National Trust launches its Summer of Play events for the kids' school holidays

With the kids set to break up for their school holidays any day now, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to keep them active and engaged for the next six weeks. Lots of time outdoors is always a winner, which is why National Trust’s newly-launched Summer of Play events are ideal.

The events will take place at locations all over the country at various National Trust locations, and you’ll get everything from pop up sports days and nature walks to arts and crafts and mini theatres for budding performers. This is now the third year that the Summer of Play events have run at the National Trust sites, making them a well-established way for the kids to pass the time during the school holidays.

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Whilst the Summer of Play events are completely free of charge, you will need to pay the standard admission fee to access the Trust’s sites where they’re held. All National Trust sites are free to under fives, carers and National Trust members, but older children and adults will need to pay admission to the sites.

You can opt to pay a one off admission fee to the site you’re wanting to visit, or you could always purchase an annual membership for the family which lets you access all of the UK’s National Trust sites and saves you money in the process. Not to mention this gives you access to Summer of Play events across the country – perfect if you’re planning a staycation or trip to visit family in other cities.

If you don’t want to commit to a full year’s membership, you could also check out the National Trust Explorer Pass which is great if you’re not a member but plan on visiting regularly over the summer months. Giving you access to most of the sites for all the family for four, eight or 14 days, it’s priced between £36 for four days and a single adult, up to £108 for 14 days for a family of four with two adults and two children.

There are also plenty of other ideas to keep your kids occupied this summer, with Visit Britain also offering passes to everything from historical sites and castles to theme parks and zoos. Red Letter Days is also great for kids of all ages (not to mention adults too), getting you discounts and easy-to-book activities ranging from safari parks to staycations and cinema tickets.

However if you want to make the most of National Trust’s Summer of Play events, you can visit the website now for more information on what’s happening and sites near you.