Summer Activities & Events
There’s a summer full of family fun ahead at Stanwick Lakes, with lots to see and do!
The playtower and expansive natural play structures await you, alongside water play for little ones (please note, closed Monday mornings for routine checks), and lots of sand, plus the assault course is only a short walk away. Our outdoor kiosks are fully stocked with ice cream and essentials – including our new shop adjacent the play area – ready to keep you refreshed and our café menu will ensure you’re satisfied! Explore more – along our adventure trail – with climbing rocks, rope bridge and assault course, or simply take a walk around our Nature Ramble route, stopping of at the bird hides. You can even hire a bike, with onsite partners, AJ Cycles.
Summer Workshops for all the family
This summer offering a selection of family-friendly craft workshops. For a summary of each event, and to book each activity, choose from below.
Roman Clay Creations
Wednesday 22nd July
Learn about Roman beliefs and traditions in this thoughtful, hands-on workshop exploring votive offerings – objects given to the gods as symbols of hope, gratitude, or healing.
You’ll then be guided in sculpting your own meaningful clay piece, inspired by authentic Roman examples and their stories – including one of our favourite Roman archaeological finds from Stanwick Lakes, a copper alloy frog! Led by sculptor and artist Lisa Lovett of Earthly Art Studio as part of the Festival of Archaeology at Stanwick Lakes.
Art Club: Flower Meadows
Saturday 25th July
Design a textured meadow scene, exploring layering, pattern, and colour. Use simple forms to create a lively composition, while working with different materials and techniques and building confidence. The focus is on experimentation, decision-making and enjoying the process of making artwork from start to finish.
Led by professional artist Emma, who brings extensive experience in both fine art and education. She now focuses on delivering art workshops for children, encouraging creativity and confidence.
Resin Jewellery Workshop
Friday 14th August
Looking for a creative experience this summer? Join our fun and family friendly jewellery-making workshop and create your own handmade jewellery piece using natural stones, dried flowers and resin. A wonderful activity for parents and children aged 10+ to enjoy together.
Fabric Printing Workshop
Tuesday 28th August
Join us for one of our summer workshops and create your very own design on a tote bag. You will use ready cut stamps and lino blocks to print and create your own design. Supported by artist and printmaker Lizzie Ault, who will be providing her own hand cut blocks for you to use.
Embossed Decorations
Tuesday 28th August
Join artist & tutor Lizzie Ault to create a set of hanging decorations or a garland inspired by summer. You’ll try foil embossing, a beautiful, relaxing craft inspired by folk art and seasonal themes. You’ll learn the basics and create your own embossed decoration to take home.
Each workshop activity has suggested age ranges provided, however, we accept parent/guardian discretion.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
To book any of our summer activities in advance, head over to our What’s On page, where all events are listed…
Ranger-led Outdoor Activities
Our ranger-led nature engagement activities will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the holidays, and you can see a summary of ALL dates at the bottom of this page.
For a summary of each event, and to book each activity, choose from below.
A ranger will lead your group to our den building area and introduce you to the tools and materials available for you to use, and discuss the main properties a shelter should have if it were to be needed in a survival situation. You’ll then be set a challenge to build your den! One of our ranger team will be on hand to visit your shelter and hear about your chosen den-building techniques and vision.
Guided by one of our ranger team, you’ll learn about the pond-dwelling creatures you are likely to find, why they are key to the environment, and the importance of handling them carefully. Then you’ll be given pond dipping kits and take it in turns to dip. Identification keys are available and and a ranger will be on hand to share knowledge hear about your discoveries!
Dates coming soon!
These ranger-led activities are most suitable for children aged 3+, however, we accept parent/guardian discretion.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
To book any of our summer activities in advance, head over to our What’s On page, where all events are listed…
Pottery Painting - from £9
Create a keepsake at our pop-up pottery painting tables in the Visitor Centre café. Choose from a range of items including mugs, money boxes or coasters, and enjoy decorating them with your own designs.
Your finished piece will be glazed and fired for you, ready to collect at a later date (10 days – 2 weeks depending on demand). Perfect as a gift or personal memento of your visit. No booking required.
Seaside vibes at Stanwick Lakes
The deckchairs are back! Settle in and soak up the sunshine while little ones enjoy the sand play! Bring your own buckets and spades or pick some up from our new shop, opposite the play tower.
Just a few steps away, the water play is flowing too – with mini flumes and splash zones perfect for cooling off. With everything you need for a relaxed, beachy day out, summer at Stanwick Lakes is sorted.
For parking and opening hours, see Visit.
We have made the decision not to re-run the summer senses trail this year. We know some of you might miss it, and apologise for any disapointment.
However, we are already busy planning our next trail which will be the October half term. With a shorter, two-week break, we’ll be able to focus on creating a fun-packed experience that your little explorers will love. We hope you’ll join us then for a fantastic adventure!