Family

The Parks Trust has a few spaces remaining on its very popular Youth Explorers Workshop, happening in April. Particularly catered towards 11-14 year-olds who have a passion for wildlife, this 5-week immersive course helps participants get closer to nature in Milton Keynes. Taking place at Howe Park Wood, one of the city’s most important and biodiverse green spaces, attendees can expect to gain practical experience in studying and identifying wildlife as well as learning some exciting and useful “bushcraft” skills. In addition, those signing up to the course in April will also get to take part in activities such as wildlife identification, moth ID, survival skills and a conservation task*. Head to theparkstrust.com/youthexplorers-apr25 to secure one of the final spaces. Not only will participants make lots of amazing memories, they will also receive a certificate upon completion as well as being able to take home anything they make as part of the..

Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has revealed the dates of this year’s highly anticipated Big Butterfly Count, which will take place from 18 July - 10 August. The annual citizen science programme, which is now in its 16th year, attracts tens of thousands of people out into their gardens, local green spaces or the countryside to spend 15 minutes counting butterflies and helping to track trends and inform conservation action. After declining numbers of butterflies resulted in the charity declaring a nationwide Butterfly Emergency last year, it’s more important than ever that people take part in 2025. Last summer’s Big Butterfly Count results were alarming. Overall, participants spotted just seven butterflies on average per 15-minute Count in 2024, a reduction of almost 50% on 2023’s average of 12, and the lowest in the history of the Big Butterfly Count. It was also the worst summer in the Count’s history for a..

Ride High, the Milton Keynes-based charity supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children, has announced an exciting new partnership with Santander Cycles MK for the Ride MK Cycling Festival on Sunday, 29 June 2025. The collaboration will allow participants to ride Santander Cycles MK’s e-bikes for free on the 20-mile Red Route, making the event more accessible to cyclists of all abilities. Set against the backdrop of Milton Keynes’ parkland, redways and canal paths, the Ride MK Cycling Festival is a celebration of cycling, fitness and fundraising in support of local children. Participants can choose from four routes: a 100-mile road route, a 50-mile road route, a 20-mile red route sponsored by Santander Cycles MK and a 1.6-mile Ready Set Go route for children, sponsored by Brioche Pasquier UK. Thanks to the new partnership, those tackling the 20-mile route can apply for a free e-bike, ensuring that more people—whether experienced cyclists or..

If you want to know the recipe for success, ask clever cake baker Amy Panter if she’ll share her secrets with you. From the kitchen of her home in the quiet village of Lavendon, she whips up the kind of sponge delights that look almost too good to eat. She told Pulse’s Sammy Jones all about her crumbly business.. Nothing is off limits for Amy, who relishes a challenge, and her cakey exploits have recently been devoured by some very familiar faces. “I was asked to make one for McFly’s Danny Jones to celebrate him reaching the milestone of one million Instagram followers, and he had just become King of the Jungle...” And so, while most people were busy organising the brussels sprouts, making mince pies and dealing with seasonal plate-fillers, Amy was working on a mini figure of Danny, and creating all sorts of jungle themed bugs for a..

Through the year there have been lots of events and activities across the city’s parks for residents to enjoy, including the MK Health Walks programme of 528 walks attended by more than 12,000 participants getting active outdoors. This year’s calendar included all the fan favourites like Bat Walks, Parkland Play, and community litter picks, as well as the popular new series of Parks & Ride cycling events for families. There was record attendance for Parks & Run in 2024, and the Walking Festival featured new collaboration events with both MK Lit Fest and artists of the Gyosei Art Trail. Park events brought different cultures and communities together to celebrate, from African Diaspora to MK Pride Festival, and the finale of City of Codes and Light Festival. It was great to see so many of MK’s furry residents enjoying the parks too, with regular Woof Walks around the city and the..

On Wednesday, 16th October, first-time mum Othaya welcomed a male bongo calf in the late afternoon. A birth that marks the first bongo calf born at Woburn Safari Park in over 10 years and is both a major success for both the park, as well as for global conservation efforts. Proud father, Pesaka (affectionately known as Sonny by his keepers) arrived at Woburn in November 2023 as part of the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) endangered species management programme; A move coordinated by experts to ensure genetic diversity in captive breeding. Tom Robson, Head of Reserves said “Othaya the bongo has successfully given birth to her first calf on Wednesday afternoon. After a long labour, the large healthy male calf was born and was soon seen standing on wobbly legs, in the deep bed of straw prepared for his arrival. Both Mum and calf are doing really well...

Get your skates on! The much-loved annual ice rink at Woburn Sands Emporium is back, and this year promises even more festive fun for the whole family. The ice rink is now open and has opened ahead of schedule. The real ice rink will be a sparkling hub of Christmas joy, perfect for creating magical memories with your loved ones. What’s New? This year, Woburn Sands Emporium introduces discounted family tickets, making it even easier to enjoy a day of festive fun without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect way to share the magic of the season with those who matter most! What to Expect: Real ice for a true skating experience Dazzling lights and music to set the holiday mood Free parking, so your visit is hassle-free Delicious food, drink, and refreshments on-site Toddler and SEN sessions designed for younger children and those with special needs Families who visited..

Motherhood is an incredible journey, but it can also be isolating and overwhelming at times. That’s where The Mum Club Milton Keynes comes in—a supportive community created to help women connect, share experiences, and feel supported as they navigate life as mums. We sat down with Kelly Gutzmore, the host of The Mum Club Milton Keynes, to talk about her role, the community she’s building for mums, and what makes The Mum Club so special. Hi Kelly! Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you got involved with The Mum Club Milton Keynes? Of course! I’m a mum to a two-year-old, and I became the host for The Mum Club Milton Keynes in March 2024. I organise and promote events for mums in the local community. At our events, I make sure that everyone feels welcomed—especially if they’ve come alone. My main goal is to..

Following its tremendous success earlier this year, the Milton Keynes Brick Festival is set to return on Sunday, 15th September, promising to be the most exciting celebration yet for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. The event invites families, collectors, and adult builders to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun. Whether you're a seasoned LEGO aficionado or a casual fan, the festival offers something for everyone. What to Expect: The Milton Keynes Brick Festival will feature a range of engaging activities, including: Speed building competitions Mosaic-making sessions Minifigure hunts A dedicated building area for all ages For those looking to expand their collections, the festival's marketplace will offer a wide selection of loose bricks, rare and retired LEGO sets, minifigures, accessories, and more. In addition to hands-on activities, attendees will have the opportunity to explore unique LEGO displays created by master builders from across the UK. Visitors can..

Everyone loves a freebie, and Heritage Open Days has 100's of opportunities to get out and enjoy a wealth of family events, between September 6th and September 15th. The oft used line ‘something for all’ really stands true with this nationwide initiative. Pulse’s Sammy Jones has dug deep to bring you some of the choice cuts from Northamptonshire. Heritage Open Days Return with 10 Days of Free Fun in Milton Keynes From September 6 to September 15, Heritage Open Days will feature a variety of free events in Milton Keynes. Here are some of the must-see activities: Friday, September 6 Milton Keynes Central Library Exhibitions: Discover a range of exhibitions, including "Ukraine From Past to Future," "Hidden Stories: The Indian Chapter," and "An Ancient Village at the Heart of a New Town," showcasing local history, arts, and crafts. Open until September 14 (except Sept 8). Tour of Unity Place: Explore..

The hugely popular Willen On Ice will return to Milton Keynes’ Willen Lake this festive season, and for 2024, it’s double the size and quadruple the fun! Opening on Thursday 7th November, tickets have been released today – 24th July - giving people the chance to book early and guarantee tickets to one of the region’s best real ice-skating experience. Set within a giant marquee, Willen On Ice brings a stunning winter wonderland to Willen Lake, creating the perfect festive family experience for all ages. Adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, snow-covered spruces and an 800sqm real ice-skating rink, there’s no place more magical to bring the family. That’s not all… Within the Willen On Ice setting, visitors can enjoy the bright lights and sounds of the fairground, try tasty traditional festive street foods, and catch up with friends at the Après Ski Bar serving a selection of winter warmers...

Whatever the weather, there’s still plenty of time to pack a picnic or wield your wellies, and head outdoors for some free family fun with The Parks Trust. Discover local nature at Howe Park Wood Open Mornings every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 23 July until 29 August, 9.30am-12.30pm. Plan multiple visits to make the most of a different theme each week – learning about Mammals, Conservation & Biodiversity, Freshwater, Birds, Plants & Trees, and Minibeasts. At Howe Park Wood Open Mornings, enjoy the tranquil oasis of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, with free access to experts and artefacts in the Education Centre, nature-themed challenges, and self-guided trails. There are also some sessions offering bookable low-cost activities like Nature Craft and Pond Dipping. Hosted in a different park each week Parkland Play sessions are filled with family fun, from lawn games and sports equipment to bubble machines, sensory..

Discover the ultimate location for excitement and adventure with the brand-new Unlimited Summer Pass at Gravity Active in Milton Keynes. A thrilling variety of activities await, ensuring non-stop entertainment from start to finish. For those needing the perfect spot for a summer playcation, the Unlimited Summer Pass has got you covered! From prices as low as £40, these new Unlimited Summer Passes are designed specifically for those looking to make the most of their summer. The passes offer unlimited access to all of Gravity Active's thrilling attractions, with a range of packages to choose from including trampolining and climbing walls. The Unlimited Summer Passes are available now through to the end of summer 2024 at all Gravity Active locations nationwide. Inspired by the Summer of Sport, Gravity Active has also partnered with Capri Sun this summer. Gravity Active is offering an incredible opportunity to introduce children aged 6-10 to the..

It was the era of exploration and discovery and this June Milton Keynes Museum is turning back the clock and inviting everyone to experience Victorian life – but you'll need to be on your best behaviour; HM Queen Victoria will be making an appearance! Re-enactors the Die Hards will be standing to attention when Her Majesty inspects her troops at 2pm daily, before attending afternoon tea* in the marquee. Get practicing those greetings and curtseys! Neil Story will be telling tales of Victorian life, and there will be stories from the era for the kids. Interactive Punch and Judy shows will take place at intervals throughout both days too. That's the way to do it! A Cabinet of Curiosities tent will include all kinds of unusual exhibits, and if you want to experience learning how the Victorians did it, a trip to the schoolroom for a school session is recommended..

This Easter holiday, prepare for a double dose of cartoon character cuteness at Midsummer Place as the centre welcomes kids’ favourites Bluey and Chase! On Friday 5 April, the lovable character Bluey will be visiting the centre for some fantastic  personal appearances at intervals starting at 11.30am. This FREE event is a chance to meet everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler in person, give Bluey a high five and there will be lots of opportunities to take photos. Then, on Thursday 11 April, PAW Patrol’s Chase is on the scene and ready to meet his paw-some fans. Children can catch up with the heroic pup at Midsummer Place at intervals between 11.30am and 4pm. This event is again free for all to attend and provides families with a fun, budget-friendly day out, where children can pose for photos with their favourite police canine. The time slots for both appearances are below and..