What’s On This Summer Across Kirklees
Free and low-cost ideas for family fun
Yorkshire Day Celebration at Oakwell Hall
Our Yorkshire Day celebration is returning to Oakwell Hall in 2026, bigger, better, and as popular as ever!
Join us for a free, fun filled, family friendly celebration of everything that makes our corner of Yorkshire wonderful. Expect live music, a bustling Yorkshire makers market, children’s activities and workshops, fantastic local food and drink, and plenty more throughout the day.
(We know the official Yorkshire Day is on Saturday 1 August, but we think the celebrations deserve to carry on all weekend!)
When: Sunday 2 August 2026, 11:00am- 6:00pm
Where: Oakwell Hall
Cost: Free
Where have all the butterflies gone? 🦋
Butterflies need your help!
Did you know that fewer butterflies are being spotted across the UK? You can become a butterfly detective and help find out where they are by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count.
Head outside and explore your local area. Spend some time counting the butterflies you see, then share your results to help learn more about the health of our environment.
It’s free, fun and a great excuse to enjoy the sunshine while discovering the amazing wildlife right on your doorstep.
50 things to do before you’re 5
Looking for fun, low-cost adventures with your little one? 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 is packed with exciting activities designed to help children learn, play and make happy memories along the way. From splashing in puddles and blowing bubbles to exploring local woods, visiting museums and discovering nature, there’s something for every young adventurer.
The app features 50 simple activities that support children’s learning and development through play, helping them build confidence, curiosity and communication skills while having lots of fun. Activities can be enjoyed at home, outdoors or out and about across Kirklees, and most are free or low cost.
Why not see how many activities you can tick off this summer? You could explore a local park, go on a bug hunt, enjoy a woodland walk, visit a library, dress up, laugh together or make a splash by a river or canal. Every adventure is a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Download the 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 app, choose Kirklees, and start your family’s next adventure today!
Visit a park this summer 🌳
Looking for a free, fun day out this summer? Why not visit one of Kirklees’ amazing parks? There are lots of green spaces across the area where children can run, play and explore.
Kirklees School’s Out!
This summer there are thousands of funded places available for children and young people that are eligible for benefits related free school meals at over 120 venues in Kirklees. Kirklees School’s Out! is funded by the Department for Education and offers eligible children and young people 4 hours of enrichment activity and a healthy nutritious meal. There are also low-cost places available for non-eligible children at most sessions. We have some funded activities that are for SEND children and young people only, together with encouraging access to the wider programme.
Full details of the activities can be found here – www.schoolsoutkirklees.co.uk
To book a place, please contact the provider directly to enquire about availability and suitability of the activity for your child. Please contact haf@kirklees.gov.uk for any support or further information.
Celebrate World Bog Day (25 July) with The Great Bog Weekend at the National
Trust’s Marsden Moor Estate
Marsden Moor Estate is thrilled to invite the community to a special celebration of World Bog Day on the last weekend of July. This free event will include a range of activities for all ages, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and enjoy the moorland.
Event Highlights:
- Bogtastic Van: Don’t miss the world’s first bog in a van! The Bogtastic Van from
Moors for the Future is equipped with artwork, sound, and a spongy floor to
replicate the moorland experience. - Guided walk: At 10.30, join our walk leaders for a special Bog Day walk and
picnic. Find out about the National Trust’s ongoing work restoring the peatland –
helped by a metal curlew sculpture. - Sphagnum nursery: Take tours of our sphagnum nursery and learn about this
magical moss and its role in moorland restoration. - Moorland Themed Games and storytelling: Enjoy fun and engaging games that
highlight the unique features and wildlife of the moorland. Enjoy themed
colouring sheets and puzzles. - Peat cores: See real peat cores that are millennia old and learn more about what
they can tell us about the South Pennines through the ages. - Information Room: Explore our information room, packed with fascinating
displays and videos about Marsden moor and its conservation.
Dates & Times:
July 25: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission: The event is free, but donations towards conservation of the moor
are very welcome.
Suitability: Children and dogs on lead are welcome.
Meeting Point: Marsden Moor Office, HD7 6DH
Accessibility: While the Bogtastic Van has steep steps, the information room is
fully accessible.
Contact for the event: Marsden Moor Estate Office
Phone: 01484 847016
Email: marsdenmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk
For more details about opening times, events and activities taking place at Marsden
Moor, visit: Events at Marsden Moor
Go Active at Oakwell Hall
Go active is coming to Oakwell Hall on Sunday 16 August. Come along for family-friendly summer fun. All activities are free and all ages and abilities are welcome!
Main activities include:
• A children’s bike park with Little Bikers
• Bring your bike along for a free check and minor repairs with Dr Bike
• Electric bike rides for adults
Experienced coaches will be on hand to help children learn to ride and to help build their confidence on balance bikes and pedal bikes.
When: 16 August 2026, 10:30am – 3:00pm
Cost: All activities are free.
Go Active at Greenhead Park
22/08/2026, 10:30 – 15:00
Go active is coming to Greenhead Park on Saturday 22 August. Come along for family-friendly summer fun. All activities are free and all ages and abilities are welcome!
Main activities include:
- A children’s bike park with Little Bikers
- Bring your bike along for a free check and minor repairs with Dr Bike.
- Guided nature walks
- Electric bike rides for adults
- Upcycling sewing workshop
Experienced coaches will be on hand to help children learn to ride and to help build their confidence on balance bikes and pedal bikes.
When: 22 August 2026, 10:30am– 3:00pm
Cost: All activities are free
Go Active at Crow Nest Park
Go active is coming to Oakwell Hall on Sunday 23 August. Come along for family-friendly summer fun. All activities are free and all ages and abilities are welcome!
Main activities include:
• A children’s bike park with Little Bikers
• Bring your bike along for a free check and minor repairs with Dr Bike.
• Guided nature walks
• Electric bike rides for adults
Experienced coaches will be on hand to help children learn to ride and to help build their confidence on balance bikes and pedal bikes.
When: 23 August 2026, 10:30am – 3:00pm
Cost: All activities are free.
Discover more things to do in Kirklees
Looking for even more fun this summer?
From family events and outdoor adventures to arts, culture and free activities, there’s always something happening across Kirklees.
Visit Creative Kirklees to explore what’s on near you and discover new ways to have fun with family and friends.
Whether you’re looking for a day out, a creative activity or a local event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy right on your doorstep!