What to do in your local area

At Nannies Matter, we know it can be tricky coming up with fresh ideas to keep children entertained. If you’re stuck for ideas on something to do in and around the Home Counties, we’ve got some suggestions for days out and things to do that the whole family will enjoy.

Tudor Fayre, Aylesbury

Bucks County Museum plays host to a day of free entertainment, games, crafts and activities for this year's Tudor Fayre every September September. As part of the Heritage Open Days, the Tudor Fayre will teach your family all about the horrible histories of the Tudors, from the extravagant food they ate to the even more extravagant illnesses they suffered with. This day of learning and fun is open to people of all ages and completely free, simply turn up and enjoy! To find out more, visit the Heritage Open Days website.

The Living Rainforest, Berkshire

Give your kids the chance to discover over 700 species of animals and plants at The Living Rainforest in Berkshire this September.  This full sensory experience is suitable for all ages and offers a glimpse of monkeys, toucans, armadillos and much more. You’ll also get a chance to learn how some of the world's most popular foods, such as bananas and sugarcane, are grown in the rainforest. To book your tickets, head over to The Living Rainforest site. 

Reigate Caves, Surrey

Underneath the town of Reigate lies a series of deep and dark caves that are waiting to be explored by the family. Head on down to the Reigate Caves and you will be taken through a guided tour of Baron’s Cave in the Castle Grounds and the East and West Caverns in Tunnel Road.  These caves are made from soft sandstone and will leave the kids in awe at what really lies beneath their feet. Find out more by visiting the Reigate Caves website. 

Atom Trampoline Park, Reading

Why not head down to Reading’s biggest indoor trampoline park during the summer holidays. This indoor park features over 50 interlinked trampolines, a dodgeball arena, basketball hoops, tumble tracks and much more.

 A day at Atom will not only put a smile on the little ones’ faces, but it will keep everyone fit, too. If your children are under the age of seven, why not try the ‘mini atoms’session that lets the little ones have exclusive access to the park. Book your place today by visiting their website.

Bray Lake Watersports, near Windsor

Just a 10 minute drive out of Windsor, and you’ll arrive at Bray Lake, the ultimate destination for lovers of watersports. Here, you and the family can partake in a number of activities, including canoeing, powerboating, sailing and windsurfing.

But if you’re not all the watersports pros you wish you were, don’t worry, Bray Lake Watersports welcomes beginners as well as experts alike. Find out more by visiting the Bray Lake website. 

Green Dragon Eco Farm, Hogshaw

Just a short drive from Aylesbury is Green Dragon Eco Farm, a 44-acre environmentally friendly farm that is home to many wonderful animals, including some rare breeds like the Jacobs sheep, Silver Appleyard ducks and Norfolk Black turkeys. There is plenty for the whole family to do both indoors and outdoors, from areas for soft and messy play, places to get up close with cute and cuddly animals and lots of wonderful sights to take in, particularly of the Aylesbury Vale countryside. For opening times and prices, take a look at their website.

Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, Beaconsfield

Opened in 1929, the Bekonscot Model Village and Railway is the world’s oldest model village. There is a lot to discover as you experience over 80 years of history through pristine gardens and detailed buildings, as well as seeing the fully working huge model railway - and it’s also fun letting the children believe that they are giants! Book your trip today by visiting the website.

Fudge Kitchen, Windsor

If you and your family have a bit of a sweet tooth, why not pay a visit to the Fudge Kitchen in Windsor. The kitchen offers unique fudge making experiences where you can learn about the history of fudge and, most importantly, sample lots of delicious flavours and even take some home with you, including the batch you’ve made. To book your family onto a fudge making experience, visit the website.

Beale Park, Reading

Looking for a day out with lots of activities? Why not take a trip to Beale Park in Reading. The 350-acre park located on the Thames offers a range of things for the whole family to do, including a toy exhibition, river cruise, spectacular walks and the chance to get up close to a number of animals and birds.

The park runs activities across the year that you can take part in for a small fee. June’s highlights include the Beale Park Boat and Outdoor Show and archery sessions.   

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden

With Roald Dahl’s The BFG hitting the big screens this summer, what better time to explore the life and workings of the imaginative writer. Situated in the Buckinghamshire village where Dahl lived and wrote his novels, the museum has three interactive galleries with great activities suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years old.  

Just a 20-minute drive from Aylesbury, the museum is a great way to spend a rainy day. General admission covers entry and most of the workshops. Visit the website for more info or to book your tickets.

Do you have a family day out that you’d recommend? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.