Nine Super Fun Things For Families To Do Over The Summer Holidays
TK Maxx has given up on summer. I went in earlier this week and it had spooky Halloween cushions, skeleton mugs, and pumpkin wreaths out in full display. IN JULY. Ridiculous. I bought a pumpkin wreath and left in disgust. Going by the weather though, I can’t really blame them. It’s been like standing under a faulty yet persistent tap for months, so I guess you’d be forgiven if you forgot it’s actually summer.
But for those with sprogs, whippersnappers, and ankle biters – aka children – they cannot forget the inescapable. It is summer whether it rains or shines because their summers are dictated by the school holidays. Six long weeks of taking on the life of an unpaid entertainer, like those talented Am Dram performers that tread the boards of the Gaiety, minus the praise and applause at the end. Six weeks of being repeatedly punched in the brain with ‘what are we doing today?’ and ‘what are we doing next?’ Though you and your partner start strong, embodying Mary Poppins, after 976 hours of ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen, it’s easy and understandable that many will turn into Kathy Bates from Misery; strapping your offspring in their beds and sedating them against their will. It’s a tough gig, but luckily, there’s loads going on across the Island over the next few months that can hopefully help you avoid incarceration. Although, that might be a welcome break by September.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Ballaugh, IM7 5EA Ramsey, Isle Of Man, Isle of Man
Time: 9:30am – 5pm
Magical Worlds in Miniature: Doll’s House Display
When: Open from 27 July until 14 August, Saturday to Wednesday
Where: The Grove Museum
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Deets: It may sound like the starting point of any scary Victorian doll horror film, but I’m sure no one will end up possessed. Unless it’s to be possessed BY DELIGHT at The Grove’s wonderful miniature world. You can stamp around feeling like the BFG in there. (Don’t stamp. You might break something). Each room in The Grove will display a selection of historic and modern doll’s houses, beautifully restored and dressed by Ramsey’s own ‘Doll’s House Doctor’. It has everything from Victorian townhouses to country cottages. And, you can also spend some time in the toy room playing with the museum’s own wonderful doll’s houses.
Southern District Agricultural Show
When: 27/28 July
Where: Orrisdale Farm
Time: 10am-6pm
Deets: We all know this is a classic. Where else are you going to be able to pet a cow while eating a burger? The Southern Agricultural Show, or SAS as I like to call it, is always a great family day out. I always go with my parents so they can buy me food. There’s entertainment, loads of vintage stalls, games, animal exhibits, local traders, food, drink, the list goes on. It’s all in a field so avoid wearing heels. I’m sure you’ll look equally as fabulous in wellies.
Manx Heritage Summer Transport Festival
When: 30 July – 4 August
Deets: There’s SO much going on in the world of vintage transport over the summer. Whatever you choose to do, it’ll mean not having to drive while listening to the Frozen soundtrack on repeat, sporadically throwing an arm back to whack the kids, warning them you’re not afraid to pull the car over to stop little Jemima trying to shove a Snickers up Jimmy’s nose.
You can find the full itinerary here.
When: 3 August
Where: Castletown Square
Time: From 1pm
Deets: Castletown Town Square is the new place to be. There’ll be food, drink, activities, and those gigantic deck chairs people get stuck on and can’t get out of, which will easily provide a fortnight’s worth of entertainment.
When: 3 August
Where: Noble’s Park
Time: Midday
Deets: I don’t know the deets on this besides it’s at Noble’s Park and it’s sure to be fun. I have no doubt it will be. But if it’s a let down, you’ve still got the café and park there to make the most of where you can show off your monkey bar skills to the kids.
When: 4 August
Where: Peel Promenade
Time: 10am-6pm
Deets: It’s the longest running carnival in the Isle of Man so surely it can’t be that bad. In my experience, Peel days are never a let down. What to expect:
- A Grand Parade featuring colourful floats, performers, and a showcase of creativity and community pride.
- Live Entertainment
- Food and Drink
- Free Bouncy Castles and Carousel Rides
- Local stalls
- All day Sandcastle Competition with prizes for winners (judges are not open to bribes, I already tried).
- And loads more.
When: 9-10 August
Where: Knockaloe Beg Farm
Time: 9:30am-5:30pm
Deets: Another brilliant two days and a huge one for the Manx farming community who will see the fruits of their labour compete for the Deemster Johnson Supreme Championship Award, the ultimate prize for exhibitors, which is awarded to the best animal in the Show. Besides a load of adorable animals, it’s also jam packed with entertainment, local food and drink stalls, craft and trade exhibits, agility courses for dogs – always a fun one to watch when the dogs just run off and their owners try not to look like they’re spitting feathers in front of the crowd – and competitions for locals, like who has grown the best fruit and 2 veg.
Little People’s Picnic and Shindig
When: 25 August
Where: Rushen Abbey
Time: 11am-3pm
Deets: This is quite possibly the most wholesome afternoon I’ve ever heard of. There’s going to be dancing by the Perree Bane group and games courtesy of Active Souls. You’ll be able to upcycle driftwood with Beach Buddies and relax in the storytelling corner with the Family Library. AND you’ll be able to explore the area for hidden clues, plus there’s a craft table thrown in for good measure. The whole thing sounds quainter than a Beatrix Potter themed petting zoo.
That’s just a sample of family fun activities going on over summer but hopefully it’s enough to keep Frozen at bay. If all else fails, you can always keep the kids busy by starting house decorations for Halloween.
