Chippenham has a packed programme of exciting, educational, and energetic events for children and young people running across this half term week. From seaside-themed crafts and storytelling to circus skills, paddleboarding and even mobile filmmaking, there’s something for all ages and interests.
Here’s a guide to some of the family-friendly activities happening in and around Chippenham during Half Term including a selection of highlights from the Chippenham Folk Festival but check the full programme at www.chippfolk.co.uk for everything on offer!
Note if you would like your half term event listed, please add it onto this website here – www.onechippenham.org.uk/events/community/add
First published 21st May
Saturday 24th May
Under the Sea Half-Term at Chippenham Library (Starts)
Chippenham Library | 24th-31st May
Drop in any time during opening hours for a host of creative, ocean-themed activities. Follow the Rockpool Trail, test your marine knowledge with the Ocean Quiz, and help create a floating seabed with your own Fantastic Creature crafts. It’s all free – just bring your library card!
Chippenham Folk Festival – Youth Workshops Begin
Masonic Centre, Emery Lane
Ages 11–17 | £3 (or included with Youth Ticket)
- 1-2.30pm: Singing Workshop – Learn traditional folk songs and harmonies in a friendly, relaxed space.
- 3-4.30pm: Theatre Workshop – A fun session of games and improvisation, building confidence and creativity.
- 7-8pm: Folky Games – Try your hand at folk-inspired games and meet new friends.
Magic Lantern Puppet & Story Tent
Magic Lantern (Island Park), Chippenham Folk Festival | 10am-2pm
Create your own shadow puppets, explore storytelling, and bring characters to life in a magical, imaginative space.
Free entry. Donations welcomed.
Sunday 25th May
Consti Club Family Fun Day
Consti Club, Chippenham | From 1pm
A classic family fun day with all the trimmings – BBQ, DJ, bouncy castle, tombola, sweet stalls, face painting, and even hair tinsel! A brilliant community day out, raising funds for the club.
More Chippenham Folk Festival Highlights
Various venues
- 1-2pm: Family Fairytale Ceilidh at the Community Stage – Storytelling meets folk dancing, hosted by Naomi & Ellie with live music from The Downfielders.
- 1.30-4.30pm: Clare’s Circus at the Make & Do Tent – Try juggling, hula hoops, spinning plates and more!
- 4.10-5.10pm: Keith Donnelly Family Show – Comedy, music, stories and lots of audience participation with Keith and his bear.
- 5-5.30pm: Children’s Calm Yoga – A relaxing mindfulness session for ages 7–12 in the Make & Do Tent.
- 7-8pm: Shooting Roots Open Mic – Got a folk song or story to share? This youth open mic night is a relaxed, welcoming space to perform or just listen.
Monday 26th May
Clare’s Circus
Make & Do Tent | 1.30-4.30pm
Get hands-on with circus equipment and learn fun tricks. Suitable for a wide range of ages.
Children’s Calm Yoga
Make & Do Tent | 5-5.30pm
Another chance to unwind with this mindful movement session specially designed for younger children and their families.
Grand Exhibition of Contraptions & Curiosities
Community Stage | 4.15-5.15pm
Expect magic, music, myths and mayhem! A fast-paced and funny family show packed with silliness and sparkle.
Free entry. Donations welcome.
Tuesday 27th May
Under the Sea Story Time & Craft
Chippenham Library | 11am
Join library staff for seaside stories and themed crafts. No booking needed – just pop in.
Brick Creators’ Club
Chippenham Library | 2-4pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat)
Build, create, and play with bricks of all shapes and sizes.
May Half Term – Drop-in Activities
Chippenham Museum
- 10.30am-3.30pm: Drop-in Creative Crafts – Get inspired by the “Spilling the Tee” t-shirt project and design your own t-shirt bunting.
- 9-10am: Autism-Friendly Quiet Time – Limited numbers and a calm atmosphere for children needing a more relaxed session. Booking required via Eventbrite.
Cardboard Engineering Workshops
REME Museum
- 10am-4.00pm (27th-29th): Find out just how many different types of engineering you can do with the simplest materials! All cardboard provided. Drop-in activity, just book your regular entry tickets.
Wednesday 28th May 2025
Rag and Bone Arts Mobile Film Workshop
The Neeld, Chippenham | Ages 11–18 | 11am-4pm
Work with professional filmmaker Andy Mitchell to shoot, edit and produce your own short film using mobile devices. Perfect for budding creatives – pizza lunch included! FREE (but booking essential)
Book your place here: ticketsource.co.uk/rag-and-bone-arts-cic
Pewsham Community Centre
1.00-5.00pm: Come along and enjoy messy play, crafts and more! Aimed at under 5’s but older siblings welcomed too.
Thursday 29th May
Museum Activities Repeat
Same as Tuesday – perfect if you missed the earlier session or want another go!
Friday 30th May
Chippenham Tree Climb & Zipwire Festival Begins
Monkton Park | £17.50 per session
Get adventurous with climbing, slacklines and a 50-metre zipwire! Sessions are 90 minutes long and suitable for ages 8+. Book online via www.wolt.org.uk.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Monkton Park | 2.30-4pm
Try paddleboarding on the River Avon! All kit provided. Ages 7+ (under 10s must be accompanied by a paying adult).
£17.50 – pre-book at www.wolt.org.uk
Saturday 31st May
Party on the Course – 20/60 Celebration
Monkton Park Golf Course & The Tenth Hole Tearoom | 2-8pm
Celebrate 60 years of Monkton Park Golf Course and 20 years of Wendy and Peter running the show with an afternoon of fun, food and live music.
- Live music from local talents including Oli Hounsell, Dan Graham, Mike Morrisey and Pat D’Arcey
- Pewsham Dance School
- Stalls
- Crafts
- Bouncy Castle for the kids
- Delicious paella and more from Pepperpot Events
- Cakes and refreshments from The Tenth Hole Tearoom
All proceeds from the day will go towards supporting Riverside Preschool. A brilliant family-friendly afternoon in the heart of Monkton Park!
More Water & Climbing Adventures
Monkton Park
SUP and climb sessions throughout the day:
- 10-11.30am
- 12.15-1.45pm
- 2.30-4pm
More Library Fun
- Brick Creators’ Club (2–4pm)
- Pokémon Swap (10.30am)
- Saturday Story Time
Happy half -term!
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