Summer in Bedford
Summer events and activities for families
Ideas for family events and activities this summer
There’s lots to do over the summer holidays and we’re delighted to signpost families to businesses, events, activities and places to eat and drink that will make the summer fun for everyone!
Things to do in Bedford
Head to Mexico at El Picante!
El Picante offers a brilliant Kids’ Party Package, which includes party games, entertainment and food for groups of up to 10.
Summer Safari Trail
Follow the BedfordBID/Love Bedford Summer Safari Trail to find all the animals and their hiding places in our town centre.
Lego Discovery Day
BedfordBID is sponsoring this fabulous STEM Day at Bedford Central Library. When booking, choose August from the menu.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
A great way to while away an afternoon with the kids! From 12th – 23rd August. Don’t forget to bring your favourite bear!
Museums and Bedford Library
The Higgins Museum
Visit The Higgins Museum and Art Gallery for free children’s activities over the summer holidays such as Sunday Crafternoons and the Puggle Club. Plus you’ll find wonderful art galleries with world-class paintings. Entry to the museum is FREE! of charge.
John Bunyan Museum
Visit the John Bunyan Museum to discover all about the life and times of Bedford’s own famous preacher John Bunyan. The museum is free to enter and shows what life was like in the 17th Century. Crafty Thursdays take place throughout the holidays. (£2)
Bedford Central Library
Bedford Library is a great place to bring the family and foster a love of reading. Visit the Library Cafe and treat the family to a delicious cake or a bite to eat! The Library runs Saturday Lego Club, Wednesday Crafternoons and Sunday Funday.
Bedford Central Library Summer Reading Challenge
Marvellous Makers is the theme for the Summer Reading Challenge 2024 at Bedford Borough Libraries. It runs from Saturday 13 July through to Saturday 7 September and promises to be a free and exciting programme designed to keep children aged four to eleven engaged with reading throughout the summer holidays.
Bedford Borough Family Hubs often take place in Harpur Suite
Family Hubs summer holiday timetable is packed with a wide range of free activities for everyone to enjoy. Their summer timetable is filled with fun and enriching experiences for children of all ages. Activities in Harpur Suite include Summer Time Fun sessions, Tuesday to Friday and CAMHs Mental Health in Schools Team drop in sessions on a Tuesday afternoon.
HAF – Holiday Activities and Food Drop in sessions at Harpur Suite
As well as a food bank you will find support with finding school places or a doctor, health advice, SEND referrals and parenting, DWP questions and more.
This drop in will all run alongside an under-fives play session between 10-11.45am and 12.15-2pm Tuesday 27th August to Thursday 29th August.
The Festival Challenge at Bedford Central Library
‘The Festival Challenge’ on 13th August is delivered by Explore Learning and aimed at children aged 5 to 11 years old. It’s free to attend and everyone that takes part has the chance to win a prize worth £350.
Children will undertake a quest to find ‘The Grand Festival’s’ prized trophy. ‘The Grand Festival’ cannot proceed without the prized trophy, and they need help to locate it! By overcoming maths and English challenges, children will develop skills such as teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving.
Insect Wings and Bug Hotels
Join Nature’s Playground in Bedford town centre for a series of free, drop-in nature-based craft and play sessions for children aged 3 to 12 and their families.
There’ll also be potion making, outdoor games, bubbles and colouring.
This will be running from 10am to 1pm on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th August on Silver Square.
Back to School Kids’ Club
Harpur Centre invites families to join in a day of creativity and fun at their FREE Back to School Workshop. Children can get ready for the new school year by creating their own personalised pencil cases in this exciting event.
Adding to the excitement, Harpur, the Centre’s beloved mascot, will be present throughout the day!
Summer Kids’ Clubs at Geek Retreat
Greek Retreat in the Harpur Centre is the perfect place to bring children over the summer holidays.
They have a cafe serving family favourites and whilst you’re there you can play the board games for FREE!
The’s so much going on the best way to keep up to date is by following their Facebook page.
Shows and Activities
Vue Cinema in Riverside
Mighty Mornings cost just £2.95 and run from 10am throughout the school holidays. They feature favourite movies and cartoons with a big screen experience. The latest blockbuster family friendly films run all day and are £1 cheaper if booked online. Parking is £1 in River Street car park when your token is validated.
The Quarry Theatre and Bedfringe
The Quarry Theatre is a small, cosy theatre that’s welcoming and a delight to visit with children. There are fantastic children’s theatre productions, workshops and classes and even a toddler’s event running through the summer. Check out Bedfringe, Bedford’s own Fringe Festival which takes place from 18th to 28th July.
Take a ride on the John Bunyan Boat
The John Bunyan Community Boat cruises up and down the scenic River Great Ouse. There’s a wide variety of lovely family cruises to choose from including Eye Spy Cruises on a Tuesday afternoon and History Cruises too. There’s light refreshments available on board and toilet facilities. Or you can book a delicious afternoon tea cruise as a treat!
Clubs and Classes
Harpur Centre Kids’ Club
Once a month the Kids’ Club takes place in the Harpur Centre Basement. There’s always a great theme to each event and it’s FREE! The Club takes place from 10am to 4pm and is suitable for ages 3 to 15 years.
Junior Parkour Classes
Recently opened in the Harpur Centre, Spiral Freerunning provide high quality educational and fun parkour sessions. Parkour is a sport which encourages physical and mental health and are dedicated to all, regardless of background. Classes are available from ages 6+.
Marvellous Minds Holiday Club
At Marvellous Minds in The Arcade, sign up for their English and maths based holiday club. Fun and immersive, children will be grouped with those of similar ages and activities will include arts, crafts, writing and quizzes.
Games, Toys and Stationery
Smiggle
At Smiggle you’ll find all sorts of goodies to keep busy minds active. From colouring and activity sets, fidget toys, kiddy tech, soft toys… the list goes on. Smiggle is located in the Harpur Centre so pop in – maybe before the holidays and you’ll be fully prepared!
The Works
The Works truly lives up to its name! Stocking books, toys, games, stationery, arts and crafts, plus gifts and giftwrap. You’ll also find stationery and office supplies. Perfect for older students who’ll perhaps be spending the summer revising and preparing for GCSE and A-Levels…….
WH Smith
WH Smith is another place to visit for busy hands and minds. Not to mention preparing for back-to-school!! Books (fiction and non-fiction), toys, games, jigsaws, stationery, DVDs, along with magazines for all interests.
Geek Retreat
Geek Retreat is a ‘geek culture’ gaming cafe and events hub, sharing love for all things geeky. From games and superhero movies, sci-fi and more. Find all of this plus food, snacks and drinks at Geek Retreat Bedford in the Harpur Centre.
B&M
At B&M you’ll find games and toys for kids of all ages, including, of course, the young at heart. There is plenty of fun to be had by everyone, with pools, adventure sets, games, tents, bicycles and more! Not forgetting picnic rugs, bags and kits for those long summer days…
Close Encounters
Close Encounters stocks comics, graphic books, games, storage and action figures. You’ll also find comics from as Marvel, DC, Manga and Image. There are also signed copies as well as merchandise – including their very own Close Encounters Tote Bag.
Make the most of your visit with our essential guides!
Toilet Facilities
Toilets are available in many businesses and there are also accessible toilets in town.
Food and Drink
Enjoy flavours from around the world! We’ve got restaurants, cafes and takeaways to suit all tastes.
Health and Wellbeing
Need a pharmacy, dentist, doctor’s appointment, something to soothe tired feet? We’ve got you covered.
Visitor Information
Information about Bedford to enhance your visit. Including parking, public transport and things to do.
Convenience Stores & Newsagents
Pick up a newspaper, bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, picnic items and alcoholic beverages.
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