Looking for some inspiration for the school holidays? Don’t worry we’re here to help and there’s plenty going on right on your doorstep, no need to travel far. We’ve got events in local libraries, fun days in parks and village fetes – plenty to keep those little legs active.
Summer reading challenge
All our libraries are open over the summer holidays and the summer reading challenge is already underway. This year’s theme is ‘Mischief Makers’ and is based on the much loved children’s comic, The Beano. See this handy article for more information about how to get involved.
Author visits
Kirklees Libraries are hosting a number of children’s authors over the summer, all of the events are free and appeal to a range of ages. Authors include Jason Beresford, Chris Callahan, Lynne Chapman and many more. For more information visit the community directory, and check out what else is going on in their Highlights brochure .
Don’t forget our handy e-book service. The e-books are ‘on loan’ to you like an ordinary book. You can access them through an app on your smartphone, tablet or mobile device.
Explore the world
Head down to Batley and follow in the footsteps of the Bagshaw family with summer activities and crafts, highlighting their travels around the world and bringing international culture to the museum.
Join us for a Roman Holiday at Tolson Museum and find out what the Romans have done for us. There will be a range of Roman crafts to try including making mosaics and an Emperor’s wreath. The event runs on the 1 and 15 August with a charge of £2 per child, no booking is required.
And if you fancy something out of this world why not take a trip down the rabbit hole as Chapterhouse Theatre Company present Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Oakwell Hall on 15 August. Join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland and meets a whole host of colourful characters. Tickets are on sale now.
At Huddersfield Art Gallery, Matthew Krishanu: The Sun Never Sets brings together a group of large-scale paintings that centre on two boys (the artist and his brother) growing up in Bangladesh. The exhibition is showing from 23 June to 15 September. And if your kids like getting messy, bring them to the gallery on 11 August for the drop in fairandfunky Saturday SCRAPtastic workshop.
If you’re into creative events and theatre shows, visit Creative Kirklees to see what else is on.
Bio Blitz Days at Castle Hill give you the chance to find out what lives on Castle Hill, whether it is a flower, mammal, beetle or bird. The first session is ‘The Mini Beast Hunt’ on 31 July, followed by ‘The Flora and Fauna Search’ on 14 August and finally The Bird Watch on 28 August. Just like a real scientific expedition, everything you find will be documented and passed on to local and national wildlife databases.
Whilst surveys have been done before, Castle Hill ranger Julian Brown who is running the sessions is excited to get the public involved, he said:
“In essence we expect those taking part to get a snap shot of what we have up here, but with this long hot summer we are experiencing we may have a few surprise visitors, who knows?”
To book on a session or get involved with this national survey please call Julian on 07870 570914 for details.
Gala days, festivals and fun days
Dewsbury Canal Festival 2018 takes place in Savile Town on the 28 July and will feature a children’s funfair, donkey rides, boat trips and live music. Admission is free, so make a space in your diary.
The Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival returns in on 2 August for four days in St. Georges Square. There will be over 100 stalls and some great entertainment going on including face painting, festival buskers and of course, loads of amazing food for all the family.
Brooklands Vintage Car Show and Family Fun Day promise to be a great day out in Holmfirth on the 19 August. With anything on wheels in attendance as well as children’s rides stalls and the option to camp this is a must see of those wanting to visit the Holme Valley. The event is in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service who will be arriving with their new helicopter mid-morning so make sure you get there early.
Events in our parks
As well as great places to visit, our parks will host a number of events over the summer too, Flame 2018 continues the Olympic legacy in Greenhead Park on the 26 July and is followed by the Yorkshire Gala Day in Beaumont Park on the 29 July.
Cycling in the park at Dewsbury Country Park on Friday 27 July is a free inclusive event for families, you can try all sorts of bikes and trikes. There will be adapted cycles and hand cycles, a mountain bike skills course for children and Dr Bike sessions if you want to bring your bike along for a check-up.
Cartoon Capers takes part across a number of parks during the holidays. These family story walks are a great way to get outdoors, stay healthy and enjoy books and reading at the same time.
Kids Summer Camp
The camp is for children aged 9 to 12 years and is run by an experienced voluntary organization that is staffed by teachers, and experienced volunteers.
Groups of about 75 children to spend 4 days (including 3 nights) in the country. Each of the three nights is spent in tents surrounded by open countryside. There are loads of activities to choose from including archery, arts and crafts and kite making. Find out how to book a space.
Feeling sporty?
Kirklees Active Leisure are running tennis, football and aquatics sessions for kids over the summer holidays, plus they have fun swimming sessions at a number of their pools across Kirklees.
Even more events at your fingertips.
You can see what events are happening near you in your My Kirklees Account – sign up today if you haven’t already.
The Community Directory is your one-stop shop for all of our events throughout the year so have a look and find out what is going on near you! And if you enjoy arts and creative events then make sure you bookmark our Creative Kirklees website and sign up for the weekly newsletter too.
We’ll also be sharing lots of ideas of things to see and do in Kirklees on social media; follow us on twitter and Facebook
Share pictures and tips of the places you like to visit in Kirklees on twitter using #onourdoorstep
