School’s out and the summer fun is on! We’ve rounded up loads of exciting activities happening across the Stroud district – from craft workshops and reading challenges to roller skating, storytelling, and more. Whether you’re looking for free days out or low-cost adventures, there’s something for every family to enjoy:
The Museum in the Park
Stroud District Council’s Museum in the Park is offering a packed programme of creative, educational and family-friendly events this summer, with something for all ages to enjoy. From hands-on workshops and relaxed sessions to outdoor theatre and community exhibitions, the museum is the perfect place to explore, imagine and play. Or simply explore the museum’s 4,000 objects, walled garden, café and gift shop, with many items at pocket money prices.
Museum Explorers Family Trails Available daily during museum opening hours. Free (donations welcome). Pick up a themed trail from reception and explore the museum together. From Amazing Animals to Woolly Wonders, there’s always something new to discover.
Grow a Collaged Garden! Wednesday, July 23, 11am – 3pm. Free (suggested £1 donation per child). Join artist Jenny Bowers to create a giant garden-inspired collage using colours and patterns from the museum’s borders. For ages 3+.
Community Exhibition: Local Memories of WW2 Ongoing during museum opening hours. Free (donations welcome). Marking 80 years since the end of WWII, this exhibition shares local stories and memories from the Stroud District. Created with local history groups.
Amazing Archaeology – Family Drop-in Tuesday, July 29, 11am – 1pm £1 per child. Dig, discover and create with archaeology-themed activities including a mini dig, Roman mosaics, and Anglo-Saxon brooch making. For ages 5+.
Amazing Archaeology – Relaxed Session Tuesday, July 29, 2– 3pm £1 per child (pre-booking required). A quieter version of the morning session for families with neurodivergent children or additional access needs. Limited to 10 children. Call 01453 763394 to book.
Our Fantastic Future! Wednesday, July 30, 11am – 3pm £1 per child (suggested donation). Join illustrator Martha Lightfoot to imagine and draw a bright future for yourself and your community. For all ages, especially 5+.
Cutting & Sticking! Thursday, July 31 & Thursday, August 7, 11am – 3pm. Free. Get creative with colourful papers and make a collage or card to take home. Ideal for ages 5+.
As You Like It – Outdoor Theatre Show Friday, August 1, 7– 9:30 pm. £16 / £15 concessions & children (5–17), under 5s free. The Festival Players present Shakespeare’s romantic comedy in the Walled Garden. Gates open at 6:00 PM for picnics. Bring warm layers and low-backed chairs. Advance booking recommended.
Gorgeous Gemstones – Family Drop-in Tuesday, August 5, 11am – 1pm. £1 per child. Pan for ‘gold’, explore real gems, and make gemstone-themed crafts. For families with children aged 5+.
Gorgeous Gemstones – Relaxed Session Tuesday, August 5, 2 – 3pm. £1 per child (pre-booking required). A quieter session for families with neurodivergent children or additional access needs. Limited to 10 children. Call 01453 763394 to book.
Wild World – Art Workshop for 7–13s Friday, August 8, 10:30 am – 1pm. Booking required. Create a 3D nature scene with artist Alison Cockcroft using paper cut-outs and animal characters. Max 12 places. Children may attend unaccompanied. Book online or call 01453 763394.
Cinderella – Outdoor Theatre Show Saturday, August 9, 11:30 am – 1pm. £13 / £11 / Family ticket £44. IKP Productions brings the classic fairy tale to life in the Walled Garden. Bring picnic chairs and weather-appropriate clothing. Refreshments available. Book online.
Terrific Transport – Family Drop-in Tuesday, August 12, 11am – 1pm. £1 per child. Explore transport through creative play, from paper boats to balloon-powered science. For ages 5+.
Terrific Transport – Relaxed Session Tuesday, August 12, 2–pm. £1 per child (pre-booking required). A quieter session for families with additional access needs. Includes a vinegar-based science activity. Limited to 10 children. Call 01453 763394 to book.
My Fantasy Future Home – Art Workshop for 7–13s Friday, August 15, 10:30 am – 1pm. Booking required. Design a glowing shadow box illustration of your dream home with artist Alison Cockcroft. Max 12 places. Book online or call 01453 763394.
Delightful Dinos – Family Drop-in Tuesday, August 19, 11am – 1pm. £1 per child. Dig for fossils, make a hatching dinosaur toy, and explore prehistoric creatures. For families with children aged 5+.
Treasure Island – Outdoor Theatre Show Saturday, August 23, 6 – 8:30 pm. Tickets via Everyman Theatre Cheltenham or on the door. Jenny Wren Productions presents a swashbuckling adventure full of sea shanties, mutiny and buried treasure. Performed in the Walled Garden. Grounds open at 5:00 PM for picnics.
Amazing Animals – Family Drop-in Tuesday, August 26, 11am– 1:00 pm. £1 per child. Wash muddy farm animals, build bugs, and make a hedgehog or suncatcher to take home. Includes animal-themed trails. For ages 5+.
Buzz Club in the Walled Garden Sunday, August 31, 11am – 1:30 pm. Free (donations welcome). Discover what’s blooming and buzzing in the Walled Garden. Learn about bees, butterflies and how to become a Bee Guardian. Drop in anytime.
For more information or to book, visit the Museum in the Park website or call 01453 763394.
Stratford Park There’s plenty of outdoor space at the 56-acre award-winning SDC-owned Stratford Park including two newly refurbished play area, acres of grassy lawn, a small skate park, a lake, woodland, sensory garden, six top class tennis courts, a 5k parkrun on Saturdays, bands playing in the bandstand on Sundays and a miniature railway which runs on the last Sunday of the month.
If you feed the resident ducks, please don’t bring bread which isn’t healthy for either the birds or the water quality; try bird seed, oats, peas, lettuce or sweetcorn as healthy alternatives.
There’s a large free car park and you’ll find the Museum in the Park, Active Lifestyles Stroud leisure centre and the Stratford Park Lido there too.
