community pages on social media; other parents are equally wanting to find things to do. Some communities set up friendly football games or just meet ups. You could even host your own local summer Olympics.
Car wash, toy wash or anything that involves water, sponges and towels. This can easily be adapted for older kids when they can ‘charge’ for their services.
Bird watching and weather watching is another great activity which draws children’s attention to the outside. Find charts and walks online.
Bug hunting and making a bug hotel go hand in hand nicely. Giving children a focus for their walks can really help with the tired legs and waiving stamina.
Geocaching is like a treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find ‘hidden treasures’ from other geocaches. Some apps are completely free and it puts another fun spin on going for a walk. Try www.geocaching.com/play
INDOORS
Libraries: The Summer Reading Challenge is launched in every library nationwide and anything that encourages reading is definitely good. Each year has a new theme and children are rewarded for every book they read. Find your local participating library at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone
Museums and galleries. Many are free so you only need to pay for travel; take your own packed lunch to save on café costs. Be aware that some museums with free entry do charge for special exhibitions.
Inside den making can be just as fun as outdoor. You could turn it into an indoor picnic or movie special activity.
Art and craft can be as simple as cutting up old magazines and newspapers to make a collage. As supplies can be costly, try to use things you already have around the house. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are the three words that most children would have been taught about in school. Discuss the importance of not wasting resources.
Learn a new skill like origami, juggling, LEGO, baking…. the list is endless!
Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find her on Instagram at edumate_uk
Making the most of summer for children with SEN
By Sarah Billingham
We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create picture perfect, memory-making summer holidays for our children. In reality, it can be a real struggle to meet our SEN children’s needs throughout the holidays.
The school holidays bring a lot of change to the usual routine which can be unsettling for children with SEN. It is important to create a sense of predictability and structure so that your child is able to relax and enjoy the fun activities you have planned and you both enjoy the summer break. Try these tips for a calmer and fun summer:
Start by talking about what will stay the same so that your child is reassured by the familiar. Emphasise the constants that will remain in place such as having their usual breakfast cereal, access to favourite toys and the comfort of more time with you. Preserve some of your regular routine to provide anchors such as maintaining the morning and bedtime routines.
Use visual aids to help your child to see what is coming up. A weekly visual calendar can work well, particularly when it is simple and repetitive, incorporating daily routines and special activities. Create the calendar together, giving your child some choices about which meals and activities to include, building a sense of ownership.
Sometimes less is more. We can fall into the trap of over scheduling and trying to pack in lots of new and fun experiences for our children but this can lead to overwhelm.
SEN-friendly days out
Day trips are a wonderful way to open up our children’s learning and life experiences. With pre-planning and a few resources, you can make the outings more accessible and enjoyable.
Apply for an Access Card. The card acts as a form of ID and uses symbols to easily communicate the support that may be needed. The card often highlights the need for an essential companion/carer and a number of attractions accept these cards and provide a free carer’s ticket.
Get a sunflower lanyard. These lanyards are intended to indicate to staff at airports and attractions that there is a hidden disability or SEN so that they can allow more time and space for your group or offer assistance, such as reduced queuing where they can. The lanyards are getting increased recognition by the wider public too.
Many theatres offer relaxed performances where shows are adapted to provide an easier environment for those with additional needs. Similarly, a number of museums have designated quieter sessions.
Plan regular pit stops and sensory breaks. Plan regular opportunities for your child to have calm chill-out time. Outdoor time, solitary play, time in a cosy den, sensory play or even an extended, relaxing bath can really help your child to reset.
Prioritise connection. When your child feels connected to you, this helps them to feel ready to try new things.
Remember that you set the climate. School holidays can be exhausting for parents. Set realistic expectations for yourself, plan decompression time and maintain your self-care routines to allow you to recharge. Embrace the imperfections and remember that a calmer parent contributes to a calmer household.
Sarah Billingham is the proprietor of Confident Kids (www.confidentkids.co) which equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert SEN knowledge and practical tools through training, coaching and group programmes. You can check out her podcast at www.bit.ly/conkidspodcast
SEN play activities for kids
Games are great for developing social interaction, communication and attention skills. Quick games boost quality time together, wherever you are. Orchard Toys’ Lotto, card games like Dobble and Uno and hide-and-seek are firm favourites.
Sensory play including water play and playdough are a great way to help your child to regulate. Adding elements such as safety scissors, pegs, containers with lids, zips or button closures provide the opportunity to practise fine motor skills too.
Don’t forget about positioning for play. If your child is reluctant to sit at a table for too long, head down to the floor and both lie on your tummy. Not only have you got your child’s optimal visual attention towards you and the game, you are also building their upper body strength as they prop themselves up on their forearms. This is so important for the postural stability needed for fine motor skills. They may tire and that’s okay, just head back to sitting on the floor then back down again when they are ready.
Meet the Gruffalo at Alice Holt Forest
The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday this year at Alice Holt Forest, with 2 special appearance days as well as a Gruffalo Party Trail! Visit on 13 July or 22 August for your chance to meet the Gruffalo, who will be appearing at intervals throughout the day.
The family Gruffalo Party Trail is open every day and features party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Follow the trail and find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember.
Pick up your pack for just £4, with fun things to do on your party adventure.
Whilst you’re there, find the wooden Gruffalo characters in the woods, enjoy the play areas and treat yourself to something from the popular café. www.forestryengland.uk/alice-holt-forest
A memorable summer at Basingstoke Leisure Park
Whatever the weather, beat the boredom with a fun-filled day at Basingstoke Leisure Park this summer. You’ll find plenty to entertain the kids!
Splash about and ride the flumes at Basingstoke Aquadrome, enjoy a movie at Odeon, glide on ice at Planet Ice, or score strikes at Hollywood Bowl.
Step back in time and explore Milestones Museum or if you are feeling adventurous, try skydiving at iFLY!
Grab a bite to eat at one of the many venues to eat and drink at or visit McDonalds, KFC, or The Spruce Goose.
You can also enjoy FREE parking.
For information visit: www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/ basingstoke-leisure-park
Celebrating
summer with Festival Place’s eco campaign
A series of creative, greenfingered activities and workshops will run at Festival Place as part of an exciting summer campaign.
Pupils from local schools have been invited to dig into a new Summer Gardens project with Beardy Gardener Leigh Johnstone, planting barrel gardens on different themes to display at Festival Place.
A series of FREE community workshops will be hosted by ArtWell, a local not-for-profit community arts organisation that harnesses the power of art to create positive change.
Established by sculptor and psychotherapist Corinne Marsh, ArtWell brings together poets, artists, film makers and ceramicists with people from all backgrounds and life experiences.
They will create a sculpture to display as part of the summer garden project, as well as sculptures and artwork to decorate a space for Wildlife Wednesday family crafting workshops, which will be open between July 24 and August 30.
The four FREE eco craft workshops will be led by characters from interactive theatre specialists Bakehouse Factory. They include: floral headdresses (July 24), wooden bookmarks (August 7), origami crafts (August 14) and plant pot decorating (August 21). They will be between 11am and 4pm, on the Upper Level next to the Customer Lounge.
More details at www.festivalplace.co.uk
Scratchbuilt Productions and Proteus present: KNIGHT TIME
What would you do if you were face to face with a dragon? Is jousting as painful as it looks? Just what is the best way to shine rusty armour?
Our hero Jack is about to find out the hard way as he competes in ‘The Knight Trials’ from Sat 3 to Sun 11 August. The audience will be part of the interactive theatre show, which is brimming with a mix of magical storytelling, hilarious characters and gorgeous puppetry. Follow the tale around the Proteus Creation Space arts centre, in the heart of Basingstoke and cheer on Jack (not forgetting his loyal horse, Raspberry!), as you are whisked away to a faraway land full of enchantment, with stories of friendship and bravery. KNIGHT TIME is a perfect first theatre experience to enjoy with all the family and to find out whether you have what it takes to become a real knight! Tickets from £10 plus booking fee.
www.proteustheatre.com
The Gruffalo ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.
Summer 2024 activities
There are lots of activities that are going on locally throughout the summer, and we have found a great selection for you!
Basingstoke Aquadrome, 25 Jul-30 Aug, 10am-4pm
Take a splash in the lagoon pool and ride the splash-tastic flumes. basingstokeleisure.com
Bloomin’ Barrels of Fun at Festival Place: 24 Jul-30 Aug Beautiful display gardens proudly displayed on the upper level. festivalplace.co.uk
Field to Fork Summer Fun at Milestones Museum: 20 Jul-1 Sep, 10am-4:45pm
Enjoy fun for the whole family at Milestones Museum as you discover life from field to fork! hampshireculture.org.uk
Finkley Summer of Fun at Finkley Down Farm: 20 Jul-30 Aug
Spend a fun-filled family day out at this award-winning farm and adventure park, with special summer shows. finkleydownfarm.co.uk
The Wind in the Willows Story Trail at Gilbert White’s House: 20 Jul-1 Sep, 10:30am-5pm
At each location complete an activity and add a natural form to your journey stick to remind you of your journey. gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
Summer of Circus at Hinton Ampner: 20 Jul-1 Sep, 10am-5pm
Perform a rhyme for your audience on the garden stage, try circus yoga, guess who lives behind each door on Circus Street and practise your juggling, balancing and hooping skills on the South Lawn. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner
Summer of Play at The National Trust
John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories: Exhibition and Trail at Mottisfont: 20 Jul-29 Sep, trail: 10am-5pm, exhibition: 11am-4:30pm
A family-friendly exhibition and activity trail celebrating the wild and wonderful world of award-winning children’s author and illustrator John Burningham. nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
Olympic-themed Family Fiesta at Winchester Science Centre: 13 Jul-4 Sep
Adventure outside to enjoy interactive activities like the fun and friendly Bug Olympics, and, back inside, mini scientists can discover the science of us in an interactive zone and during brandnew live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise. winchestersciencecentre.org
Summer Games at The Vyne: 24 Jul-1 Sep, 10am-4pm
For an energetic day out, all ages can enjoy bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens. nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne
Tadley Health and Fitness Centre: 24 Jul-30 Aug Family fun swims and inflatable sessions. basingstokeleisure.com
Ultimate Activity Camps
At Ultimate Activity Camps, children aged 4 to 14 are welcomed to camps Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, which provide a full day of thrilling adventures (costs apply).
These Ofsted-regulated camps guarantee parents peace of mind, knowing their children will have a fantastic and wellcared-for experience. From sports and survival camps to art and tech adventures, there’s something for every imagination. Picture scoring the winning goal, creating art masterpieces, or coding your own game—endless possibilities await!
Dedicated staff prioritise safety, creating a supportive environment where kids grow, learn, and form lifelong bonds. Adventures, challenges, and memories abound, all with rigorous safety protocols in place. Ultimate Activity Camps go beyond fun; they inspire personal growth through teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Your child will boost confidence, resilience, and self-esteem while having the time of their life. Dive into a world of non-stop excitement, laughter, and personal development at Ultimate Activity Camps—the ultimate holiday camp for adventure and friendship! www.ultimateactivity.co.uk
What’s on
July & August 2024
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
JULY
5-14 July
Family Fun at Alton Arts Festival
Top events for families include: ComedyClub4Kids (6 July), Wondergig early-years theatre (6 July), Clayful Playful family clay workshop (7 July), world record breaking human beatboxer Testament (10 July), a showcase from Strictly Showtime youth theatre (12, 13 July), Children’s Creative Writing Workshop hosted by Pen2Paper (13 July), plus two big free celebrations for all - Art in the Park (6 July) and Party in the Park (14 July). altonartsfestival.com
6 Jul A Night at the Proms: It’s Showtime at The Town Park, Bordon From The Sound of Music to Beauty and the Beast and Hamilton, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy at this unforgettable open-air concert (plus those unmissable Proms’ favourites). 7:30pm phoenixarts.co.uk
7 Jul Morris Minor Car Club Display at Milestones Museum
From beautiful engines to cherished memories from the road, celebrate the iconic Morris Minor! 10am-4:45pm hampshireculture.org.uk
7 Jul
Anyone for Tennis at The Malls, Basingstoke Wimbledon comes to The Malls in this interactive comedy show. 11:30am/1:15pm/3pm themalls.co.uk
7 Jul
The Phoenix Arts Festival: Old Time Sailors at The Town Park, Bordon You are invited to board the Sailorette and join the plentiful crew, The Old Time Sailors, for a night of foot-stomping, dancing and singing! 1pm phoenixarts.co.uk
7 Jul
The Phoenix Arts Festival: Junk Jodie at The Town Park, Bordon Sea-TACULAR is a 25-minute
interactive storytelling show for children aged 3-9, though younger and older children can also enjoy it. 10:30am/11:15am/12pm phoenixarts.co.uk
12 Jul
Outdoor Theatre: The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle at The Vyne Illyria perform this much-loved family adventure. When Dr Dolittle learns how to talk to animals, he embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals. ticketsource.co.uk/illyria
13 Jul
Meet the Gruffalo at Alice Holt Forest
The Gruffalo will be appearing at intervals throughout the day. forestryengland.uk/alice-holtforest
13 Jul
Tennis Ball Puppet Workshop at The Malls, Basingstoke
Join in with a workshop to make your own Wimbledon Tennis Ball Puppet. 11am-4pm themalls.co.uk
13 and 14 Jul
RSPCA at The Malls, Basingstoke
Get involved, protect and care for animals to prevent cruelty. 10am-4pm themalls.co.uk
13-28 Jul
Heritage Explorer Trail at The Vyne
Become a heritage explorer for the day and see what you can find using a free spotter sheet available at Visitor Reception. 10am-4pm nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne
Gilbert White’s House
WHAT’S ON
18-20 Jul
The Musical Eras Tour at Phoenix Arts Centre, Bordon You’ll be immersed in the enchanting melodies and captivating stories of musicals past and present. 7:30pm phoenixarts.co.uk
19 Jul
Disco Skate at The Harlington, Fleet
The Harlington have combined with DISCO SKATE to bring the joy of Roller Disco to Fleet! 6-9pm theharlington.co.uk
20 Jul
THE smallest FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD at Proteus Creation Space, Basingstoke
Back for a 4th successive year, at THE smallest FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD there won’t be any running from stage to stage, field to field, as everything will be happening around you in a wonderful, glittery, immersive experience at the venue, so you won’t miss a single act. 11am/1:30pm/4pm proteustheatre.com
20 Jul
Birthday Celebration at Gilbert White’s House
FREE admission day to celebrate Gilbert White’s 304th birthday! 10:30am-5pm gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
20 and 21 Jul
Big Wild Weekend at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover
A festival of British nature, showcasing the wonderful natural world on our doorsteps. hawk-conservancy.org
24 Jul
Family Fun Day at Basingstoke Aquadrome
Family fun swim. 10am-4pm basingstokeleisure.com
24 Jul
FREE Crafts at Festival Place
For families on ‘Wildlife Wednesdays’. 11am-4pm festivalplace.co.uk
25 Jul
Circus Workshop at The Malls, Basingstoke
Roll Up, Roll Up, for an exciting circus workshop! 11am-4pm themalls.co.uk
31 Jul
SEND Early Bird Access at Finkley Down Farm
Enjoy early bird access to wander around this award-winning farm and adventure park at your own pace. finkleydownfarm.co.uk
31 Jul
Storm in a Teacup Circus Workshops at Hinton Ampner
Join circus company Storm in a Teacup and learn how to master amazing circus skills! 11am-2pm nationaltrust.org.uk/hintonampner
31 Jul
Rainbow Workshop at The Malls, Basingstoke
Design and paint your own Rainbow. 11am-4pm themalls.co.uk
3 Aug Peter Pan – Outdoor Theatre at Whitchurch Silk Mill
Come early to Whitchurch Silk Mill to take part and play a role in this playful and honest adaptation of J. M. Barrie’s timeless tale with original live music and song. 2pm-4pm whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk
3 Aug
Battle Proms - Picnic Concert at Highclere Castle
A summer spectacular with live music, Spitfire display, mounted cavalry, The Red Devils Army Parachute Team, 200 live cannons and breath-taking fireworks! battleproms.com
3 Aug
Outdoor Cinema: The Greatest Showman sing-a-long (PG) at The Vyne Get ready for some pure
entertainment as you watch and singalong with The Greatest Showman on a huge open-air screen. 9:15pm adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/ the-vyne
3 Aug-11 Aug
Knight Time at Proteus Creation Space, Basingstoke
A magical and medieval interactive show filled with amazing puppetry and lots of laughs, from the creators of Fairy Finders and Help! There’s an Elf in my house. 10am/11:30am/2pm proteustheatre.com
5-9 Aug
The Jungle Book youth acting workshop at Holybourne Theatre
This fun-filled week of creativity and exploration will allow children a rare chance to perform in front of a live audience and to experiment with characterisation in the most exciting way. 10am holybournetheatre.co.uk
7 Aug
The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck Outdoor Theatre at Gilbert White’s House
Prevented from hatching her eggs at the farm, foolish Jemima goes in search of a nesting place in the forest and soon she meets a charming ‘gentleman’ who offers her the perfect nesting place in his woodshed. gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
7, 14 and 21 Aug
FREE Crafts at Festival Place
For families on ‘Wildlife Wednesdays’. 11am-4pm festivalplace.co.uk
9 and 16 Aug
The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck Outdoor Theatre at Hinton Ampner
New for 2024, Quantum Theatre presents a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved tale — The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck. 6:30pm quantumtheatre.co.uk/ jemimapuddleduck
20 and 28 Aug
Storm in a Teacup Circus Workshops at Hinton Ampner
Choose from a range of props including plate spinning, juggling and diabolo and be guided by performance experts. 11am-2pm nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ hampshire/hinton-ampner
22 Aug
Meet the Gruffalo at Alice Holt Forest
The Gruffalo will be appearing at intervals throughout the day. forestryengland.uk/alice-holtforest
22 Aug
Peter Pan at Basing House
Come early to take part and play a role in this playful and honest adaptation of J.M.Barrie’s timeless tale with original live music and song. 1:30pm/6:30pm hampshireculture.org.uk
25 Aug
Music on The Views at The Views Meadow, Fleet
Experience a family-friendly live music festival! 12pm-9:30pm theharlington.co.uk
28 Aug
SEND Early Bird Access at Finkley Down Farm
Enjoy early bird access to wander around this award-winning farm and adventure park at your own pace. finkleydownfarm.co.uk
31 Aug
Sunset Festival at Bordon
Enclosure
An afternoon of live music, crafts, storytelling with Mr Kipling the donkey, cute animals, delicious food, real ale and an open-air performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as the sun begins to set. 4pm phoenixarts.co.uk
Don’t forget to say you saw these events listed in
Bl00min’
24th July to 30th August
24th July, 7th August 14th August & 21st August for families on ‘Wildlife Wednesdays’ 11am - 4pm in the craft space opposite Starbucks, Upper Level
This Summer at Festival Place we’ve teamed up with The Beardy Gardener, artWell and local schools to create beautiful display gardens!
Proudly displayed on the Upper Level. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH...
