SCHOOL'S out for summer which is great - but also means parents face six weeks of entertaining the kids, and that isn't always easy if you are on a budget - we have taken a look at what is available locally and added some ideas for days out and activities that won't break the bank.
If travelling is an issue - we don't all have a car at our disposal - there is plenty to do in Calne itself.
Calne Summer Skatepark events will be running again at the Calne Skate Bowl, with competitions, games and prizes to be won, suitable for 5 to 16 year olds. They will be there on 29th July, 12th, 19th and 26th August.
Calne Pocket Park have organised a lot of activities this summer. On 28th July The Last Baguette will be visiting to bring outdoor theatre production 'The Bin Rat'. On 18th August, Storyteller Michael Loader will be visiting the park. Michael is a professional storyteller and his performances are interactive and aimed at primary school aged children. Farm2Ewe Petting Farm will be visiting the Pop Up Park on 30th July.
Castlefields Park will be installing games and puzzles for visitors of the park to use (weather permitting) on Sunday 3rd August.
Events being held at the Town Hall include: Pom pom lolly making, ceramic mug making, interactive bug detective days, and fairy jar making amongst other activities. More information on these events can be found here.
Calne Library have events planned too alongside the annual Summer Book Reader Challenge, Take a look at their page to find out what is scheduled.
A short bus trip to Chippenham opens up other opportunities. John Coles Park is a great place to take a picnic, with The Bandstand hosting a selection of Sunday afternoon concerts that are free to attend. All concerts run from May – September and start at 3pm until 5pm. There is also the Splash Pad for under 12's to cool down and have fun in the water from 10am to 6pm May to September.
Chippenham Museum is a free to visit museum based in an 18th Century townhouse in the centre of Chippenham town. Creative activities will be held at the museum throughout the summer time, and for children who may find busy sessions overwhelming, they’re also offering 'Autism Friendly Quiet Time' sessions. This will be a calmer, more relaxed way to enjoy the same creative activities, with limited numbers and booking required.
Buses run regularly to Avebury too where you can burn off some energy with a walk around the Avebury Stone Circle ancient monuments. For under £10 you could also visit the Avebury Manor and Gardens. There are activities planned at the National Trust site to keep families busy throughout the holidays.
Lacock National Trust site will also be hosting activities including a crafting event with the Wiltshire Scrap Store and a climbing wall with outdoor sports teams.
Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock also have summer events planned including Zoomania Weekend at Whitehall on Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August, bringing the animal kingdom to life with larger-than-life characters, live-action shows, and free family-friendly entertainment for all ages. Some further activities are bookable.
A trip to Lyneham will bring you to the REME Museum where you will find Summer Holiday Workshops, a Gnome Trail and on the 25th August there will be a chance to meet and stroke some beautiful visiting donkeys and discover the incredible role they have played in military history.
Wiltshire Scrapstore have their popular Kid's Summer Art Clubs on Thursdays and Fridays during the summer holidays. You can find a link to these here: https://www.wiltshirescrapstore.org.uk/pro.../kids-art-club/
The Reel Cinema show some films under their 'Movie Madness' banner where tickets are half price if you don't mind catching an early showing.
Here are a few ideas for completely free activities at home:
The Perseid Meteor Shower will be visible in clear night skies from 17th July to 24th August with the shower peaking on the 12th August. Spend some time in the day making snacks and head outside with some blankets and deckchairs to watch - or pitch a tent in your garden and make a night of it - don't forget to make a wish if you see one!
If we are lucky enough to get another spell of hot weather, (and you want some time without entertaining) think ahead, fill a large bowl with water and add in some of their waterproof toys and freeze. the blocks are great outside for an 'archaeological dig' make sure to give them something safe to perform the dig though - or they could pour water on to melt.
Turn an area of paving into a temporary art gallery - pavement chalks are inexpensive and will keep them quiet for hours.
Take part in the Big Butterfly Count - download your pack between Friday 18th July and Sunday 10th August choose a place to spot butterflies and moths. Watch for 15 minutes. Then record which species you see and log them on the site.
Don't forget to keep an eye on Calne News Events Calendar where there are several alternative events and sports clubs and workshops listed.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.
