Summer’s here and hopefully it won’t be a blink and you miss it job. Whatever the weather, there’s no excuse to sleep through it like a pink flamingo on one leg while all the other flamingos have fun!
We’ve cherry-picked some of the best stuff to do for the whole family in our summer activities 2025, in Dumfries and Galloway!
Jam Pieces – Kate Downie’s Kids and Adults Drawing Workshop
When: Monday 28 July, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3pm
Where: Gracefield Arts Centre
Kate Downie RSA is a painter/printmaker and this intergenerational workshop invites grandparents to spend time exploring portraiture and drawing with their grandkids (from age 5 upwards). Likewise, carers and their dependent young ones.
It’s all inspired by artist Joan Eardley who famously drew street children in Glasgow. In the morning it’s direct drawing with kids drawing their carers and vice versa. Part two is a development of the initial drawings using pastel and collage on found surfaces – anything from cardboard to sandpaper!
You can also expect skipping, hopscotch, and graffiti on walls in chalk.
Six adult places available, each with no more than two dependants. It’s £20 per group booking, including snacks and drinks, but they ask that you please bring a packed lunch or order from the café and that you book by 10 July.
Email arts@dumgal.gov.uk or call 01387 262084.
Summer in the Garden Sessions (ages 5-16)
When: Friday 18th July 10am – 1pm
Friday 25st July 10am – 1pm
Friday 1st Aug 10am – 1pm
Where: Heathhall Community Centre
How does a day of planting beautiful flowers, rock painting, and some exciting games sound? Well, it’s all happening at Heathhall Community Centre this summer.
Yes, it’s creative and fun, plus there are also free snacks. Don’t forget to register though – you can’t just rock up and rock paint!
Lincluden After School Group (4.5 – 16 years old)
When: 10am – 5pm
Where: North West Resource Centre, College Drive, DG2 0BX
These free summertime play sessions are where children with additional support needs or disabilities can play alongside their siblings. On offer are loads of exciting games and craft activities. Kids can come together and share some laughs, and like all the best things in life, it’s free!
Email lincludenasg@googlemail.com for you booking form.
Spoken Word and Song Writing Workshop (12-14 year-olds)
When: Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st 10am-4pm (free lunch provided!)
Where: Theatre Royal, Dumfries
Are you a budding writer looking to develop a piece of writing you’ve laboured over for ages?
Well, it so happens that poet and songwriter Alan McLure is on hand at this three-day workshop to guide you. It’ll cover the basics of spoken word and songs – plus there’s also an opportunity to perform at the Burns Stramash at the Theatre Royal on Thursday 21st July at 7pm.
Stage Combat Workshop anyone?
Tbc between 1-3pm that very same day at The Theatre Royal is exactly that! Discover how actors make stage fighting look so real, thanks to this introductory workshop.
Abandoned on the Solway Coast
When: 30 July 10am -midday
Where: Barhill woods carpark, Kirkcudbright
Let’s have a show of hands for a fun survival adventure along the Solway Coast’s coastal woodland! This relaxed family session is aimed at children up to eight, with den building, fire lighting, mini foraging hunts, plus plenty of simple first aid skills learned along the way!
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a charity that supports trees, habitats and those that depend on them.
Tickets are free and available here
New Galloway Golf Club Junior Summer Camp
When: every Thursday 10-12 in summer holidays
Throughout the summer holidays, kids from 10 years and up can come and learn golf with all equipment provided. And all you parents can also join in!