With Gloucestershire children off school for May half term from Monday 29 May to Sunday 4 June 2023, Gloucester BID has revealed a line-up of exciting activities taking place in Gloucester city centre, to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Kick things off with a royally great day out at Gloucester Cathedral's Lights, Camera, Coronation! event that's running across half term week and beyond, with the chance to dress up in period costumes and snap a regal selfie on a historic throne.
For sporty youngsters, GL1 Leisure Centre is bursting with activities including swimming, gymnastics, tennis, Lunar City and soft play.
Meanwhile, for six to 12-year-olds, the Soldier Skills Challenge Trail at Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum tests mind and body, culminating with a child-friendly shooting test! On Monday 29 May, a Redcoat soldier re-enactor will share stories about being in the army, while on Tuesday 30 May, the team will be outside the museum from 11am to 1pm to test youngsters' skills.
It's Mission Support Day on Saturday 27 May at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in Eastgate Shopping Centre. Join in with free activities between 10am to 2pm, learning lifesaving skills in CPR and bleed control as well as asking the crew questions and trying out the colouring competition.
Then get a blast from the past at the Gloucester Civic Trust Jubilee Parade on Saturday 27 May, as Civic Trust members dressed in historic costumes parade through Gloucester, starting at 2pm from St Mary De Crypt.
Plus, LEGO lovers can head down to Gloucester Library between 11am to 12pm for LEGO Club, which now takes place every Saturday.
Gloucester Quays is hosting Britain’s Strongest Master and the Official England’s Strongest Man Qualifier on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May. See the strongest men from across the UK take on epic challenges like the Atlas Stones, Viking Walk and deadlifts in front of a live audience, for a weekend of lively family entertainment.
On Wednesday 31 May, Jonathan's Jungle Roadshow will be at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester for the day, giving visitors the chance to have up-close encounters with some amazing reptiles and amphibians.
Explore The Wild Escape at the Museum of Gloucester on Thursday 1 June, making colourful wings and habitats with wild recycled materials and finding the Wild Isles animals trails.
Later that day, Read With Me sessions are running at Gloucester Cathedral for a special edition of the Not So Secret Book Club. This free event includes crafts that are suitable for all ages, with free books available for everyone, story time and other fun activities.
Then, beetle back to the Museum of Gloucester for the Bug Hunt on Friday 2 June, taking place between 10am to 3pm. Decorate your own magnifying glass at the museum before making your way to Blackfriars Medieval Priory on a walk inspired by nature, followed by some recycled art making.
The eclectic Orchard Street Market is opening on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June, with everything from local cheeses and homebaked cakes to quirky homewares and vintage clothing. Enjoy tasty street food and soak up a buzzing atmosphere for a great family day out down at Gloucester Docks.
Cineworld Gloucester is also showing a range of family-friendly films during half term, including Disney's The Little Mermaid, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Plus, the new Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse film debuts on screens Thursday 1 June 2023.
And with the weather warming up, why not bring the kids’ towels and swimming costumes to enjoy the fountains in Kings Square while relaxing in the sun with family and friends.
Gloucester BID manager, Emily Gibbon, said: 'It’s great to have Gloucester buzzing with activity this May half term holiday. With a whole host family-friendly eateries, you can make a whole fun-filled day out and make wonderful memories in our beautiful city.'
Visit gloucesterbid.uk/event to find out more.
