Free kids summer activities in Maidenhead
The summer holidays 2023 have begun, and it’s a time to find ways to entertain the kids when they are off school. It’s good to get them out of the house, but it can become costly.
We are all finding ways to stay local and spend less. And if you live in Maidenhead, we have found a few things to do that are completely free for kids to lower the cost.
RBWM Libraries
The RBWM Libraries have many free events taking place over the summer holidays. These include workshops and craft activities at the Maidenhead Libraries, Windsor, Ascot and Cookham. The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to sign up (either online or at the library) to get a special folder. Collect stickers or rewards for reading books over the summer.
Free summer activities at the libraries include:
- Summer holiday crafts at Cookham library on Thursday 27th July, Thursday 10th August and Thursday 24th August at 10:30am – 11:30am and 2:30pm – 3:30pm. Free – no booking required. Make your own games to take home.
- Storytime with crafts at Cox Green library on Thursday 27th July at 2:30pm. free – no booking required.
- Make and race paper aeroplanes at Cox Green library on Thursday 3rd August at 11:30am. Free – book via eventbrite.
- Make a table football out of recycled materials at Cox Green library on Wednesday 9th August at 3pm. Free – book via eventbrite.
- Children’s games club every other Saturday (from 8th July) between 10:45am – 12:15pm at the Maidenhead library, with a selection on board games and puzzles free to play.
- Rhymetime every Thursday at the Maidenhead library, 11:30am – 12pm.
- Storytime at Boyn Grove library every Friday 4pm – 4:30pm.
- Storytime at the Maidenhead library every Thursday 10:30am – 11am.
For more information visit the RBWM Library Events page.
Teens Swim Free
The Braywick Leisure Centre and Windsor Leisure Centre are offering teenagers aged 13 – 17 years one hour free swim session throughout the summer, as part of their Safer Summer Swim sessions. The sessions are running from Monday 24th July – Friday 1st September, between 12pm – 1pm, weekdays only. Find out more.
Free Junior Workshops at Discovery Three
Discovery at Three is based at 76-78 high street in Maidenhead (next to the Three store) and they are offering free junior workshops (from aged 5 upwards) throughout August – as well as in the other half terms and holidays (note, parents/carers may have to stay).
If you would like book your child onto a session, send an email with the name of the workshop, your child’s name, parent name, contact number and email address to: discovery.maidenhead@three.co.uk
- Animated Advert Creation, Tuesday 15th August, 1pm – 2:30pm
- Cartoon Making, Tuesday 22nd August, 10:30am – 12pm
- Digital Music Making, Tuesday 22nd August, 1pm – 2:30m
Braywick Nature Festival
The Braywick Nature Festival is a free event at the Braywick Nature Reserve on Hibbert Road on Saturday 5th August between 12pm – 5pm. There will be live music, pond dipping, nature trails, workshops and more. Find out more.
Moss End Garden Centre
For a free way to keep the kids amused (although slightly outside of Maidenhead) is to visit the animals at Moss End Garden Centre. They can take a look at the colourful marine fish and corals at ReefKeeper, and there is also an outside area with ponds. There is also The Jungle Reptiles which has various species of reptiles. Feathers and Fur are also based at Moss End, but there is an entrance fee to see the birds of prey and owls.
Cliveden National Trust
If you are a NT member, make the use of your membership at Cliveden. There are plenty of woodland walks, the giant maze, adventure playground, and if you head down the steps toward the river, you can enjoy a picnic. Throughout the summer (from 21st July – 31st August) there is a free summer trail where you can explore the different species of trees.
Birds of Prey at Crocus at Dorney Court
The Berkshire Birds of Prey will bring their feathered friends to the walled garden at Crocus at Dorney Court, situated on Dorney Court Lane on Thursday 3rd August, 10am – 4pm. This is a free event, but if you wish to handle a bird they will ask for £2 (cash only).
Norden Farm Kite Festival
The Norden Farm Kite Festival takes place every year on Punt Hill, Boyn Grove Park (off the Bath Road and Courthouse Road). This year it will be on Sunday 3rd September between 12pm – 4pm.
It’s free to go along – and you can take your kite to fly on the hill. You can enjoy the live music and entertainment.
There will be vendors selling food and drinks, but you can take your own picnic along.
Maidenhead Waterways and Library Square
If you head into town you can head over to Library Square (by the Maidenhead Library) where there are colour change fountains. These are particularly refreshing on a hot day (although they are primarily a water feature and not an official splash pad). But if the kids do end up splashing in them, remember to take a change of clothes!
You can also walk along the Waterways towards Stafferton Way and you will reach the Nature Reserve.
Ray Mill Island
Ray Mill Island is always a nice place to take the kids. It’s free to visit the guinea pigs and birds, take a walk along the river, watch the boats go through the lock and have a picnic.
Parks
There are plenty of parks to go to in Maidenhead, and it’s a free day out. Take a picnic, a ball or kite on a nice day. Walk, ride or scooter there – and if you head to our post all about the best play parks to visit in Maidenhead there are more details.
Keep a close eye on the Make Maidenhead Facebook Page and our What’s Happening in Maidenhead page for more events, including free arts and crafts in the Nicholsons shopping centre.
Related Post: Half Term Ideas In Maidenhead
