Summer activities for families in Bracknell Forest
26th July 2024 Posted in Community News
Keeping young ones entertained over the summer holidays can be challenging but there is lots to enjoy in Bracknell Forest this holiday, with many low cost or free activities available.
Summer of Fun events
Summer of Fun is back in Bracknell Forest. These free events, run by local town and parish councils, run from 11am to 3pm and include inflatables, circus skills, balloon modelling, side stalls, refreshments and so much more.
The Summer of Fun events are taking place on:
- Wednesday, 31 July Warfield Memorial Ground
- Friday, 2 August Sandhurst Memorial Park
- Wednesday, 7 August Great Hollands recreation ground
- Tuesday, 13 August Morgan recreation ground, Crowthorne
- Wednesday, 21 August Farley Wood recreation ground, Binfield
- Wednesday, 28 August Braybrooke recreation ground
Parks and greenspaces
As well as the vast Swinley Forest, home to The Look Out Discovery Centre, there are 29 parks to visit in Bracknell Forest. Each park offers a great way to discover the nature and wildlife in our borough.
Some parks have unique activities such as animal trails, flower meadows, sculptures, thrones and nature trails. You can even see if you can find England’s longest picnic bench or perhaps try one of our free Walks for Wellbeing.
You can find details of all the borough’s parks on the council’s website.
The Lexicon
The Lexicon is hosting a variety of events for all ages over the summer. From visits from kids’ favourites including Bluey, Paddington and the Gruffalo to big screens showing the top sporting events including the Olympics and Paralympics.
There will also be the chance to get your skates on at the roller rink or do the summer trail around the town centre for a chance to win a £200 gift card.
A number of restaurants in The Lexicon are offer the chance for kids to eat for free over the summer holidays.
All details are available on The Lexicon website.
The libraries
Bracknell Forest’s libraries will be taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, a free holiday activity for children. It’s all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence.
The challenge runs every year throughout the summer holidays. All children aged four to 11 are welcome to take part. Children can read anything they like and collect free rewards for their reading.
This year’s challenge is all about creativity. From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. Children will be able to find new reads linked to their favourite creative arts and access free activities at the library.
Children can take part at the library and online. Visit the libraries page on the council’s website to find out more.
Family hubs
The family hubs all running a series of activities throughout the summer months from themed family play sessions to wildlife walks. They will also be running the regular sessions and clinics. You can find out more on the family hub pages of the council’s website
Household Support Fund
Families with children in Bracknell Forest schools who are registered for free school meals have been provided with supermarket vouchers so they can purchase food in the summer holidays, these have been distributed through schools. There is other support available for low-income families. Residents can find out if they’re eligible and how to apply online on the Household Support Fund pages on the council’s website
Cllr Roy Bailey, executive member for children, young people, said: “Finding fun and affordable activities to keep young ones entertained over the summer holidays can be a challenge. However, we have a lot going on in Bracknell Forest this summer with many activities and events either free or low-cost. Hopefully this should help keep boredom at bay over the next six weeks without breaking the bank. If you are struggling financially, please do have a look at the help available through our Household Support Fund and register if you are eligible.”