Enjoy a budget friendly summer in Buckinghamshire

You don’t need to venture far either, there’s something to suit all tastes and ages right here in Buckinghamshire.

ParkPlay is a new initiative, supported by Sport England, that has launched in three locations in Buckinghamshire, Booker Recreation Ground in High Wycombe, Alfred Rose Memorial Park in Aylesbury and Windsor Road Park in Chesham. The scheme offers two hours of free organised community-led play, every Saturday or Sunday morning with active and inclusive games where all generations can play together, offering a safe and welcoming environment for people to connect and have fun. Find out more: https://park-play.com/

Country parks, Black Park, Langley Park and Denham Park - are great places to explore. With miles of footpaths, play areas and café facilities you can make a day of it. A range of family friendly events are taking place throughout the summer including outdoor theatre productions, dinosaur trails and forest school sessions. Find details and book onto events online: Buckinghamshire Country Parks Events - 18 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Both Black Park and Langley Park were recently awarded a Green Flag, along with six other parks and open spaces in Buckinghamshire. The international accreditation scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. Many of our local parks have upgraded play facilities and Bedgrove Park in Aylesbury recently benefitted from the opening of a new community-funded BMX Pump Track.

There are lots of exciting summer activities happening throughout the school holidays in your local libraries. From creative workshops to family-friendly performances, there’s something for everyone - check out your local library to see what’s on.

Events include Mrs Armitage on Wheels, a joyful theatrical adventure brought to life by Scoot Theatre and Farnham Maltings. Based on the much-loved story by Quentin Blake, this interactive show features live music, puppetry, and physical comedy - perfect for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups. Performances will take place at libraries and parks across Buckinghamshire, including High Wycombe, Chesham, Aylesbury, and Chandos Park in Buckingham. Don’t miss out - book your free tickets now book your free tickets to the events online.

The Summer Reading Challenge is all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence. This year’s theme of Story Garden is all about Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors and inspires children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. The Challenge is open to children aged 4-11 and runs through to 13 September. Visit the Summer Reading Challenge website to sign up online, or alternatively, pop into your local library.

Our local museums both have lots of family friendly activities on throughout the summer holidays. Enjoy some Cosmic Adventures at the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury with a range of space-themed craft making and activities for all ages. At the Wycombe Museum in High Wycombe you can get messy with clay, delve into science or take part in a bug trail. Get all the details on the websites. Discover Bucks Museum – www.discoverbucksmuseum.org and Wycombe Museum – www.wycombemuseum.org.uk

Buckinghamshire leisure centres are also a great place to spend a few hours enjoying a fun swim, soft play or other sports including climbing and badminton. Each centre has its own timetable so take a look and book ahead as some sessions fill up quickly: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/leisure-centres

Don’t forget, the Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend takes place from 28 to 31 August. Over four days, groups, organisations and creatives will hold events across the county, with immersive and interactive activities around the theme of Stories and Nature. From workshops to crafts and immersive music to cooking – there’s something for everyone. Find out all the detail on the website: https://buckinghamshireculture.org/events/category/open-weekend-2025/

There are also free Weekends of Wonder events taking place across the county throughout the summer as part of this year’s WhizzFizz festival. Visit the website to find out more: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/whizzfizz-2025/

Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure said: “With so much to choose from right here on our doorstep in Buckinghamshire, families really will be spoilt for choice this summer.”

Peter added: “We know entertaining the kids over the long summer break can be an expense and so it’s great to know that there are so many low or no cost things to do so that whatever your budget, no-one misses out on having a fun and carefree summer holiday.”