Keeping the children entertained through the long summer holidays can be an expensive business, but The Brunel Swindon is offering families plenty of ways to have some fun without emptying the bank account.
The town centre shopping venue has put together a programme of free and affordable activities, with everything from creative workshops and treasure hunts to arcade games, books and family-friendly food all available under one roof.
At the heart of the summer programme are the centre’s Wonderful Wednesdays, with free activities taking place every Wednesday up to and including 26 August.
Running from 10am to 4pm downstairs near Boots, each session has a different theme, with organisations including the National Literacy Trust, Wyvern Theatre and Festival of Tomorrow getting involved.
Families can also take part in The Brunel’s free Summer Rainbow Trail. Pick up a map from Card Factory, follow the clues around the shopping centre and return the completed trail to receive a small treat.
For those who prefer their entertainment with a little more noise and flashing lights, High Score Arcades is offering its One Final Play sessions. Families can take advantage of a Monday special offer, upgrading a 60-minute pass to 90 minutes and getting stuck into a mixture of classic and modern arcade games.
All that activity is likely to work up an appetite, and The Crossing food hub offers plenty of options for younger diners. Chopstix has a new children’s menu, while Broccoli Pizza & Pasta offers kids’ meals, and the ever-reliable Happy Meal is available from McDonald’s in Canal Walk.
For families who would rather escape into a good book, Swindon Story Shed is open from Wednesday to Sunday during the holidays, offering free preloved books alongside creative workshops aimed at keeping younger visitors occupied.
There are also plenty of options for a little retail therapy without spending a fortune. The Works stocks a wide range of affordable books, games and activities, while The Entertainer has hundreds of pocket-money-priced toys and treats.
Comic book fans are catered for too. The Incredible Comic Shop, upstairs at The Brunel, has been serving comic enthusiasts in Swindon and the surrounding area for 15 years, with a substantial selection of comics and graphic novels.
The Swindon & Wiltshire Pride Hub, also upstairs, is running a series of community workshops, with some free to attend and others asking for a £2 donation.
The town’s Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, 15 August, beginning with the traditional march from the town centre to GWR Park before an afternoon of food, stalls and live entertainment suitable for families.
Local creativity will also be on display when The Brunel’s monthly Makers’ Market returns on 22 August, bringing together a selection of products created by local crafters.
And with the new school term looming on the horizon, parents can get one final job ticked off the list by taking the children for a haircut at The Cutting Bar. Children’s prices start from £11.50, with no appointment necessary.
A spokesperson for The Brunel Swindon said: “We know how challenging it can be for parents to keep children entertained over the long summer break, especially while managing family budgets.
“Our summer line-up combines completely free creative events like Wonderful Wednesdays with comfortable dining and entertainment spaces so families can spend quality time together right in the heart of Swindon.”
With its covered shopping environment, adjoining multi-storey car park and links to public transport, The Brunel is also pitching itself as a useful destination for families looking for something to do whatever the British summer weather happens to throw at them.
