To help residents struggling during the cost of living crisis, Plymouth City Council is sharing details of all the free activities, events and things to do in the city. This is a key element of the council’s new cost of living action plan, which is set to be launched in August.
There’s a huge range of free things for everyone to enjoy in Plymouth during the summer holidays, meaning families can have fun and make memories without worrying about the impact on their budgets and the rising cost of living. Here’s just a selection of what’s on offer:
The Box: The museum is free to visit and this summer will be celebrating light and colour with family activities inspired by their ‘Reframing Reynolds’ and ‘Dappled Light’ exhibitions. Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the school holidays enjoy children’s yoga and mindfulness sessions, science activities and creative sessions at no extra cost.
Plymouth libraries: The Summer Reading Challenge for children aged four to 11 is a fun way to get kids reading during the holidays. Children aged four to 11 who read six or more library books, including eBooks and audiobooks, during the summer holidays will receive a medal and certificate. Kids can sign up for free at any Plymouth library and will be given a pack to help track their progress, as well as an online profile to play games and earn badges as they discover new books. Libraries across Plymouth will also be hosting lots of free events throughout August, including craft activities, board game sessions and Lego clubs.
Fit and Fed: There are free community events taking place at parks and green spaces across the city on Tuesdays during August, where children can enjoy free games, activities and lunch:
• Tuesday August 1 at Central Park
• Tuesday August 8 at Ernesettle Green
• Tuesday August 15 at Tothill Park
• Tuesday August 22 at Victoria Park
Mount Wise Swimming Pools: There are three amazing pools at Mount Wise, open to everyone for free, including a 25 metre main pool, a fun pool with fountains, and a small shallower pool for young children to paddle in. The pools are open until September 17 and sessions can be booked online.
Family workshops: On Course South West is running fun workshops for children aged 6+ to enjoy with their parents or carers with topics like mask making, theatre play, song writing, woodwork and crafting to try. Book online at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk.
Plymouth Trails App: Explore and learn about the fascinating history of Britain’s Ocean City with the Plymouth Trails app. The free-to-download app is available on smartphones and offers in-depth, themed guides which spread across the city.
Plymouth Pride: Celebrate Pride on Saturday August 5 in Central Park, with a huge range of entertainment including live performances from artists, bands, drag acts and more.
British Firework Championships: The hugely popular pyrotechnics competition returns to Plymouth Sound on Wednesday and Thursday August 16 and 17. Head to Plymouth Hoe for the best view and extra entertainment including live music and commentary.
West End Carnival: This popular free day out returns to the streets around Plymouth Market in the city centre on Saturday August 26. Enjoy live music, watch street performers including magicians, jugglers and contortionists, follow a fun family trail and join in the parade.
To see more free things to do, information about the cost of living action plan and support available locally, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving.
