With another half term fast approaching, and school summer holidays just a hay fever sneeze away, it’s time to plan some activities with the kids which won’t cost a packet. Fortunately, Widnes and Runcorn have loads of great options for free, or reasonably priced, days out – here are a few of our ideas. If you’d like to add to the list, please email events@helomediagroup.co.uk.
Park Life
Our community is blessed with some of the best parks in the region and there’s plenty of nature to explore at this time of year. Take a picnic to Spike Island or Pickerings Pasture in Widnes; or Wigg Island Park or Runcorn Hill Nature Reserve in Runcorn.
Pickerings Pasture has a prestigious Green Flag Award for its acres of wildflower meadows and you won’t find a better place for a scenic stroll. Spike Island is full of hidden gems and perfect for a bike ride if that’s your thing. Wigg Island has gorgeous views across the Mersey Estuary – keep an eye out for the Fly Agaric fairy! Runcorn Hill Park has some stunning green spaces and great views of Runcorn town centre.
Our top picks this summer are Runcorn’s Town Park and Widnes’ Victoria Park pictured below – both have tons of stuff for kids to see and do.
Choo-Choo-Choose This!
Kids love the Halton Miniature Railway which runs for almost a mile around Town Park. It’s staffed entirely by volunteers so if you can throw a couple of quid in the bucket please do. Check their Facebook Page for up-to-date information on when trains are running trains before you visit.
A Splash of Colour
Victoria Park Glasshouses and Butterfly House are usually open from May to September but check their Facebook Page before you visit. Again, it’s run by a dedicated team of volunteers so please make a contribution to their running costs if you can.
Halton Libraries
Halton Libraries run free clubs, events and drop-in sessions for all ages all year round:
- LEGO CLUB 3:30-5:00 Mondays at Ditton Library, Tuesdays at Halton Lea Library and Widnes Library and Thursdays at Runcorn Library.
- RHYME TIME Songs and Stories for pre-school children. 11:00-11:45 on Mondays at Halton Lea Library, Tuesdays at Runcorn Library and Ditton Library, Wednesdays at Widnes Library, Thursdays at Halton Lea Library and Fridays at Widnes Library.
- DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB for ages 13+. Whatever your level experience, you’ll be welcomed. Every Tuesday 4:00-5:30 at Halton Lea Library.
- SCIENCE CLUB for kids aged 5-12. The first Saturday each month, 12:00-12:45 at Halton Lea Library and the third Saturday at Widnes Library.
- BRILLIANT BUILDS lets kids design and create their own inventions with a range of magnetic tiles, K’Nex and other materials. Thursdays 3:00-5:00 at Halton Lea Library, Widnes Library and Ditton Library.
Check out Halton Library Service for more free events.
Norton Priory
Although not strictly speaking free, Norton Priory Museum & Gardens has a pretty nifty offer on this Summer – an adult admission ticket booked online for £11.50 also admits up to three kids (aged up to 16) for free!
There’s tons to explore in 42 acres of woods and meadows, including the ruins of a 12th century Priory and an 18th century walled garden. Visit their website to find out more.
Catalyst Museum
With an annual pass (adults £15.95, children £12.95) you can enjoy entry to Catalyst Science Discovery Centre & Museum for a full year. This includes three interactive galleries and their 4th floor Observatory Gallery.
Events and workshops are run throughout the year on topics as diverse as chocolate and bees, with tickets usually costing £2.75. Visit their website to find out more.
Jellybeans & Velocity
Younger kids will love Jellybeans enormous softplay area which includes an astro slide and super sports ball zone. The venue also boasts a climbing wall, mini ten pin bowling and a huge six lane slot racing track. Tickets start at £10.
Kids with more energy than they know what to do with will enjoy the Velocity Inflatable Park – the biggest indoor inflatable in the UK. Attractions include two extreme drop slides, an assault course and gladiator arena. Tickets from £12.
