As the school holidays approach, families are on the lookout for engaging and entertaining activities to keep children active and stimulated. Whether you’re looking for indoor adventures to escape the unpredictable British weather or outdoor escapades to make the most of sunny days, Calderdale offers a lots of options. Here’s a guide to some of the indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy during the school holidays.

Indoor Activities

• Eureka! The National Children’s Museum enjoy 6 Weeks of Summer Fun including 44 days of performer workshops and lots of fun!
• Clip and Climb For an exhilarating indoor adventure, Clip ‘n Climb in Halifax is a fantastic option. This indoor climbing centre features a variety of climbing walls designed for all ages and abilities. The colourful, themed walls offer a fun and safe way for children to challenge themselves and build confidence. It’s an ideal spot for energetic kids to get active, especially on a rainy day.
• Shibden Hall and Shibden Park For a bit of history and intrigue, Shibden Hall, famously associated with Anne Lister, where you can delve into the life and times of the Lister family. The museum’s exhibitions provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, perfect for curious minds. Shibden Park has lots to offer with a Children Play Area, Boating Lake, Land Train, Miniature Railway, a fabulous Café.
• Bankfield Museum A Museum since 1887, Bankfield tells the story of Halifax and Calderdale, using its rich and diverse collections. Visit the Toy Exhibition, a celebration of all things fun in this family friendly exhibition showcasing a wide range of Museum Collections including teddy bears, trains, board games and rocking horses. This exhibition will be filled with nostalgia and have something for all ages to enjoy.
• Calderdale Industrial Museum Open every Saturday and most Thursdays in the school holidays, the museum houses a special collection representing the wide variety of industries that developed in Calderdale in the last 250 years. The working exhibits can’t fail to evoke the spirit of the Industrial Revolution. Suitable for all, both young and old!

Outdoor Activities

• Hardcastle Crags Managed by the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags is a beautiful woodland valley near Hebden Bridge. With miles of walking trails, streams, and the historic Gibson Mill, it’s a great spot for family hikes, picnics, and nature exploration.
• Ogden Water Country Park Just north of Halifax, Ogden Water Country Park offers scenic trails around a large reservoir. It’s ideal for walking, bird watching, and enjoying the tranquillity of nature. The visitor centre offers maps, information, and refreshments.
• Calder Holmes Park Located in the heart of Hebden Bridge, Calder Holmes Park is perfect for a family day out. With a large playground, skate park, and ample green space for picnics and games, it’s a lively spot for children to run and play.
• Another World Adventure Park There’s lots to keep kids occupied and tire them out with activities including grass sledging, dirt scooters, slingshot paintball, target and woodland archery, bumper balls, go-kart building and racing , rifle and pistol shooting and a toboggan track!
• Gorpley Clough Local Nature Reserve A Local Nature Reserve and Geological Trail with a car park, interpretation panels, seats . This is a lovely steep sided wooded valley with series of waterfalls along a tumbling upland stream, a natural gem tucked away. There is a reservoir with a dam at the top on open moorland . A great spot for nature watching and taking photos ,or having a picnic
• West Yorkshire Alpacas and Apple Tree Farm Alpaca Walks Discover the joy of spending time with these delightful animals in the lovely scenery of Calderdale.

Combining Indoor and Outdoor Fun

• Jungle Experience and Manor Heath Park Discover a tropical greenhouse filled with a wide range of plants from all over the world, and ponds containing fish and terrapin’s then head to Manor Heath Park for an afternoon of outdoor play. The park features a walled garden, and a children’s play area and cafe.

Don’t forget you can to pick up a Visit Calderdale passport booklet and start collecting your free ink stamps at 15 cultural and natural attractions across the Borough!