Fun ways to learn during the holiday
We understand how hard it can be to find things to do to entertain the whole family during the summer break, particularly as the weather isn’t always sunny! Here Mrs Webster, Headteacher of Pilgrims Pre-Prep suggests some fun activities that can also be educational.
At Pilgrims we believe it’s important that children continue learning even during the school holidays. The summer break is the perfect time for pupils to reflect on what they’ve learnt over the school year and expand on their knowledge. Family days out can provide fantastic learning opportunities and with a wide range of places to visit in and around Bedford, it is easy to keep your children’s minds active.
What to do in and around Bedford
Here in Bedford, we are very lucky to have so much variety and history on our doorstep.
Priory Country Park is the perfect place to visit on a sunny day. It is a national park packed full of wildlife that can be found in the lakes, meadows and woodland. With fun trails to follow, it is the perfect location for a bike ride. There is even a kite flying area and a play area for the children to enjoy. Don’t forget to check out the wildlife garden, they will be able to impress you with what they’ve learnt at school this year!
The Bedford treasure trail is another fun, outdoor activity for the whole family to enjoy. Although it is designed for older children, it’s a great way to get your little ones involved. See what they can spot as you search for clues to unlock the treasure.
If you’re looking for a day full of history, Woburn Abbey – home to the Duke and Duchess of Bedford – is the ideal attraction. You can take a tour around the individual rooms filled with antiques, artwork and 18th century furniture and then have a walk around the gardens to see what flowers you can find. The estate is even home to a red deer farm!
If your little ones need to let off some steam, Kids World is a fun soft play centre or, for something a little bit different, you could also try sledging at Snozone Milton Keynes. It’s the perfect excuse for your child to meet up with friends and burn energy, while learning how to interact with others.
Bedford library has lots of things going on throughout the summer holidays. On Monday 12 August, children can make their own animal masks or visit the library for Lego, colouring and games on Monday 2 September. The library is the perfect place to meet new people.
Also, don’t forget that Bedford Park and Russell Park are great places to visit for a walk, a bike ride or a picnic. If it’s not raining, parks are the perfect place for hours of fun. You could also take some books with you – reading is even more fun outdoors!
Activities to do at home
You don’t even have to leave the house to take part in fun, educational activities. Doing arts and crafts is a great way to spend a rainy day and it allows your children to explore their creative side. Encourage them to do some painting, create collages, draw a picture or have fun cutting and sticking – it can be as messy as you like!
Imaginative play is brilliant stimulation for your child. Find an old cardboard box and turn it into a spaceship or use toilet roll tubes and string to make a phone; the opportunities are endless.
Baking is also a fun activity. You can work together as a family to weigh out the ingredients, follow a recipe and decorate your creations at the end. Why not try our chocolate and beetroot cake?
With so much to do, we hope you have a lovely break and we cannot wait to hear about all the fun things you get up to when we return to school in September.