FROM CREATIVE crafting to pop star dancing, find a range of free-of-charge and low-cost activities for the whole family to enjoy this May half term.
1. Family explorer trails at the Museum in the Park
Home to 4,000 collection objects on display which all have local connection, the museum is an inspiring day out for all ages.
2. During May half term, you can also take part in a family workshop:
Family workshops at the Museum at the Park – (drop in) £1 per child / donations welcome
3. Magical Mask Making Tuesday 28 May 11am - 3pm (drop in)
Taking inspiration from the park and walled garden make a leafy mask to celebrate the coming of summer.
4. Marvellous Mini Museums Wednesday 29 May 11am - 3pm (drop in)
Design and make your own mini museum. Perhaps you will decide to fill your mini museum with fossils you are fascinated by, dinosaurs you dream about, artworks you admire, or objects from history and long ago
5. Colourful Collage with Noela Bewry Thursday 30 May 11am - 3pm (drop in)
Join abstract artist Noela Bewry and create colourful collages inspired by Pete Hoida’s paintings in the exhibition ‘Black Severn Angel’.
6. Toys & Games of the Past Friday 31 May 11am - 3pm (drop in)
Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and come along to find out what games our great great grandparents played! Hands-on, interactive fun for all.
7. Buzz Club Sunday 2 June 11am - 1.30pm (drop in)
Come along to the Walled Garden for Buzz Club exploration and fun and see how the busy bees are doing! Hot and cold drinks and cakes from Miss Daisy.
8. Walk, cycle or ride a boat down the canal
There is plenty of wildlife to appreciate on our canals.
Most of the route between Eastington and Brimscombe is flat and accessible, ideal for family walks or bike rides.
9. Have a picnic on Selsley Common
Enjoy the rolling hills of Selsley Common with its fantastic views overlooking the River Severn and Malvern Hills.
10. Spot rare butterflies on our commons
From Selsley, to Minchinhampton and Rodborough, we are lucky enough to have huge grasslands on our doorstep to explore.
Many different types of butterfly can be found on the commons between May and July, which is the best time of year to spot some of the rarer species.
11. Stratford Park Leisure Centre
Take a refreshing dip in the cold-water outdoor Lido at Stratford Park, opening on Saturday 25 May for the summer season.
12. Anyone for tennis?
Why not practice your serve with a game of tennis?
Tennis courts are available to hire by the hour.
13. Explore Stratford Park
Discover the 56-acre grounds of Stratford Park.
With a children’s play area, small skate park, woodland and lake, it’s the perfect place to play and immerse yourself in nature.
14. Hop on a miniature train
All aboard! Rail enthusiasts can join the next public running of Stratford Park’s miniature railway on Sunday 26 May from 2 - 4:30pm.
15. Music in the park
Stratford Park bandstand hosts live music every Sunday from May to September.
16. The Pulse in Dursley
Throughout the May half term there will be intensive swimming lessons for children who can’t currently swim or who are in the process of learning to swim.
17. Dance Workshops
‘Pop star’ dance workshop on Tuesday 28 May, 3.35pm–5.35pm and ‘At the Movies’ dance workshop on Friday 31 May, 3.10pm–5.10pm.
18. Activity Days
A jam-packed day of sports challenges, activities and crafts, plus an inflatable fun session in the pool.
Tues 28 May, Weds 29 May Thurs 30 May. 9am - 3pm.
19. Find the sleeping fox at Dursley Sculpture and Play Trail
Explore the one-kilometre circular trail in Dursley's Twinberrow Wood, created by the local Dursley community. From giant daisies to floating umbrellas, there’s lots to discover.
20. Magic Show at Kingshill House, Dursley
The Magic Circle Magician Colin Dymond presents: Mainly Magic Show! An exciting, family-friendly show where you will be amazed by Colin's magic and funny puppets, including a mind reading parrot - Friday 31 May 11am.
21. The Gruffalo Trail
"Oh help! Oh no! It's a Gruffalo!" Join the Five Valleys Shopping Centre this half term for the Gruffalo trail.
22. Get crafting at Kids Stuff
Join a craft session at Stroud District Kids Stuff in Brimscombe Mill. From masks to origami, straw rockets, leaf rubbing and lantern making plus seasonal crafts and activities, sessions are varied and simple so everyone can join in and get creative whatever age.
Every Saturday between 10.30am - 2.30pm.
23. Enjoy a film on the big screen
This half term, Electric Picturehouse in Wotton-Under-Edge will be showing ‘IF’, a live action/animation hybrid family comedy about a young girl who discovers she can see everyone’s imaginary friends. Showing from Friday 24 May.
24. Get arty at Newark Park
Get inspired by the views of Newark Park and create some art using their art boxes dotted around the garden.
25. Step back in time at Berkeley Castle
Don your finest armour to learn the ancient skill of sword fighting.
26. Story Time at Stroud Library
Get cosy with a book at Stroud Library in its new location at Five Valley’s Shopping Centre. Join Story Time, every Monday between 11-11.30am.
27. Find out what’s on at your local community hub
There are community hubs around the district, some of which will have activities for local children during half term.
Find out where your closest hub is here: https://maphub.net/CommunityHubsStroud/community-hubs-stroud-district-2
Cllr Catherine Braun, Leader of Stroud District Council said: “Our May half term guide to entertaining children on a budget shows there are lots of fantastic activities to enjoy in the Stroud district for all ages. There are many outdoor trails on offer, as well as indoor craft activities, suitable for all weather conditions.
“Ensuring everyone has access to high quality leisure opportunities that meet their needs is one of the priorities in our Council Plan. For anyone struggling with the cost-of-living crisis there’s information and sources of support available.”
All the information is correct at time of publication; please confirm details with each organisation before you travel.
For information and help with the cost of living see: www.stroud.gov.uk/costofliving
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