Activities and adventures in Buckinghamshire this half term

Looking for things to do this May half term? Why not get out and about in Buckinghamshire where you can find a range of things to do for families with children of all ages. From indoor events to outdoor adventures, many activities have little or no cost, making it an affordable way to enjoy time together during the school holidays.

The Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury and Wycombe Museum in High Wycombe have a range of activities taking place during half term. In Aylesbury, kids can get creative with biscuit decorating to mark National Biscuit Day on 28 May or make a wildflower seed bomb to attract bees and other insects into your garden in celebration of National Bee Day. Other activities during the week include puppet making, delving into the history of the Romans and a free family fun day on Saturday 26 May. Some activities have a small charge and need to be pre-booked. For more information visit the website.

Wycombe Museum is running more of its popular Discover and Make workshops during the half term holiday. Suitable for children aged between 4 and 11, the sessions combine a learning ‘discover’ activity with a hands-on making section to fully explore the topic. Tickets are priced at £4 per child. Booking is essential. Visit the website for more details.

If the sun is shining a visit to your local park is an easy way to enjoy some fresh air and exercise. A number of parks across the county have benefited from play area upgrades recently, including The Ropes on the Rye in High Wycombe, Buckingham Skatepark, Higginson Park in Marlow and Vale Park in Aylesbury. Old play equipment has been replaced with new and improved facilities for children of a range of ages and abilities.

For more outdoor adventures, why not download the free Love Exploring app and take part in a selection of fun, interactive and family-friendly games and activities including dinosaur and mini beast hunts in a variety of parks and green spaces across the county. New locations are being added all the time with the most recent including Cottesloe Park in Aylesbury, Hughenden Park in High Wycombe, Wades Park in Princes Risborough and Bourton Park and Chandos Park in Buckingham. Find out more online.

Buckinghamshire’s country parks are also hosting a number of special half term events. At Black Park children can take part in a Kids Go Wild Forest School – Cooking Special on 29 and 30 May where participants can make pizza wraps on the campfire. For more information and to book tickets visit the website.

Or go on a tour of locations in Black Park which have features in major film, television and music productions over the year by taking part in a film walk on 1 June. Book your tickets online.

Buckinghamshire’s libraries run a variety of activities during school holidays, check your local library for more details. Many libraries are marking the birthday of much-loved children’s character Elmer the Elephant who turns 30 this year. Other events include craft workshops, story-time sessions and board games. Find out what’s on at your local library by visiting the website.

Libraries in the county are also taking part in the national Big Sporting Read, a joint initiative between BBC Arts and The Reading Agency, tying into the upcoming landmark summer of sport which includes the UEFA European Championships and the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Launching on 29 May, the initiative encourages both children and adults to experience the power of sport though reading with a wide range of books available to borrow and inspire.

Leisure centres across Buckinghamshire also have a range of activities during half term. From family swim sessions to inflatables, and soft play to indoor climbing, there is something for all ages. To find out more about what’s on at your local leisure centre visit the website.

Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: “May half term is a lovely time for families to get out and about, enjoying the warmer days and spending time together. There are so many things to see and do on our doorstep and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a fun day out, whatever your age or interest.

"In addition to these organised activities, there are the canal paths and multiple bicycle friendly bridlepaths and footpaths which criss cross our towns, villages and countryside, providing an opportunity to get out into the countryside and closer to nature, Buckinghamshire has so much to offer."