Family fun in Chesterfield Archives - Destination Chesterfield

Make the most of the summer holidays in Chesterfield

28th May 2024

Are you looking to make memories with family and friends during the summer holidays? Whether you’re simply looking for somewhere to help the youngsters burn off energy, or you fancy a big day out with lots of entertainment, we can guarantee there’s something to suit everyone this summer in Chesterfield!

Here’s our selection of some of the things you could be getting up to once the schools break up, but don’t forget to check out all the great events taking place across the town throughout the year here.

Family Fun Activities

From having a go at paddlesports to experiencing an open air cinema – there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Enjoy views of Chesterfield

All families should visit the iconic Crooked Spire at least once. Why not count your way up all 152 steps to reveal wonderful views over Chesterfield?

As part of the Crooked Spire Tower Tours you can learn about the history of the medieval church, see the bells, visit the inside of the famous Crooked Spire, and enjoy stunning views over Chesterfield from the viewing platform.*

*Please note: we are glad to report that a pair of Peregrine Falcons is raising a small brood on the church tower. This means that it is currently illegal for to take visitors outside until the chicks are fully fledged (usually early July). Until then the full tours (including the spectacular view of the inside of the Spire) will take place without the external view. During this time tickets will be at the reduced price of £8 adult, £4 child.

Have a go at Paddlesports

The summer holidays is the perfect opportunity to try something new. With the choice of paddleboards, kayaks and canoes you could have a go at paddlesports along the Chesterfield Canal.

Experience open air cinema

Fancy watching a film outdoors under the stars? Well, there’s a few opportunities you can experience open air cinema this summer.

Watch the classic Jurassic Park, al fresco under the stars! Get together with family and friends under the start for a night at the movies.

Grab a blanket and a camping chair as more family favourites are being shown at Hardwick Hall. Films include a Grease sing-a-long, Mamma Mia Extrabbaganza, The Gruffalo/Stick Man and a Frozen sing-a-long.

Watch a legendary joust at Bolsover Castle

Why not do something fun and learn about history at the same time? Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Legendary Joust at Bolsover Castle.

Spend time down at the farm

Of course, you will get the chance to meet lots of cute animals at Matlock Farm Park, but you can also get involved with lots of fun themed events. Learn all about dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Fun Day, see The Big Bubbleman, be a Superhero for the day and much more.

Give roller skating a try

Looking for something different to do with the kids? Introduce them to roller skating with this weekly roller disco at Queen’s Park Sports Centre.

The roller disco’s are high energy combination of roller skating, thumping beats and awesome lighting shows.

Roller Energy are at Queen’s Park Sports Centre every Saturday 6.15pm – 7.30pm. Before visiting, it is advisable to check social media for updates regarding the sessions. Roller Energy UK are on Facebook here.

Family-Friendly Events & Festivals

Look forward to the return of annual favourites and opportunity to try new events and festivals.

Enjoy family fun at the Chesterfield Children’s Festival

After last year’s huge success, Chesterfield Children’s Festival is returning. So, if you want to celebrate childhood, imagination and fun, head to this free weekend festival of fun!

Dig into history at the Festival of Archaeology

Celebrate archaeology & community at the Festival of Archaeology, through hands-on and inspiring activities. Moreover, there will be talks and activities exploring the history of the area.

See the country’s leading strongmen and mighty women compete

Looking to end the summer holidays doing something memorable? See the country’s leading strongmen and mighty strongwomen compete at the Peak District Highland Games.

Memorable day out at Chatsworth Country Fair

The Chatsworth Country Fair is a truly memorable day out for all the family, with all the fun of the vintage fairground for the young and young at heart.

With a packed programme of grand ring entertainment, a cookery theatre and fine food village, there’s lots to see and do. In the showground, you can try your hand at heritage country sports, rural country crafts, and admire the vintage and military vehicles on display.

Shows and Entertainment

You can make sure the family has a memorable summer by enjoying one of the many great shows being shown at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa Pig fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.

Kids clubs

Looking for some time to yourself or have work commitments during the summer holidays? Here is a selection of kids clubs which will keep your little one’s entertained.

Burn off energy at Spireites Soccer School

Chesterfield FC’s mixed Soccer School runs every school holiday, Monday to Thursday 9am-3:30pm – the perfect opportunity to let the kids run off some energy.

Learn new skills at a tennis camp

Have fun, make friends and test your skills at this Summer tennis camp! Keep your kids active and engaged with activities galore. A perfect blend of sports and fun for an unforgettable holiday.

Available for children from 2-14 years of age, the camp is packed with fun-filled activities, ensuring your child a memorable time while learning and playing their favourite sports.

Children’s Holiday Climbing Club

Over the summer the Healthy Living Centre will be running children’s climbing clubs for ages seven to 17 years old. These session teach the basic skills of climbing such as safety issues, top-roping, bouldering, climbing techniques and is a great introduction to climbing.

From events to festivals, entertainment to shows and family activities – there’s plenty of ways to make memories during the summer holidays. Make sure to see what else is on this summer…

Complete your family day out by visiting one of our friendly food and drink venues. Here’s 50 different places to consider dining out at…

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out guide for things to do with the family…

New soft play, entertainment and dessert venue open in Chesterfield

23rd September 2021

A brand new venue for children is set to open in Chesterfield, which will house family-friendly entertainment, a soft play area and mouth-watering desserts.

Kooca will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm to help provide fun for your little ones, while you, your family and friends tuck into an indulgent treat.

The venue on Beetwell Street will officially open its doors to the public from Saturday, 2nd October, with toy cars and pony cycles also included to enable children to have a fun experience.

Special events such as Halloween and Christmas parties will also be lined up at the new venue, which aims to provide hours of fun for youngsters across North Derbyshire and beyond.

Operations Director Ian Biggin said: “Our intention is simply to be Chesterfield’s Premier Children’s Soft Play, Entertainment, Party and Dessert Venue.

“Kooca features the latest in soft play design, along with a family friendly entertainment venue which will host shows and events throughout the year.

“We can offer bespoke party packages from tailored group experiences including food and drink packages up to exclusive venue hire for your special event.”

Kooca will be offering guests a delicious range of treats for guests, including freshly made waffles topped off with locally-made Frederick’s ice cream, coffees with flavoured shots, milkshakes and much more.

Further plans for the new business include the development of ‘Our Tiny Town’ in which the business’s owners will work with teams from Chesterfield borough council and Chesterfield College to create a miniature replica of Chesterfield within the building.

You can find out more about Kooca, and all the exciting events taking place there over on the venue’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/koocaltd or by calling 01246 604670.

There is so much to do across Chesterfield to keep the whole family entertained. Find out what you could be getting up to in the town on our ‘Places to Visit’ page.