Swindon is always an action-packed town when it comes to activities for the kids, so it is no surprise that this summer offers thrills galore, including the return of the hugely popular Urban Beach at Wharf Green in the Brunel Centre.
Sand and deckchairs are provided but bring your own bucket and spade and enjoy a host of activities including a sand art workshop, family beach Olympics, Punch and Judy shows, and beach aerobics. Di Powell, chief executive of organisers inSwindon BID, says: “We feel it’s a chance for the whole family to get together this summer and experience something unique and family friendly right on their doorstep, whilst taking advantage of being able to shop, grab a drink or a bite to eat.”
Also taking place at the Brunel Centre, there is a jam-packed programme on ‘Wacky Wednesdays’, kicking off on August 14th with the Hulaballoo Hula Party. There will be a Wacky DJ, hula show workshops, music, games, arts and crafts and a fancy-dress competition with prizes. The Hula Party takes place in The Brunel Plaza, upper level, between Boots and Marks & Spencer.
Dora the Explorer will be coming to The Crossing on Wednesday 21st August to meet budding adventurers. Dora is all grown up now, but she still likes adventures. One lucky person will win tickets to Cineworld to see the new Dora & The Lost City of Gold movie.
On Wednesday 28th August it is the turn of Milkshake or Muck-Shake, a game show with a difference. Contestants will answer summer-based questions to win gold stars for right answers – or a freshly made milkshake if they get it wrong – with the ingredients being chosen by the Wheel of Misfortune. Wacky Wednesday events take place at intervals through the day from 11am to 3pm.
Across town on the Kembrey Park estate, a giant inflatable park called Funzy is taking over an indoor football centre until September 1st. At 10,000 square feet it is only the second of its kind in Britain, and includes a giant slide, a fitness run, a ball pit, and an enclosed football pitch.
“It’s a unique attraction suitable for all the family,” says Funzy manager David Hames. “Kids can tackle the ninja zone, jump off the stunt freefall or have fun on the slides.” The inflatable park also includes a toddler zone for the little ones.”
Generations of Swindonians have enjoyed the summer activities at Roves Farm. Meet feed friendly farm animals in Pets Corner, rub noses with piglets of all ages in the Animal Barn, and take part in some extra daily animal activities all under cover.
The farm’s newly extended heated indoor play and activity barn houses plenty of activities to keep the family busy. Exciting play areas for all ages, include giant slides, ropes, ball ponds, pedal tractors and more! Sit down at the Craft Tables to create your own paper crafts to take home during activity time.
You can also enjoy some delicious homemade light lunches, cakes and drinks at the Woolly Sheep Café. Special toddler activities run twice a day, including bubbles, stories, singing and games.
Finally, as part of the national Wild Night Out campaign to get more children out and about in the great outdoors, Richard Jefferies Museum will be hosting a camp out on August 20th in and around the idyllic gardens at the museum next to Coate Water. Costing £20 per pitch, email ann-marie@richard Jefferies.org to book a place.
