Things to do in Staffordshire Summer Holidays 2026
With the Staffordshire summer holidays 2026 rapidly approaching, it’s time for a list of things to do in the area. Lots of attractions have events taking place this year, both indoors and outside. From family trails to fun days and activity camps, there’s lots to see and do around Staffordshire. If you’re on a budget, check out my post about free things to do in Staffordshire as well.
If you’re planning on booking any of these attractions in Staffordshire, do check out my post about discount deals on UK attractions and days out. There are often quite a few discounts available in the local area, so I personally resent paying full price!
For holiday clubs in Staffordshire where you can drop the kids off to have fun without you, check out my West Midlands holiday clubs 2026 info post.
This post covers the Staffordshire area only. If you are looking for days out in nearby counties during the summer holidays, please see below:
Alton Towers
I can’t see any particular events taking place at Alton Towers this summer, but this is a day out for the whole family with something for everyone from thrill-seeking teens and adults to tiny tots. There are often discounts available, in particular the Cadbury promotion was a revelation to me.
Dates: Open daily from 22nd June to 5th September 2026.
Website: Alton Towers
Review: Alton Towers theme park, water park and cBeebies hotel with little ones.
Cannock Chase
This Forestry England site in Staffordshire is a brilliant day out for all the family, including the dog! Take bikes and enjoy the bike tracks for all ages and abilities. Follow the Gruffalo sculpture trail and treat your dog to a run around the dog agility course. There’s a great children’s play area and you can even book in to do Go Ape. This can be a full day out with a café, bike hire and toilet facilities available. Better still, it’s free to visit and you only have to pay for parking.
Website: Forestry England
Review: Dog friendly family day out at Cannock Chase.
Drayton Manor Park
In July, Drayton Manor has a Country themed event called Rock ‘n’ Rumble, complete with songs, entertainment and food. At the moment, there’s no information about any other summer events, but this is always a great day out for kids from tiny tots to teens. If you’re looking for a first ever theme park day out, we highly recommend Thomas Land in Drayton Manor, where there are plenty of rides designed for little ones.
Dates: Open daily from 17th July to 1st September 2026.
Website: Drayton Manor
Review: Family day out at Drayton Manor.
Monkey Forest
Whilst there’s no particular event on for West Midlands summer holidays 2026, but this is prime baby season, so it’s a great time to visit. Monkey forest is a lovely day out where visitors can walk along a 3/4 mile pathway among 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques. There’s also a café, children’s play area maze. It’s just around the corner from Trentham Gardens too, so for a completely full day of fun it is worth considering combining the two. For further information and to book, head to the Monkey Forest website.
National Forest Adventure Farm
It’s time for Farmarama at the National Forest Adventure Farm. This summer, the beach comes to Burton. Look out for huge paddling pools and a giant sand area. Sand art, seaside shows and a daily foam party top off the entertainment. The popular maize maze is back for visitors to get lost in, as well as the usual farmyard activities like meeting the guinea pigs, watching the sheep racing, tractor rides and the barrel stampede. Meet the animals on the farm and enjoy indoor soft play and outdoor adventure play.
Dates: 18th July to 1st September 2026.
Website: National Forest Adventure Farm.
Review: Family day out at the National Forest Adventure Farm.
National Memorial Arboretum
The NMA is focusing on the art of remembrance this summer. Their free summer programme throughout the season that celebrates how creativity helps us connect with stories of service and sacrifice. Highlights include:
- Stones of Memory, a growing participatory artwork where visitors decorate and add their own painted stones
- Songs, Sounds and Stories, featuring three newly commissioned sound pieces available via Podcatcher audio devices
- Beaming, a heartwarming family theatre experience for children under 10 (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – booking required)
- Workshop Wednesdays, with music-making sessions and drop-in arts and crafts for younger visitors. Marking 25 years since the Arboretum officially opened.
Dates: 18th July to 30th August 2026.
Website: National Memorial Arboretum
Rudyard Lake
Located in the Staffordshire Moorlands, Rudyard Lake is a stunning reservoir surrounded by woodland and hills. There is no specific event for Staffordshire summer holidays 2026. However, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and cycling. You can also ride the steam train and make the most of the great food and drink options at Rudyard Lake.
Website: Rudyard Lake
Statfold Country Park
Statfold Barn is open Wednesday to Sunday during school summer holidays. They also have a Steam Into Summer pass available to buy, which gives you entry every day of the school holidays. Well worth the investment if you’re nearby. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the narrow gauge train and explore the railway museum. Younger visitors will appreciate Toby’s Barn play and climb, a soft play area and children’s indoor climbing wall. There’s an outdoor play area full of diggers as well as a children’s play park. Check their What’s On page for some sweet events taking place on selected dates. Including the Midlands Fire & Rescue Show and Day Out With Thomas.
Dates: 22nd to 26th and 29th to 31st July and 5th to 9th, 12th to 16th, 19th to 23rd, 26th to 31st August 2026.
Website: Statfold Country Park
Review: Review of a family day out at Statfold Barn.
Trentham Gardens
Whilst there’s no specific summer holiday event at Trentham Gardens, there are loads of one-off events taking place throughout the summer. There are too many to list here, so do check out their website to see what’s on. This is always a lovely day out for all the family with a lake to walk around, lovely shops and a large adventure playground.
Dates: Open daily throughout the Staffordshire school summer holidays 2026.
Website: Trentham Gardens.
The SnowDome
Summer holidays might not seem like the most natural time to visit the SnowDome. However, there’s lots going on there this summer. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, the snow fun area, climbing or book a day pass and mix and match activities.
Website: The Snowdome
