Looking for activities to do this summer?

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Summer in Surrey needn't cost the earth

Schools out! And if you're staying in Surrey this summer, you won't be stuck for fun things to do, and it needn't cost the earth either. Surrey Cultural and Leisure Services have a jam packed schedule of events to keep you and your families busy this summer, many of which are free to take part in.

From the new Culture Explorer passport, the Summer Reading Challenge, activities at Surrey's History Centre, outdoor activities at Surrey Outdoor Learning Centres and as always lots to do in libraries. Let's not forget our countryside too for lovely walks in the Surrey outdoors. Summer fun doesn't have to cost the earth in Surrey.

Help and support over the summer

We also know for many reasons the summer holidays can be a very difficult period for some families but there are a wide range of services who can help, including information on financial support, mental health and parenting to name but a few. Please see Community Connector Newsletter.

Surrey Library activities

Did you know it's FREE to join the library? There are always lots of things going on in libraries but particularly for children this summer these will keep the little ones occupied for free.

Surrey Culture Explorer Passport

Keep the youngsters busy this summer and learn a little bit about culture in Surrey. Children aged four to eleven years can discover Surrey's culture with the Surrey Culture Explorer passport. Pick up a passport free from Surrey libraries, complete tasks, collect stickers for the passport. If the kids complete ten tasks they are in with a chance of winning lots of fabulous prizes. Pick up your passport for free in Surrey Libraries. More information on the Surrey Libraries Culture Explorer web pages.

Summer Reading Challenge 2022

Get ready to meet the Gadgeteers in your local library. The Reading Agency have teamed up with the Science Museum Group to present a science themed reading challenge inspiring children to look at the science behind everyday objects. The challenge, for children aged four to eleven years, gets them to set their own reading goal of reading up to six books over the summer holidays. Come back to the library in between books for free incentives to keep them engaged. Younger children can take part in the mini challenge. Visit the Surrey Libraries Summer Reading Challenge web pages.

Other events in libraries

Check out your local Surrey library events pages to find out what's going on near you, over the summer many will be running workshops and activities alongside some of the regular activities for children. Here's a taster of some of the many things going on.

Regular Rhymetimes and Storytimes
Reading Sparks Science Sessions
Book Club for Super-Spies Performances
The Living Knowledge Network – Breaking the News Exhibitions
Reading Friends Groups

Surrey Outdoor Learning – The Adventure Zone

The Adventure Zone offers a range of exciting and engaging outdoor adventures. Surrey Outdoor Learning offer land and water-based activities, as well as single or multi-day visits. There are centres at High Ashurst near Dorking, Thames Young Mariners Ham near Richmond and Henley Fort on the Hogs Back, Guildford. Holiday activities are available for six to thirteen year olds. The centres accept childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare. For more information visit the Surrey Outdoor Learning Holiday Activities for Kids web pages.

Surrey History Centre in Woking

Surrey History Centre in Woking collects and preserves the records of Surrey's past and present, documenting the story of the county and its people from the twelfth century to the twenty-first century. Visiting the centre to use our collections is free, staff are always happy to offer advice, and we have a busy programme of exhibitions, talks and events. Here's some of the many events happening this summer.

Colours - free drop in family activities - Tuesday 16 August to Friday 26 August

Come along to the Surrey History Centre to explore the colours of the rainbow through items in the collection. free activities including make a suncatcher, create your own rainbow and other crafts activities.

August is South Asian Heritage Month

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month (18 July to 17 August), provides an opportunity for us to discover British South Asian history through education, arts, culture and commemoration. South Asian influences can be found everywhere in Britain. From our food and clothes to our music and even our words, its culture permeates all parts of British life and adds to the wonderful diversity of our nation. Discover more South Asian history with their new Exploring Surrey's Past website page.

Surrey History Centre would be delighted to hear from anyone who has stories or material documenting the South Asian contribution to life in Surrey. Please contact them on email: shs@surreycc.gov.uk.

Get digging for history

Surrey County Archaeological Unit are working with the National Trust on Runnymede Explored. Find out how to get involved and to hear more about the project email eduaction.scau@surrreycc.gov.uk.

Archaeological loan boxes

Get your hands on Surrey's past with the help of loan boxes which can be hired, from Prehistoric to Medieval, first and second World wars. Visit Surrey County Council Archaeological loan boxes web pages.

Surrey's Countryside - Family days out in the countryside

Check out the Surrey Countryside Family Days out web pages with lots of information about trails and outdoor play areas for great days out in the fresh air.

Visit the newly refurbished Discovery Centre at Newlands Corner, open from 10am to 4pm each day. A great interactive experience for kids with buttons to push, videos to activate and some great new graphic walls to engage and educate them about the countryside around them. Step outside to the Wildlife Garden where you can watch an array of wildlife. There's a shaded picnic area and cafe also on site where you can take in the spectacular view across Newlands Corner. See Newlands Corner visitor information web pages.

Summer walks

There are some great summer walks on your doorstep more information on the Enjoy Surrey's countryside this summer web page.

Lots more to do

Surrey Matters What's On Guide

Updated weekly for lots of different activities and events going on in Surrey over the Summer check it out here Surrey Matters What's On guide.

Culture Map for Surrey

We've launched a Culture Map - think you know what culture looks like in Surrey? Take another look hopefully you'll find something to wet your cultural taste buds. So if you're living in Surrey or have visitors coming to Surrey it's a great place to find out about all the rich, diverse and inclusive cultural events taking place within easy reach. Visit the Surrey Culture Map web page.