An awesome summer-long programme of nature trails, creative activities, wildlife discoveries and hands-on workshops, perfect for curious minds and young nature lovers.
This summer holiday join us at Cromford Mills for family activities and outdoor adventures inspired by our history and local wildlife. From adventure trails and traditional games to creative play, there’s something for everyone. Gather your friends and family, bring your sense of fun and spend the day making summer memories at Cromford.
From hunting for clues on our Nature Quest Trail and earning an official Nature Explorer badge to building bee homes, creating nature-inspired crafts and meeting amazing mini-beasts, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, create and discover throughout the holidays. With activities running right through the summer and new experiences to enjoy on different days, there’s always a reason for young explorers to come back and try something new.
Nature Quest Trail
FREE, Running daily throughout the Summer Explorers Club | Tuesday 28 July – Sunday 6 September
Set off on a self-guided adventure around Cromford Mills and discover the amazing wildlife and natural world hiding around the site. Pick up your trail from the Mill Yard Shop, complete the nature-themed challenges and earn your official Nature Explorer Badge! Perfect for young adventurers, curious minds and families looking to explore, learn and have fun together.
Pre-booking not required. Nature Quest Trail can be purchased on arrival at the Mill Yard Shop.
Play Hub
Running Tuesdays – Fridays throughout the Summer Explorers Club | Monday 27 July – Friday 4 September | 10am–4pm
Join us in the marquee for free, self-led family fun throughout the summer holidays. Children can enjoy nature-themed games, building challenges, dressing up, discovery boxes and a cosy reading corner packed with wildlife and nature books.
Wonderful Wednesdays: Nature Makers Club
Running every Wednesday throughout the Summer Explorers Club | 29 July – 2 September | 11am–3pm
11am-3pm, wristband for £5 per child includes the Nature Quest Trail and unlimited access to the activities in the education room throughout the day. Children will be given a wristband so that they can come and go. Here’s a taste of what young explorers can get involved in:
- Lego waterwheels.
- Junk art – using recycled materials from volunteers
- Pebble painting – using inspiration from local insects.
- Bee homes – using empty tins and coffee tins, wire, black and yellow tape, bamboo and straw, paper straws, cardboard, sticks, string.
- Bee/insect watering stations.
Pre-booking not required. Wristbands for Wonderful Wednesdays can be purchased on arrival at the Mill Yard Shop.
Nature Workshops
Bugfest
Selected dates throughout the Summer Explorers Club | Thursday 6 August & Thursday 20 August | Sessions at 11am–12pm and 1pm–2pm
Get up close to some of nature’s most fascinating creatures in this exciting hands-on wildlife experience. BugFest gives children the chance to discover amazing insects and invertebrates from around the world while learning about their habitats, behaviours and importance to our environment.
Led by experienced handlers, young explorers will have the opportunity to meet a variety of incredible bugs, ask questions and learn fascinating facts in a fun, engaging and interactive session. Perfect for curious children with a love of wildlife, BugFest is an unforgettable opportunity to experience the weird and wonderful world of insects.
Pre-booking required. Book here
Cyanotype printing workshops
One-day workshop during the Summer Explorers Club | Thursday 13 August | Sessions at 10am, 11:15am, 12:45pm and 2pm
Photographic artist Dean Leivers uses the historic Cyanotype photographic process to create handmade images that allow us space and time to reflect on our environment and our place within it. Cyanotype prints are made by creating light sensitive surfaces, coating materials with chemicals that change colour when exposed to UV light. Placing materials on the surface (EG dust, earth, plants) we can leave behind an impression of the objects.
Join Dean for a workshop to learn all about the process through hands-on experience whilst creating your own Cyanotype print, along with learning about the development of this historically important and creatively inspiring approach to photography.
Pre-booking required. Book here
