Explore, play and picnic in Milton Keynes’ parks this summer!

With the big school holidays fast approaching, The Parks Trust’s summer events are perfectly lined up to keep everyone entertained whatever the weather!

Make the most of longer days and luscious landscapes with an exciting programme of outdoor activities and events taking place across Milton Keynes’ parks.

Summer Holiday Open Mornings

Every Tue, Wed & Thu at Howe Park Wood | 9.30am-12.30pm

Free nature activities for families, exploring the ancient woodland and learning about the wildlife that lives in Milton Keynes’ parks. Visit again and again to enjoy different weekly themes including Marvellous Minibeasts, Super Creatures, Nature Games, Wildlife Warriors and more. Plus, some weeks feature ticketed sessions such as bug hotel building - book these online before you visit to avoid disappointment!

Home to endangered animals and plant species, Howe Park Wood is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England for its wildlife value.

Golden Summer Picnic

Sat 25 July at Woughton Community Orchard | 1.30-4pm

Relax into a lazy afternoon at the orchard, with friends and family. Pack a blanket and tasty treats to enjoy a summer picnic surrounded by the sights, scents and sounds of summer in this historic orchard celebrating 50 years feeding the community.

Butterfly Strolls

Wed 22 July in Ouse Valley Park | 1pm

Thu 6 August at Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve | 6pm

Ever spotted a blue butterfly and didn’t know what species it was? Want to take part in The Big Butterfly Count but don’t know your Painted Ladies from your Peacocks? Transform your skills on an introductory butterfly identification stroll and help to record the species living in the parks!

Community Volunteering: Meadow Makers

Sat 25 July in Campbell Park | 12-2pm

Join The Parks Trust to help give hogweed the heave-ho! This’ll boost native species in the wildflower meadows of Campbell Park, perfect for pollinators like bees and butterflies!

Parkland Play Sessions | 12-3pm

Wed 5 August in Oxley Park, Wed 12 August in Waterhall Park, Wed 19 August in Glebe Farm & Wed 26 August at Bancroft Roman Villa

A series of inclusive summer play sessions in neighbourhood parks! Enjoy face painting, crafts, animal encounters, storytelling sessions, and exciting water safety games with The Parks Trust’s Community Rangers.

Community Volunteering: Orchard Haven Build

Sat 8 August at Woughton Community Orchard | 10am-12.30pm

Get hands-on with nature to help construct essential hibernacula and bug hotels to provide safe and cosy winter homes for wildlife like hedgehogs, amphibians, reptiles and insects.

Walk & Talk: Wildlife Wander

Tue 11 August in Waterhall Park | 2pm

Book now to explore this secret slice of greenery, sandwiched between two waterbodies in one of Milton Keynes’ lesser-known parks. This event offers a fantastic way to discover what species might be living right on your doorstep!

Family Bat Walk

Fri 14 August at Great Linford Manor Park | 8.15pm

Led by a knowledgeable guide and equipped with a bat detector, you and your family will venture into the park around sunset to learn about the incredible bat species living in Milton Keynes. You’ll listen out for the incredible sounds of bats whilst you discover the differences between species found in the area - and hopefully have the chance to spot them in flight! Limited spaces, booking required.

Orienteering with South Midlands Orienteering Club

Sat 25 July at Woughton Community Orchard | 1.30pm-4pm

Join the South Midlands Orienteering Club at Howe Park Wood for a challenging outdoor adventure sport, enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Love Wetlands Day

Fri 21 August at Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve | 12-4pm

A fun-filled afternoon discovering and celebrating the wetlands of Milton Keynes. Take part in themed crafts and activities, learn about habitats and the fascinating creatures living in them, meet local wildlife groups and enjoy some tasty treats.

International Bat Night

Sat 29 August at Howe Park Wood | 6.30-9pm

An evening celebrating the world's only flying mammal, with fascinating talks and activities led by The Parks Trust team and local societies before heading out into the park on a guided walk, using detectors to try and locate bats in flight! Limited capacity, booking required.

Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust says “We can’t wait for another summer packed with fun and adventure in MK’s Parks, featuring loads of family-friendly events and activities to keep everyone entertained!”

Milton Keynes has over 40 different parks to explore and enjoy, with a huge choice of free play areas, walking and cycling routes, trim trails, and world-class outdoor artworks. There are many more activities and events in the city’s parks to take part in, including:

Woof Walk 25 July at Waterhall Park

Milton Keynes Barrio Fiesta 25 & 26 July in Campbell Park

Parks & Ride 26 July at Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve

Community Litter Pick 27 July at Canal Broadwalk

MK Gospel Festival 8 August in Campbell Park

MK Weekender 14, 15 & 16 August in Campbell Park

Love Wetlands Day 21 August at Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve

Arthur Ellis Mental Health Wellbeing Festival 23 August at Great Linford Manor Park

Community Litter Pick 26 August at Bancroft Roman Villa

Inclusive Stroll 27 August at Furzton Lake

Woof Walk 29 August at Howe Park Wood

Milton Keynes Tribute Festival 29 & 30 August in Campbell Park

Parks & Ride 30 August in Ouzel Valley Park

Big Park Hangout 5 September at Willen Lake

For full listings, visit theparkstrust.com/events