Today is my boys last day of term so I decided it was time to make a list of activities to help us survive the summer holidays.
Starting with Bath's new feathered friends!
1) Find Minerva's Owls of Bath
This summer, 82 beautifully decorated owls have flown in and nested all over Bath.
The kids love spotting them around town so we will definitely be on the hunt over the holidays to see how many we can check off the list.
You can download an app which has a trail map to help you along the way.
For more information visit the Minerva's Owls website.
2) Watch the trains in Sydney Gardens
Sydney Gardens is always my go-to park here in Bath as it has so much to keep the kids entertained.
There is plenty of space to enjoy a picnic, a play park, access to the canal and my boys favourite part- Watching the trains thunder by!
Open all week 9am-7pm
3) Play a spot of Mini Golf
Who doesn't love mini golf? Great for all ages and if you have a small one with you, it may even last the whole day!
You can find the golf course at the Royal Victoria Park.
For opening times and prices click here
4) Conquer Beazer Garden Maze
My smallest loves this maze and every school run, begs me to walk the 'maze
way!' Here he is, jumping for joy after completing it.
You can find the maze right next to Pulteney Weir, which brings me to number 5..
5) Take a boat trip along the River
Hop on board at Pulteney Weir to take a scenic hour-long cruise up the River Avon to the village of Bathampton where you can see the old toll bridge at Bathampton weir.
The trip passes under the historic Pulteney Bridge & out into the beautiful Avon valley. There is an abundance of wildlife to see on the river including swans, herons, kingfishers & for the lucky few, otters!
For timetables click here
6) Discover Sham Castle
Overlooking a stunning view of Bath, find Sham Castle right next to the Bath Golf Club.
You can stop off at the castle as part of the Bath Skyline Walk.
7) Relax in Parade Gardens
Explore the beautiful gardens, overlooking the River Avon and Pulteney weir.
Two events worth jotting down in the diary:
Sun 26 Aug – Creation Station – Crafts for children
Mon 27 Aug - Super Pirates – Active fun for children
Opening times:
July - August: 10:00 to 19:00
8) Learn about Bath's Roman history
Learn all about life in Roman times and meet the lively costumed characters at The Roman Baths.
They have a range of activities for Children over the Summer. To view the events page click here
9) Picnic at the Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic on a warm day.
After lunch, why not step back in time and visit the No.1 Royal Crescent museum.
The rooms are decorated and furnished just as it might have been during the period 1776-1796.
Children can try on costumes in the servants' hall and enjoy Georgian games.
Don't forget to pick up a History Detective’ pack on the way in.
You can visit the website here
10) Visit Bath City Farm
Located on a 37 acre plot, Bath City Farm has a range of things to enjoy including a play park, animals, farm shop, walking trails and a café.
They have teamed up with Bath Folk Festival to organise a family fun day at the farm on Saturday 18th August (12 midday-5pm).
There will be a BBQ, music, face painting and a bouncy castle!
For more information visit here
11) Explore a Woodland Playground
One of our favourite places to play in shade on a sunny day and the perfect place to let the kids run wild.
A natural playground featuring a rope swing, wooden see-saw, hop scotch, stepping logs, wobble beams, traverse ropes and more.
Find the playground in the woods at Claverton Down
12) Get fit walking the Family Discovery trail
Set amongst woodland, walk the two mile stretch of the Bath Skyline filled with stunning views and things to discover.
Walk through the Long Wood to find magical elf and fairy doors, look for geocaches and play in the woodland playground.
To download the trail map visit here
13) Look over Bath from Alexandra Park
A stunning 11-acre park featuring a play area and beautiful panoramic views over Bath.
You can access the park at the top of Shakespeare Avenue but If you're feeling fit, take a walk up a long flight of steps known as Jacobs Ladder.
14) Let off steam in the Sports Centre
After it's massive revamp, the sports centre now offers a wide range of things for children to enjoy.
The trampoline park is my boys personal favourite, along with swimming, soft play and bowling. All great for filling those rainy days!
For opening times and information click here
15) Visit the Royal Victoria Park
With 57 acres of green parkland to explore, there is something for all ages.
Wander through the beautiful Botanical Gardens and the Great Dell before heading down to feed the ducks.
Right next to the pond you will find Bath's huge play area and skate park where you can grab refreshments from the café.
Don't forget to get a treat from the ice-cream van before you leave (usually a great way to encourage the little ones out of the park!)
16) Cycle the two Tunnels
The Two Tunnel path is a walking and cycling route which offers views of Bath's Georgian crescents before disappearing into the dramatic Devonshire tunnel.
At the end of the tunnel you will find yourself in a deep wooded valley, as the route leaves Lyncombe Vale and heads underground into Combe Down Tunnel and then over the renovated Tucking Mill viaduct.
At over one mile long, the Combe Down tunnel is the longest cycling and walking tunnel in Britain and features an interactive light and sound installation.
For more information and to plan your route click here
17) Watch a show at The Egg
The egg is a unique and fun venue for family theatre.
Their child-friendly café is also a favourite amongst parents who can relax whilst the kids explore the play area.
They offer a wide range of healthy food with lots of yummy gluten-free and vegan options.
You can also enjoy a nice glass of Prosecco- what's not to love?!
See what's on here
17) Get creative at The Makery
The Makery offer a wide range of fantastic workshops which are perfect for creative kids!
For upcoming workshops visit their website here
19) See the city on top of Bath's tour bus
My youngest is obsessed with double decker buses and since we don't get to catch them very often, I'm planning to let him ride the tour bus this summer.
It offers a unique way to see the city whilst learning more about Bath's history.
(It will also be a great way of spotting some of those Owls!)
To plan your trip, visit their website
20) Prior Park Summer Fun
Prior Park are hosting 'Terrific Tuesdays' for children this summer which sounds like great fun!
Dates for the diary:
31 July and 21 August: Pond dipping
What could be living in the Serpentine Lake at Prior Park?
7 and 28 August: garden art A creative morning surrounded by nature - creating a leaf prints from materials in the garden
14 August: make a willow bird feeder
A willow weaving workshop to create a lovely bird feeder for your garden
To see more, click here
I hope you all have a wonderful summer break with the little ones, time to crack open the wine!
Download a free printable check-list here
Comments