School summer holidays have officially kicked off this week. The easing of Covid-19 restrictions in England mean there is plenty to keep children entertained across the county.
From painting to archaeology, bird watching to crazy golf, children all over Oxfordshire will be spoiled for choice this summer.
The Oxford Mail’s Rediscover Oxford campaign, run alongside its sister paper the Oxford Times, encourages readers to be a tourist in their own backyard and rediscover the city.
This summer provides a perfect opportunity for families to get out and explore the phenomenal restaurants, parks, museums and historic sites we have in our area.
Take a look at all the family friendly events running in Oxfordshire this summer:
The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock
In collaboration with the Oxfordshire Library Service, the museum is hosting plenty of free events this summer.
These events take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 27 to August 26.
Booking is advised but drop in is also available.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday 27 July 2pm – 4pm
Use hardening clay to a thumb pot to decorate and take home with you.
Wednesday 28 July 11am – 3pm
Wicked Wednesday – The Vicious Vikings!
Take a closer look at the amazing Viking skeleton in our exhibition and find out how vicious the Vikings really were…
Thursday 29 July 2pm – 4pm
Make a colourful dancing skeleton, guaranteed to scare.
Tuesday 3 August 2pm – 4pm
Forget the paintbrush, use twigs and leaves to create your own prehistoric cave painting complete with creatures from the past.
Wednesday 4 August 11am – 3pm
Wicked Wednesday Flint Knapping
Join us to discover more about prehistoric hunter gatherers and how they made their weapons, and have a go yourself.
Thursday 5 August 2pm – 4 pm
With fossilized dinosaur footprints in our garden, we thought you could have a go at making your own, but will they last for thousands of years?
Tuesday 10 August 2pm – 4pm
Make and colour your own wildlife woodland. Look closely to discover what lives there.
Wednesday 11 August 11am – 3pm
Wicked Wednesday – Bird Watching extraordinaire!
Join us as we identify birds and their calls, and try to spot some ourselves.
Thursday 12 August 2pm – 4pm
Create a bird -shaped kite and make it flap and fly.
Tuesday 17 August 2pm – 4pm
Be inspired by all the different brooches and badges on display in the Museum, and try your hand at making your own.
Wednesday 18 August 10.30am – 4pm
Explore some of the amazing ‘small’ archaeological objects that have been discovered in Oxfordshire and have a chat with our Finds Liaison Officer Ed Caswell.
Thursday 19 August 2pm – 4pm
Take a close look at the tiny, yet beautiful seal in the Roman Gallery and then create your personal sealed scroll.
Tuesday 24 August 2pm – 4pm
Discover some fascinating facts about beetles and make colourful 3D beetles to take home.
Wednesday 25 August 11am – 3pm
Just like us bugs like a holiday! Help us create some amazing destinations for them.
Thursday 26 August 2pm – 4pm
Create magical moth magnets to brighten the darkness.
Oxfordshire Libraries, Oxfordshire
The Summer Reading Challenge 2021 runs from July 10 to September 11 for children aged 4 and over.
In this nature-themed challenge, children will team up with the Wild World Heroes and their animal friends. As children read, they will help make the heroes’ hometown of Wilderville become a better, greener place to live.
To take part, children need to be a member of Oxfordshire Libraries.
Children will be given a Wild World Heroes collector’s folder to keep track of their reading.
Garth Park, Bicester
Superhero Children’s Activity Day takes place in Garth Park on Wednesday 4 August.
There will be a range of activities for children, as well as community stalls, food and ice cream.
Children’s dress-up is encouraged.
The event is free to attend.
The Walled Garden at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Take the Miniature Train from the Palace to the Walled Garden for family friendly entertainment.
Prebooking tickets is essential.
Tuesday 27 July to Sunday 1 August 11am and 2pm
‘Me & My Bee’ performance
Saturday 31 July and Monday 2 August 10am to 5pm
9 Hole crazy golf and garden games
Saturday 7 August and Sunday 8 August 12:45pm, 1:30pm and 2:45pm
Magic shows
Saturday 14 August and Sunday 15 August 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm
Bubble performances and workshops
Saturday 21 August and Sunday 22 August
Recycled art workshops
Saturday 28 August to Monday 30 August 10am to 5pm
Circus skills workshops
Science Centre Oxford, Headington
Summer Holiday Family Day’s will take place on July 31, August 7, 14, 21 and 28. Session times are 10am to 12pm, 12:30pm to 2:30pm and 3pm to 5pm.
Tickets are required and are £6 per person or £20 for a family ticket.
Children will get hands-on with interactive science and technology exhibits. They will also be able to explore nature trails with a seasonal activity sheet and spot native wildlife, Explorer QR codes are hidden in the trees for fun challenges and brain-teasers.
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