Ikea stores across UK have free family events this summer – including outdoor cinemas, kitchen raves and Funland days
FUN DAY Ikea stores across UK have free family events this summer – including outdoor cinemas, kitchen raves and Funland days
LET'S face it, a trip to the ikea Markethall followed by a plate of meatballs ni the restuarant is a day out in itself.
But the furniture stores are turning themselves into full-on family attractions this summer, with a range of free events including outdoor Disney cinema, quizzes and 'Roomset raves.'
4
Ikea stores offer different events across their stores - most of which are free
Credit: IKEA
4
At Wednesbury, Ikea has an outdoor cinema experience with £1.95 ice creams
Credit: IKEA
Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here
And until August 15, this includes a free outdoor cinema at Ikea Wednesbury, near Birmingham.
The outdoor cinema experience features a giant inflatable movie screen, comfy seating and headphones to enjoy the film.
The films being played are Disney classics - so are suitable for all ages - and it is completely free to go to.
Read more on travel inspo
SHOW BOAT I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire
Whilst you're there, you can also grab one of Ikea's new ice cream flavours for just £1.95.
If you aren't close to Wednesbury, then there are plenty of other stores with events.
For example, at the Cardiff store you could head to a car boot sale on the last two Sundays of August and September, attend an adults-only Sip and Paint, or a kids hot air balloon workshop.
Again, all of these activities are free to do.
Over in Gateshead, there are quiz nights for the family where you are asked Ikea trivia and have to solve home decor brain teasers, with prizes up for grabs.
UK Basks in Glorious Sunshine: Thousands Flock to Beaches as Heatwave Hits
Several other locations including Edinburgh, Lakeside and Croydon also have quizzes.
Heading to Ikea during the day and want to tire out the kids? Well then head to Funland which features in several Ikea stores, which includes indoor and outdoor play space, activities, selfie pods, face painting and music.
Or you could head into a 'Roomset Rave' which could see you quite literally dancing in the kitchen.
Pretty much all of the stores also have craft sessions, which could involve building a hot air balloon, personalising your storage boxes, or creating a cardboard city.
There are even family paint and sip sessions at the Reading and Sheffield stores (though in the latter, kids must be 16-years-old or over).
Some of the events do require booking, but pretty much all of them are free.
One thing worth bearing in mind though, is that to attend a lot of the events you will need an Ikea family card.
But this is also free to get and will earn you rewards and offers on things in store.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'
Still looking for things to do this summer? These are the five free days out for your kids – and you don't need to be on benefits.
Plus, the 10 days out in the UK that cost less than a pint from free-to-visit lidos to cheap cinema mornings.
4
Most stores have craft sessions too
Credit: IKEA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Shoppers in frenzy over ‘jacket of every girl's dream' that's only £12 in Asda and kicks off your autumn wardrobe
THEY say an autumn wardrobe is built in summer. And being organised could just save you money too, if you find some trendy transitional staples in the sale. 3 Shoppers are loving a sale bargain in Asda 3 Shoppers say the £12 buy is the 'jacket of every girl's dream' 3 It's the perfect transitional buy going into autumn So it's no surprise that shoppers are racing to bag the "jacket of every girl's dreams" in Asda after spotting it on the reduced rack. George is the supermarket's in-house fashion label and regularly delights fashion fans with its stylish buys at bargain prices. And their Tan Barn Jacket, available in sizes XS to XXL, is no exception. Originally priced at £28, the Barbour-style jacket has now been slashed to just £12. Read more in Fabulous KILTY PLEASURE Shoppers run to Sainsbury's for 90s statement skirt that's ideal for autumn It features a corduroy collar, concealed fastening and two flap front side pockets. It also comes in a boxy, oversized fit with fashion fans recommending people to size down. In an Instagram post, shared by Asda, savvy shopper Laura gushed: "I've been scouting out a new jacket for autumn/winter and I found it. "I have found the jacket of every girl's dream. It's gonna be huge, it's gonna go wild, it's gonna be the viral coat of the year. "Honestly, [with] little Uggs, your jacket, it's got like a cord collar. It's the coat of the season." She added: "The second I saw this jacket I just knew I was going to LOVE it! I work in Sainsbury's - my picks from new autumn collection, 1920s trend is back "It's the perfect addition to every autumn/winter wardrobe. Cute chunky knit underneath or maybe a hoodie…it's going to go with evvvverything." Other shoppers are in just as much of a frenzy over the autumn buy, as one said: "I have literally just got this." A second echoed: "Just ordered this yesterday!" A third added: "Such a steal in sale. Just what I've been looking for, it is oversized but that's the style I like. Can't wait to wear it this autumn!" Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: "Just what I was after, great quality for the price." And it's not the only jacket in store that shoppers are racing to snap up. Savvy fashionistas can't get enough of Asda's stretchy denim jacket to see them through the remaining summer nights. It can easily be dressed up or down, comes in three colours and best of all - it's on sale for half-price. One shopper gushed: "This jacket is amazing. Nice soft stretch material and colour. I also ordered one for my daughter, as she has it in white already and loves it." "Great price in the sale, but worth buying at full price," said another happy customer.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited the UK's new National Fairground attraction – with rides rescued from a much-loved abandoned theme park
Plus, free activities for the school summer holidays RIDE ON I visited the UK's new National Fairground attraction – with rides rescued from a much-loved abandoned theme park SPOTTING the vintage helter skelter taking pride of place outside the new National Fairground Museum at Statfold Country Park near Tamworth, my little boy could hardly wait to give it a go. We were among the first visitors to be wowed by the heritage rides and attractions at the museum's grand opening at the start of half term, after its relocation from Dingles in Devon over the winter. 7 The new National Fairground Museum is located at Statfold Country Park near Tamworth Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 7 Many of the attractions inside the museum have been relocated from the now abandoned Dingles in Devon Credit: Catherine Lofthouse Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here It's a feast for your eyes and ears the moment you arrive at the purpose-built venue, with fairground artwork adorning the walls, a model of Popeye riding a rocket suspended from the ceiling and a hall of mirrors to give everyone a grin. We were even greeted by a fairground organ playing classics and modern tunes. Once inside, you could take a turn on all the old rides, including a ghost train, bumper cars, merry-go-round, Shaw's Moonrocket and Edwards' Chariot Racer. Read more on travel inspo ON THE UP I'm a travel editor - the flight, train & ferry upgrades really worth the money We loved the old arcade machines that cost 2p or 10p a go. I will warn you that the old rides take no prisoners - the bumper cars certainly go far faster than any modern-day dodgem I've driven! It's not the first time we've visited Statfold - we even celebrated my youngest's fourth birthday there as he's a huge railway fan. The new fairground museum sits perfectly on a site that already offers steam trains, vintage vehicles, soft play, climbing wall, roller disco and crazy golf. Being easily accessible in the middle of the country makes this the perfect spot for visitors to experience all the fun of the fair and more besides. We've had loads of great family days out at Statfold and it's been brilliant to see how it's evolved since we first started visiting when we moved nearby in 2021. Brand new adults playground opens in central London The train-themed playground on your way in is a hint of what's to come inside, but once you've prised your kids off the wooden play equipment, they're sure to be impressed by the roundhouse entrance hall, complete with turntable and vintage vehicles galore. Beyond is a cafe and exhibition space, with a soft play and climbing wall off to one side and a courtyard leading to the train platforms at the back. There's a bouncy castle and slide for children under 150cm and garden games. You can board a light railway taking visitors to a nearby woodland and then on to the fairground museum and nearby retro roller disco or enjoy a ride in an old carriage pulled by a steam train. 7 Lots of fairground art features on the walls and there is a vintage helter skelter Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 7 At the fairground museum, you can buy tokens to pay for the rides Credit: Catherine Lofthouse We bought a whole-site ticket which covered entry into all the attractions and unlimited rides on the trains. At the fairground museum, we bought tokens to pay for the rides, with most being three tokens per ride. The smaller children's rides were two tokens each. If you buy a ticket just for the fairground museum, it costs £5 per person, which includes three tokens. Extra tokens cost £1 each, or there are bundles like 12 tokens for £10. Family tickets to Statfold for two adults and two children cost £57.50 on peak days. 7 A whole-site ticket covers entry into all the attractions and unlimited rides on the trains Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 7 There is also a family summer pass that costs £70 Credit: Catherine Lofthouse Extra tickets for the weekend roller disco or the climbing wall can be added on. There's also a family summer pass for £70, which covers unlimited visits from June until September. Not all the Dingles attractions have moved to the Midlands - some have gone to the Hollycombe Working Steam Museum in Hampshire. But with top theme park Drayton Manor and its Thomas Land area for train-mad tots only about 15 minutes away from Statfold, you could easily combine the two for a weekend full of funfair thrills and train rides galore. There is so much to get steamed up about at Statfold. We'll be rushing back there to ride the rails and enjoy all the fun of the fair in 2025. Free summer holiday activites You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer... Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids. Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy. Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland. Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds. Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge. Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising. Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble. The Sun's Cyann Fielding also recently headed to the new UK indoor playground where children are banned – it was like being back in primary school. Plus, an iconic UK theme park which suddenly closed as an attraction has been 'saved' – but is being forced to relocate across Britain.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Jet2 launches huge flight sale with fares from £29
Plus, how to get a free upgrade to first class on a flight TAKE OFF Jet2 launches huge flight sale with fares from £29 JET2 is having a massive sale on its August and September seats with flights to top destinations. The airline has 30,000 one-way seats up for grabs for as little as £29 to destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, Morocco and the Canary Islands. 3 Jet2 has launched 30,000 sale seats with prices starting at £29 Credit: Getty 3 Destinations include key holiday spots like Rhodes and Corfu in Greece Credit: Getty Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here But holidaymakers will need to be quick, as they'll need to book before midnight on August 18. In total, Jet2 has 475 routes on sale from 13 UK airports including London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester. For example, you could jet off on August 30 and return on September 4 to Majorca, Spain for £29 there and £31 back. On the same dates you could head to Alicante for £70 or Ibiza for £71 per person. Or head to Faro in Portugal, on September 6 and returning on September 13, for £78 total. It remains nice and warm in Faro throughout September with an average high of 27C and low of 17C. Alternatively, head to the lesser visited destination of Reus, in Spain on September 4 and return on September 11 for £70. If you don't mind spending a bit more you could head to Agadir, Morocco, on the same dates as above for £115 per person. Towards the end of September, you could head off to Antalya, in Turkey between September 19 and 24 for £133 per person. The English seaside town with no arcades or rides but named the best in the UK Antalya is also nice and hot in September, with highs reaching 30C and lows sitting around 23C. Or for the same dates, travel to Corfu in Greece for £151 per person. Also in Greece, you could fly to Rhodes between September 18 and 23 for £106 per person. Jet2holidays is also offering £50 off per person on August, September and October bookings. And as its viral advert says, that's £200 for a family of four. Steve Heapy, CEO of said: "With award-winning flights available from across our network of 13 UK bases this summer, we have a fantastic choice whether it is some well-deserved sunshine or a stunning city break." How to get a free upgrade to first class on a plane Travelers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price. According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances. Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades. Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times. Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritize upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention. It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgment. Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades. Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances. Recently, the 'Maldives of Europe' also got new flights from the UK for £19.99. Plus, Skyscanner has a price drop tool that finds the cheapest flights and it could save you hundreds.
