What's On For Kids in Beds and Bucks.

The Beds and Bucks area is thriving with great events for the bank holiday weekend and half-term too. Here’s some of our favourites for kids and adults alike.

For Kids

Bluey and Bingo are coming to Whipsnade Zoo!

From Wednesday 29 May to Sunday 2 June, Bluey and Bingo will be at the zoo playing interactive games with visitors at 11am*, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Plus, don’t forget to bring your camera, as there will be opportunities to take photos of the characters, too!

This is a must-see event for any Bluey fans, both kids and parents alike. During each session, Bluey and Bingo will lead visitors through their toybox activity including games like musical statues. Afterwards, there’s an opportunity to get photos and the chance for kids to get a high five or a wave from their favourite characters.

Sessions are free with Zoo entry and will run at intervals throughout the day. All sessions are first come, first served; there is no pre-booking available for this event. Simply follow signs to the elephant arena to join a session and see everyone’s favourite blue heeler sisters!

FREE Guided Children’s Trail Walk

On Wednesday 29th May Join a guided walk around the magical Leighton-Linslade Children’s Trail. Meeting outside the Library on Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, let your guide show you the way as they point out the hidden artworks, help you complete your map and read quotes from some of the books that inspired the trail. We’ll have fun along the way as we run, hop, balance, point and play. And we’ll be collecting extra rewards along the way to add to your trail goody bag!

The guided walk will last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. All children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Ideal for children aged 2-10 years of age, but open to all ages!

If you are planning to attend this event, please complete the form on the website https://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/council_events/guided-childrens-trail-walk/

Leighton Buzzard Pride, Charter Market and Big Food Weekend

Saturday 1st June LB Pride starts from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Charter Market, in High Street Leighton Buzzard where you can expect storytelling, street theatre, musical performances, and craft activities. Going into the evening the celebrations continue in the High Street from 5 pm to 9 pm with vibrant stilt walkers, live music and stall holders throughout the evening. It is followed on Sunday 2nd June with The Big Lunch celebrating the rich tapestry of food and culture from around the world.

At the Big Lunch, we bring together a diverse array of culinary delights, featuring flavours from Ghana, Mexico, Lebanon, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Spain, Europe, and America. Indulge in savoury dishes, sweet treats, and delicacies that will tantalise your taste buds. But it’s not just about the food. Prepare to be entertained throughout the day with live performances from talented stage and street performers, creating the ultimate party atmosphere along the High Street.

MK Theatre Little Mermaid and Little Shop of Horrors Masterclass

Saturday 1st June. For ages 5 to 11 (Little Mermaid) and 12 to 18 (Little Shop of Horrors) led by the Creative Learning Team at Milton Keynes Theatre, the programme is designed to develop key drama and musical theatre skills; building confidence, technique, knowledge and insight.

You can get creative with choreography and belt your heart out to your favourite show tunes – all in the backstage studio right here at MKT! More details and booking

The Comedy Club 4 Kids

At the Norman Bragg studio Aylesbury Theatre. Genuine comedy experience but without the smut for a family friendly audience. This is not patronising slapstick made for children but stand-up high quality comedians performing their sets without the rude bits. Apparently there is more than the average heckling! https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/comedy-club-4-kids/norman-bragg-studio-aylesbury/

Cinema Releases

IF and the Garfield Movie are both in local cinemas this half-term for fun for young children and adults alike (Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling – just saying and the voice of Chris Pratt for that matter) For older children (12A) The Fall Guy is a good action packed movie. Kung Fu Panda is showing at the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre on 29th May.

Dinosaur Week at Mead Open Farm

Mead Open Farm have Dino Week this Half Term. Hear the ferocious roar of the T-Rexes as they stomp across the Farm. Watch out for the Velociraptors as they’re sure to be lurking nearby too. Get up close and personal to our two new Dilophosaurus’. Don’t worry they’re all friendly and there’s 20% off when you book online. https://www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/special-events/dino-week-2024/

Inflatable Fun at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre

Tuesday 28th May- 13:15-14:15 and 14:30-15:30

£4 per person

Designed specifically for children aged 5 years and over, any children under 8 must be accompanied my an adult. Spaces are limited- To book the half term sessions please give us a call on 01525 375765

Crafting Fun with Leighton Buzzard Library

Crafts and activities for children. All crafts are subject to stock.

Crafts and activities for children

All crafts are subject to stock.
Saturday 25 May:10 am to 1 pm- Elmer Day Activity Pack10 am to 1.30 pm- Lego & Duplo
Tuesday 28 May:
10 am to 12 pm- Happy Bugs Craft2 pm to 4 pm- Chalk Pavement Art
Wednesday 29 May:
10 am to 12 pm- 3D Toadstool Scene Craft2 pm to 4 pm- Stamping & Printing Creations
Thursday 30 May:
10 am to 12 pm- Rainbow Unicorn Craft2 pm to 4 pm- Play Dough
Friday 31 May:
10 am to 12 pm- Dog Hand Puppets2 pm to 4 pm- Paint Sticks

Leighton Buzzard Library Craft Schedule

Celestial Sound at Waddesdon Manor Manor

Step in to the world of sound and light with the Celestial Sound Cloud in the Coach HouseFrom 29 May until 2 June, children get free entry to the house and grounds at Waddesdon!

Celestial Sound Cloud is an interactive digital sound and light sculpture inspired by cosmic clouds – the clouds of dust and gases in which stars are formed. Its beautiful mirrored and infinite looping form is suspended elusively and tantalisingly in its environment – stunning by day or night. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/may-half-term-celestial-sound-cloud/

Explorer Challenge at Rushmere Park

The Xplorer Challenge, run by Central Bedfordshire Council, returns to the park 11am 30th May. It’s fun for all the family and free to attend (although you will need to pay for your parking) just turn up! Final admission at 12.45pm. The team will be on The Meadow opposite the Visitor Centre.

Xplorer is a family friendly navigation challenge that is educational and fun and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. It involves a healthy mix of physical activity and decision making that the whole family can enjoy together. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact.