This summer, look no further than Bedford town centre for some great family fun and even feel the sand beneath your feet at a beach in Silver Square.
The John Bunyan Museum, Bedford Central Library, the Panacea Museum and the Higgins Bedford have jam-packed programmes of family activities to keep children of all ages entertained, and we’ve got all the info you need…
At the Higgins Bedford
Inspired by the Colour and Light exhibition and the Higgins’ collections, artists will share how to create neon paintings, colour viewers, rainbows, sun catchers, lanterns, kaleidoscopes, colour spinners and artworks from nature and postage stamps.
Little Science Lab will be back with their ever-popular hands-on workshops and the museum’s archaeology expert will invite families to step back in time during the history sessions and Teaching Talons will be at the Higgins, introducing their captivating and curious creatures in the animal encounter session. Younger children can join in the monthly Puggle Club (older siblings welcome), for stories and drop-in craft sessions.
Visit thehigginsbedford.org.uk to find out more and book your sessions.
At the John Bunyan Museum
At the John Bunyan Museum, Crafty Thursdays return throughout August with a range of activities suitable for the whole family.
Make rockpools, design 17th-century Delftware dining sets, make crazy kaleidoscopes, and have imaginative clay fun. All sessions are £2 per participating child and there’s no need to book – just drop-in!
Visit bunyanmeeting.co.uk/events for more details.
At the Panacea Museum
Design your own tote bag with artist Anne-Marie Abbate at the Panacea Museum on 12 July, using their antique printing press. Suitable for ages nine to 96, sessions are free to take part in and there is no need to book.
More information at panaceamuseum.org/
Bedford Beach Week
On Thursday, 14 – Sunday, 17 August, Bedford Beach Week returns to the town centre, at its new location in Silver Square (just by the Silver Faces).
Children aged five to 12 can dig, build, and play in real sand, right in the heart of the town and all completely free of charge. Perfect for families looking to bring a little beachside joy to summer holidays!
At the librarires
At Bedford Borough Libraries, the Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge takes place from Saturday, 12 July until Saturday, 6 September.
It’s completely free to take part, and children can earn rewards for reading library books.
There will be crafts for children in all libraries every day of the school holidays, as well as regular activities like Lego Club, Sunday Funday, and Saturday Story – all completely free.
