If you’re looking for free family fun this summer, the Bridges shopping centre is inviting families to Dive into Summer with its brand-new Ocean Explorers Camp - four weeks of exciting activities designed to entertain, inspire and educate from 3 - 28 August.
Created for primary school-aged children, the packed summer programme combines hands-on fun with opportunities to learn about protecting our ocean. Through creative workshops, games and challenges, young explorers will discover simple ways to recycle, reduce waste, and care for marine life.
The centre is hosting its free Ocean Explorers Eco Club every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am - 4pm, led by Scuba Steve and Debbie Dive.
It all begins at the under the sea inspired blue ocean set, where children can enjoy sustainable craft workshops using recycled materials, the Save Our Seas fishing game, the Untangle Our Oceans recycling challenge, seaside racing games, an interactive doodle mural and creative upcycling activities transforming everyday items into colourful ocean-themed creations.
No booking is required for the Ocean Explorers workshops, families can simply come along and join the fun.
Sustainability is at the heart of this year’s programme. Working with schools across Sunderland, retailers and shoppers, the Bridges has collected more than 70,000 recycled bottle tops as part of a city-wide recycling challenge. With competition winner Ryhope Infant School winning a class trip to the pantomime at the Sunderland Empire this Christmas.
On Friday 14 August, families can help a sustainable artist transform some of the collected bottle tops into a spectacular ocean-themed mural inside the centre, creating a unique piece of community artwork while learning about the importance of recycling.
Young visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Island Princess Moana on Monday 10, 17, and 24 August between 11am and 3pm, creating magical summer memories.
Families can also enjoy feel-good workshops hosted by Lush on Wednesday 5, 12, 19, and 26 August. Pre-booking is required and a booking fee applies.
Ahead of the summer activities at the Bridges, Karen Eve, Centre Director, said: “We’re passionate about creating family experiences that are both fun and meaningful. Our Ocean Explorers Camp encourages children to learn about protecting our oceans through hands-on activities, while our community bottle top mural demonstrates what can be achieved when local people come together to support sustainability. It’s a fantastic way to inspire the next generation while giving families another great reason to visit the centre this summer.”
The Bridges is inviting families to visit throughout the summer holidays, take part in the free activities and enjoy a full day out with shopping, dining and entertainment.
Full event information can be found at: https://www.thebridges-shopping.com/events/dive-into-summer/
Families are also encouraged to share their experience with us on social media.