School’s out for the summer holidays which means six whole weeks to fill.
The thought of entertaining young ones can feel daunting and you might already be planning trips to the park and picnics on the lawn.
But there are plenty of other options to keep the boredom at bay.
And with the cost of living rocketing, they don’t have to cost the Earth either.
We’ve rounded up some of the top events around Staffordshire that are free or under £10 each to keep you and your young ones busy without breaking the bank.
Free events
July 22 to August 31
The beach at Lichfield Cathedral, open 10am to 5pm each day.
Each day during the summer school holidays you will find a beach for your, your friends and family to take time out. Borrow a deck chair and put your feet up, build sandcastles with the kids, borrow from the collection of garden toys and games for family fun, grab a drink and some snacks and enjoy.
July 26
Wild Families at Park Hall Country Park, Hulme Road, Stoke, 1-3pm.
Fun outdoor activities hosted by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for young people. Book a free place online at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
July 28
Aiming High Family Wildplay: Bug Hunt @ The Washlands, The Washlands, Burton-on-Trent, 10am to 2pm.
Family Aiming High Wildplay gives children with SEND and their families the opportunity to learn new skills, look for bugs, examine trees, to look up and do some cloud watching, and get muddy!
August 3
Family fun day, Beacon Park, Lichfield, 11am to 3pm.
The day features inflatable fun, a carousel, stalls, food and drink, games and more. The free races – a popular part of the event – are being extended this year in celebration of the Commonwealth Games. All ages can join in the fun. Have a go at javelin, hurdles and long jump, amongst others. There is a small charge for some activities.
August 3
Commonwealth event to celebrate mountain biking being hosted in Cannock Chase, town centre, 11am to 4pm.
Fun and games throughout the day.
August 6 & 7
Battle for Mercia, Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane, Bishton, near Rugeley, 10am to 6pm.
The grounds of the Georgian Mansion will be transformed back to the times of Mercia’s past. The bloody Vikings have turned up again and set up camp.
August 16
Folklore, Foraging and Species ID, Parrots Drumble, Talke, 11.30am-2.30pm
Identify species of plants and trees and learn how some of these might have been used in the past and present for medicinal purposes and for food. Suitable for teenagers. Meet at the Layby in Pit Lane.
August 20
Disney Princess Party, Victoria Park, Stafford, 11am to 3pm
Princesses and Princes across the land are invited to an interactive show filled with Princess sing-along hits. Don’t forget to come dressed for the occasion and enjoy face painting, magic shows and refreshments.
August 28
Live music, Cannock town centre, 2-6pm
Celebrate Cannock with a day of live music in the town.
Events under £10 each
July 23 to August 7
Carters Steam Fair, Beacon Park, Lichfield.
A travelling funfair, bringing the thrills and delights of the traditional English fairground. Entry is free and rides are £3 each.
July 25
Wild Art at the Wolseley Centre, near Stafford, 11am to 1pm.
Try out some wild art using natural materials. It costs £4 per person. No booking required, just drop in.
July 31
Flower Power Fair, Sandon Hall, 11am to 4pm
The summer plant fair will be held in the gardens on the top lawns beside the conservatory and will include a selection of top plant nurseries and garden accessories. Admission to gardens, grounds and plant fair is £4 and children are free.
August 3
Brilliant Balloons, Samuel Johnson Museum, 11am to 3pm.
Commemorating the first hot air balloon flight, the workshops provide fun craft activities for youngsters.
They start at 11am, 12pm and 2pm and cost £3.50 per child. Booking is essential at https://www.eventbrite/e/summer-fun-at-sams-house-tickets.
National Playday, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, The Wolseley Centre, 10am to 3.30pm.
Featuring minibeast hunting, wild yoga and an obstacle course among other things. Book in advance at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Tickets are £10 each or £25 for a family of two adults and three children.
August 4
Make paper bee hive and flowers workshop, Canalside Farm, Great Haywood, 11am to 12pm to 1.30 to 2.30pm.
Learn how bees pollinate our flowers and have a sneak peak at the working bee hive on the farm. Tickets are £8 per child and the workshops will take place in our glasshouse house.
August 5
Feast Stone @ Stone Cricket Club, 5pm.
Family friendly, dog friendly and certainly food friendly. Come and join your street food vendors and enjoy a drink or two.
August 6
Sandon Fete & Transport Show, The Cricket Grounds, Sandon, 1-5pm
Fun for all the family and raising cash for the Midlands Air Ambulance, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and Sandon Church. Admission is £2 per person and children under the age of 12 are free.
August 13 to 14
Teddy Bear outing, Apedale Valley Light Railway, 11.30am to 4pm, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
A family-focused event, especially for the little ones. Spot the bears on the journey, solve a puzzle and win a prize. Kids with bears (or other furry friends) travel for free.
Admission is £3.50 for adults, £1.50 for children, £8 for a family of two adults and four children.
August 14
Make a shield workshop, Stafford Castle Visitor Centre, Stafford, 10am to 11.30am, 12pm to 1.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm.
Kids can create their own shield to take home. It costs £3 and places must be booked in advance on 01785 619131.
August 19
Learn to Sew workshop, Ancient High House, Stafford, 1-3pm.
A qualified seamstress will introduce you to sewing over three sessions. At the end you will have made your own Tudor Purse
This activity is aimed at parents and children who want to learn sewing skills, and any children under 16 will need adult supervision. It costs £3 per session for adults and £2 for children.
August 27
Saracens Summer Garden Party, Stafford Road, Weston, 12-6pm.
Live music, gin bars, and food set in the scenic Staffordshire countryside. Admission is £2 with all money raised going to Weston Village and St Andrews Church.
Funtopia at Brampton Park, Newcastle, 11am to 5pm.
The family festival is packed with bouncy castles, an obstacle course, bungee run, nerf wars, driving school and circus skills.
Wristbands are £2.50 for adults, £10 for children over 90cm tall and free for under.
