Venue: Plymouth
Website: https://www.primarytimes.co.uk/plymouth/news/2019/07/summer-activities-and-events-for-children-in-plymouth

Long sunny days, light evenings and six whole weeks of play – what’s not to love about the summer? Here’s just a few suggestions to help make your summer supersonic!

Top Ten Beach Hacks

Some top tips for beach days…

• Use a fitted bed sheet on the beach to keep sand out
• Place your valuables inside a clean, rolled-up nappy
• Use baby powder to remove sand from your skin
• Freeze your drinks the night before you go to the beach
• To ease on a stiff, dry wetsuit, put a carrier bag over each foot to let the wetsuit slide over your feet and legs
• Get changed underneath a long towelling cape
• Remember to pack some coins for the car park
• Visiting the beach often? Print off multiple copies of a beach essentials checklist
• Place your mobile in a little Ziploc bag
• Write your mobile number on a wristband for your child to wear

 

Get the Children to Create a Reward Chart!

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to get your children to do anything, is to make them believe that helping with a small task or chore was their idea all along.

So, let them create their very own reward chart, writing down the small jobs that they will need to accomplish before earning their treat (some compromising on the ‘rewards’ may be required here!) This is a fun way to earn treats that will help them associate hard work and good behaviour with positive outcomes.

 

 

Become a Rock Artist!

On your next trip to the beach or countryside, collect a few small pebbles or wide, grey stones for the children to later transform into little masterpieces. Painting pebbles or smooth stones is a super fun activity with results that add a happy splash of colour to any windowsill.

To turn a stone into a work of art, start by scrubbing the pebble clean, then letting it dry thoroughly. Encourage the children to dream up their design and then give them some poster or acrylic paint to convert the plain rock into something totally different! Allow the paint to dry and then cover it with a protective layer of clear nail varnish to give it a nice shiny finish.

 

Make a Yoghurt Ice-Lolly

500ml yoghurt

Fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries or raspberries

Jam or honey (optional)

Method

1. Pour the yoghurt into a bowl and add the fruit
2. Portion out the mixture into individual ice lolly moulds
3. Swirl in the jam to create funky patterns and to make the lollies look striking
4. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until frozen solid

 

It’s Playtime, all the Time, in your Local Park

Substitute screen time with play time in your local park or recreation ground and help your child reach their daily physical activity quota of 60 minutes+.

For younger primary school children, look out for a National Playday in a park near you. This year Playday will be celebrated on Wednesday 7 August and has the theme ‘Play Builds Children’. Visit www.playday.org.uk

 

 

Alien Encounters at Your Local Library

Launching in libraries across the county on Saturday 13 July, the Summer Reading Challenge will give young bookworms a welcome literary target to hit over the long summer holiday. Each year, the annual Challenge, which encourages children to borrow and read up to half a dozen books, brings three quarters of a million children into the libraries to keep up their reading skills.

This year, the Challenge celebrates its 20th anniversary and has a theme ‘Space Chase’, an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children will join a super space family, The Rockets, for a thrilling mission to track down books nabbed by mischievous aliens! Visit your local library to find out more.

 

Free Things to do This Summer...

 

Go for a Walk

Devon is a true walker’s paradise! Your child is likely to take up a lifelong passion to this accessible activity if they are introduced to small segments of different walking routes and trails in the area during the summer.

The Coast Path Explorers is a new project aimed at getting families out exploring the South West Coast Path.

Families can follow a map and find the rubbings to discover the wildlife and tales of the path - see www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk - coast-path-explorers. Alternatively, you could take in one of the walks a little closer to home – see www.plymouthwalks.co.uk. Looking inland, there’s 368 square miles of Dartmoor to navigate, including many stunning forests and exquisite open moorland – see www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/visitor-info/child-friendly

 

Clean Up Devon 

Plastic pollution is hot news at the moment. The huge public interest, helped by fabulous programmes like The Blue Planet, has resulted in a massive increase in volunteers cleaning up the beaches and countryside.

Do your bit for the planet and participate in one of many clean up events organised by Living Coasts (www.livingcoasts.org.uk -Coastal-clean-ups); Devon Wildlife Trust (www.devonwildlifetrust.org); National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/beach-cleans); and Surfers against Sewage (SAS) (www.sas.org.uk/our-work/beach-cleans).

If there's no beach clean happening near you then you can borrow your local Beach Clean Box and step up to organise your own - see www.sas.org.uk

 

Get Fit for Free

Many schools are adopting the daily mile challenge, where children run or jog for 15 minutes per day, so keep up the motivation throughout the summer holiday and take in some of the most picturesque parts of your local area in the process.

If your child needs a goal, then they could participate in one of the Park Runs in and around Plymouth – there’s a timed run at Plymbridge Woods in Plymouth every Saturday at 9am; at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park in Torpoint every Saturday at 9am and at the Tamar Trails Centre at Gulworthy in Tavistock every Saturday at 9am. See www.parkrun.org.uk

 

Take Part in the Big Butterfly Count

July and August are good months to see butterflies.  It’s when they are busy feeding on nectar, mating and breeding. Many common butterfly species can be seen all over Devon.

Take part in the Big Butterfly Count between Friday 19 July and Sunday 11 August.

Read more at www.butterfly-conservation.org

 

 

Free Firework Displays

Attend one of the many summer regattas and festivals on the final day, as many finish with a free firework display and the free British Firework Championships over Plymouth Sound on 14 and 15 August, is sure to draw in the crowds. Visit www.britishfireworks.co.uk.

 

 

 

Rockpooling

Young children seem to be fascinated in creatures and bugs that are much smaller than them, and the slippery critters found in rockpools are a source of much excitement.

There are great rockpools to be found at: Wembury Beach, Hope Cove, Exmouth, Seaton, Livermead Sands, Broadsands, Sidmouth, Tunnels Beach (Ilfracombe), Westward Ho!, Barricane Beach, Widmouth Bay.

 

 

Kite Flying

Take a look at www.nationalkitemonth.org/how-to-fly-a-kite for top tips on kite-flying including a reminder of the all-important safety advice such as flying kites away from roads, and overhead wires.

 

 

 

 

Love Parks Weeks – 12 July to 21 July

The aim of Love Parks Week is to raise awareness of the importance of parks and green spaces throughout the year. Local parks are great communal places to meet other mums and dads who have children at the same school as yours, making it easier to maintain contact over the school summer holiday. So, love your local park and celebrate what it has to offer. The official dates this year are from 12 July to 21 July. Visit http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/love-parks-week

 

 

National Fishing Month – 26 July to 1 September

Many people get hooked on fishing as it offers an idyllic escape route away from the daily grind to a mini waterside haven of tranquillity. For a child, the excitement of the first catch can leave a lasting impression, laying the foundations of what could be a lifelong passion.

During National Fishing Month, from 26 July to 1 September, there will be plenty of opportunities for children to experience the joys of fishing. Visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com

 

Take a look at some of the great events and activities taking place in and around Plymouth this summer...

 

Family Fun for Everyone in Plymouth this Summer

With stunning waterfront views, all-weather attractions and world-class events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Plymouth this summer, so you can have a great time making memories as a family.

Shop ‘til you drop in the city centre and enjoy free family entertainment every Saturday during the school holiday, as part of the brand-new Summer of Fun. Expect everything from circus workshops to arts and crafts activities.

Head to Plymouth’s beautiful waterfront for even more fun, take a dip in the open-air Tinside Lido or enjoy a picnic on Plymouth Hoe. Don’t miss the summer’s most spectacular waterfront events too, with the British Firework Championships, the finish of the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival all taking place in August. For more information about what’s on, head over to www.visitplymouth.co.uk

 

Scoot Over to Prime Skatepark this Summer

Prime Skatepark, a Community Interest Company, runs a not for profit family friendly indoor skatepark in Plymouth. It is a fun and safe place for children of all ages and abilities to practice their skating skills.

Tuition classes and regular sessions are available for all levels - from absolute beginners to professionals. New faces and absolute beginners are always made to feel welcome. It is open daily and offers free onsite parking, coffee facilities and comfy seating. Find it at 23 Commercial Road, Plymouth, PL4 0LE. For more information visit www.primeskatepark.com or call 01752 224360 or just go along for a free tour.

 

 

Player Pathways and Football Roadshows from Argyle Community Trust

If your child wants to learn how to play football, he or she may be interested in Plymouth Argyle Community Trust’s player pathways at the Manadon Sports and Community Hub (PL5 3FD). Programmes run on a Friday night from 5pm-6pm, and cost £3, and on a Saturday morning from 9am-10am, costing £2.

Also, Argyle Community Trust provides a range of outstanding football roadshows across Devon and Cornwall to brighten up every school holiday. Open to children of all ages and abilities, the football roadshows are designed to engage young people by introducing and developing new skills and techniques in the enjoyment of football.

Its team of UEFA qualified coaches focus on providing a safe, inspirational environment for young people. For more, email stewart.walbridge@pafc.co.uk or call 01752 562561 ext 4. See https://argylecommunitytrust.co.uk/

 

The Three Musketeers - A Comedy Adventure for All the Family 

This August join family friendly funny men Le Navet Bete on a riotous comedy adventure across the French countryside. Follow D'Artagnan as he travels to Paris to become a musketeer. Will things go to plan? It's unlikely!

Featuring just four actors, 40 characters and over 100 costume changes, expect laughs galore in a show that will be all for one and every man for himself. The Three Musketeers will be showing at the Plymouth Athenaeum from Wednesday 31 July to Saturday 17 August. Tickets are available via www.barbicantheatre.co.uk or by calling 01752 267131.

 

Go Crazy for Mini Golf with Portable Putts 

Portable Putts is an exciting new Mini-Golf business based in Plymouth that is aimed at providing fantastic fun for everyone. Mini Golf can be played by all ages and abilities making it a truly inclusive activity. This fully adjustable, easy to assemble and waterproof course is available for hire at all your events, clubs and special occasions. If you are wanting to raise funds for charities, you may even wish to consider a sponsored Crazy Golfathon? Visit the website for more information atwww.portableputts.co.uk

 

Clip ‘n Climb Plymouth Launches Epic New System

This summer, Clip ‘n Climb in Plymouth has launched a brand-new scoring system on each of the centre’s 44 vertical challenges, so that climbers can record their speed and race to the top against themselves and others in a competition for the best score. The system, which takes speed, strength and endurance into account, is completely exclusive to the Plymouth centre.

You can also take advantage of some of the amazing offers the centre has available, including a Summer Pass that gives customers six climbing sessions for just £49 - which can be used any time during the summer school holiday period.

If parents also want to go to work knowing that their child is safe and having fun, then they can sign them up for Clip ‘n Climb’s Summer Club, where they can have a full day of climbing, food, competitions and games for just £49 (full day) or £29 (half day). To book, visit https://booking.plymouth.clipnclimb.co.uk, or call 01752 717567.

 

Cool Down this Summer at Plymouth Snowsports Centre

Try something different this summer at one of Plymouth Snowsports Centre’s kids activity camps running on weekdays from 25 July to 30 August. Children with summer birthdays may wish to slope off and have fun with lessons, sno-tubing, tobogganing, viper dropping, before tucking into some tasty food.

Adults can enjoy barista coffee, cakes, bar meals, fondues, comedy nights and more in the Alpine Lodge bar and restaurant with spectacular views of the Plym valley. Get 20% off activities by quoting Primary Times summer (Ts & Cs apply). Find Plymouth Snowsports Centre at Alpine Park in Plymouth. Call 01752 600220

 

Top Zoo, Top Trumps! 

Play a giant version of Top Trumps with the animals at Paignton Zoo this summer. There are twelve huge cards around the Zoo for visitors to discover.

Buy a Super Top Trumps Card when you arrive and use the accompanying trail activity sheet to play and to record your results.

Luckily, the cards you can buy in the Zoo shop are regular size. See more at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

 

 

 

Pennywell Farm Celebrates 30 Years 

Celebrating 30 award winning years, a day full of action-packed, hands-on animal fun awaits you at Pennywell Farm this summer.

The farm opens at 10am so arrive early to make the most of all the activities on offer. Take a quick snap of the activity board in the farmyard before you start and off you go.

There’s an endless list of activities - bottle feeding, goat milking, pond dipping, ferret racing and meeting hundreds of friendly animals. Additional entertainment comes in the form of a ’Big Show’ at 1pm and 3pm, brought to you by a team of fantastic entertainers including Magic Martin, Mr Phil, Elfic the Jester and Poco Drom. See www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

 

 

Guess Who is at the Donkey Sanctuary 

Enjoy a game of Guess Who this summer with The Donkey Sanctuary’s adoption donkeys and win a prize. Use the clues to help you guess who is behind the stable doors, before following the trail to solve the mystery.

As well as meeting the friendly residents, explore the exciting new indoor attractions, burn off steam in the maze and play area and join one of the daily tours, talks or demonstrations. The award-winning ‘Donkeys Matter’ garden from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will also open this summer. Open daily from 9am, with free entry and parking. See www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth

 

 

Learn to Fish for Free this Summer 

Learn to fish this summer at one of the free family events being held throughout Devon. Whatever your age, qualified coaches will be on hand to teach you the basics and help you discover what fishing is all about. Find out how to use fishing tackle and bait to catch fish and return them safely to the water.

All events run from 10am to 4pm and will take place at the Grand Western Canal, Tiverton on 21 July; Harper’s Lakes, Exeter on 28 July; Rackerhayes Ponds, Newton Abbot on 4 August; Tarka Swims, Bideford on 11 August; Whalesborough Lake, Bude on 18 August.

Bait and loan of equipment is free and no EA licence is required. For details of all the events and to book your place, see the advert in this magazine, or call 01392 668935 or email L2fishSW@gmail.com

 

30th Birthday Celebrations at Woodlands Family Theme Park 

Join Woodlands for its weeklong 30th birthday celebrations from 29 July to 4 August. Some of its favourite entertainment friends will be in attendance, such as Titan the Robot, Fizz Pop Science, Roary the Dinosaur, the Woodlands Supastarz and more.

In addition, there will be special prizes and competitions – so keep a look out for them! The fantastic events and activities continue into the Summer. Book your tickets online and receive up to 30% off. Visit www.woodlandspark.com for full details.

 

Steam around South Devon This Summer 

A steam train ride is always a real treat and there’s nowhere quite like the South Devon Railway for a fabulous day out. The round trip to Totnes Riverside takes about an hour and a half. At the main station in Buckfastleigh, you will find a fascinating museum, a picturesque riverside walk, pleasant picnic area, a children’s play area and lots more.

For more fun and super great value there are ‘3 Great Attractions, 1 Amazing Day’ tickets, offering a train trip plus entry to the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and/or Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies. See www.southdevonrailway.co.uk

 

Crops and Robbers at the Cornish Maize Maze

The Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm, just over the border in Saltash, opens its gates for the new season on Saturday 20 July with an all new theme – Crops and Robbers. The design is a wonderful scarecrow that will frighten even the most daring of robbers!

The stunning maze with its 3 miles of paths and two look out towers will provide hours of entertainment for visitors young and old. After you have cracked The Maze take advantage of the other on-site facilities in the fun farm. Don’t miss out on this year’s special events; Circus Pazaz on Saturday 31 August and torchlight events on Saturday 31 August and Saturday 7 September. For more, visit www.cornishmaze.co.uk

 

Crealy’s Popular Hydro High Dive Show Returns this Summer

Crealy’s breath-taking Hydro High Dive show is returning to the popular family theme park and resort this summer. Back by popular demand, the show features aerial stunts and dives from a team of professionals.

Divers in this year’s fireman-themed show, will be performing hair-raising stunts into a small pool less than five metres deep. So, prepare to be amazed as you watch the Crealy Brigade fight fires and carry out synchronised dives, comedy dives, and fly through the air ignited in flames from heights of 80 feet into the pool below.

The show will be performed at intervals between the hours of 10am and 5.30pm every Monday to Saturday from 22 July until 31 August. Visiting families can also enjoy over 60 rides and attractions, and more than 75,000 square feet of indoor play areas.

If that isn’t enough, then take your swimsuits and cool off in Crealy’s Soak Zone or head over to the Aqua Blasters where you can zoom around the lagoon in a bumper car and fire your water cannon at anyone who gets in your way. There is so much fun to be had at Crealy this summer and with the seven days for the price of one offer, it is fantastic value for money too. For more information or to book tickets visit www.crealy.co.uk

 

Roar n’ Snore at Dartmoor Zoo 

Roar n’ Snore is a unique opportunity to see life at Dartmoor Zoo between dawn and Dusk, on Saturday 17 August.

Discover the animals awake at twilight on one of the evening trails, then enjoy a camping trip of a lifetime- with activities suitable for the whole family including a showing of an all-time classic on an outdoor cinema.

Campfire treats, a barbeque dinner and a hot breakfast is all included. Tickets are limited to offer campers the best possible experience. Go to www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk

 

Dartmoor Escapades with Adventure Okehampton 

Explore the best of Dartmoor with Adventure Okehampton who will be running a different type of adventure every day during the school holiday.

The fun escapades include a special rock-climbing day, a ‘Swallows and Amazons’ day playing on the lake, a chance to reach new heights with High Ropes, plus there will be bush craft, archery and mountain boarding.

A new course on Saturday 3 August will lead to a series of paddling qualifications for participants. Young children aged under 8 years can share the adventures with their parents, whilst youngsters aged between 8 and 16 can attend one of the fun sessions on their own.

Look out for Adventure Okehampton’s climbing wall at Okehampton Show on 8 August and Chagford Show on 15 August. For more information call 01837 53916.

 

 

Learning Outside the Classroom at the Manor and Ashbury

Inspire your children and develop their skills through hands-on sport and craft activities. The Manor and Ashbury Hotels have over 70 engaging and fulfilling sessions, from archery to decoupage, swimming to pottery, and badminton to glass engraving.

On offer are personalised activity programmes which encourage learning through teamwork, problem-solving and creativity, all delivered by experienced tutors with a child-led approach.

With workshops, tuition, meals and accommodation included in the price, the Manor and Ashbury Hotels tick every box. For details and bookings call 0800 234 3073 or visit www.manorhousehotel.co.uk

 

Okehampton Show: Thursday 8 August

The 112th Okehampton Show, set against the beautiful Dartmoor backdrop, has a host of fabulous animals to see as well as a special programme for children run by OCRA featuring sports, art activities and family races. Plus, there will be two large inflatable playgrounds, face painting, participation trials bikes and magic shows to be amazed by, not to mention the dog show, and the hounds that children can mingle with. Go along, you’re promised a great family day out! See www.okehamptonshow.co.uk

 

 

Buckfast Abbey Children’s Book Festival: Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 July

Famous authors and illustrators will be appearing at this summer’s Buckfast Abbey Children’s Book Festival from the 11 to 14 July. The free event will explore all aspects of children’s literature and reading and will be split into separate days for schools and families. Among the writers taking part will be the queen of teen fiction, Julia Golding, family favourite, Chris Higgins and award-winning author, Chris Edge.

The children’s poet Coral Rumble will be attending the school days. There will be a live ‘Where’s Wally? ‘competition, with a chance to spot him as he tours the festival and costumed actors will be performing. See www.buckfast.org.uk/whats-on/childrens-book-festival.

 

Totnes Show: Sunday 28 July 

Totnes Show is an event where town meets country. The country aspects of the show such as shearing competitions, rural skills, poultry, terrier racing, vintage cars and machinery combine with more urban attractions such as a lively music stage, a food hall, dog show and pets corner, collectively making a varied fun event. The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team - The Red Devils are part of the main ring attractions, along with fast and exciting Flyball demonstrations and much more.

A not-to-be-missed attraction is Andrei Burton’s Man vs Machine Cycle and Free-running Show! For tickets call 01803 732813 or see www.totnesshow.com

 

Kingsbridge Show: Saturday 7 September

138 years on, Kingsbridge Show is still going strong - bigger and better as each year passes. Known as the friendly show, Kingsbridge Show offers superb value for money with adult tickets priced at just £10 (prior to show, £12.50 on day); junior tickets for secondary age at just £5 and the under 10’s go free . Trade stand and sponsorship bookings and hundreds of public classes are open until 27 July - contact Jen Chester, Show Secretary for more information at kingsbridgeshow@gmail.com. Visit www.kingsbridgeshow.co.uk

 

 

Summer Survival Tips…
 

1. Keep Calm! You don’t need to fill every minute of every day with exciting adventures. It will only exhaust you, and anyway children don't need that much stimulation. Besides, if you work or are tied to other commitments, remember it's quality time that counts.
 

2. Be Flexible. Find out what childcare options are available in your area. Although some parents share childcare with friends, relatives and each other, others balance it with children's clubs. A variety of options will make childcare more satisfactory for everybody.
 

3. Let your children get bored. Seriously! It may be a challenge, ignoring the whining, but, in time, imaginations dream up ideas. Children need unplanned chill-out time just as much as we do. 
 

4. Just relax and remember it's your holiday, too. Give yourself a break. Don't feel guilty if you pack the kids off for the day, or get a sitter-in for a night out. You need and deserve time to rest up and unwind.
 

5. Re-establish their normal school routine in good time. Although summer holidays are all about late nights and long days, children will need to re-adjust as the holiday comes to an end. That way, bedtimes won't be such a struggle when they do go back to school.