With the young ones freed from the routine of school uniforms and workbooks the summer holidays long warm days lie ahead. Fortunately, in The Malverns, you will have no problem filling this abundance of free time with days out, activities and a whole lot of fun. Whether they’re the type to barrel around outdoors, get creative with crafts, enjoy learning something new or are just looking for adventure there’s something to fulfil every kids summer dream.
On top of everything that residents and visitors love about The Malverns, our gorgeous landscape, fascinating heritage and thriving events scene, there’s stacks on offer for little people. Your energetic munchkins can make a splash in the pool, tear around adventure playparks, get creative making and painting pottery and discover history on our children’s trails. What’s more, many of our local venues pack their calendars with events, activities, workshops and festivals making The Malverns the perfect place to wile away the summer months making memories. See our events calendar for the full run down of summer activities.
Top Children’s play areas
Priory Park – Great Malvern
Visit the brand new adventure playground in Priory Park. The fun space is made up of multiple areas suitable for different ages and includes hobbit houses, a daring robe bridge, a dizzying basket swing and a giant butterfly to befriend. There is hours of outdoor fun and exercise to be had.
The Burgage – Tenbury Wells
The Burgage is a beautiful recreation area with fields, children’s play area, tennis courts, bowling green and memorial garden. The word ‘burgage’ is derived from the medieval term for enclosed fields outside of a town.
Upton upon Severn Play Area
Head to the riverside town Upton upon Severn and visit New Street Play Area. You will find an enclosed under 12’s area, skate park and multi-use games area where you can paly tennis, football, basketball and netball.
Eastnor Castle Adventure Playground
Eastnor Castle have a wicked adventure playground, a bridge top walkway, rope-swing, woodland play area and extensive grounds with natural play opportunities. And if you tire of the play area (not likely!) visit the café and castle rooms.
Croome RAF Play Area
The historic Croome National Trust is home to a fantastic RAF themed playground. Once the site of the RAF Defford airbase your mini historians can play hero at the control tower, scramble net, bunker, jeep, slides and swings.
Witley Court Wilderness Play Area
Witley Court’s architect designed wilderness play area is a winner with kids of all ages. Tots can enjoy the seedpod treehouse and outdoor musical instruments while older ones explore the grass covered amphitheatre, slides and wobbly bridge.
Top Children’s Activities
Malvern Splash
Recently updated in a £2 Million re-vamp Malvern Splash Leisure Complex boasts a new flume, interactive water play features for younger swimmers and wave machine as well as modernisation throughout.
Boundless Outdoors
Whether you’re seeking high adrenaline with climbing and zip wires, water sports like canoeing and raft building or just want to monkey around on the low ropes Boundless Outdoors can do it all. They offer family days as well as birthday party packages and school holiday activities.
Tenbury Wells Swimming Pool
Also recently refurbished Tenbury Wells swimming pool is a much loved community facility. The centre has exciting sessions including Mini Splash twice a week, family bubble sessions and pool inflatable sessions.
FREE Town Centre and Hills Children’s Trails
Take a town centre trail in Great Malvern, Tenbury Wells, Upton upon Severn on on the Malvern Hills. Suitable for youngsters from 4 years the trails take you on a journey around the town centres uncovering interesting facts along the way.
Severn Expeditions
What could be more idyllic than a day together as a family on the water? With both skippered and self drive boats available don’t worry if this is your first foray into boating, the friendly skippers will teach you everything you need to know to enjoy your day.
Alpaca Meadows
Meet a friendly fluffy alpaca and take them for a walk at Alpaca Meadows. Learn alpaca facts and get to know their quirky personalities as you wander through the countryside. There is also a highly rated onsite café and opportunities for fishing.
The Cob House
Home to the first reindeer born in Worcester, entry to the grounds to meet the alpacas, reindeer, goats and birds is free and there are lakes for fishing. The dog-friendly Mayfly Café comes highly recommended serving stone -baked pizza and plenty of crowd pleasing café favourites.
Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb
Experience the excitement of the worlds oldest motorsport venue still running events on its original course. Specialising in speed hill climbs they offer breakfast clubs for car enthusiasts, driving schools and of course thrilling races. Under 16s go free to many of the racing events so the young ones can soak up the atmosphere of race day.
Clive’s Fruit Farm
Walk or cycle down to Clive’s Fruit Farm from the riverside town of Upton upon Severn for pick your own fruits, home-made cakes and light bites and farm shop. Quench your thirst on some of their sweet home-grown apple juice after fun in the play area or a trail through the farms orchards.
Rushwick Pump Track
A pump track for bikes, BMX and scooters was installed in Rushwick park in 2021. The smooth arena is great to practice jump’s and skateboard tricks.
Victoria Park Sports Facilities
Head down to Victoria Park in Malvern Link to their NBA approved and wheelchair accessible basketball courts. This is a popular spot for basketball fans, and there is plenty of space for pro’s and beginners on the double court. There are also enclosed tennis and football courts a play area and skate park.
Icequest and Escape Rooms
Visit the only ice rink in the Three Counties Not only does Ice Quest offer ice skating, but also laser quest and escape rooms. The Clue HQ live escape game is an exhilarating, amusing, teambuilding experience for all ages, perfect for families, events, or groups of friends.
Top Children’s events
Act Up Youth Theatre – Matilda Aug 8 to Aug 19
This is a Summer Holiday Drama workshop culminating in 2 performances at The Coach House Theatre of Matilda: The Musical by Tim Minchin and Denis Kelly, for ages 11 – 18. Covering all aspects of production: costume, makeup, stage design, lighting, sound, acting and performance
The Wind in the Willows August 28 – Sept 3 in Priory Park
The enchanting tale of river-folk is faithfully retold in Amelia Marriette’s adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much – loved story. With lots of audience participation will be a terrific treat for all the family.
Crumble by the Sea – Dates in August 2022
Whimsical tale of Mr Thumb and his daughter Georgina who visit the town of Crumble-by-the-Sea to take part in a baking competition to bake the biggest pastry to fill the King’s belly. The Coach House Theatre, relaxed performances available.
Eastnor Castle Dinosaur Show – Multiple Dates Summer 2022
Get ready to travel back in time with a walking, roaring T-Rex: the dinosaur that was truly feared by all. These live dinosaur shows include stunningly realistic animatronic puppetry to bring you a dinosaur encounter like no other.
Awful Auntie Outdoor Theatre at Eastnor Castle – 24 July 2022
Join Heartbreak Productions for David Walliams’ best-seller Awful Auntie on the outdoor stage. Make sure you bring a blanket or chair to sit on, weather-appropriate gear, and a picnic.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea 23 – 25 August 2022
The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea comes to Malvern Theatres.
Summer Family Market at The Fold – 16 July 2022
Lots of crafts, gifts, homewares, food and drink stalls accompanied by live performances from dancers, singers and drummers. Families are offered nature based crafts and learning experiences to encourage and grow a love of the nature world.
Summer Activity Days at Boundless Outdoors
Looking for some outdoor adventure during the school holidays? Then the summer holiday activity days at Boundless Outdoors provide the perfect action packed day out for those with a sense of adventure.
Top Children’s Shops
Ginger & Pickles
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option then head to Ginger and Pickles Traditional Toys in Upton Upon Severn, they offer a range of traditionally made, wooden crafted toys perfect for any occasion. They also sell modern toys and games.
Heidi’s Treasure Trove
Visit Heidi’s Treasure Trove which has relocated from Malvern Link and is now situated along the Worcester Road in Great Malvern. There are plenty of toys, family games and puzzles for the young explorer, scientist, thinker or whoever they want to be.
To Boot
Independent kids shoe shop with more than 10 years experience fitting and selling children’s shoes. Styles are hand picked for durability and comfort and include a wide range of well known brands like Geox and Sketchers. See their brand new shop on Church Street Malvern opening 2 July 2022.
Summer of Fun Blogs
2022 Great Malvern Food Festival 1-2 July 2023
You’ll be in for a treat at this year’s food festival – one of the only FREE food festivals in the region being hosted 1 – 2 July 2023
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is Heading to Malvern – 23 Sept 2022
Direct from a weeklong run in London’s West End at the Vaudeville Theatre The Simon & Garfunkel Story is BACK…
The Malverns – Ideas For Places To Dine in the Sun
With warm and dry weather having Malvern seeming more like Marbella this summer, outdoor dining is more popular than ever…
Musical Summer Fun at The Firs – The Birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar
You’ll find lots for the family to enjoy at The Firs, which is Edward Elgar’s birthplace this summer. Discover the pretty cottage where Elgar was born…
Come Out and Play this Summer at Croome
Croome offers your family the perfect place to spend summer days. There’s lots to enjoy, like our ‘Come Out and Play’ games on the lawn by the house…
FEAST (Festival of Equality in Arts and Society through Theatre) is Back for Sixth Year 20 – 26 Sept 2022
FEAST is a week-long festival of theatre, dance, clowning, circus, workshops, and a community ‘Feast of Thought’ happening this September from 19-25…
