Batley Library’s Kids Fun Fest: A Summer of Imagination, Creativity, and Community
This summer, Batley Library is pulling out all the stops to create something truly special for local children and families—a Kids Fun Fest packed with hands-on activities, imaginative play, and community spirit. As the school holidays approach, the library will transform into a hub of creativity and laughter, with free events running throughout July and August.
From seed planting to mini Woggle hopping, game design to box-building bonanzas, each event is designed to inspire young minds, foster new friendships, and bring families together.
Kicking Off with a Seed of Joy
The festivities begin in late June with our Early Bird Sunflower Planting Session. Children are invited to come plant their very own sunflower seed in a pot to take home. As the summer days stretch out, they’ll be encouraged to return and check on their plant’s progress, watching it grow tall and bright—just like them!
Gardening is more than just getting our hands dirty—it’s a way to teach patience, nurture, and pride. Our little gardeners will also take part in fun nature-themed activities, learn about pollinators, and enjoy some Garden-inspired crafts. Who will grow the tallest bloom?
A Summer Built with Brilliance
Our Building: Boxes and Bolts session invites children to turn everyday materials into extraordinary creations. Using recycled cardboard, bolts, and a healthy dose of imagination, kids will design robots, race cars, treasure boxes, and machines of all shapes and sizes.
This tactile play is fantastic for developing spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and engineering thinking—all while having fun. It’s also a great opportunity to encourage eco-awareness, showing how we can reuse and repurpose rather than throw away.
Our team of volunteers will be on hand to support, supervise, and share in the fun. No experience is required—just enthusiasm and curiosity!
Games, Made by Kids, for Kids!
In another exciting session, children will become game designers during our Make Your Own Summer Game . From drawing out colourful boards, inventing characters, and writing simple rules, this is where creativity meets critical thinking.
Children will go home with a playable game of their own making, and they’ll get to try out each other’s ideas too. Whether it’s a fantasy adventure or a bug-themed maze, each creation reflects the individuality of its maker.
Why It Matters
In today’s world, opportunities for creative, unstructured play can sometimes be hard to come by. Budgets are tight. Screens are everywhere. And for many families, the summer holidays can feel long and isolating.
That’s why events like Kids Fun Fest are so important. They’re not just about entertainment—they’re about connection, confidence, and community. And at Batley Library, every session is completely free.
We’ve designed these activities not only to be fun but also to support key developmental skills: communication, imagination, teamwork, empathy, and resilience. Parents often tell us that their children come out of the library buzzing with ideas—and asking when they can come back.
Join the Fun
There’s something happening almost every week during the summer holidays, and families are welcome to drop in or pre-book depending on the activity.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:
- Early Bird Sunflower Planting – 28th June
- Sprout and Shout – 24th July
- Bugs, bounces and Books – 31st July
- Boxes & Bolts Invention Day – 14th August
- Make Your Own Game Day – 7th August
Full dates, times, and sign-up information will be available at the library front desk and on our Facebook page: @BatleyLibraryFriends Book your space as they are limited
Volunteers Needed!
We’re always looking for extra hands. If you love crafts, games, gardening, storytelling—or just want to support your community—please consider volunteering. Even an hour makes a difference, and it’s a great way to meet people, make memories, and give back.
Let the Fun Begin
This summer, let’s grow more than just sunflowers. Let’s grow confidence. Let’s grow joy. Let’s grow community. Join us at Batley Library for a Kids Fun Fest to remember!
