22 things to do with the kids this summer

paddling pool under cc2 by Leon brocardWondering what to do with the kids during six blissful, warm summer weeks? Never fear: from camping out to splashing about, Rebecca Welton's researched 22 holiday activities in and around the city for maximum family fun these hols...

 

reading challenge record  breakers credit req
Pic© Dave Warren Picture Team 2015 for The Reading Agency and with thanks to Southwark Libraries, Canada Water Library

1. Be a Record Breaker with this summer’s reading challenge
Head down to your local library, read six books over the holidays and collect stickers and rewards along the way.
City-wide
11 July - 5 September
Free
More details

 

2. Splash about at a water-park

paddling pool under cc2 by Leon brocard
Pic under CC2 by Leon Brocard

There are water parks aplenty to choose from this summer, so you can cool the kids down on those hot, simmering days:

Southampton Common Paddling Pool
Open everyday until 1 Sept, 10am – 6pm.
Free

Fleming Park Paddling Pool
Located on Passfield Avenue, it is open throughout the holidays.
Free

Lymington Seawater Baths
On Bath Road, this pool is fully staffed with loads of water toys for older children. For the little ones there is a paddling pool and a sandpit. Open 10am – 6pm during the summer.
From £1.50 per person

 

3. Prowl around with Dinosaurs at SeaCity Museum
The SeaCity Pavilion is transforming this summer into an interactive Dinosaur Encounter for families, young children and dino-enthusiasts.
13 June – 27 Sept,
Adults - £6.40
Children - £4.50
Under 5’s - Free

 

4. Go adventuring with Charlie and Lola at Mottisfont Abbey
‘The Art of Lauren Child: Adventures with Charlie and Lola and Friends’ is on at Mottisfont, and includes a sneak preview of the illustrations for Lauren’s new book. Plus adventurers young and old can explore the house and gardens on the family fun trail created with Lauren.
18 July – 6 Sept
Normal admission charges apply

 

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5. Rock On with Music Mondays at the Court House, Eastleigh
Every Monday from 20 July, kids can tap those beats with workshops running all day:

11am – 12.30pm: Rock Club
1pm – 2.30pm: Song Writing
2.45pm – 3.45pm: AfroBeat
4pm – 5.30pm: Music Production
6pm – 7pm: Samba Drumming
£3 per session, or £10 for the whole day
More details

 

6. Rhymes and Stories for babies and toddlers at Cobbett Road Library
Take your kids down to the library this summer for songs, nursery rhymes and stories galore.
27 July, 2pm – 2.30pm
3, 10, 17 and 24 Aug, 2pm – 2.30pm
Free

 

7. Enjoy Stories and Toddler Time at Central Library

Books under CC2 by Enokson
Pic under CC2 by Enokson

With Story Time and Toddler Time alternating each week, these events will keep your under 5s happy.
28 July, 11am – 11.30am
4, 11, 18 and 25 Aug, 11am – 11.30am
Free

8. Evenings on the lake with Paddles Up Kayaking at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
A great way to learn or perfect your kayaking skills with family and friends, alongside fully trained staff.
30 July, 6pm – 7.30pm
4, 11, 18 and 25 Aug, 6pm – 7.30pm
£7 per person
Call 01489 785228 to book your place

9. Feeling linguistic? Try out your Spanish or French with Muchachos & C'est chouette singing at St James’ Park community room
A great way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn a new language with singing, dancing, stories and games.
31 July
Spanish 10am - 10.45 / French 11am -11.45
£5 per child (second child half price)
To pre-book your place email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Become part of living history with TWO Road to Agincourt celebrations:
Road to Agincourt is a two-year programme marking the 600th commemorations of the Battle of Agincourt - the famous victory when Henry V’s ‘band of brothers’ defeated the French army. The build up to that campaign and its aftermath had long reaching effects on the history of Hampshire. As part of the programme, Southampton is hosting two family events over the holidays: ‘In Henry’s Footsteps’ and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the way to Agincourt’.
Find out about Road to Agincourt celebrations here

10. Step into the past at the Medieval Merchant’s House, with ‘In Henry’s Footsteps’
Discover the past on this weekend of family fun and revelry. Meet characters from the time, take part in medieval singing and dancing, and listen to live music from period instruments.
1 Aug – 2 Aug, 11am – 5pm
Free

11. Sarah Siddons Fan Club presents
A Funny Thing Happened on the way to Agincourt’
Join the Wives of Hamtun on a walk round the old town, as they bring to life Southampton’s past with a plot against the king, an invasion of France, plus find out why the archer needs a handbag, what’s disturbing the friars and why the town gunner is out collecting dung!
2 - 4 Aug, 7.30pm (starts from the Medieval Merchant’s House)
£5 per person
Pre-book tickets here

12. Go Cruising at Southampton Art Gallery
For the over-5s, collage and print your very own cruise ship poster.
6 Aug, 10am – 12pm, or 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Free
Pre-book on 02380 834536

 

13. Maraca Jacks' music workshops for babies and toddlers
Musical fun and games for little ones.

6 Aug - The Hilt, Chandlers Ford

10 Aug - St Luke’s Church, Hedge End

17 Aug - The Genesis Centre, Locks Heath

25 Aug - The Aviary Children’s Centre, Eastleigh

9.30am and 11.30am – Toddlers, 10.30am – Babies
Babies (under 18 months) £3, toddlers £4.
To book, call 01489 781122

 

14. Shalom! Want to learn a new language?
Kids can learn Hebrew by creating art at the University of Southampton, creating simple art works based on Hebrew letters and their meanings. Aimed at children aged 2 to 10.
2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Aug, 10am – 12pm
£5 per person, to cover costs. Materials and light refreshment provided.
More details

 

15. Get sparkling with Summer Fairies at Tudor House
Come in fancy dress, find fairies hiding in the garden, make your own to take home, and listen to a fairy story. For children aged 2 and above.
11 Aug, 10.30 – 12pm or 1pm – 3pm
£5
Pre-book on 02380 834536

16. Looking for thrills? Go on Southampton’s Ghastly, Grim and Gory walk
In the style of ‘Horrible Histories’ this walk takes in Southampton’s historical events, with thrills and laughs along the way. Aimed at 8 to 12 year olds. Must be booked in advance.
Starts from the Bargate
12 Aug, 1.30pm – 2.30pm
£5 per adult with up to two accompanying children free, and £5 for each additional child
Book here.

 

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17. Be wowed at the Extreme Stunt Show
While teams battle it out in the air with gravity-defying moves, the monster beasts in the arena will power their way to a car-crushing climax.
Hoglands Park
12 and 26 Aug, 7.30pm – 9pm
Advance tickets:
Adults - £12
Child - £6
Book here

18. See the animals at Down to Earth Farm
With events on throughout the summer, from Be a Farmer and Cheese Making days, to Bat Box Making and Fairy Gardens, this place will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
Green Lane, Maybush
4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28 Aug
Half day £8
Full day £14
To book, please ring 02380 522706

 

19. Go Batty on a Bat Walk

Flying bat under CC2 by Duncan PJ
Pic under CC2 by Duncan PJ


Discover our local bats at Millers’ Pond. For all ages, dogs are welcome. Booking essential.
Sholing Valleys Study Centre
26 Aug, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Free
To book, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a message on 02380 432395

20. Head to the Common this Summer for the return of the August Fair
With rides for all the family, plus the traditional Bank Holiday market.
27, 28 & 29 August: 12pm - 10pm
30 August: 12pm - 9.30pm
31 August: 9am - 9.30pm (includes market)

21. Campout at the YMCA Family Festival
An all-inclusive camping weekend, with outdoor activities, campfires and the chance to explore the 111-acre site. Tent hire is available.
YMCA Fairthorne Manor
28 - 31 Aug
From £18
More information and book

station walks cover22. Want to go exploring without the car? Discover Station Walk
This new guidebook includes some great walks, from half a mile to eight miles, starting at local train stations in the Three Rivers area. With 38 walks to try, it could keep you and the children busy throughout the summer!
See our earlier article here.
Book: £5
To order a copy contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or see here for more information

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