Another great new article from thebestof Cheltenham's Local and Vocal Magazine...
Schools out for summer
It’s time to stow the book bags away and hang up your kids’ school uniforms. If you’re unsure what to do with the little darlings over the school holidays fear not. We’ve put together a few summer hols trips and visits for you.
Just the place for under 12’s to let off steam. This play barn on the outskirts of Cheltenham has a maze of tubes, squidgy bits and curly slides so kids can enjoy their entertainment and adventure in complete safety. There is a toddler play area with activities to keep the littlest children entertained, and regular Quest laser tag sessions for really big kids. Open every day and evenings throughout the holidays.
The Brewery has something for children of any age. The newly opened Play Farm is a themed play centre where babies, toddler and juniors can run riot. The multi-tiered soft play structure and associated activities are designed for kids up to 12 years old.
Cineworld Cheltenham has eleven screens, so there is something for even the most selective teens, and offers various special deals and regular features for kids. The Brewery also hosts a number of family friendly restaurants like Chiquitos, Apres and Frankie & Benny’s, ideal for a spot of lunch.
Cotswold Farm Park
Great for a family day out, the Cotswold Farm Park gives children the opportunity to interact with domestic rare breeds, and to learn all about farming and conservation work. The farm holds regular demonstrations of events like bottle feeding and milking displays, so visitors experience things first-hand. The farm is situated high in the Cotswold Hills and features play areas, a safari ride, a touch barn and a woodland adventure amongst other attractions. Visiting hours are 10.00am to 5.00pm and there is food aplenty on-site.
Cotswold Wildlife park
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a place for the family to get involved with the animals. The park, set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens, is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and crawly things from all over the world. Kids and adults will enjoy feeding the penguins and many other animal encounters, or they can become a Keeper for the day. The park’s residents include flamingos, rhinos, meerkats, crocs, pythons and tarantulas. Situated in the Cotswolds near the village of Burford, Oxfordshire, the park is open from 10.00am to 4.30pm.
Cheltenham’s leisure centre has loads to keep kids occupied throughout the holidays. The centre has some top sporting facilities including a junior pool, and for the more adventurous older offspring, two deeper pools with some high diving boards, capable of worrying even the most relaxed of parents. There are numerous exercise classes to pick from and other activities such as dancing and martial arts, with halls to play football, basketball, hockey as well as racquet sports and gymnastics. The centre is open daily with opening hours varying with activities.
Pittville Park
Opened in 1825, Pittville Park is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham and is an ideal spot for keeping the kids amused throughout the holidays. The long list of things to do includes: Boating on the lake, feeding the ducks, investigating the birds and bunnies in the aviaries, squealing at the foul tasting water in the Pump Rooms, and performing daring gymnastic feats in the play park. After that lot, there’s always time for coffee and ice cream at the Crossways Cafe, or a relaxing picnic by the lake.
Sandford Park Lido
The Lido in Sandford Park has a heated open-air children’s pool with a slide, a 50 metre heated adult pool with slide, free kids play equipment, table tennis, basketball, heated changing facilities, and when the sun shines it’s a fun place to take the kids. Parking isn’t a problem as the site has space for 150 vehicles.
The picturesque Lido setting encompasses landscaped gardens that make a great picnic spot. Alternatively, grab a bite at the on-site cafe. Both of the pools are open throughout the summer until 19.30.
Other summer attractions
There are summer kids’ special events at Everyman Theatre, cinemas, and local libraries. Also, Cheltenham Council is promoting Sports in the Parks; Play Rangers offering activities from arts and crafts and sports to parachute games; and SportsZone Roadshows at various locations around Cheltenham.
