With the school holidays stretching out ahead – and international travel still touch-and-go for most – here are our top tips to help you keep children entertained over the long summer staycation.
Go wild at the Eden Project
The South American tropics come to the South West, as the Eden Project showcases the wonders of the natural world. Perfect for budding botanists, environmentalists and adventure-lovers alike, the Eden Project will inspire and inform in equal measure.
https://www.edenproject.com/
Gain a fresh perspective at Van Gogh Alive
Let creativity loose at the completely immersive, totally unforgettable Van Gogh Alive. Nestled in the heart of Kensington Gardens, this family-friendly exhibition brings Van Gogh’s paintings to life through all the senses. Don’t miss the art activity area, for guided tutorials on creating your own masterpiece.
www.vangoghalive.com
Be inspired by Sculpture in the City
Meanwhile, the streets of London provide the canvas for Sculpture in the City. This free, outdoor exhibition brings the works of 18 contemporary artists to the Square Mile, and from Eva Rothschild’s striking structure to Jake Elwes’ video loop, installations are powerful and thought-provoking.
https://www.sculptureinthecity.org.uk/
Let loose at LEGOLAND
Whether riding the rapids by Viking boat or settling down for fairy tales in the DUPLO Valley Theatre, the LEGOLAND resort has something to delight children of all ages. It’s less than an hour’s drive from central London – but a whole world away.
Run away to Giffords Circus
This summer, the country’s most-loved circus comes to town again. Step into a magical world of whimsy, where performances come courtesy of a troop of fairies, trolls, pixies and ponies. And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s a whole tent of treats to discover.
Ride the dodgems at Somerset House
For a slice of the funfair closer to home, the courtyard at Somerset House has been transformed by London-based Yinka Ilori into a riot of colour. The bold bumper car centrepiece is surrounded by pop-up food stalls and spectacular installations from a range of acclaimed artists.
https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/dodge-summer
Have the last word with Debate Mate
Get the summer off to a stimulating start with a four-day debating workshop from Intelligence2 and Debate Mate. Held entirely online, and culminating in a thrilling debating tournament, the programme is designed to help children craft cogent arguments and respond effectively to challenge.
For more tips, tricks and recommendations to make the most of the summer, do get in touch (https://www.figtreelearning.com/get-in-touch/) with the Figtree team. In the meantime, we wish you all a fantastic break.
