Remember when you were a child and the summer holidays used to whizz by? Well, now you're the parent, and turns out filling six weeks isn't that easy.
So, if the summer holidays have rolled around and you've realised there's not much in the diary, here's some inspiration.
Here's what the Grazia team have booked for the kids' summer holidays so far...
Things To Do In The Summer Holidays 2023
1 of 8Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show
Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show was named best family show at the 2023 Olivier Awards is touring UK theatres. See Duggee and the Squirrels, take to the stage for the interactive show packed with non-stop fun, laughs, music, singing and dancing. Runs til Sept 2nd.
2 of 8Paradise Wildlife Park
Broxbourne’s Paradise Wildlife Park should have something for everyone in that it caters for animal fans and dinosaur fans. Are there any other fans?
Home to over 800 exotic animals, one of the best big cat collections in the UK and more that 40 roaring and moving dinosaurs a rex-train and indoor soft play it’s a guaranteed hit - and child-exhauster.
As one of Europe’s leading wildlife park for animal experiences, you can do everything from meeting our meerkats, to shadowing a keeper and hand-feeding a big cat. The funds raised from these animal experiences go directly to the conservation & welfare of the animals in our care and in the wild.
https://www.pwpark.com/
3 of 8Chessington World of Adventures
Theme park. Zoo. Resort. Festival site. Themed hotels to blow every child’s mind. From pre-schoolers to Nanas, Chessington is one of those places there really is something to keep everyone happy.
There’s Cocomelon, there’s Wilderfest (billed as Britain’s wiiiiiildest music festival), there’s Gruffalo themed bedrooms and there’s VIP animal experiences and stays that will excite even the hardest to impress kids. And, of course, there’s the rides.We feel a bit overexcited even just thinking about it…
https://www.chessington.com/
4 of 8Drayton Manor resort
Drayton Manor boasts more than 100 theme park rides & attractions including a brand new Vikings Area, Adventure Cove, and Europe’s only Thomas Land. There's also a 15-acre zoo and more. If you think it's all going to be a bit much for one day, luckily there's also a four-star on-site hotel.
5 of 8Little Angel Children's Puppet Festival
From August 2 to September 3, Little Angel's vibrant programme will showcase a broad range of puppetry by the most exciting UK and international companies currently making theatre for young audiences. There's a huge range of shows and workshops for all different ages, so check out the booking site for more information.
6 of 8The Mind of Moriarty: Live Escape Experience
Suitable for children aged 10+, this multi-sensory escape adventure will fully immerse players into the world of Sherlock, through the magic of digital media and theatrical sets. Based on the hit BBC TV series, the 100-minute experience promises to mesmerise players as they take on a brand-new mission and see if they have what it takes to defeat criminal mastermind, Moriarty, one last time.
7 of 8Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a school holidays staple in our house. But for the first time ever Patagotitan mayorum is on display in Europe. At four times heavier than Dippy the Diplodocus and 12 metres longer than Hope our blue whale, this gigantic creature is a truly spectacular sight. And the exhibition surrounding the new dino is perfect for kids of all ages. Don't forget this exhibition requires an extra booking.
8 of 8Cloud Twelve
If you’ve had a baby, you’ve probably realised there’s a gap in the market for enjoyable things for parents to do where there’s also an option to safely plonk your child somewhere fun. Fine dining restaurants with a soft play area attached, for example. Where are they? Well, Cloud Twelve in Notting Hill has gone one better: a wellness and lifestyle club with an interactive play and learn zone for families with children, indulgent spa, luxury salon, nutritionally focused brasserie and a holistic wellness clinic. A few hours of summer holiday childcare sorted, at least.
In the Kids’ Club, there’s the option of hiring a creche worker to mind your child while you’re being scrubbed and pampered. The Kids’ Club is a members-only area tailored to families with young children. There’s a magical forest-themed play zone specifically designed for optimal child development and it’s suitable for children aged 0 to 11.
Cloud Twelve’s immersive curriculum focuses on art, movement, cognitive development, wellness, mindfulness and sustainability – sounds better than sticking them in front of another episode of Peppa Pig, doesn’t it? Discover activities like Mini Masterchefs, where budding culinary-whizzes can learn to cook. Explore Kidfit and Baby Ballet. Or escape into Crafternoon, a hands-on experience for craft-creativity and artistic expression. Kids can also develop their skills in Mini Masterpieces and Messy Play, amongst an array of additional classes. And the best bit? It means you've actually managed to carve out a couple of hours to have that hair treatment or catch up with a friend in the brasserie.
Cloud Twelve'sSummer Memberships are available for a limited time. Or, explore the full Kids Club Summer Timetableand Kids Club Summer Class Guide.