Trampolines, monsters, arcade games… and building flatpack furniture – ways to keep the kids entertained this summer

The school holidays are now underway in Nottinghamshire and, as all parents know, it’s difficult to keep children from getting bored during this long six week period. We’ve come up with four ideas to cover all eventualities this summer.

There’s something to do come rain or shine, activities that will keep both elementary and high school-aged kids entertained, and things to do that are both free and paid.

Obviously, there’s Nottingham Beach, but here are some other suggestions where you can even take a shopping trip and entertain your little ones.

Monster Fun

Colorful inflatable friends, The Hooboos and Mega Bunny + Friends will take up residence at the Djanogly Gallery at Lakeside Arts and on a path around the lake in Highfields Park. Springing from the imagination of Nottingham artist Bruce Asbestos, the free event runs from 1 August to 8 September.

For the biggest exhibition yet, Asbestos’ newest creations, The Hooboos, are joined by friendly monster friends – the four-metre tall Mega Bunny, the purple Octopus and the giant Egg Cat. At the hands-on monster lab, gallery visitors can create and display their own plasticine monster.

Seaside arcade games

Enjoy seaside arcade games without having to leave Nottingham. This summer, Penny Lane, in Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, and The Beeston Social, Station Road, Beeston, have a special promotion running until August 30.

Kids can enjoy a meal, drink and play on one of the many retro games you’d find on the seafront or fairground for just £4.95. Choose from dishes like hot dogs, chicken waffles with fries and cheeseburgers plus three chips.

trampoline

This summer RedKangaroo in Bulwell is getting into the sporting spirit by launching a program of special activities for the school holidays until 1 September. The big fun house has interconnected trampolines, dodgeball courts, Wipeout, reaction walls, tumble tracks. and bouncing basketball.

There will be two special activities each day, with visitors able to win prizes and a place on the podium at the end of each activity based on sports such as athletics, gymnastics and athletics. Not just for children, all activities are also suitable for adults, ensuring a perfect family day out.

A new Summer Pass has been introduced, costing £60 per person, entitling the holder to one hour of active play each weekday for the full six weeks of the holiday. Or a one-week summer pass costing £28 offers one hour session over five working days. The Summer Send Off will mark the end of the sports season with team challenges, dancing, jumping and fun at sea on Friday 23rd August from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets cost £21.

Alternatively, jumpers can book 90 minutes of adrenaline pumping for a cost of 60, for sessions after 3pm on weekdays. Children can eat in the cafe for £1 when an adult meal is purchased at the same time.

Flat Pack Racing

IKEA is putting the fun into shopping with free sporting events for families this summer from now until 11 August at the store in Giltbrook Retail Park. Kids can take part in flatpack races, shootouts and relay races.

Competing kids can test their assembly skills as they race against the clock to put together iconic IKEA products, from chairs to crates. Other activities include basketball and an IKEA twist on a game of hopscotch

To get involved, little ones have to complete a challenge card by doing different sports activities in the store. With each activity completed, a letter will be revealed on the card, which will tell a final secret word. Once the full mystery word has been revealed, kids can enter the draw for a chance to win big.

Crafts include making your own medal and designing a flag, plus an Olympic selfie station. IKEA family members can enjoy 50% off selected dishes in the restaurant on Swe-Dish Friday, and little ones can eat for less than 50p.