Keeping the kids happy and entertained throughout the Summer Holiday in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area doesn’t need to be expensive, with these fun but FREE or LOW COST activities and events. There is something for the children of all ages, from toddlers through to primary aged and for older children. Don’t forget to check out our full days out pages for parks, playgrounds, local attractions and much more
FREE Events throughout the Summer Holidays at:
Valley Gardens With a playground, paddling pool, skate park and pond to feed the ducks there’s lots to keep the mini mumblers entertained at The Valley gardens.
Harrogate Library They usually have a reading challenge running all Summer as well as library drop-ins and one off sessions.
Brimham Rocks always have a jam packed summer schedule. Check out their website or our Summer holidays page for full info this year.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park There are lots of family friendly events on throughout the Summer. Entry is free but there is a parking charge per car. There are plenty of picnic areas so you can take your lunch with you.
FREE One off Events (click event for more info):
Keep an eye on the Summer Holidays Events Page which will be continually updated throughout the Summer and don’t forget to like the Harrogate Mumbler News page on Facebook for regular events news and posts.
Explore the Outdoors
We live in such a beautiful town and are spoilt for choice when it comes to parks, gardens & nature reserves. All free to enjoy. Have a walk, bike ride or take a picnic…
Make it more exciting with nature bingo, a scavenger hunt or doing some leaf rubbings – Lots of free ideas available with a quick internet search.
Here’s just a few places to explore:
The Pinewoods
Fewston/Swinsty Reservoir
Almscliffe Crag
Conyngham Hall (Knaresborough)
Hookstone Woods
Birk Crag
Nidd Gorge
Stainburn Forrest
Find all the details/addresses on the Walks & the Great Outdoors Page
Geocaching
The worlds largest outdoor treasure hunt – visit the website or download the free app.
Mumbler tip:
“Be prepared that the app locations aren’t always bang on so you may have to do a bit of hunting when you get within the General area of a cache”
NW, April 17
Home based Activities (Save some for the rainy days)
Board Games /Jigsaws – Dig out some board games or jigsaws and enjoy some old fashioned fun.
DIY Pamper/Spa Day – Foot soaks, facemasks, nail painting, cucumbers on the eyes, hand massage, what a treat!!
Slime Making
Mumbler Tip:
“We’ve had success with pva glue and Aldi Almat washing gel . ( we used the non bio one!) They put the pva in a bowl then gradually added the almat in tiny amounts keep adding and stirring till it starts to form the slime!!!”
KR, July 17
Scrap Booking – With so much going on in York this Summer, there will be plenty for your little ones to put in a School Holiday scrap book. Keep leaflets/tickets etc for them to stick in, photos, maps &drawings, should keep them busy a while!
Karaoke / Disco dancing – turn on some tunes, get the hairbrush microphones out and sing and dance to your hearts content.
Olympics – With sports days done, the mini mumblers will be well used to sporting contests, so set up a mini Olympics. Obstacle courses, egg and spoon races, balls in buckets, the list goes on.
Pizza Making – Fun and gets a meal sorted at the same time. Either make your own base or buy ready made/pitta bread for a quick option.
Origami – Lots of patterns/instructions available online for free. Patience required!
Junk Modelling – Empty the recycling box and get creative. Space rockets, robots, wherever your imagination takes you!
Free Fun Further Afield
Harrogate is bursting with fun events and activities this summer, but if you fancy a change and can go a little further afield then here are some other free options:
National Railway Museum
A walk around the White Horse – Kilburn
Yeadon Tarnfield Park – Aeroplane spotting & feed the ducks
Hope Pastures Donkey Sanctury – Leeds
Royal Armouries Museum – Leeds
Roundhay Park – Leeds
Leeds City Museum – Leeds
Peasholm Park – Scarborough
Valley Gardens – Saltburn -by-the-sea
A Trip to the beach – Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, Bridlington, Saltburn by the Sea – take your pick!
See the Mumbler Website for the full list of Free Days out ideas
Click HERE to download the Summer activities PDF for even more activity ideas:
