Looking for fun new activities to keep your offspring entertained – and off screens – over the half term holidays? We’ve got you covered. Read on for some inspiration and ideas designed to keep kids of all ages happy, whatever the weather!
1. If your child is a nature lover or loves crafts, don’t miss the Wimbledon Common Nature Club’s Bees Event on Sunday 2nd June from 10 am – 12 noon. They’ll learn all about the life of the honeybee and make a beeswax candle to take home, with local beekeeper Alison Pelikan. The event is part of a regular programme of monthly, themed sessions all suitable for 6 – 14 year olds. Sessions are free of charge but donations to cover costs are welcomed.
Find out more: https://wimbledoncommonnatureclub.carrd.co
2. Explore local history and discover the sites of The Lost Manor Houses of Wimbledon on a Wimbledon Museum walking tour led by experienced guide Alan Blower. As part of the tour you will also visit the Wimbledon Museum where you will see models of the Manor Houses as well hearing the stories of other objects on display. Wednesday 29th May from 10.30am, meeting at the Wimbledon War Memorial. Tickets are £5 each plus booking fee.
3. Enjoy a family round of golf on the beautiful woodland course at Wimbledon Common Golf Club. The Club welcomes under 18s as visitors (and as members) subject to approval. Players don’t need a handicap but must have played golf before, and be familiar with golf rules and etiquette.
For more details and enquiries visit https://www.wcgc.co.uk
4. For younger children (aged 4 – 8 yrs) that love arts and crafts Planet Art’s holiday camp at St Mary’s Church is the perfect choice. Their 3 day ‘British Bands’ themed camp (bookable by the day) will ensure kids have an absolute blast, creating rock and pop star masterpieces inspired by legendary bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Spice Girls, and The Beatles. The daily schedule will be packed with creative activities and fun and games from 9.30am – 3pm each day and will also teach the kids to recycle, reuse, and reimagine.
For more details and booking: www.planet-artclub.com
5. Explore the fascinating museum housed within the iconic Wimbledon Windmill. The Wimbledon Windmill Museum has exhibits for both young and old, covering windmills and milling as well as local history and the Scouting movement. Allow an hour to enjoy. The museum is open from 2 – 5 pm on Saturdays and 11 am – 5 pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Entry is free, but donations are gratefully received.
Find out more: https://www.wimbledonwindmill.org.uk/
6. If you have an art enthusiast in the family, head over to Ad Lib Gallery and check out their curated selection of original works by Picasso, Miró, and Matisse – world famous artists whose brilliance continues to captivate fans and collectors alike. Running from 31st May – 9th June, the exhibition includes Matisse’s iconic ‘Blue Nudes’, and a selection of hand-signed lithographs from Picasso. All artwork is available to buy so you may even end up with one of these iconic pieces adorning your walls!
More details: https://adlib.online/events/picasso-miro-matisse
7. For older children (recommended age 14+), why not let their creative juices flow at the Southside House Writing Workshop on Saturday 1st June. It’s designed for adults so you can join in too! With a Haunted Tales In A Haunted House theme, the session will focus on those uncanny events that open doors to mystery and to so many emotions and insights. What better company than Southside’s very own ghosts! Tickets are priced at ‘pay-what-you-can’ with a minimum of £10. All proceeds go towards future cultural activities at Southside House.
More details and booking: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT
8. Enjoy some free green-fingered crafting at Wimbledon Museum’s Family Daisy Days workshops. Children can create their own daisy planting kit to take home, including an eco-friendly planter, Ox Eye Daisy seed and soil, and learn about how we have the Victorian Wimbledon community to thank for helping the wonderful plants of Wimbledon Common survive and thrive. Suitable for ages 3+, the Family Daisy Days run from 2.30 – 5 pm from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June. Booking not necessary. While you’re there you can also explore all the other fascinating exhibits at the Wimbledon Museum.
Plan your visit: https://wimbledonsociety.org.uk/museum/
9. Explore the beauty of our local green spaces on a Wimbledon Common & Village Walk & Talk. These volunteer-led sociable walks run every Saturday come rain or shine. Meeting at the Wimbledon Village War Memorial at 10.30 am, the routes last from around 45 minutes to an hour at a gentle pace, so are suitable for all ages. Plus they are generally buggy-friendly so even the youngest members of the family can enjoy some fresh air, and hopefully, sunshine!
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewimbledoncommonwalkandtalk
10. Run off some of your child’s boundless energy at a Wimbledon Common Park Run. This free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event is held every Saturday at 9am and is open to everyone. Meet near the Wimbledon Windmill to register then it’s up to you whether you walk, jog, run or just spectate! At the end join other participants and enjoy a well-earned treat at the Windmill Café.
Registration and more details: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/wimbledon/
11. Experience the stunning beauty of the Buddhapadipa Temple. The first Thai Buddhist temple to be built in the UK, and just a stone’s throw from the Village, if you haven’t seen it yet then this hidden gem should definitely be on the half-term agenda! Set in exotic, peaceful gardens, shimmering in white, red and gold the Temple really is a breath-taking sight.
Visit their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/buddhapadipa
12. With preparations well under way for this year’s Championships, why not book tickets for the Wimbledon Tennis Museum and Tour – just a short stroll from the Village – and discover more about the world’s most famous tennis tournament. The Museum, shop and Lingfield cafe are open daily from 10 am – 5 pm. On the tour you’ll see the facilities used by the world’s best tennis players as well as broadcasters, and visit the iconic Centre Court, the Hill and the Member’s Tea Lawn.
More details and booking: https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/museum_and_tours/index.html
