Schools Out But Derbyshire Has Plenty To Keep Kids Busy This Summer
From pottery and woodland crafts to treasure hunts and detective work – there’s a wide range of activities for children to get stuck into at Derbyshire County Council venues around the county this summer.
Councillor Alex Dale, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “There’s loads for young people to do in Derbyshire throughout the summer holidays.
“We’ve lined-up a range of activities for all ages at our libraries and other venues to keep boredom at bay so why not take a look at our website to see what’s going on near you.”
Families looking for a day out can head down to our countryside centres. There’s lots to explore and do – with lots of fun to be had for free or for less than £1.50 per child including:
• Go wild at Elvaston Castle - Pick up a copy of the Summer Activity Trail in the courtyard shop, venture into the park and use all your senses to see what you can discover
• Fresh air and fun at Shipley Country Park - There will be a different self-led activity each week such as a trail or treasure hunt
• Heritage and mini beasts at High Peak Junction on the Cromford Canal - Follow a Heritage Trail Treasure Hunt or hunt and identify mini beasts
• Capture the Chesterfield Canal - A photography competition for under 16s – themed on the Chesterfield Canal, organised by Tapton Lock Visitor Centre and free to enter. Closing date is 31 August.
Middleton Top near Middleton by Wirksworth is a great place for kids to get out on a bike. Bikes are available to hire from the council’s cycle centre nearby, including two electric assist bikes – or E bikes – which means the High Peak Trail can now be enjoyed by people who would otherwise find it too challenging. It is also offering a cycle repair and maintenance service.
There is more information about these events and all the other activities at the council’s countryside sites at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countryside where you will also find links to the Facebook pages for Shipley, Elvaston and Middleton Top and High Peak junction.
Libraries across Derbyshire are on hand to help beat summer boredom too.
A range of activities are taking place across the county including making badges, creating disguises, songs and stories, making masks, animal crafts, cracking codes and learning how to be a secret agent. There are also activity trails, puzzle solving and rhyme times.
Visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/libraries for more information or contact your local library to find out what’s happening near you.
And while they’re at the library, there’s a chance for children to take part in this year’s annual national Summer Reading Challenge.
Children are encouraged to read up to six books over the summer holidays and earn medals and certificates.
This year's theme is Animal Agents and children will get the chance to become detectives joining a whole host of clever creatures to solve all kinds of mysteries. Visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge to find out more.
There’s also a wide selection of short courses and taster sessions on offer at the Eco Centre near Wirksworth – including family learning sessions for pottery, bush craft and willow crafts.
Further details on all adult community education service courses can be found at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/whatsnew
Lea Green – the county council’s outdoor education centre near Matlock – also has plenty to keep kids amused.
Set in 25 acres and is open all year round. It offers:
• a large range of activities and courses for schools, youth and community groups, families and private businesses
• Adventure Days for 5 to 12 year olds in the summer holidays offer an affordable, active alternative to childcare. Children are welcome on their own or with friends to take part in a wide range of activities
• Activ-ability days are for children and young people with disabilities, learning difficulties and additional needs.
Find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leagreen
But the fun doesn’t end after six weeks! There’s more events to look forward to in the autumn including:
• the Derbyshire Woodland Festival now in its 17th year. It takes place on Sat 23 and Sun 24 September. This popular event celebrates traditional and contemporary woodland crafts within the historic grounds of Elvaston Castle www.derbyshire.gov.uk/woodlandfestival
• Heritage Open Days on the Cromford Canal on Sat 9 and Sun 10 September
• Tapton Lock Festival celebrating the Chesterfield Canal on Sat 16 and Sun 17 September
• Young people aged 15 to 19 considering their options after school can visit the Derbyshire Skills Festival to get careers information and help from a wide range of experts. Two free events are being held - in Chesterfield on Thursday 14 September and in Derby on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September. www.derbyshire.gov.uk/skillsfestival
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