December school holidays 2017 Playschemes and Activities list 21 December 2017 – 3 January 2018 Listed here are ongoing exhibitions, daily activities and playschemes. For more information please contact the organisers directly.
Skip straight to: Exhibitions and Attractions Playschemes – full or part day care options Daily Activities Nurseries
Exhibitions & Attractions
Event Name Visit Father Christmas at Luton Mall Details Visit Father Christmas in the magical Pixie Hollow in Central Square, the place where fairies meet after dark.
£4.50 per child for a visit & a gift. Photo packages available. Plus there’ll be free Christmas facepainting for those queuing on Saturdays in December.
Open every day from Sat 25th November until Christmas Eve – full opening hours below. Location Central Square in The Mall Luton Dates Every day up to 24 December Times During Mall opening hours Fees £4.50 per child Website https://www.themall.co.uk/luton/whats-on/2017/christmas-at-the-mall/
Event Name Free Festive Family fun weekends in December Details Just turn up and join in, except for the Christmas Door Wreath workshop, which is pre-bookable at our Ask Me Point.
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd December, 11am – 4pm: Christmas Door Wreath workshop Design and make your own stunning festive door wreath to take home. Places are limited for this one, book in advance at the Ask Me Point.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th December, 11am – 4pm: Christmas Cupcakes workshop Challenge each other to create the craziest, coolest Christmas cupcake to take home. One for all the family to join in.
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th December, 11am – 4pm: Men & Kids Zone Calling all Dad’s…. bring the kids down and spend some time together making Christmas inspired items from LEGO bricks to take home.
Saturday 23rd & Christmas Eve, 11am – 4pm: Gingerbread workshop Decorate your own gingerbread and take it home with you (unless you eat it straight away!). Fun activity for children and their grown-ups to get stuck into 1 together. Location Central Square in The Mall Luton Website https://www.themall.co.uk/luton/whats-on/2017/christmas-at-the-mall/
Event Name Santa’s Grotto at Stockwood Discovery Centre Details Visit Santa in his magical Christmas Grotto among the collection of festive Christmas carriages. Santa has presents suitable from newborns upwards.
Please request the present for your child's age on the day at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Please note that our Babes in Arms policy does not apply to this event and tickets must be purchased for all children seeing Santa.
Age guidance: 0 years + Booking: call 01582 878 100 or book online through the website Location Stockwood Park Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton, LU1 4LX Dates Thursday 21st December – Saturday 23rd December Times Choose one of the available time slots for your visit to Santa's Grotto. 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm and 3pm Please note that these are 30 minute sessions and you will see Santa within this slot. There may be a small wait during busy periods.
Fees £5 per child (accompanying adults free) Website http://www.lutonculture.com/stockwood-discovery-centre
Event Name Festive Activities at Stockwood Discovery Centre Details Get creative with festive activities in our gallery: decorate a gingerbread man, write a letter to Santa and enjoy festive colouring-in. You can also have a bubble-tastic boogie at the Christmas Bubble Disco and then sit back and relax at the Sparkles café.
Customers buy one wristband per child and this includes all activities on this day.
Santa's Grotto at Stockwood Discovery Centre is an additional ticket. However, entrance to Stockwood Discovery Centre is free. Location Stockwood Park Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton, LU1 4LX Dates Thursday 21st December – Saturday 23rd December Times The Centre is open from 10am - 4pm in the Winter months. Fees £5 per child (accompanying adults free) Website http://www.lutonculture.com/stockwood-discovery-centre
Event Name Wardown House at Christmas Details Experience a magical Christmas of past, present and future at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery.
As part of the yuletide festivities the House is being decorated in Christmas splendor! See three uniquely decorated trees inspired by Dickens' tales of past,
2 present and future as part of the museum’s delightful Christmas decorations!
Location Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Old Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7HA Dates From: Saturday 2 December 2017 To: Saturday 30 December 2017 Times Open daily from 10am to 4pm Fees Free: booking not required Website http://www.lutonculture.com/wardown-house
Event Name Christmas Hide and Squeak trail Details Come and see if you can spot some tiny whiskers and tails decked out in festive finery, in our Christmas Mouse Trail.
Pick up a free leaflet when visiting the museum. Location Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Old Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7HA Dates From: Saturday 2 December 2017 To: Saturday 30 December 2017 Times Open daily from 10am to 4pm Fees Free: booking not required Website http://www.lutonculture.com/wardown-house
Event Name The Owl and the Pussycat Details Full House Theatre in partnership with Luton Culture presents a jumbled journey of discovery. A Christmas treat for everyone.
Join Owly-cat and fellow family members, Jumblie and Quangle Wangle Quee, in a story inspired by the nonsense world of Edward Lear. The spongetaneous trio travel to the dolomphious land where the bong tree grows, learning all about the creatures who live there and their curious habits. Will this meloobious family return together, will they always be a three?
Age guidance: 4+ Running time: 1 hour (no interval) Location Luton Library Theatre, St George’s Square, Luton, LU1 2NG Dates and Friday 22nd December, 2017 14:30 - 15:30 This is a relaxed performance Times Friday 22nd December, 2017 18:30 - 19:30 Saturday 23rd December, 2017 14:30 - 15:30 Saturday 23rd December, 2017 18:30 - 19:30 Sunday 24th December, 2017 11:30 - 12:30 Sunday 24th December, 2017 14:30 - 15:30 Fees £10.50 £9 Over 60s £12 (All tickets on Sun 24 Dec) Group bookings 10+ Buy 10 save 10%. To place a group booking please contact the Box Office.
Booking: 01582 878100 or online through website 3 Website http://www.lutonculture.com/wardown-house
Attraction Futures Fun Factory Details The ideal place for children to have fun in a safe and exciting environment. Our soft play centre is packed with creative play equipment with dedicated areas for teens, toddlers and babies. Can also be booked for parties. Address Futures House, The Moakes, Luton, LU3 3QB Tel no 01582 492166 Ages Up to 16 years Opening times Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm, Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm Please see website for session times and prices. Website http://www.futuresfunfactory.co.uk
Event Name Kidd 'n' Play Details The newest indoor soft play centre in Luton, designed to make every visit memorable and full of fun. Learning and developing through play. Enjoy Kidd Café where you can relax while the children play. Let them burn off that excess energy, climb on our exciting three tier frame, slide down our three lane slide or run free through tubes & more. For the under 5’s there’s ball juggler, climbing, slides and more. Babies are catered for too with our stimulating, sensory zone, learning and exploring all in one. Location First Floor, The Galaxy Centre, Bridge Street, Luton, LU1 2NB Dates and Monday to Friday : 10:00am to 6:30pm times Saturday: 9:30am to 7:30pm Sunday: 10:00am to 6:30pm Fees During school holidays and weekends Under 1yrs Free entry Under 5yrs £5.00 5yrs Over £6.00 Adults £1.50 (£3 When accompanied only by a child under 1yrs) Website www.kiddnplay.co.uk
Event Name Jumparena Details Double your excitement, the bouncy trampolines are here to give you a thrill ride. Our wide range of activities is way too special to be missed. With over 50 interconnected trampolines, you will just be seen bouncing off the walls. Sounds crazy! Our indoor parks boast of dodgeball courts, free jumping foam pits, basketball hoops and much more. Location Ground Floor, The Galaxy Centre, Bridge Street, Luton, LU1 2NB Dates and Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 8pm times Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm Fees Toddler jump - for children 2years to 5 years old. 1 hour jump session, children must be accompanied by a parent (One parent go free) £5 per person plus Jumparena grip socks £2.50 per pair Open jump - for those over 5 years old. 1 hour jump session £11 per person plus Jumparena grip socks £2.5 per pair Website http://www.jumparena.co.uk/ Booking Book online or email us [email protected]
Attraction MFA Bowl Details Bowling and arcade fun for all the family! See website for booking and prices. Address The Galaxy Centre, Bridge Street, Luton, LU1 2NB 4 Opening times Open daily 10.00 am to late Website http://mfabowl.com/luton
Attraction Cineworld Details 11 screen cinema, including cheap nights on Tuesday, autism friendly screenings and a weekend kids club. Address The Galaxy Centre, Bridge Street, Luton, LU1 2NB Opening Times 11.00 am to late every day Website http://www.cineworld.co.uk/
Attraction Tokko Youth Centre Address 7 Gordon Street, Luton, LU1 2QP Details Various trips, projects, activities, drop-in’s and more for young people aged 13 – 19 years. Daily activities Lots of daily activities – please see website for more information Ages 13-19 years, up to 25 years with a disability Fees Tokko Membership is £15 per person – fees may apply for certain trips or activities. Booking 01582 544990 or [email protected] Website http://tokko.co.uk/whats-on
Attraction Whipsnade Zoo Details Lots of animals to see, talks and experiences, places to eat and much more. A great day out for all the family. Including this holiday: Meet Santa – 9 December to 24 December 2017 This Christmas Santa and his elves will be setting up shop at Whipsnade in his brand new Christmas grotto. Kids can take part in fun, festive arts and crafts with Mrs Claus and, of course, meet Santa himself. Every child, will receive an early Christmas gift as well as have the opportunity to pose for a yuletide photograph with Santa. Tickets available online– check website for dates and prices
Dates Open every day of the year except Christmas Day Times 10.00am to 6.00pm (last entry 5pm) Fees See website for fees and further details Website http://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo
Attraction Woodside Farm & Leisure Park Details Petting zoo, indoor soft play, café, farm and gift shop, birthday parties, adopt an animal and much more! Animal Encounters: Specially organised 'Animal Encounters' are run daily throughout the year. During these our staff host interesting talks and demonstrations with a range of our animals. ‘Cheeky Monkeys’ Play Barn: Indoor heated play area with lots to explore. With a relaxing cafe with hot and cold food for Mum and Dad to relax. Dates Open Daily 9.00am to 5pm Fees Adults & Children £7, under 2’s free Disabled £6 Carer £6 Website https://www.woodsidefarm.co.uk/
Attraction Mead Open Farm Details Christmas Kingdom – 1 December to 24 December 2017
5 Activities include: Visit the Christmas Village, Meet Santa Santa’s toy workshop Elf Academy 3D film Make reindeer food
Autism Friendly Sessions
New for 2017, special sessions especially for those on the autistic spectrum and their families. Children will be offered a social story showing the schedule for their visit and special adjustments will be made to your visit including:
More space and less people Quiet Music and a more relaxed atmosphere Lights turned up and strobe lighting turned off More time to move around
Booking is essential for these sessions which will run on the following dates:
Tuesday 5th of December 11am-11.30am Wednesday 6th of December 11am-11.30am Sunday 10th of December 4.30pm-5.30pm Tuesday 12th of December 11am-11.30am Wednesday 13th of December 11am-11.30am Dates 10am until 6.00pm with last entry to the Farm being at 5.00pm School holiday Adults £12.95, Children 2-16 £11.95, under 2’s free, OAP £12.75 fees Save £1 on each ticket by booking online Some activities have an additional fee. Website: http://www.meadopenfarm.co.uk
Attraction Dunstable Downs Details National Trust site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the quality of the chalk grasslands. Miles of footpaths and circular walks. The wind-swept ridge provides ideal conditions for a variety of air sports, especially kite flying. On calmer days it's the ideal site to enjoy the view and a picnic. Winter Solstice Evening Thursday 21 December 6pm to 8pm Warm up with winter refreshments in the courtyard then start a winter evening walk to Chute Wood to watch the ancient mummers play of the battle between the Oak and Holly Kings and enter into the festive spirit. Meet at the Chiltern Gateway Centre Booking essential: call 0344 200 1895 Age: 6 years + £5 per person
Boxing Day ‘Burn off Christmas’ walk Tuesday 26 December 11am to 1pm Need an excuse to get outdoors and get rid of that bloated feeling?
6 Then join us for a breath of fresh air on this approximately 2 hour walk led by one of our Rangers Booking essential: call 0344 200 1895 Age: Children welcome (pushchairs will not be able to be used) £5 per person Address Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, LU6 2GY Tel No. 01582 500920 Times Chiltern Gateway Centre open 10.00am to 5.00pm daily Fee Free admission – fees may apply for some activities please check the website Contact [email protected] Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs-and-the-whipsnade-estate
Attraction Grove Theatre Details For details of what’s on please visit their website Address Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP Tel No. Box Office 01582 60 20 80 (opt 7) Website http://www.grovetheatre.co.uk/
Attraction Leighton Buzzard Theatre Details Showing performances and films for children during the school holidays: Santa;s Little Helper, Murder on the Orient Express, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Lego Ninjago, My Little Pony, Please check website for dates, times, fees and certificate information Location Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1RX Booking Box Office 0300 300 8125 [email protected] Website Leighton Buzzard Theatre
Attraction Woburn Safari Park Details Woburn Safari Park is an action packed day for all the family. From the Road Safari where you can go round as many times as you like to the Foot Safari where you can mingle with the animals, and grab lunch before watching the keeper demonstrations. Please note: you can only enter Woburn Safari Park in your own vehicle, you cannot enter the park if you are on foot. The Mammoth Play Ark, a huge indoor soft play centre for juniors is a treat for kids to blow off steam and is one of the largest in Bedfordshire! Parents can enjoy the Restaurant, while the little ones monkey around on rope bridges, climbing frames, slides and in the ball pools.
Join us this Christmas at Woburn Safari Park for some festive Christmas Elf Crafts in the Mammoth Play Ark. Get into the festive spirit and join our Christmas elves at the Park for some crafting fun! Head to the Party Caves in the Mammoth Play Ark on the day of your visit and enjoy card making, tree decorating and 'designing your own cookie'! Children (aged 3-15) can also take part in fantastic Christmas games with Woburn's very own elves, including musical statues - the festive edition! Book your tickets in Junglies Gift Shop on the day of your visit for just £6.99 per child (adult accompanyment required). Sunday 17th December Friday 22nd December Saturday 23rd December Opening Winter 2017-2018 Dates / Times - From 6th November 2017 to 7th February 2018, the park is ONLY OPEN Thursday, 7 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 3pm, closing at 4pm. - Open DAILY for Christmas holidays from 21st to 23rd December, and 27th December to 7th January 2018 (closed 24th to 26th December)
Fees Adult £22.99, Child £15.99, Senior Citizens £19.99 Buy tickets online and take advantage of savings on group or individual tickets. Website: http://www.woburn.co.uk/safari/
Attraction Go Ape at Woburn Safari Park Details Days out at Go Ape are about living life more adventurously, having fun on our high ropes with friends and family and getting in touch with your inner Tarzan (he’s in there, we promise). Go Ape offers two to three hours of fun and adventure. It’s a great way to get outdoors and try something a little bit unique. Our high ropes adventure experience takes one lush, green forest and a healthy dollop of breathtaking scenery. Then we add a smattering of tree top high wire, tricky crossings (using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and unforgettable zip wires. Restrictions: Maximum weight 20½ stone (130 KG) Minimum height 1.4 metres (4ft 7”) Opening Dates Open all dates of Summer holidays including the bank holiday Times 10.30 am to 2.30 pm (last entry) Ages Over 10 years and over 1.4m tall Fees 10-15 years £25.00 16+ £33.00 Website: https://goape.co.uk/days-out/woburn-safari-park
Attraction Wrest Park Details This is a wonderful 90-acre historic landscape and French-style mansion which will take its rightful place amongst the country's great garden attractions - and give locals and visitors to Bedfordshire a superb new day out. Offer daily activities for children and families – see website for further information: Address Silsoe, Luton, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR Days / Times Weekends - 11.00 am to 5.00 pm Tickets Available on the day Fees English Heritage Members Free Adult £10.40, 5-15 years £6.20, Concession £9.40, Family £27 Website: Wrest Park
Children’s Centre activities
Luton’s children’s centres are running many activities for families with children under five and their older siblings. Find your local centre https://www.flyingstartluton.com/childrenscentres/ and view their activity programme or website at the bottom of their directory record.
Active Luton Golf lessons As a beginner, lessons from our PGA professional are a great way to get started at golf by learning good habits from the outset. Experienced golfers can also benefit from lessons to refine technique and gain those valuable shots.
To enquire about golf lessons contact: 01582 413704 or email [email protected] Please visit website to view prices http://www.activeluton.co.uk/golf-lessons
8 Footgolf – an exciting fusion of football and golf, a great activity for all the family to enjoy. There’s no need to book – just turn up. You can bring your own ball (size 5 football) or hire one of ours from £1. For information call our Pro shop team on 01582 413704. http://www.activeluton.co.uk/foot-golf
Learn to Swim Swimming doesn’t cost a lot and can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s also a fun way for children of all ages to play together, get some exercise and develop a valuable life skill. http://www.activeluton.co.uk/hydra-learn-to-swim/hydra-learn-children
Daily Activities - No activities available
Playschemes – full day options
Attraction Daily Sports Camp Details All children receive a certificate of attendance. Please bring plenty of drinks and a packed lunch for all day camps. Alternatively Venue 30 can arrange a pack lunch consisting of a white bread sandwich (cheese, chicken or ham), packet of crisps, banana, fruit shoot and vanilla ice cream for £3.95 per day.
Please ensure your child wears comfortable clothes and trainers. Waterproof coats for outdoor camps and sun hat / sun lotion. All staff are DBS checked and first aid trained Address Venue 360, 20 Gipsy Lane, Luton, LU1 3JH Telephone 01582 418873 Dates Monday 24th July to Friday 1st September Xtra Time Venue 360 also offer ‘Xtra Time’ sessions before and after the daily camps. (XT) Available on all day camps, pre booking essential. (Prices listed as members / non members. You can join the Kids Club for £5 and receive membership prices. AM session: £4.50 / £5.40 (8:30am – 10am) PM session :£6.50 / £7.80 (3pm – 5:30pm) Both sessions - £8 / £9.60 Ages 4 to 14 years Booking To book please call above telephone number Website http://www.venue360.co.uk/sports-centre/kids/holiday-activities/ Or view terms and conditions here Camp Dates Fees 21 and 22 December 2017 Daily £16 / £19 Sportsmania age: 6 – 14 yrs 2 and 3 January 2018 Two days £27 / £32.40 (Xtra Time available) 10am to 3pm Four days £44 / £52.80 Learn to Ride Age: 4 to 9 yrs Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd Please provide own bike and January 2018 Session: £10.60 / £12.70 safety equipment 10am to 12 noon
Playschemes – part day options None available for this holiday
Nurseries These nurseries are open during some school holidays (please contact them to check for Christmas opening hours) and will look after additional children just for the holiday period. Please contact the settings directly for details of costs and to make a booking.
9 Setting name Acorn Day Nursery Address 2 Roman Road, Luton, LU3 2QT Telephone 01582 574390 Age range 5 to 12 years Days / hours open Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Setting name Bizzie Bees Nursery Address 244 Sundon Park Road, Luton, LU3 3AL Telephone 01582 583 790 Age range 0 to 8 years Days / hours open Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Setting name Bright Stars Address 241 Selbourne Road, Luton, LU4 8NP Telephone 01582 592829 Age range 2-8 years Days / hours open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Setting name Butterflies Nursery Address Redgrave Children and Young People Centre, Redgrave Gardens, Luton, LU3 3QN Telephone 01582 556 683 Age range 0 to 5 years Days / hours open Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Setting name Chapel Street Nursery School Address Russell Street, Luton, LU1 5EA Telephone 01582 413552 Age range 0-7 years Days / hours open Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Setting name The Mall Nursery and Crèche Address Unit 35, The Mall, Luton, LU1 2TW Telephone 01582 458545 Age range 2-7 years Days / hours open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm. Closed on bank holidays
Setting name Grasmere Nursery, Tadpoles Baby & Toddler Unit Address Icknield Way, Luton, LU3 2BT Telephone 01582 593426 Age range 3 months to 4 years Days / hours open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Setting name Greenside Community Nursery Address Culverhouse Road, Luton, LU3 1PZ Telephone 01582 594632 Age range 4 to 8 years Days / hours open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Setting name Leo Cubs Community Nursery Address 213a-217a Dunstable Road, Luton, LU4 8BN 10 Telephone number 01582 453 643 Age range 0-8 years Days / hours open Monday to Sunday, 7am to 7pm
Setting name Teeny Days Address 360 Selbourne Road, Luton, LU4 8NU Telephone 01582 584 900 Age range 2 to 5 years Days / hours open Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Setting name Training Depot Day Nursery Address 2&4 Brook Street, Luton, LU3 1DS Telephone 01582 730510 Age range 1 to 8 years Days / hours open Open Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm, closed bank holidays
Setting name Whipperley Nursery Address Whipperley Infant School, Whipperley Ring, Luton, LU1 5QY Telephone 01582 488392 Age range 0-8 years Days / hours open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed on Bank Holidays. Note: open to children from the south area of Luton.
Setting name Wonderland Day Care Nursery Address 6 Strathmore Walk, Luton, LU1 3PD Telephone 01585 458555 Age range 2-5 years Days / hours open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
This list is up to date as of the 28 November 2017 – The list will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
Please note activities and opening times may be subject to change.
Disclaimer
Luton Borough Council does not check activity providers and some of these activities are not organised by Luton Borough Council. Activity providers are responsible for all insurances. If requested to sign a waiver or indemnity, please use your own judgement to assess its content before signing. If you are under 18, ask your parent/guardian before taking part in any activity.
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