Summer events

Nature trials

• Kirklees Libraries

  My Big Book of Outdoors Storywalk

  Celebrate the wonder of nature and the pleasure of being outdoors on our summer story trails. Tim Hopgood's My Big Book of Outdoors is the inspiration for our fun family picture trail and bug hunt this summer. Drop in between 12.00pm-4.00pm for a trail in the park. Recommended for families with children up to age 8. Free entry.
  Dates: 27 July at Greenhead Park. 4 August at Beaumont Park9 August at Wilton Park. 22 August at Dewsbury Country Park. 2 September at Crow Nest Park.

• Museums and Galleries

  Family trials and activities

  Explore Bagshaw Museum, Tolson Museum, and Oakwell Hall & Country Park throughout the summer with themed family trails and activities for all. Pay what you feel. Dates: Thoroughout Summer.

• Cliffe House

  Family nature trail

  Get outdoors and enjoy our fun family trail around the grounds of Cliffe House. The trail is family and buggy friendly, something the whole family can enjoy. When you have collected all the clues do not forget to return to the food kiosk to collect your prize. Drop in between 10:00am-4:00pm. £2.00 per person.
  Dates: 25 July - 2 September, Monday to Friday. Closed Bank Holiday Monday 29 August

Activities

• Cliffe House

  Archery

  Learn the basics of archery in our one-hour instructor led sessions, with 12 spaces per session. Open to children aged 6 years + and adults. All equipment provided. One hour sessions starting 10.00am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm and 3:00pm. £6 per person. Online booking is recommended at Kirklees Council Tickets .
  Dates: Monday 1, 8, 15, 22 August and Thursday 4, 11, 18, 25 August.

• Cliffe House

  Mine experience

  Explore this new experience at Cliffe House, where you navigate your way through a series of narrow passages, junctions, climbs and drops. 12 spaces per session. Open to children aged 6 years + and adults. 60-minute instructor led session. All equipment provided. One hour sessions starting 10.00am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm and 3:00pm. £6 per person. Online booking is recommended at Kirklees Council Tickets .
  Dates: Tuesday 2, 9, 16 and 23 August.

• Cliffe House

  Pond dipping

  Enjoy this fun session exploring ponds at Cliffe House, look out for minibeasts, bugs, and all sorts of pond life all while learning about the environment. £4 per person. Online booking is recommended at Kirklees Council Tickets .
  Dates: Monday 1, 8, 15, 22 August with one hour sessions starting 10.00am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm and 3:00pm. Wednesday 3, 10, 17, 24 August with one hour and a half sessions starting at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm.

• Cliffe House

  Bushcraft

  Enjoy the great outdoors whilst roasting marshmallows and making garlic bread twists over an open fire. All washed down with hot chocolate. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements. Open to children aged 6 years + and adults. 90-minute instructor led session. All equipment provided. £8 per person. Online booking is recommended at Kirklees Council Tickets search for "Cliffe House".
  Dates: Wednesday 3, 10, 17, 24 August with one hour and a half sessions starting at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm.

• Cliffe House

  Woodcraft

  Using traditional woodcraft tools, you will learn to construct a woodland sculpture to take home with you. 90-minute sessions, suitable for age 6+. Fully qualified instructor led session and all equipment provided. £8 per person. Online booking is recommended at Kirklees Council Tickets search for "Cliffe House".
  Dates: Friday 5, 12, 19, 26 August with one hour and a half sessions starting at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm.

• Cliffe House

  Climbing wall

  Test your skill and strength on our climbing wall. Suitable for children age 6+. Fully qualified instructor led session. All equipment provided. £4 for four climbs. Online booking is recommended at Kirklees Council Tickets search for "Cliffe House".
  Dates: Monday 22 - Friday 26 August, Tuesday 30 August - Friday 2 September daily between 10:00am-4:00pm.

Theatre, Film and Live Shows

• The War of the Worlds

  The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons invade the stage in this funny yet faithful new open-air adaptation as they use musical instruments, puppetry and, um, enthusiasm to recreate deadly heat-rays, giant fighting-machines, squidgy tentacled Martians and interplanetary warfare on an epic scale. The chances of success? A million to one... Adults: £14 and Children £8.50. Online booking is recommended at Ticket Taylor: The War of the Worlds at Oakwell Hall
  Date: Friday 22 July 7:00pm-9:00pm

• Kirklees Town Halls

  Family film screenings

  Dewsbury Town Hall have family film screenings - all rated PG or U, in a unique, traditional setting, Great value for money with no adverts. Interval halfway with refreshments and ice creams on sale.. £3 per person, or £10 for a family ticket of four. Under twos is free entry. To book contact townhall.bookings@kirklees.gov.uk
  Dates: Wednesday 27 July and Wednesday 31 August at 10:00am

• Laura Stimpson 'The Voice of the Yesteryear' - Live performance

  at Tolson Memorial Gardens. One of Yorkshire's finest vintage singers, Huddersfield's Laura Stimpson will be performing a range of classic songs fromthe 1920s - 1950s, all inspired by her grandparents collection of old 78rpm records. Free entry. For more information contact ann.denham3@gmail.com
  Date: Sunday 7 August 2:00pm-4:00pm

• Romeo and Juliet at Oakwell Hall

  This best loved story of star crossed lovers and feuding families shall be performed in the gardens of some of the UK and Ireland's most glorious country houses throughout the summer and promises to be one of the most sought after events of the open air season. Dressed in beautiful Elizabethan costume and performed by a fine troupe of Shakespearean players, join Chapterhouse for the greatest love story ever told as we perform magical theatre in magical surroundings.. Adults £18 and children £11. To online book visit Romeo and Juliet at Oakwell Hall
  Date: Thursday 18 August, gates open at 6:00pm and show begins at 7:30pm

• Lawrence Batley Theatre

  Dinosaur World Live (Family Show 3+)

  Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family! Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus. Also, a special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend! The show is 65 minutes. Various prices. Online booking is at Lawrence Batley Theatre
  Dates: Friday 22 July 4:30pm, Saturday 23 July 11:00am and 2:00pm, Sunday 24 July 11:00am and 2:00pm

Festivals

• Huddersfield TractorFest 2022

  More than just tractors. Huddersfield TractorFest is a charity fun day for all the family in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Kirkwood Hospice. Plenty of tractors, farm vehicles, attractions, entertainment, food and drink stalls, plus free parking at North Moor Lane, Upper Heaton, Kirkheaton. Please note as it is a field, we do not have the facility to take card payments on the day.... Adults £10, under 16s free entry. To online book visit Huddersfield Tractorfest 2022
  Date: Saturday 23 July at 10:00am

• Sangam Festival: A Celebration of South Asian Heritage

  South Asian Heritage Month is an annual festival that runs from the 18 July - 17 August taking place at various venues. Kirklees Libraries will be hosting an array of events and workshops in partnership with the local Sangam festival over this coming summer. Free family events include: Meet Elmer at the Sangaam Festival Hub opening, (16 July), Sangam Mela - rides, stalls, music and food (17 July), Bhangra demonstration (31 July), Norman Park family day - circus skills, drum and workshop stalls (13 August), Workshops - eco-crafts, silk cards, sun catchers (various dates), Heritage Storytelling Walks (various dates). Free entry. For more information visit Sangam Festival: A Celebration of South Asian Heritage
  Dates: Monday 18 July - 17 August

Kirklees Libraries

• Kirklees Libraries

  Dinosaur hunt

  Join us in our library hunting grounds for a roarsome chase to find and contain the escaped Dinosaurs and return them inside the book before it's too late! A fun and informative Dino hunt for curious little rangers. Free entry. For more information visit Summer Reading Challenge
  During Library opening hours anytime.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Summer Reading Challenge 2022 Gadgeteers

  The Reading Agency and libraries are excited to introduce Gadgeteers, Summer Reading Challenge 2022, a celebration of science and innovation, in partnership with the Science Museum Group. You can sign up at your local library, choose your reading goal (we recommend six books), then read any books of your choice to collect special stickers and other rewards along the way - all for free. There is a digital platform too, so the fun can carry on at home! Children can take part in the Challenge at free entry. For more information visit Summer Reading Challenge 2022
  Dates: Saturday 9 July - 17 September at all Kirklees Libraries

• Kirklees Libraries

  We're Going on a Story Hunt!

  Developed during the lockdown, We're Going on a Story Hunt! is a fun and highly interactive virtual 40-minute session for families with children 3+ to enjoy at home. During the session scavenger hunting and storytelling collide as we embark on exciting thematic adventures. To coincide with the Summer Reading Challenge storyteller John Kirk will be presenting three gadget-based adventures exploring the world of bizarre and bogus inventions. This week we will be exploring The Keely Engine (Perpetual Energy). This will be taking place over Zoom. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Date: Wednesday 27 July 10:00am-1:00pm.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Summer craft activities

  Come and join us for a Summer of creative family fun with crafts every day, taking place at Huddersfield Children's Library. Free entry. For more information visit Kirklees Libraries
  Dates: Wednesday 27 July - 3 September, Monday - Saturday, excluding bank holiday. 10:00am-3:00pm

• Kirklees Libraries

  Mini Professors

  At Mini Professors we show science is fun and hope to instil a love of science from an early age. We use hands on experiments, storytelling, interactive introductions, bespoke video and more to get children fully engaged, excited and create those wow moments! We're excited to be running sessions in libraries with hands on experiments this summer! Recommended for age 3-8. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Dates: Thursday 28 July 10:30am-11:45am at Almondbury Library. Thursday 28 July 2:00pm-3:15pm at Mirfield Library. Tuesday 2 August 10:30am-11:45am at Kirkburton Library. Tuesday 2 August 2:00pm-3:15pm at Meltham Library. Monday 8 August 10:30am-11:45am at Cleckheaton Library. Monday 8 August 2:00pm-3:15pm at Dewsbury Library.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Rappaman - Book launch and rap workshop

  An exciting book launch event, with a chance to see Rappaman performing poems and raps from his newest book "Read Aloud Proudly". You will then get the chance to learn how to write your own raps, as Rappman leads a poetry and rap masterclass!. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Dates: Tuesday 2 August 10:00am-12:00pm at Mirfield Library. Tuesday 2 August 2:00pm-4:00pm at Birkby and Fartown Library. Friday 26 August 10:00am-12:00pm at Batley Library. Friday 26 August 2:00pm-4:00pm at Honley Library.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Think Forensic: Rookie CSI Training

  A hands-on forensic workshop 'Think Forensic Rookie CSI Training' for diddy detectives including activities such as examining a crime scene, fingerprint developing, casting footwear marks & trye tracks, exploring hair and fibre using a digital microscope, plus much more! Suitable for ages: 4 - 7. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Dates: Tuesday 9 August 10:00am-11:30am at Almondbury Library. Tuesday 9 August 2:00pm-3:30pm at Chestnut Centre. Tuesday 30 August 10:00am-11:30am at Marsden Library. Tuesday 30 August 2:00pm-3:30pm at Lindley Library.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Step into the Gadgeteers Laboratory of Dreams

  Join us for a drama workshop exploring your most magical inventions and bring them to life. We need the inventors of the future to work with Chol Theatre to explore bright ideas. Recommended for/most suitable for age 4 - 11. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Dates: Wednesday 10 August 10:30am-11:30am at Huddersfield Library. Wednesday 10 August 2:30pm-3:30pm at Honley Library. Thursday 11 August 10:30am-11:30am at Batley Library.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Singing Workshop with Jenny Goodman

  Come along and raise your voices with inspiring local singing teacher Jenny Goodman. The session will be fun, full of music and singing. Recommended age 6 - 11. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Date: Thursday 11 August 2:30pm-3:30pm at Golcar Library.

• Kirklees Libraries

  We're Going on a Story Hunt!

  Developed during the lockdown, We're Going on a Story Hunt! is a fun and highly interactive virtual 40-minute session for families with children 3+ to enjoy at home. During the session scavenger hunting and storytelling collide as we embark on exciting thematic adventures. To coincide with the Summer Reading Challenge storyteller John Kirk will be presenting three gadget-based adventures exploring the world of bizarre and bogus inventions. This week we will be exploring The Chrono visor (Time Travel). This will be taking place over Zoom. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Date: Monday 15 August 10:00am and 1:00pm. Wednesday 24 August 10:00am and 1:00pm.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Wearable Tech

  Wearable Tech - Learn how to make your own circuits before using conductive materials, LED lights and craft items to create fantastic light-up key rings or jewellery. Recommended age 4 - 7 years. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Date: Tuesday 16 August 10:30am-12:30pm at Holmfirth Library. Wednesday 17 August 10:30am-12:30pm at Skelmanthorpe Library. Tuesday 23 August 10:30am-12:00pm at Birkby and Fartown Library. Thursday 25 August 2:00pm-3:00pm at Golcar Library.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Bird and bug events and activities

  This includes bird watching, bug spotting, exploring, learning, making fun. Free entry. To book visit Ticket Source at Kirklees Libraries
  Date: To be confirmed.

• Kirklees Libraries

  My Big Book of Outdoors Storywalk

  Celebrate the wonder of nature and the pleasure of being outdoors on our summer story trails. Tim Hopgood's My Big Book of Outdoors is the inspiration for our fun family picture trail and bug hunt this summer. Recommended for families with children up to age 8. Free entry. For more information visit Kirklees Libraries
  Dates: Friday 19 August 10:30am at Denby Dale Library. Friday 19 August 2:30pm Bugs and Bugs Story Tails at Shepley Library.

• Kirklees Libraries

  Mick Kirkby-Geddes: Junk Sculptures

  Rather than send old, discarded plastic to landfill, why not create your own junk sculpture from it using wire and tape and the help of local sculptor Mick Kirkby-Geddes. Free entry. To book online visit Ticket Source: Kirklees Libraries
  Dates: Wednesday 17 August 10:30am-12:30pm at Dewsbury Library. Wednesday 17 August 2:30pm-4:30pm at Rawthorpe and Dalton Library. Monday 22 August 10:30am-12:30pm at Heckmondwike Library. Monday 22 August 2:30pm-4:30pm at Kirkheaton Library.

• Kirklees Summer Play Camp (Aged 9-12)

  For over 40 years, thousands of children from all over Kirklees have spent their time off from school camping, playing games, and making friends at one of the longest running summer camps in the UK. Children stay at Woolley Edge Scout Camp, Woolley Edge Lane, Wakefield, WF4 2LS for 4 days and 3 nights, with 6 camps over the course of the school holiday. The children have a magical time at camp living and playing freely in the outdoors with no electronic games or TV. Thanks to our fundraising and generous supporters we have been able to reduce the cost of an assisted place for low-income families to £10 and maintain the cost of a full price place at £61. The cost covers travel, accommodation food and all activities for 3 nights and 4 days. We provide travel to the site by coach from three pick up stations: Dewsbury, Huddersfield, and Woolley Edge M1 Service Station. For more information email camp@kirkleessummerplayschemecamp.com
  Dates: Camp 1: Monday 25-Thursday 28 July. Camp 2: Friday 29 July-Monday 1 August. Camp 3: Wednesday 3-Saturday 6 August. Camp 4: Sunday 7-Wednesday 10 August. Camp 5: Friday 12-Monday 15 August. Camp 6: Tuesday 16-Friday 19 August.

Cafés

• Oakwell Hall

  Ice cream parlour

  The ice-cream we will be selling is from a local family run supplier in Halifax - Tubzee, who uses a local dairy for their milk - Windy Bank Farm in Hightown so all ice cream is farm assured. We will be offering the ice cream for sale in cones and 2 sizes of tubs, once opened we will be looking at doing an ice cream sundae menu which will include some retro specials e.g, banana split & knickerbocker glory. At Oakwell Hall. For more information email oakwell.hall@kirklees.gov.uk
  Dates: Thoroughout Summer.

• Oakwell Hall

  The Countryside Cafe at Oakwell Hall

  We offer a wide variety of hot & cold sandwiches, children's packed lunches, cakes & traybakes and hot & cold drinks. Our ice cream parlour offers various flavours of local ice-cream, the company we use is Tubzee where they get all the milk for the ice-cream from Windy Bank Farm in Liversedge, the ice-cream is currently served in two sizes of tubs or in the traditional waffle cone or wafer cone with a variety of toppings and sauces available.For more information email oakwell.hall@kirklees.gov.uk
  Dates: Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm and Saturday and Sunday 9:30am-4:00pm

• Greenhead Park

  The Park Café at Greenhead Park

  Food and drink to dine-in or takeaway is available at the Conservatory at Greenhead Park, Park Avenue, Huddersfield, HD1 5PU. Prices as per menu. For more information see Greenhead Park
  Opening times: Monday-Friday 10:00am-3:00pm and Saturday and Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm

• Cliffehouse

  Adventure Playground

  Let your young ones loose on our woodland adventure playground with ropes, swings, slides, and a tree house! Free entry. For more information email cliffhouse@kirklees.gov.uk
  Dates: Monday-Friday 25 July - 2 September. Closed Bank Holiday Monday. 10:00am-4:00pm.

• Cliffehouse

  Food Kiosk

  Feeling peckish? Our Food Kiosk will be open daily serving a variety of hot and cold food and drink. For more information email cliffhouse@kirklees.gov.uk
  Dates: 25 July - 2 September, Monday to Friday, closed Bank Holiday Monday. 10:00am-4:00pm

• Kirklees Active Leisure Fitness and Wellbeing

  Swimming, Fitness Suite, Teen Gym, Wellbeing. To book online visit Kirklees Active Leisure
  Dates: Thoroughout Summer, various times, various venues and various prices.