what's on Summer 25
Eureka! Grand Discoveries returns to Grand Arcade this summer 25

Discover science in the heart of Cambridgesummer what's on 25

Grand Arcade’s award-winning summer science festival, Grand Discoveries, is back for 2025. Running from July to September, it features 20 leading science and tech organisations. Visitors can explore hands-on workshops, city trails, exhibitions and immersive installations—all free and family-friendly.

Exciting workshops for curious minds

Workshops include building LEGO® cells with bit.bio, polar science with British Antarctic Survey on 26 July, and stargazing with Institute of Astronomy on 23 August. Activities cost £4, with proceeds supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK and Cambridge Carbon Footprint.

Explore exhibitions and innovations

Families can enjoy giant DNA models, a Darwin book sculpture, Raspberry Pi demos, Qualcomm earbuds, SuperSharp space telescopes and more. Institutions like Cambridge University, Gurdon Institute, Orca Scan and The Polar Museum showcase ground-breaking science.

Visit www.grandarcade.co.uk/events/grand-discoveries to plan your visit.

Summer gymnastics fun at The Galleria with Diamond Gymnastics Club

summer what's on 25Pop-up gymnastics sessions for all abilities

Diamond Gymnastics Club will run summer pop-up classes at The Galleria Hatfield every Wednesday and Thursday from 24 July. The Hatfield-based club welcomes children aged 6 months to 9 years, with no experience required.

Affordable family fun this summer

Prices range from £3.50 to £5.50 for pre-booked slots, with walk-ups costing £1 extra. Sessions run 9:30am to 2:15pm, with cheerleading on Thursdays 2:30pm–3pm. Parents can pre-book at https://diamond-gymnastics-club.pembee.app/.

Diamond Gymnastics was founded by Georgia Foster in 2016. It now operates in a purpose-built facility and competes locally. The club also supports the Herts Card community and Happy Camps.

Fun, fitness and family memories

The pop-up offers a great way for children to explore gymnastics in a fun, supportive setting. Visit https://thegalleria.co.uk/ to find out more.

Take on the challenge at Squid Game: The Experience this summer

A thrilling family activity in London.what's on Summer 25

Squid Game: The Experience at Immerse LDN offers a bold, adrenaline-filled day out for families this summer. Located at Excel London Waterfront, it recreates the world of Netflix’s hit series with immersive sets and five action-packed challenges.

Unmissable summer excitement

Players take on thrilling tasks like Red Light, Green Light with Young-hee, cross the Glass Bridge, and strategise through Marbles. Each 60-minute session promises fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. The activity suits fans of all ages and those just seeking something new and exciting.

Refuel and relive the action

After completing the challenges, families can relax at the Korean-inspired Night Market. Treats include Squid Game doughnuts, Lady Boba Bubble Tea, and Korean snacks. Photos, food, and exclusive merchandise round off this one-of-a-kind summer adventure. Book now at Immerse LDN.

Summer fun at Blenheim Palace with Pip and Posy adventures

what's on summer 25Celebrate 75 years with family events at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace marks 75 years of welcoming visitors with a full summer of exciting family activities. From 26th July, the Walled Garden and Adventure Play will host Pip and Posy themed fun for all ages.

Join Pip and Posy playtime in the Walled Garden

Enjoy Pip and Posy Races daily at 11am and 3pm. Choose a team and take on hula hoops, wheelbarrows, and more. Meet the characters during Pip and Posy Meet & Greets on 26th, 27th July and 23rd–25th August. At 12pm, settle into the orchard for Pip and Posy Storytelling. Daily craft sessions at 2pm include making rainbow streamers inspired by the giant rainbow in Adventure Play.

Even more magical summer memories

Families can enjoy bubble shows on 2nd, 3rd, 30th, and 31st August, plus kite making on selected dates. The Adventure Play area features life-size 3D Pip and Posy installations and a Rainbow Treasure Hunt inspired by their Sky Kids and Channel 5 series. Book your visit now at www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/pip-and-posy and see the full summer line-up at www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/summer.

Summer holidays at Wildwood Trust offer animal adventures for the whole family

Discover fun at Wildwood Kent and Devon  what's on Summer 25

Families can explore daily animal talks, themed trails, and woodland play areas at Wildwood Trust. Enjoy cool shaded forest paths and picnic spots surrounded by native wildlife like wolves, bears, and arctic foxes.

Indoor play and launch celebration in Devon

The brand-new Play Barn at Wildwood Devon opens on Saturday 19th July. Celebrate the launch with face painting, a bouncy castle, and playful fun. Standard admission applies, and Wildwood members join free.

Wildlings club and Junior Zookeeper experiences

Book now for the Wildlings Holiday Club at Wildwood Kent. Kids explore nature, learn skills, and meet animals. The Junior Zookeeper experience also returns this summer—available in both Kent and Devon.

Barnsdale Gardens summer events offer magical days out for families

what's on summer 25Enjoy fun and flowers all summer

Barnsdale Gardens promises family-friendly fun this summer with over 38 beautiful gardens. Families can stroll through vibrant blooms, enjoy tea at the Helenium Tea Room, or browse plants and gifts to take home.

Magical events for all ages

Enjoy Summer Sundays with free activities included in garden entry. Children can follow the Fairy Trail throughout July and August, solving riddles and making wishes. On Sunday 17th August, Fairy Day adds wand-making and storytelling to the magic. Don’t miss Barnsdale Gardens After Hours on 7th August, with music, wine, and late garden access. Discover more during Gardeners’ Question Forum, Summer Vegetable Weekend, and Bees, Butterflies & Beauvale Music days. Round off the summer on 31st August with Barnsdale Through the Seasons, a guided walk with Nick Hamilton.

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.