Things to do with the family this summer: Keep children big and small entertained
MERNIE GILMORE rounds up the best activities to keep children big and small entertained over the holidays.
If you are short of ideas for what to do with your family this summer then this list is for you
GO ON A MINIBEAST HUNT
Fans of beetles and creepy crawlies will love the Magnificent Minibeasts event at Winchester Science Centre. Budding bug experts will have the chance to get up close and personal with all sorts of insects and other minibeasts in special handling sessions.
You can examine different species under a microscope and learn about their behaviour and life cycles. There are also walking trails and a butterfly conservation reserve to explore.
Where and when: Winchester Science Centre until September 4.
Cost: £12 for adults and £8.40 for children
More information: winchester sciencecentre.org or call 01962 863 791
Bricklive is every Lego fans dream
BECOME A MASTER BUILDER
Lego fans will love Bricklive which is touring the UK over the summer. As well as supersized Lego sculptures, there are building zones filled with millions of Lego pieces so wannabe master builders can create their dream designs.
The whole Lego family will be represented with Star Wars, Ninjago, Minecraft and Friends zones and a Duplo brick pit.
Where and when: London, ExCel, July 27-30; Belfast, Titanic Exhibition Centre, August 3-6; Birmingham NEC, October 26-29.
Cost: £21.75pp for standard admission or £16.75pp for a group ticket (four people)
More information: bricklive. co.uk or call 0844 338 0338
Two friends play a game of catch while SKYDIVING
TRY INDOOR SKYDIVING
Perfect for little adrenaline junkies who aren’t old enough to leap out of planes, iFly indoor skydiving lets you taste the feeling of freefall.
Once you enter the vertical wind tunnel you are pushed upwards on a jet of air so you float and fly through the air. Suitable for ages three and up.
Where and when: All year round in Basingstoke, Manchester and Milton Keynes.
Cost: From £29.99 for two flights
More information: iflyworld. co.uk or call 0845 331 6549
Live out your Total Wipeout fantasies at New Forest Water Park
GET WET AND WIPEOUT
If you’re a fan of gameshow Total Wipeout you’ll love New Forest Water Park. Race to the end of the gigantic on-water inflatable course – and don’t miss the new Kids Zone, for those aged six to 14.
The park also features wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Where and when: Selected dates throughout the summer in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
Cost: £15pp for a one-hour session or £10 for the Kids Zone
More information: newforest waterpark.co.uk or call 01425 656 868
UNLEASH YOUR INNER SUPERHERO
Get set for an action-packed adventure this summer with the superhero series at Hamleys.
From Iron Man to Spider-Man, you’ll be able to meet your heroes and attend superhero parties with arts and crafts, games and gifts.
Put your skills to the test with superhero training, track down your favourite character on a superhero hunt and even meet Super Hamley Bear.
Where and when: Selected dates throughout July and August in branches of Hamleys.
Cost: £12 per child
More information: hamleys. com/supersummer or call 0371 704 1977
Lear to surf on the beautiful Welsh coast
MAKE A SPLASH
Develop your sea legs and learn to surf at one of the best beaches in the UK with Porthcawl Surf School. Anyone can have a go and the school offers lessons and courses for all ages and abilities as well as family surf weekends.
Once you’ve mastered the waves why not try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding too? l Where and when: All year round at Rest Bay, Porthcawl, South Wales.
Cost: A beginner’s lesson costs £30 and includes tuition, wetsuit and surfboard hire; Kids’ Surf Maniax five-day course, suitable for those aged eight to 16, runs on selected dates and costs £75pp
More information: porthcawlsurf.co.uk or call 07583 348013