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25 FUN Things to Do with the Kids Over the Summer in Derby

Updated: Jul 1

For big kids, little kids and the ones who’ve never grown up. 


Derby summers are PACKED full of fun activities, whether it’s pouring with rain or the sun decides to throw glorious rays around - we’ve got you covered with some top recommendations for the family this summer. 


And all within 30 minutes drive of Hill Farm Caravan and Camping (in fact most of these fun-packed places are within 15 minutes of us).


We’ve selected 3 of our favourite things to do in Derby (giving you a deep dive). AND THEN written up a MASSIVE directory (or parent life-line) of family fun activities happening in Derby over summer. 


If you like having everything in one place on our web-linked directory, then let me (Tara) know or drop us a comment and we will create the same “Summer Directory: Fun Family Days Out near Hill Farm” again next year.


Jump straight to our “what’s on” in 2024 parental life-line here.


3 Places to Go with (FUN Things to Do) Throughout the Summer in Derby



The Moorways Water Park had a total revamp a year ago. It now has an impressive wave pool, sensory pool, inflatables (at certain times) flumes and more. 

The changing rooms are modern, regular cubicles - that a family can squeeze in if needed. There are generous family changing areas and the hair dryers are FREE… what more could you want?!


✨REMEMBER ✨

Make sure you buy your tickets in advance, they are only available to purchase online.


Atlantis inflatables - always a hit with the kids - come out on Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm in school holidays.


Time needed: 90 minutes swim time + change time

Rough Cost: £9.45-£15.00pp (over 5 years, for full water park)

Parking: 3 hours free at the water park, make sure you input your car registration at reception!!

Essentials to bring: £1, or a token for the lockers & YOUR TICKETS (only bookable online) Plus the usual… swimsuits, goggles, towels etc

Postcode: DE24 9HY


Active Derby Website Home page bright pinks and reds



Only 15 minutes away, Charnwood Forest Alpaca Farm is a great place to visit with the family. And there is LOADS to do. I hadn’t heard about it until some guests went a few weeks ago and came back raving. 


It’s now firmly on our family-friendly recommendations list. 


Not only can you walk, spend time with and learn about alpacas, there are horses, donkeys, pigs and teeny pony rides too. 


Alpaca walks are £35pp, but kids 0-9 go free with a paying adult. 


Or, just enjoy being at the farm, petting and feeding the animals for a few hours, £3 per child, £5 per adult. Under 2s are free. 


The Chilli Bean Cafe is on site, I’m told on good authority that it’s really nice.


And if you love cute alpaca faces as much as I do, then a date night for two in a field full of friendly alpaca might just be for you! (18+)



Time needed: Minimum 90 minutes, to have an up-close alpaca encounter. 2 hours for ‘Pukkapacas and Friends’. But we’d say set aside at least half a day to enjoy the farm and stop by at the cafe.

Opening hours: Thursday - Sunday 9am - 4pm

Rough Cost: Between £3 - £35pp

Parking: FREE

Essentials to bring: Adventure clothes! (Things you don’t mind getting grubby)

Postcode: DE11 7BA



Alpaca cartoon illustrations on Charnwoods homepage



I have to confess, I haven’t been to the National Forest Adventure Farm. It wasn’t around when my kids were little!


I wish it was.


Open weekends and school holidays, the National Forest Adventure Farm has to be one of the best places to explore with the kids in Derbyshire, even if the weather looks a bit peaky.


It’s got both indoor and outdoor activities, animal barns, tractor rides, adventure play areas, giant splash pools in the summer and special events. With so much going on, I’d recommend visiting their website for the latest info. 


Time needed: A day. 10am - 5pm

Rough Cost: From £9.99pp, under 2s free, +£2.50 booking fee at the checkout

Parking: FREE

Essentials to bring: Adventure clothes! (Things you don’t mind getting grubby) and your bank card or phone to pay. The whole site is cashless!

Postcode: DE13 9SJ



Wild adventure farm with outdoor play area and blue sky (homepage)


How excited are you for your Hill Farm Camping trip now!? The National Adventure Park, water park and Charnwood Forest Alpacas are things NOT to miss this summer…

However, this next “things to do” list is full of pop-ups and one-offs. 


It’s amazing how much goes on around us, I should research before every summer - I’m loving finding it all out.


My bucket list is full. I wonder what will be on yours? 


Hill Farm’s Summer Fun Directory


The best one-off events and pop-ups to visit in Derby:


13th - 14th July - Melbourne Fete & Carnival

29 July 2024 –28 August 2024 - FREE Childrens Art in the Park

August 30th - Sept 1st - Chatsworth Country Fair


Some of these events are free and some quite expensive, all are within 15-20 minutes of Hill Farm Caravan, Camping and Glamping site. 


We hope it’s a helpful list, we’ve tried to give you a full range of budgets and experiences, fingers and toes crossed that you find something to do that suits you and your family to a T! 


If you’d like only FREE days out, we’ve written a blog about it here and also some local walks with pubs, which make for a fun (free except for food) family day out.


If you’ve been to stay at Hill Farm before, you’ll know that we love to keep plenty of play space for games and fun - wild and free kids enjoying camping is exactly what we love to see. 


That’s all from me this month. If you have any questions about our campsite & glampsite, drop me a phone call or an email. 


For more info on these events - follow the links!


Tara x




 

Still good for time? Dive into our most popular blogs:



 

Meet the Hill Farm Team 


Tara runs the day-to-day at Hill Farm Caravan and Camping. When you make a booking, you will find Tara at the end of the phone. 

Daisy and Lisa keep everything spotlessly clean, trust us, you won’t be disappointed!


Ollie Cotton and his family have owned Hill Farm Caravan and Camping for generations. We love nothing more than providing high-quality and affordable escapes for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous families, gig-lovers, rallies & get togethers. 


2024 Improvements & Changes: 


✨ Gazebos make our pods and belle tents gorgeous all-weather havens; hot tubs are tucked under them too!


✨ Two new belle tents now open


✨ Closed last season, the pond field is back open. Five seasonal belle tents will tuck around its banks. It's the perfect place for a family and friends retreat! Call or email to request the pond.





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