What Fun Marine Activities Are Happening At Lakeside Village For Families This Weekend?

The summer holidays are winding down, and if you're looking for one last blast of family fun before the school run starts again, Lakeside Village might just have the answer. It's not just about grabbing a bargain; this weekend, it's about making a difference, too.

The shopping outlet is teaming up with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for a special event that's all about the ocean, packed with brilliant activities for kids that are both fun and a little bit educational. Think of it as a day out where the little ones can get creative and learn something amazing about the planet, all while having a great time.

Making a splash for marine life

On Saturday 16 August, get ready for an ocean adventure. From 10am to 2pm, the team from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will be set up outside Ernest Jones, hosting a fantastic marine-themed awareness day. This isn't your average weekend event; it's a chance for visitors to get hands-on with some really cool marine wildlife-themed activities. So, what's on the cards? The Trust is running a whole host of interactive fun. There's 'The Seabird Challenge,' which sounds like a brilliant way to learn about our feathered coastal friends. And a litter pollution game will show everyone, in a really simple way, the problems rubbish causes for our seas. Imagine a game where you have to rescue a sea creature from plastic - it's a powerful message delivered with a sense of play.

It's all about understanding the importance of the world around us and how to protect it. The kids can also get creative with 'Wish Fish,' where they can decorate their own fish and write a wish on it to take home. It's a lovely bit of crafting that carries a message of hope for our oceans. The team will be there sharing lots of information and fascinating facts about Britain's seabirds and the simple things we can all do to protect them. It's one of those brilliant learning opportunities disguised as pure fun. Toni Wainwright, from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, seems genuinely excited about the day. She said: "We're really looking forward to visiting Lakeside Village and getting families involved with our fun crafts and activities, all with the aim of raising vital awareness about the importance of marine wildlife." It's clear this is more than just a day out; it's about sharing a passion for wildlife.

A partnership with a purpose

This event highlights a great partnership between two local organisations. Lakeside Village isn't just providing a space; they are actively supporting the cause. It shows a real commitment to the local community and the environment. This collaboration provides a brilliant platform to talk about important issues in a place where families are already gathered and looking for engaging activities. Abby Chandler, the deputy centre manager at Lakeside Village, spoke about this special connection: "We have a great partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and believe wholeheartedly in their mission and cause, so we're excited to welcome them to the centre during the summer holidays."

She also touched on how it fits into their wider summer schedule. "We've got a whole range of under-the-sea themed fun on throughout the next few weeks, before the big return to school, and the Trust will be combining family-friendly activities with informative learning opportunities, too. It's going to be great!" This shows a thoughtful approach to creating an experience that is both entertaining and meaningful for all its visitors.

More than just a one-day wonder

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust awareness day is a standout event, but the fun at Lakeside Village doesn't stop there. The entire month is packed with things to do, making it a proper destination for a day out. Here's a quick look at what else is happening:

• Saturday 16 August: The summer story time sessions come to a close with two readings of Little Turtle and the Sea at 10am and 1:30pm. A perfect story to tie in with the marine theme!
• Saturday 23 August: A swashbuckling Pirates Ahoy show and workshop is set to entertain the crowds. Expect some hearty pirate fun.
• Saturday 30 August: Get creative with a bottle top art workshop. It's another brilliant nod to recycling and creating treasure from trash, turning everyday items into amazing crafts.
• Sunday 24 August: The Summer Cinema is showing two fishy films. Catch Shark Tale at 11am and Luca at 1:30pm on the big screen.
• Every Thursday in August: For those who love to move, there are summer dance jam sessions from 6:30pm to 7:45pm, costing just £5 a session.

Fun that's here to stay all summer

Beyond the scheduled events, there are a couple of attractions that are available for visitors all summer long. If a bit of friendly competition is your family's thing, then the all-new Rocky Reef free crazy golf is a must-do.

Navigating the fun-filled course is a great way to spend an hour. And if that's not enough, the ever-popular free ping pong parlour is also open for anyone who fancies a quick game. These permanent activities ensure there's always something to do, no matter when people visit. It's all part of the commitment to providing a great experience for kids and adults alike, blending shopping with genuine family fun and entertainment.