As the summer holidays roll on, are you looking for more ideas to entertain your family? Here are some ideas for free organised activities in the Ipswich and Felixstowe areas.
Wildlife Discovery Day, Chantry Park, August 16
Children can learn more about wildlife at this free drop-in family event being organised by Ipswich Wildlife Group, in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council and Greenways. There will be various different activities and crafts near the playground, including the chance to make a wildlife home and learn about hedgehogs. You can also help to create hedgehog-themed lanterns for an upcoming twilight parade. The day runs from 11am to 3pm.
CoderDojo, Stoke Library, August 18
Calling budding young website coders, or anyone who wants to create their own game or app! This session for ages seven to 17 will have lots of tips to help you on your programming journey. You are asked to bring your own laptop if possible, but there will be a limited number available on the day for those who don’t have one of their own to use. Under-12s need to be accompanied by an adult. The event runs from 10am to 12 noon and is free, but you need to book in advance via the library.
FerryFest Felixstowe Family Day, August 27
This event is part of the four-day Ferry Fest, which is being held at various venues around Felixstowe Ferry from August 24-27. Admission to the festival is free, with charges for some events. The pirate-themed family day will include live music and storytellers, a treasure hunt and opportunities to try sailing. You can also help create an enormous plastic pirate, Captain Fanplastic, from 11am onwards - bring your plastic rubbish along and join in, A free shuttle bus will run from Felixstowe town centre to Felixstowe Ferry between 12 noon and 6pm.
Beach Bonkers, Chantry Library, September 4
The seaside is coming to Ipswich for this special library event. Youngsters are invited to find the treasures in a mini-shingle beach and handle intriguing items including a mammoth’s tooth. There will also be the chance to play a giant board game on a beachcombing theme. There are two sessions, running from 11am to 1pm and 2 to 4pm. Under-eights must be accompanied by an adult, and there is no need to book in advance.
Ask the Expert, Ipswich Museum, August 22
Have you ever found a fossil or a puzzling item from the past, and wondered exactly what it is? If so, now’s your chance to find out more. Ipswich Museum is holding one of its popular Ask the Expert days, where members of local organisations will be available to chat to you about your finds. The event will also unveil stories behind the museum’s natural history exhibits. The day runs from 10am to 3pm and you can drop in with no need to book.
Inflatable and Wacky Races Fun Afternoon, Bourne Park, August 22
Move over, Dick Dastardly and Muttley. There’s a Wacky Races theme to this free fun afternoon, which is one of the many sporting activities being held as part of Ipswich Borough Council’s Ipswich Fit summer holiday programme. There will be activities for ages eight to 12 from 12 noon to 2pm, and ages 13 to 17 from 2 to 4pm. For full details of the summer holiday programme, see the website.
Tales Through Time, Christchurch Mansion, August 23
Museums in Ipswich are organising a range of events on the theme of “Around the World” over the summer, including this free storytelling day. The Mansion’s storyteller will be sharing stories and tales from around the world, with sessions running from 10.15am to 11am, 11.15am to 12 noon and 2.15 to 3pm. The stories will be aimed at children aged from five to 11, and there is no need to book in advance.
Vehicle Family Fun Day, Holywells Park, August 29
Are your youngsters mad on cars, bikes and all things wheeled? If so, this free event should be right up their street. You’ll be able to admire some vintage vehicles, as well as ambulances, fire engines, police cars, motorbikes and more. The event will also include the chance to have a go on a special cycle circuit, with bikes supplied. Although admission is free, there may be a small charge for some activities. The event runs from 12 noon to 4pm.
Chantry Park Fun Day, August 31
Before the holidays end, there’s the chance to enjoy a free family fun day in Chantry Park with funfair attractions and various fun activities to enjoy. Hip-hop dance group Just Jay Dance will also be performing on the day. The event runs from 12 noon to 4pm.
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