Fun Ideas To Get Out And About Over The May Bank Holidays

May is fast approaching, with the exciting prospect of two bank holiday weekends, plus the half-term break for those of you with youngsters at school. If you are wondering how to keep the kids entertained over the break, here are a few fun family activities and events that are happening around the UK. 

If you are venturing out with your littles ones for a first big adventure, it’s always a challenge to know exactly what you will need. No doubt over time you will put together your own failsafe bag of tricks, but here are a few handy suggestions to help you get set up.  

A changing bag with a fold-away changing mat is a great way to save some space. If you have a baby, some nappies and wipes are also a must-have, along with a few spare clothes in case of leaks and spills. Pack bottles and feeds, and snacks if they are already weaned. Be prepared for changeable weather with an extra warm layer and a sunhat and sunscreen.

Before you set out, plan your route in advance rather than just programming the satnav, so that you can factor in toilet breaks or just give toddlers a chance to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. If you want to avoid crowded and expensive motorway service stations, look for interesting diversions and pack your own drinks and snacks.  

Ideas for a family day out

May Day celebrations at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park

Enjoy the traditional May Day fun at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park near Maidstone, which is geared towards young families. There’s a large outdoor play area with pedal tractors, and the chance to ride a land train or go on a tractor trailer ride around the site. There’s an opportunity to meet small farmyard animals, with some very cute lambs at this time of year.

If by any chance the weather is wet, there’s a three-storey indoor soft play area to keep the kids entertained. Over the early May bank holiday (4-6 May) there will be Maypole dancing, Big Top shows, arts and crafts studios, animal feeding sessions, groom a pony, owl flying demonstrations and more. Tickets must be booked online in advance.

Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden

Experience an enchanting family day out at a Woodland Adventure Day, which runs at Audley End Miniature Railway near Saffron Walden from 15 April until 24 May. Take a train ride through the woods, with an Activity Sheet for kids to spot animals and props along the way. There’s also a Fairy and Elf walk featuring Gormley the friendly Troll, and an Adventure Play Area and Nature Corner.

Furthermore, during half term (25 May-2 June) there’s special Family Adventure Days with the chance to craft a crown from forest materials, such as leaves, twigs, and grasses, plus the aforementioned attractions and activities. There’s free entry for children under one year old, and also for carers of disabled visitors. 

Gruffalo Trail at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire

For those of you who are lucky enough to be within driving distance of Carmarthenshire this May half term, then the National Botanic Garden of Wales is a fascinating family destination. This spring, there’s the added attraction of large-scale wooden hand carvings of Gruffalo characters lurking in the woods. 

The site encompasses some 500 acres and the Waun Las Nature Reserve, with a variety of accessible trails to explore. There’s also a giant glasshouse with some of the world's rarest plant species, and the Bird of Prey Centre with daily flying demonstrations of native bird species. 

Chatsworth Family Festival, near Bakewell, Derbyshire

The Chatsworth Estate with its grand house and gardens are well known, and have frequently featured in films and TV dramas. During May half term from 25 May until 27 May, there will be a daily programme of events tailored to young families. 

There will be circus skills and kite flying workshops, sports day races, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs. There’s also a range of interactive storytelling workshops, and the chance to meet some well-known children’s authors and illustrators.