25 fun-packed things for families this summer in Lincolnshire and Rutland

The summer holidays are here and, for parents, the big question is how to keep the kids entertained.

But don’t worry, help is at hand with these tips on places that may be worth a visit, both indoors and out, no matter your tastes.

There’s no reason not to ensure the youngsters have a fantastic six-week break with many fun activities on your doorstep, or further around Lincolnshire and Rutland…

1 - Survive the zombie attack at the Battle Warehouse

This thrilling adventure at Boston’s Playtowers challenges you and pals to have fun in this neon-lit post-apocalyptic backdrop. Hone your skills at the shooting range before taking on the warehouse where you and friends go head-to-head in the custom-built zone.

Details: www.bostonbowl.co.uk/battle-warehouse

2 - Leap off the 5.5m mammoth

The Rutland Water Aqua Park once again offers some of the best inflatable-swim fun in the country. Among the attractions are the mammoth - billed as the UK’s tallest obstacle with a 5.5m drop - the sea dragon and 3.5m tornado tower.

Details: aquaparkgroup.co.uk/locations/rutland

3 - Ride the Odyssey

Ingoldmells’ Fantasy Island offers some of the county’s best funfair and ride experiences. Among them are the Jubilee Odyssey rollercoaster, which takes you up to heights of 167ft at 62mph. There are rides available for kids and adults of all sizes.

Details: www.fantasyislandresort.co.uk

4 - Bop away at The Pop Party

What could be better than a child friendly concert made especially for kids, brings the latest trending TikTok hits to life? Chart-topping songs from artists including Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Meghan Trainor, Billie Ellish, Ed Sheeran and more will feature at Spalding’s South Holland Centre from 2pm on August 3 (2pm).

Details: www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

5 - Hide like the spymaster

Burghley House’s recently-opened new adventure playground , near Stamford, promises to give the kids hours of fun. Entitled Hide and Secrets, the zone is inspired by William Cecil, the county’s first spymaster.

Details: burghley.co.uk/plan-your-visit/adventure-play

6 - Paint your friends red

Few things are quite as exhilarating as paintball. Ancaster Leisure has a number of fantastic outdoor pursuits, including paintballing, lazer tag and airsoft and also go-karting to keep you occupied this summer.

Details: ancasterleisure.co.uk

7 - Watch a movie in (old fashioned) style

Woodhall Spa’s Kinema in the Woods is believed to be the only kinema left in the country, a cinema where the projection comes from behind the screen. There will be plenty of family favourites to watch at this picturesque location - with its traditional feel - throughout the summer.

Details: thekinemainthewoods.co.uk

8 - Race on some of the world’s most famous circuits

Whether you’re new to the popular game or a veteran, Scalextric Racing, based at Weston Hills, near Spalding, could allow you to live in the fast lane. The site has eight replica tracks ranging in length up to 105ft, and are based on real life locations.

Details: https://scalextric-racing.co.uk/

9 - Go wild with the bears and lions

There’s no shortage of amazing creatures waiting to see you at the Wolds Wildlife Park, near Horncastle. Bears, lions, camels, zebras and monkeys are among the many beasts you can visit at the venue.

Details: www.woldswildlife.co.uk

10 - Watch a joust

Witness the dashing display of knights battling one another at a medieval tournamount and joust, held at the picturesque Tattershall Castle between August 24-26.

Details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/tattershall-castle/events

11 - Sail on the pirate ship

One of the finest swimming pools in the area can be found at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre. As well as the 25m eight-lane pool, youngsters can make a splash in the junior pool, which comes complete with a pirate ship and daring slide.

Details: magnavitae.org

12 - Enjoy a house party

Belton House, and the Belton Estate, near Grantham, will be open for family fun all summer. Whether it’s the adventure playground, taking a mini train ride or visiting the National Trust property, there’s a little something for all. Sensory bags are also available, containing ear defenders, a fidget spinner, sunglasses and more to make the day more comfortable for youngsters.

Details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/belton-estate

13 - Tuck into a burger, ice cream and pet the animals

Mountain’s Farm Shop, at Parks Farm at East Heckington, is a treasure you may well have passed without noticing. As well as the farm shop, the site includes a tasty burger van, ice cream parlour, play area, dog walking paddock and animal petting zone to keep kids - and big kids - entertained.

Details: www.mountainsfarmshop.com/gallery

14 - Take a dip outside

A hidden gem in the Fens is the Rose and Crown campsite at Holbeach Hurn - and its heated outdoor pool. You don’t have to be staying on site to access the free to use pool, which opens daily from 10.30am-7pm, but owners ask you buy drinks or food from their village style pub as a thank you. Small inflatables are allowed. Alternatively, why not pay a visit to Bourne Outdoor Pool - a near Olympic sized outdoor pool.

Details: rosecrownholbeach.com or: http://www.bourneoutdoorswimmingpool.org/

15 - Try waterskiing… or even skiing

You can always get wet and wild at Tallington Lakes where waterskiing, wakeboarding and jetskiing are among the thrilling attractions. But if dry land is more your thing then why not book a dry ski slope or tobogganing session?

Details: www.tallington.com/land-activities

16 - Jump around

Skegness’ Jump Warriors is an up and down day out… literally. The trampoline park includes a fantastic array of obstacles and games and jump. Height restrictions apply for some attractions.

Details: www.jumpwarriors.co.uk

17 - Let’s go bowling

Spalding Bowling offers fantastic indoor fun for the family. The bowling lane and mini golf attractions are guaranteed winners while the centre also has a variety of ping pong tables and arcade machines.

Details: spaldingbowl.co.uk

18 - Hit the wall

Expect a few cliffhangers at Active Nation Birchwood in Lincoln, which sports a wide variety of climbing walls of varying difficulties for youngsters to attempt to scale.

Details: activenation.org.uk/venues/birchwood

19 - Get ready to Rumble

Ever fancied yourself as an action hero? Now’s your chance with Rumble, based at Rutland Water. This laser tag game will let you use mock grenades and rifles in an attempt to outgun your opponents.

Details: www.rumblelive.co.uk

20 - Get crafty

Belle Craft in Donington offers a wide selection of craft fun for both young and old. The venue hosts workshops and can also be booked for private functions.

Details: www.facebook.com/p/Belle-Craft-100090684970534

21 - Go medieval

Among the many attractions at Tattershall Lakes are junior archery and crossbow classes for youngsters. Whether they’re looking to test their skills, pretend they’re a medieval soldier or improve hand and eye co-ordination, there’s no reason not to get shooting.

Details: https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/parks/lincolnshire/tattershall-lakes

22 - Refuse to grow up at an outdoor theatre

Lincoln Castle’s busy summer itinerary offers plenty for the family. Among the highlights will be an outdoor performance of Peter Pan on August 14 and a medieval joust on August 10 and 11.

Details: www.lincolncastle.com/events

23 - Join in the beach party

The Mablethorpe Summer Beach Party will be held on July 27, featuring tribute acts to Queen, Frankie Valli and a number of ska bands as well as an appearance from The Smurfs. And it’s dog friendly too.

Details: www.mablethorpe.info

24 - Head to a haunted house

The beautiful Harlaxton Manor, near Grantham, will be hosting an open day for you to look behind the scenes at the stunning gardens. Now the British campus of the University of Evansville, Harlaxton Manor was the setting for the Catherine Zeta-Jones movie The Haunting.

Details: tickets.harlaxton.co.uk

25 - Turn off the computer and get gaming

An intriguing roleplay event is being staged at Lincoln Museum from July 20 to October 13. Games: Enter The Unknown asks you to role the dice and determine your own route through an exhibition of board games and RPGs. You can let your imagination run wild through creating your own characters and enjoying many of the games on offer.

Details: www.lincolnmuseum.com