Top things to do with In Derby this Half Term

This October, In Derby has plenty on offer for families to fill up their October Half Term Holidays. From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, why not try some of our ideas below; there is something for everyone!

Enjoy the fresh air this autumn at Markeaton Park with fun for all the family. We still have lots of activities open, so why not take part in a round of disc golffoot golf or pitch and putt this holiday? There is also the new mini golf course with two challenging routes, so you and your family have lots of choices to start a little bit of friendly competition. Kids can enjoy the amazing adventure playground, with the Adventure Galley ship to climb and explore for free. Or make the most of nature and go for a walk, bike ride or scooter around the many pathways at Markeaton Park. Both the Orangery Café and the new pizza kiosk are open for a hot take-away drink or snack to keep you warm and energised this October.

You can also explore our parks with our new free app called Love Exploring. Wrap up warm and go on an adventure with your family this October in Derby’s parks. This new app puts the power of discovery in your hands by providing a range of quiz trails and guided tours for Markeaton Park, Alvaston Park and Derby Arboretum Park. Discover dinosaurs, fairies and more with this fun activity for all the family.

Make a splash this half term with the Atlantis Splash Run! This amazing new inflatable stretches the length of the Gala pool at Queen’s Leisure Centre, and has giant obstacles for you to climb over, scramble under and slide down. The fun is for everyone 5+ years. Family swims have also returned to Queen’s Leisure Centre. Taking place in the Teaching Pool, it is perfect for younger children to come along to with their families. The pool is split into sectioned off pods so that you can enjoy yourself whilst being completely safe. Following Covid-19 guidance, all swimmers need to arrive “beach-ready”, with their swimsuits under their clothes ready to change on pool side. For more information please visit inderby.org.uk/active/swimming/pool-programme.

This half term we also have some fantastic free taster sessions for Learn to Swim. If you have ever wanted to know more about Learn to Swim, join us at Queens Leisure Centre on Friday 30 October, 9am to 11.30am. Call 01332 641444 to book your place on a free 30 minutes session where your child will have the opportunity to take part in a swim lesson and you will be able to talk to our coaches. To find out more, visit inderby.org.uk/active/welcome-back-to-derby-active-facilities/learn-to-swim/

Families can also join Derby Libraries on our Big Family Read! Taking place until 30 November, enjoy reading together again and talking about all the great books you have read. The book we have chosen this year is Let Sleeping Dragons Lie by Garth Nix and Sean Williams, all about Sir Odo and Sir Eleanor – knights with magic swords who need to protect their kingdom! Derby Libraries have multiple downloads of both the eBook and eAudiobook available online as well as paper copies at all libraries to borrow. We are also running an online short-story writing competition for 6-12 year olds as part of the Big Family Read, so you could spend this half term writing your story! To enter, we are asking you to write a short, 300-word story about a Magic Sword. The competition closes on Sunday 10 January 2021. To find out more, and to enter the competition, visit inderby.org.uk/about/news/the-big-family-read-2020.

We hope that there is something here that peaks your interest! To find out more about all the October Holiday programme visit inderby.org.uk/holidays.

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