THE NATIONAL Trust has launched loads of free activities across the UK for kids ahead of the summer.
The Summer of Play activities have been described as having “a family-festival feel” and will be “jam-packed with games and experiences”.
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The fun and games will begin in July and will take place during the summer holidays.
They will be set against the backdrop of the National Trust’s historic houses and gardens.
Youngsters have been invited to “let their imaginations run wild” with role play and mini stages, while they can also design and build with construction zones, make art and music, or simply slip away to a cosy book nook.
For sportier kids, the chance to try different sports will be on offer at some sites, with the likes of croquet, tennis and cricket all available.
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There will also be tug of war and egg and spoon races for anyone looking to relive the glories of their school sports days.
Meanwhile, kids can put their outdoor skills to the test with den building and hay bale mazes to navigate.
The activities have beed designed for families and will be dotted around large fields, woodlands and garden areas at National Trust properties, meaning there’ll be plenty of space to enjoy them.
They’ll also be near picnic spots, shady rest areas, toilets, cafes and pop-ups offering food and drink, making them convenient and well catered for.
Carl Greenman, the National Trust’s National Programming and Production Manager said “National Trust houses and gardens have inspired people for centuries and it’s in that same spirit that we’re throwing open the doors and inviting families to have fun at Trust places this summer and let their imaginations run wild.
“Take Hatchlands Park in Surrey where nautical history comes to life with a hay bale pirates lair and a hunt for hidden treasure.
“In Wiltshire the circus has come to town at the world-famous Stourhead gardens, where activities include plate spinning and tightrope walking.
“At Chirk Castle in Wrexham, kids can join a Medieval knights’ training camp, complete with a dressing up tent and obstacle course.”
Overall, 184 National Trust places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be hosting the Summer of Play activities.
They will be included within standard admission to the properties, or free for National Trust members and guests of National Trust holidays.
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- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
There is no need for anyone to pre-book, with people able to just join in on the day.
Children under five get free entry to all properties.
More information about family friendly activities taking place at National Trust properties this summer can be found on this website.
In addition to the events scattered throughout the country, there will also be 17 flagship Summer of Play hubs.
They will provide families with an “extra special day out” with discos, labyrinths, miniature train rides and archery sessions among the activities on offer at those sites.
More information about where they are and what they have on offer can also be found on the National Trust site.
Raman Bhatia, Group CEO (designate) at Starling Bank, who are sponsoring the events added: “Through our support of Summer of Play we hope to encourage children to develop a lifelong love for nature, and seek to protect it.”
Meanwhile, the UK’s oldest theme park has opened a new ride for this summer.
And this seaside town has plans to build a 2,100ft zipline.
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