What’s on in Somerset this summer 2026: guide for families
Wondering what’s on in Somerset this summer 2026 to entertain the kiddies? Exciting events, festivals, family fun and summer activities for kids are taking place across the county. If you’re looking for ways to entertain youngsters during the summer holidays, I’ve put together a list of family-friendly days out in Somerset, to keep all ages happy.
This family guide on summer holidays activities in Somerset is being updated as and when attractions and local businesses make their announcements. If you’ve got an event I haven’t listed, let me know, and I’ll add it to the list. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This post on Somerset summer holiday days out contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission to help keep this blog going.
Free things to do this summer in Somerset
Museum of Somerset, Taunton
Dates: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm throughout summer | Price: FREE | Location: Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AA
Set inside Taunton’s Norman castle, the Museum of Somerset is one of the best free days out in the county. See Somerset’s prehistoric past right through to the present day, with lots to keep curious kids occupied.
Activities run throughout the summer holiday weeks check their website to see what’s on.
Summer holidays events in Somerset
Summer Fun on the Farm 2026: Somerset Rural Life Museum
Set beneath the watchful gaze of Glastonbury Tor, Somerset Rural Life Museum occupies a postcard-perfect spot and is with summer holiday activities for all ages.
Tuesdays: Play Day (21 July) Museum Mouse Trail & Crafts (28 July, 4 & 11 Aug)
Wednesdays: Play Day (22 July), Donkey Day: Crafts and rides for £2.50 (29 July), Teddy Bear’s Picnic: In the orchard (5 Aug), Exhibition Fun: Ways With Wood crafts (12 Aug)
Thursdays: Farmyard Fun: Meet Second Chance Petting Farm animals (23 July & 4 Aug), Tractor Day: See the Little Grey Fergie (30 July), Museum Mouse Trail & Crafts (6 Aug), Donkey Day: Crafts and rides for £2.50 (13 Aug)
Fridays: Corn Dollies: Traditional crafting with Julia Bedford (24 July) Plough to Plate: Farm-to-fork trail (31 July), Birds of Prey: Meet the owls from Pitcombe Rock Falconry (7 Aug), Teddy Bear’s Picnic: In the orchard (14 Aug)
Saturdays:, Play Day (25 July) Plough to Plate (1 Aug), Exhibition Fun: Ways With Wood crafts (8 Aug), Shire Horses: Meet Lunar from Waterfall Shires, 10:00am to 2:00pm (15 Aug)
Sundays: Teddy Bear’s Picnic (26 July), Play Day: Outdoor games and Lego (2 & 16 Aug), Corn Dollies (9 Aug)
With Museum Unlimited, you pay once and can return again and again throughout the summer (£10 per adult, £4.75 for children aged 5-17.)
And if you’re feeling peckish while you’re there, The Grain Store Cafe has some top-notch nosh (can highly recommend the toasties!) or bring your own and settle at one of the picnic tables in the beautiful orchard.
Clarks Village, Street
Clarks Village is more than an outlet shopping centre, it’s also home to King Arthur’s Forest a giant (Free) adventure play area. A specific summer 2026 family activity hadn’t been announced at time of writing: check Clarks Village website for events added closer to the holidays.
Newton Farm Shop and Cafe
Head to Newton Farm Shop on Thursdays in August 2026 for fun-filled outdoor events. Booking essential.
- 11th Aug 2026 – Slime Workshop
- 18th Aug 2026 – Bubble Show
- 31st Aug 2026 – Open Farm Day
Chard Reservoir Somerset events
Donations welcome. Parking at Oaklands Car Park.
- 6 August 2026, 11am: Pop-up Aeroplanes
- 18 August 2026, 7.30pm: Beautiful Bats
- 28 August 2026, 10am: Bug Bonanza
Medieval and Viking weekends, Glastonbury Abbey
On July 25-26, Bowlore Medieval Weekend swoops in to Glastonbury Abbey with archery shows, weaponry displays, and choreographed combat and sharp sword-cutting demonstrations. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a knight of old, have a go at sword school or test your aim with a bow in their medieval encampment between shows (£3 per go).
23 July 2026: The (Almost) Complete History of Britain: The award-winning Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a fast-paced, hilarious outdoor performance covering Britain’s history through the centuries.
13 August 2026, 6.30-9.30pm: Pinocchio by Illyria – a magical open-air musical adaptation of Pinocchio.
12 September 2026: Night at the Abbey 2026: A one-day music festival held among the historic Abbey ruins, featuring live performances from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Blow Monkeys, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) and more.
Family days out Somerset gardens
From grand estates to exquisite cottage gardens, wildflower meadows and historic grounds, these gorgeous Somerset gardens will have you clamouring to ogle their beautiful blooms. Many gardens are hosting summer holidays events – take a look at this little lot:
Sweet Peas and Outdoor Theatre at Forde Abbey Gardens
Until mid-July it’s sweet pea season at magnificent Forde Abbey and one of the prettiest Somerset days out. Expect vibrant, fragrant, beautiful blooms bedazzling the 30 acres of grounds.
Forde Abbey welcomes back Folksy Theatre’s adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the South Lawn, 28 July 2026, 7-9pm! Bring your own picnics, and deckchairs.
Outdoor Theatre at Hestercombe Gardens
Date: 17 July 2026 – Kaspar: Prince of Cats: A magical outdoor theatre performance based on the popular children’s story.
Date: 17 July 2026: Around the World in 80 Days. An energetic open-air adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure filled with comedy, music and family entertainment.
Folksy Theatre presents an adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hestercombe Gardens this summer (2 August 2026, 7-10.30pm)!
Summer Holiday Activities at Hestercombe Gardens: Alice’s Adventures in Hestercombe
Dates: 23 July-5 September 2026. Follow an interactive family trail inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Children visit FREE alongside a paying adult.
Summer day out at Bishop’s Palace, Wells
Looking for a family day out in Wells? The Bishop’s Palace has a packed programme of family-friendly activities throughout the year, all included with standard admission.
🌿 Nature Ninjas – hands-on nature crafts and creative activities for children.
🎨 Family Craft Workshops – seasonal drop-in crafting sessions.
💦 Splash Play Zone – cool off in the Dragon’s Lair play area.
🏰 History Alive – immersive living history weekends featuring Britain at War (1-2 Aug), Bowlore Medieval (29-31 Aug) and Vikings (12-13 Sept).
🎭 The Big Bad Wolf – live family theatre on 24 July.
📱 Family Multimedia Tours – interactive Palace tours with quizzes and treasure hunts.
🐉 Dragon’s Lair Play Area – an adventure playground inspired by the Palace’s history.
Days out in summer at the National Trust
Discover a summer of play at National Trust family events in Somerset.
North Somerset: Tyntesfield
- Summer of Play (18 July-4 Sept 2026). Enjoy creative play, nature activities, crazy golf, giant chess, messy play and interactive storytelling with The Story Cellar. Family-friendly activity zones offer fun, adventure and hands-on experiences for all ages.
South Somerset: Montacute House
- Garden Games (until 31 August 2026) – classic outdoor games in the gardens.
- Croquet on the Lawn (until 31 August) – Borrow a croquet set and play on the historic lawns.
- Wood Crafting & Paper Making (23 July to 29 August 2026) – Drop-in creative sessions inspired by nature.
- Twelfth Night (7 August) – Watch an open-air performance of Shakespeare’s classic comedy in the grounds.
- For more info visit the Montacute House website.
Barrington Court
- Festival of Archaeology (18 July to 2 August) – Explore history with archaeology activities and heritage experiences.
- Sherlock Holmes & the Hound of the Baskervilles (18 July) – Enjoy outdoor theatre in the historic grounds.
- Summer Lawn Games (23 July to 2 September) – Have fun with traditional garden games.
- Falconry Displays (5 August) – Watch impressive birds of prey demonstrations.
- Soft Archery (6 to 27 August) – Try a fun family archery activity.
- Discover the full summer events programme and plan your visit:
Lytes Cary
Summer of Play at Lytes Cary Manor (18 July to 4 September 2026) offers a fun-filled family day out with games, puzzles, activity backpacks, croquet, hobby horses and woodland adventures.
Animal attractions & wildlife days out Somerset
Somerset is brimming with delightful animal encounters that are perfect for families! Whether you’re a fan of fuzzy farm animals or majestic birds of prey, there’s no shortage of furry, feathered, and scaly friends to meet in the countryside, this guide highlights the best wildlife, bird experiences and animal days out in Somerset.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
- Home of the Giants: Where Legends Roam (15 May to 2 September) – Discover amazing animals and take on the Giant Challenge.
- Farmula 1: Ready, Set… Pedal! (9 June to 31 August) – Race your way around this fun family activity.
- Summer Saver (25 June to 31 August) – Enjoy summer adventures with a special ticket offer.
- Noah’s Bay (1 June to 31 August) – Enjoy seaside-inspired summer fun at the zoo.
- Somerset Safari Lates (6 June to 1 August) – Experience the zoo after hours with a special evening visit.
From 25 June to 31 August, visitors who book online at least 7 full days in advance will automatically receive 20% off standard peak gate prices. No discount code is needed, simply book online and your discount will be applied at checkout! Discover all the summer events and plan your family day out at Noah’s Ark.
Kids summer activities at Exmoor Pony Centre
Enjoy a summer visit to the Exmoor Pony Centre with pony encounters, countryside walks and special events celebrating Exmoor’s native breed.
- Moorland Mousie Trust Fun Ride (12 July 2026) – A scenic horse and pony ride across moorland, woodland tracks and farmland.
- Exmoor Pony Centre Visits (25 March to 1 November 2026) – Meet the ponies and discover more about this unique breed.
Jungle Book Sculpture Trail, Coates English Willow
Coates English Willow have used their legendary willow weaving skills to bring 12 Jungle Book characters to life, complete the wordsearch and claim a prize. Running until 10 October, excluding Sundays.
Paint your own stone at Coates English Willow this summer – 30th July, 6, 13 and 20 August 2026. Drop-in workshops hosted by Happy Stone Studio.
Extend your day out with a circular walk along the River Tone (perfect picnic spot), to the viewpoint on top of Windmill Hill for views across Hay Moor and Curry Moor.
Summertopia! Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
- Summertopia (18 July to 31 August 2026) – Enjoy a summer packed with family activities, entertainment, splash zones and outdoor adventures.
- Late Night Summer Opening (Fridays throughout July and August 2026) – Stay longer and enjoy the park after hours with evening entertainment and activities.
- Andy Day Book Launch – Meet Andy Day and celebrate the launch of his new children’s book with family-friendly activities.
- Massive Family Waterfight (29 August 2026) – Cool off with a fun-filled water battle for all ages.
Discover the full summer events programme and plan your visit at Avon Valley.
Animal Farm and Adventure Park, Burnham-on-Sea
Frolic in the indoor soft play, cuddle animals and have a go at crazy golf, plus a whole host of other fun summer holiday activities at this 23-acre Animal and Adventure farm park in North Somerset.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard
Summer Fun Day at Ferne Animal Sanctuary takes place on Sunday 19 July 2026, 10am to 4pm, with a day of family-friendly activities including welly wanging, a treasure hunt, games, refreshments, raffles and the chance to support the sanctuary’s rescued animals. Axe throwing is also available as a separate pre-booked activity.
Summer holiday fun at Longleat Safari Park
Wild Summer runs from 18 July to 31 August at Longleat, with animal encounters, the new Wild Summer Trail, Tiny Titans, lawn games, Splash Pad fun and weekend character appearances from:
- 1 to 2 August – Paddington Bear
- 8 to 9 August – Shaun the Sheep
- 15 to 16 August – Chase from PAW Patrol
- 22 to 23 August – Hey Duggee
- 29 to 31 August –-Bluey & Bingo
Monkton Elm’s summer events
- Circus Skills Workshops for Children: Running on select dates between 29/07/2026 and 14/08/2026.
- Crafts Corner Drop-in Workshops for Children: Running daily throughout most of the summer, from 30/07/2026 to 02/09/2026.
- Fizzpop Science Workshops
- Crazy Chemistry: Running on select dates between 06/08/2026 and 27/08/2026.
- Taste Buddies: A single-day workshop running on 06/08/2026.
- What on Earth is That?: A single-day workshop running on 10/08/2026.
Click here for more info and to book tickets.
Outdoor fairs and country shows in Somerset summer holidays 2026
Dunster Country Fair 2026
- When? 29 July 2026
If you’re looking for loads of things to do in Somerset for kids, all in the same place, don’t miss the 48th edition of Dunster Country Fair. On the bill are a Shetland Pony Grand National, Hawkeye falconry display, vintage tractors, Punch and Judy, family dog show and dog agility, archery, a fun fair, children’s entertainment and lots more!
Dunster Show 2026
- When? 21 August 2026
Taking place on the Lawns below Dunster Castle, family-friendly Dunster agricultural show 2026, has a food hall, trade stands and competitive showing atmosphere with a wide range of classes for horses, cattle and sheep.
Portishead Summer Show 2026
- When? 25-26 July 2026
The Portishead Summer Show is a two-day family show combining a traditional flower show with activities that promote local country life, nature and the environment. There’s also live music, food, drink, children’s activities, a dog show, a pig show (!), mobile farm, Punch and Judy, fun sports, fancy dress parade for kids under 10 and lots more!
Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet
- When? 16 August 2026
For things to do during the summer holidays in Somerset with kids, check out The Mid-Somerset Show is a one-day agricultural show featuring everything from dog shows, cider championships and cheese tasting to livestock displays, vintage vehicles, live music and craft classes.
Aviation & History attractions Somerset
Yesterday’s Farming
- When? 15-16 August 2026
Yesterday’s Farming is a rural heritage event showcasing the past of farming. Watch ploughing and cultivating, harvesting, and haymaking demonstrations, working threshers and threshing at Stream Farm, Drayton.
Summer days out with kids at The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare
- Magic at the Museum (5, 12, 19 and 26 August 2026) – magic shows, balloon modelling, illusions, open cockpits and the chance to try on a pilot’s helmet.
- World Helicopter Day (16 August 2026) – Explore special helicopter displays, cockpit access and family activities celebrating aviation history.
- Open Cockpit Days (selected summer dates) – Climb aboard historic helicopters and discover the world of flight.
Discover more summer events and plan your visit here.
Days out in Somerset for families at Fleet Air Arm museum
- Concorde was… an Icon (21 to 23 July 2026) – Discover what made Concorde legendary.
- Concorde was… Fast (28 to 30 July 2026) – Explore speed, flight and supersonic travel.
- Concorde was… Powerful (4 to 6 August 2026) – Learn how Concorde broke the sound barrier.
- Concorde was… Loud (11 to 13 August 2026) – Explore the science of sound with interactive activities.
- Concorde was… Experimental (18 to 20 August 2026) – Get creative and design future aircraft.
- Concorde was… The Future? (25 to 27 August 2026) – Imagine the next generation of aviation.
Train days out this summer
Somerset & Dorset Railway, Midsomer Norton
Vintage trains run from the Victorian Era station at Midsomer Norton South over one mile of the Somerset & Dorset mainline railway. Check the website for more details.
- Wickham Weekender Trolley Rides (4 to 5 July 2026) – Ride the historic Wickham trolley and enjoy a unique railway experience.
- Town Fayre Brake Van Rides (11 July 2026) – Take a vintage brake van ride as part of the local fayre celebrations.
- Wickham Wednesdays (22 and 29 July, 5, 12, 19 and 26 August 2026) – Enjoy midweek trolley rides through the summer holidays.
- Midsomer Summer (16 August 2026) – A family fun day with train rides, children’s entertainment, music, seaside themed activities, stalls and more.
- Teddy Bear’s Picnic August Bank Holiday (30 to 31 August 2026) – A fun family event with teddy bear themed activities
Somerset Steam and Country Show
- 17, 18, 19 July 2026
The Somerset Steam & Country Show takes place at Low Ham, near Langport, Somerset.
Enjoy the Flying Ryan Motorcycle Stunt Show, vintage steam engines, commercial vehicles, fair organs, trade stands, licensed bar, children’s area and mower racing. The main ring show starts at 10am, featuring over 200 vintage and classic tractors, impressive steam traction engines, motorcycles, cars, and military and commercial vehicles all on parade.
East Somerset Railway in Cranmore
Check out the website for prices and availability.
- Whistlestop Cream Tea (9 July to 24 September) – Combine a scenic heritage train ride with a delicious cream tea.
- Diesel Day (9 July to 24 September) –-Experience a heritage diesel train running day.
- Diesel Driver For A Tenner (9 July to 16 July) 0 Take the controls and drive a locomotive for a unique railway experience.
- Cream Tea on The Mendip Belle (22 July to 25 October) – Relax aboard the dining carriage with a traditional cream tea.
- Sunday Lunch on The Mendip Belle (26 July to 18 October) – Enjoy a special dining journey through the Somerset countryside.
- August Bank Holiday Weekend (29 to 31 August) – A family-friendly weekend of railway fun and activities.
Summer holiday activities Somerset
Mini Golf and High Ropes at Vivary Golf and Adventure Centre, Taunton
Keep kids busy and active at Vivary 18-hole crazy golf course and high ropes centre. In addition, there’s also a fantastic range of activities including lower, less intense ropes to start with, a climbing wall, high ropes, totem pole and the power fan descender too.
Summer fruit picking day out Somerset
Being able to pick your own flowers, fruit and vegetables in the sunshine makes a glorious, wholesome day out, is a brilliant way to keep kids entertained, far more fun than traipsing around a supermarket with your brood in tow.
If you’re after summer-ripe berries, you can take your pick at these PYO farms in Somerset.
Things to do with toddlers this summer in Somerset
Watch this space!
August Bank Holiday events Somerset
East Somerset Railway, Shepton Mallet
Climb on board and ride the steam train to Mendip Vale at East Somerset Railway (29 to 31 August 2026). There’s a play area for youngsters, miniature railway and plenty of space for your own picnic, plus The Station Café will also be open serving meals, cakes and drinks.
Gartell Light Railway, South Somerset
Celebrate the final year of operation at Gartell Light Railway on 26 July and 30 August 2026.
Family days out summer 2026 at West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage line in England, stretching across 20 miles of rolling Somerset countryside, through the Quantock hills and along the Bristol Channel between Bishops Lydeard and the coast at Minehead.
Opt for a Rover ticket for unlimited travel on standard trains on your chosen date and combine nostalgia with glorious sights. Check the train timetable on their website.
WSRA Steam and Vintage Rally, Norton Fitzwarren
Every year volunteers from the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) welcome thousands of visitors to their vintage rally at Norton Fitzwarren fields over the first weekend in August. This year, WSRA has taken the decision to pause the 2026 Rally, giving their incredible volunteers a well-earned year’s break after their tireless commitment and enthusiasm over recent years.
Train days at Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction
What’s your favourite kind of choo choo? Don’t know? Well, you can try all kinds of heritage trains at Yeovil Junction these summer holidays with kids.
- Head over for Steam Train days on 13 July 2025
- Head over for Steam Train and tractor days: 26-27 July 2025
- Diesel Train Days: 30 July, 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2025
Also onsite are a miniature railway, model railway, cafe, exhibits and shop.
Mid-summer Steam Up, Westonzoyland
- When? Mid-summer Steam Up: 11am-4pm, 30 July 2025
- Railway days – 3, 10, 17, 24 August 2025
- Westonzoyland Light Railway Gala – 25 August 2025
- Heritage Open Day – 14 September 2025
The Mid-summer Steam Up at Westonzoyland’s Grade II* listed 1830s pumping station showcases over 30 running stationary steam engines and pumps. Home to one of the largest collections in the UK, most of the engines here have either been made or used locally. Pack a picnic to enjoy beside the river or rock up to the cafe for snacks and homemade cake.
On Railway Days, the museum’s narrow gauge railway will run passenger trains all day from 11am. Ride the train as often as you want for £1 each. Children 5 & Under Free.
There’s also a Light Railway Gala (26 August), celebrating all things railway! Join in the narrow gauge fun with railway rides and activities.
Summer Somerset festivals
Somerset LOVES a festival and aside from that one particular star-studded Somerset festival, whose tickets fly off the cyber shelves like hot cakes to lucky, tech-savvy, well-prepared folk with fifteen laptops (you know I’m talking about Glastonbury, right?), there are loads of other kid friendly festivals taking place in the county.
I’ve rounded up all the festivals in Somerset taking place in 2025 here.
Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza featuring Keane
Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza on 9 August 2025 promises a stonking evening with The Script headlining, plus Freya Ridings and a grand fireworks finale (overnight camping options are available in the campsite at the foot of the Tor).
Kids’ Rave with the Super Pirates, American Museum & Gardens
- 15 August from 5.30-7pm
A lively evening of disco storytelling, circus play, dancing, and games led by the Super Pirates. Book tickets here.
Family Fun Day, The Cooper Associates County Ground
Head to the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on August 10 for the popular, annual Family Fun Day. As Somerset take on Lancashire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, there’ll be plenty of family-friendly entertainment happening off the pitch too – from face painting and a petting zoo to jugglers, clowns, street food and virtual cricket!
Everything takes place in the safe and secure fan village (so little ones can be kept contained!). It’s a fun mix of sport, sunshine (fingers crossed!) and summer holiday fun for all ages.
Watchet Summertime
- When? 18-23 August 2025
Street market stalls, workshops, live music, open air cinema and fireworks are just some of the summer holiday activities happening during Watchet Summertime.
Truckfest
Truckfest is roaring into Somerset’s Royal Bath and West Showground on 30-31 August! Since 1983, this high-octane showdown has been wowing crowds with monster truck mayhem, daredevil stunt shows, and awesome rides – and this year’s no different.
Watch Swamp Thing crush cars, catch freestyle motocross flips and admire jaw-dropping trucks of all shapes and sizes – from American rigs and custom builds to emergency vehicles and vintage classics.
Meet kids’ characters, say hello to actual Gladiators, party on down to music from Abstract, and cheer on the Truck Pull Challenge. Under 5s go free and camping is available too. Expect thrills, fun, and a whole lotta horsepower.
Mendip Family Festival
The Mendip Family Festival, held August 29-31 at Mendip Activity Centre, is a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend in the Somerset countryside. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Wrington Vale, it raises funds for local disadvantaged youth. Enjoy live music, adventure activities, and outdoor cinema.
Friday features a magical Harry Potter night, while Saturday offers free activities, food, and music from bands like Doreen Doreen and The Jamestown Brothers. Camping tickets are sold out, but evening-only tickets are still available. Don’t miss this epic end-of-summer celebration! For tickets and info, visit mendipfest.co.uk.
Cider farm events
Burrow Hill Cider Farm events, Kingsbury Episcopi
Burrow Hill Cider Farm (home of Somerset Cider Brandy and the famous Somerset Cider Bus) uses age-old traditional methods of production to create dangerously delicious cider.
Coordinate your visit with one of their summer pop-ups to quaff it alongside scrumptious food in the orchard, surrounded by cows, tractors, plenty of pooches and picnicking families. Check what’s on at Burrow Hill Cider Bus this weekend.
Somerset family theatre days out in the summer
Taunton Brewhouse has an array of performances, workshops and kids holiday activities aimed at youngsters and families:
- Puppet Spectacular Glow Show (2pm, 13 July 2025)
- The Imaginarium – A Making Space for all the Family (31 July-28 August 2025)
- Family Rug Art (10.30am, 4 August 2025)
- Babble Bears, Fairy Magic (2pm, 5 August 2025)
- Puppet Make and Play (2pm, 6 August 2025)
- Science Museum Live! (6 August, 2025)
- The Museum of Marvellous Things (7 August 2025)
- iPad Art of Monsters, Dragons and Magical Creatures (8 August 2025)
- Fireman Sam Live – The Great Camping Adventure (9 August 2025)
- Fantastical Beasts Family Printmaking (10.30am, 11 August 2025)
- Spot’s Birthday Party, (13–14 August 2025)
- The Dinosaur That Pooped (20 August 2025)
- Musical Stories – Jack and the Beanstalk (21 August 2025)
- Musical Stories – Goldilocks and the Three Bears (21 August 2025)
- Tom Gates Live On Stage (23 August 2025)
The Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare
- Jurassic Musical Adventure (4 Aug 2024) – Age 3+ Book tickets
Outdoor theatre Somerset
‘All the world’s a stage!’ and that’s never truer in summer, when Somerset’s outdoor spaces are fashioned, quite literally, into open-air stages making fantastic children’s activities in summer holidays. Which one will you be digging out the picnic blanket for?
Robin Hood, Forde Abbey
Forde Abbey’s enchanting gardens will transform into Sherwood Forest at 5pm (until 7pm) on 6 August 2025, as Robin Hood and his Merry Men leap into action on the South Lawn.
Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and settle in as Folksy Theatre bring their whimsical musical adaptation of this classic tale to life under Somerset skies.
Catch them at Hestercombe Gardens on August 1 and The Walled Gardens of Cannington on August 9.
Robin Hood, Hestercombe Gardens
When? 1 August 2025
Book tickets for Robin Hood at Hestecombe Gardens performance here.
Folksy Theatre are touring their open air Robin Hood show throughout summer! Catch them here, Forde Abbey (6 August) and The Walled Gardens of Cannington on 9 August 2025.
The Pantaloons – Robin Hood, Bishops Palace, Wells
- When? 7pm, 31 July
Join Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest in this critically-acclaimed hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer from The Pantaloons’. Buy tickets here.
Horrible Histories, Glastonbury Abbey
- When? 24 July 2025
Horrible Histories Live brings Britain’s gory past back to life at Glastonbury Abbey. Chances are, your kids are already fans of the books or CBBC TV series, but if you’re not familiar with them, expect headless men, dastardly Dick Turpin, dancing with Queen Victoria and vile pastimes from days of yore, all portrayed in a hilariously vulgar way.
Perfect for youngsters who love their history with all the grisly, juicy bits left in. Bring a picnic blanket and snacks (though there will be popcorn, candyfloss, the Abbey café and bar available).
Wind in the Willows, Glastonbury Abbey
Illyria’s Wind in the Willows open-air theatre production (August 13 2025), brings Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of Toad and friends to life against the backdrop of the ancient ruins – enjoy it where the story is set – in the Great British Outdoors.
The American Museum & Gardens
Garden Theatre – Wind in the Willows is a charming outdoor performance at the American Museum & Gardens on Saturday 2 August 2025, from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Produced by multi‑award‑nominated Immersion Theatre, the show features music, vibrant costumes, and fun for ages 4+. Bring a picnic, blanket or chairs; snacks. Drinks available onsite.
Family days out Somerset attractions
From millenia-old caves to legend-swirling landmarks, family-friendly animal parks to chic cultural hotspots, iconic views, coastal days out, sensational gardens and historical attractions, Somerset’s varied landscape offers all kinds of adventures. Click on the button below for oodles of inspiration!
Greenbank heated outdoor swimming pool, Street
When the temperature rises, seek out solace at Street outdoor pool, a sizeable 30m x 12m with a shallow, semi-circular kids’ pool, splash park play area with interactive features like water jets and spray fountains. Warning, it does get busy on hot days!
Butlins Minehead
Butlins Minehead £2.5mil playground SKYPARK has been designed for inclusivity and interactivity for children up to 12 years old. There are sensory surprises at every turn, with six different zones, wheelchair-accessible features and after-dark illuminations. With epic climbing towers, thrilling, light-up tunnel slides and interactive games, I can honestly say I’ve never seen a playground like this before.
If you’re not planning on staying at Butlins any time soon, it is possible to access the playground on a day pass, which cost around £14 per adult and £10 per child aged between 2-14. You’ll also be able to visit the fairgrounds, Splash Waterworld, flumes and rapids, soft play areas, outdoor play areas, arcades, restaurants, PLAYXPERIENCE and a range of bookable activities.
Read more:
37 Things to do in South Somerset with kids
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