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27
Jul 2022
Last Updated: 26/07/2022
Free activities to do with the kids this summer in the Harrogate district
As the cost of living continues to rise, the thought of six weeks of trying to keep the children entertained on a tight budget can be daunting.
We have put together a selection of free activities to enjoy with your family across the Harrogate district.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the thought of six weeks of trying to keep the children entertained on a tight budget can be daunting.
Fortunately you don't always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out.
We have put together a selection of free activities to enjoy with your family across the Harrogate district.
Pop-up parties - Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon
The Jubilee activities in Harrogate and Ripon were hugely enjoyed, so the summer programme organised by Harrogate Borough Council is sure to be popular.
There will be a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos at three of the district's picturesque parks and gardens.
Valley Gardens, Harrogate on Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 between 11am and 4pm
- 11am – Juggling/circus tricks show
- 11.45am – Magic show
- 12.30pm – Character mini disco
- 1.30pm – Juggling/circus tricks show
- 2.15pm – Magic show
- 3pm – Character mini disco
Knaresborough Castle on Friday, August 26 between 11am and 4pm
- 11am – Bubble circus tricks show
- 11.45am – Magic show
- 12.30pm – Character mini disco
- 1.30pm – Juggling/circus tricks show
- 2.15pm – Magic show
- 3pm – Character mini disco
Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday, August 27 between 11am and 3pm
- 11am – Circus tricks workshop
- 11.45am – Magic show
- 12.30pm – Character mini disco
- 1.30pm – Circus tricks workshop
- 2.15pm – Magic show
- 3pm – Character mini disco
The venues are also all worth visiting for a free day out, even if you are unable to make the parties.
You could enjoy a picnic and play in the Valley Gardens, plus a walk up to the Pinewoods. You could grab an ice cream and head to Knaresborough Castle, before wandering down the steps to the riverside. Or you could play a game of crazy golf in Ripon Spa Gardens.
Read more:
- Thousands expected to line Ripon’s streets for Saint Wilfrid’s parade
- What's On in the Harrogate district
A day out at Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale
If you live in the district, chances are you have already visited the unusual moorland rock formations at Brimham Rocks.
However, the summer holidays are the perfect excuse to head up there again with a picnic.
If you haven't been, you're in for a treat as it really is nature's playground for the whole family. Just make sure the kids are wearing decent shoes so they can climb the rocks. Also taking a photo of your children pretending to either push a huge boulder over or hold one up is essential.
The views over Nidderdale are stunning too.
There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.
For non-National Trust members, car parking charges are £6 for up to four hours and £8 thereafter.
Library events - district wide
On a rainy day, nothing beats a free trip to the library, where you can lose yourself in all the amazing children's books on offer.
A Summer Reading Challenge is taking place to encourage your children to pick up a book, which isn't always easy in the holidays.
Children aged four to 11 years just need to call in at their local library to sign up.
The challenge is free to take part in and children get to collect rewards for the reading that they do over the summer holidays. To complete the challenge they have to read six library books between now and September 10.
There are also lots of free activities on offer over the school holidays, including workshops, Lego building and family board games days.
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