Start the summer holidays with ParkLives' free, fun family events

Two weeks until the summer holidays start for us - can I get a whoop whoop?! As you may have seen from my Cadbury World and Conkers blog posts earlier this week, I am looking ahead and planning out what we would like to do as a family over the summer break whilst Ethan is off, and I have another suggestion for you today.

Starting next Friday, there's a huge range of fun, free activities taking place across Birmingham as Coca-Cola Great Britain's ParkLives programme returns, with Love Parks Week kicking everything off.

There's a whole host of things to get involved with, so well worth checking out what's on near you.

Here's the info:

Run by Keep Britain Tidy, Love Parks Week (13^th-20th July) encourages everyone to get out, enjoy some fresh air and celebrate the important role that parks can play in the local community.

Throughout Love Parks Week, Birmingham residents can join a variety of free ParkLives activities such as football, Zumba and giant outdoor board games, alongside free family picnics at Handsworth Park (Sunday 15^th July), Georges Park (Friday 20^th July) and Conker Island (Friday 26^th July).

Events will take place across many of the local parks, including Perry Hall Park, which will be marking Love Parks Week and World Emoji Day (17th July) by creating a huge smiley face in the grass with love heart-shaped eyes.

All the sessions are designed to promote the wellbeing benefits of taking part in outdoor activities such as combatting loneliness and boosting confidence, as well as empowering local communities to help keep green spaces looking their best.

The ParkLives programme is part of a £20 million commitment by Coca-Cola Great Britain to invest in community-based schemes, with activities delivered by Birmingham City Council through its Active Parks programme. In 2017, more than 17,452 Birmingham residents participated in the programme, which runs throughout the year.

The Love Parks Week events coincide with the start of the ParkLives summer programme in Birmingham.

ParkLives sessions last for around one hour and are hosted by trained, friendly and passionate leaders and volunteers from the local area. Activities are group-based and inclusive, allowing everyone to go at their own pace.

ParkLives runs in nine cities as well as reaching 37 more locations through a partnership with StreetGames - the long-standing charity partner of Coca-Cola Great Britain - who brings sport to the doorsteps of disadvantaged communities across the UK.

To see the full range of ParkLives session near you, visit parklives.com to book a place, or simply turn up on the day.

#ParkLives activities will take place in the following parks in Birmingham: 

Park

Aston Park

Balaam's Wood Public Open Space

Balsall Heath Park

Billesley Common

Bloomsbury Park

Bournville Park

Brookvale Park

Calthorpe Park

Conker island

Cofton Park

Cotteridge Park

Dawberry Fields Park

Doddington Childrens Centre

Farnborough Fields

Fox Hollies Park

Georges Park

Handsworth Park

Holder Lane & Pebble Mill Fields

Jasmine Fields / Cocks moors Woods

Kings Heath Park

Kings Norton Park

Kings Norton Playing Fields

Ley Hill Recreation Ground

Lickey Hills Country Park

Manor Farm Park

Oaklands Park

Perry Hall Park

Pickwick Park

Pype Hayes Park

Queens Park

Rookery Park

Rowheath Pavilion

Sheldon Country Park

Springfield Project

St Gabriels

Summerfield Park

Sunset Park

Moonlit Park

Sutton Park

Victoria Common

Walkers Heath Park

Ward End Park

Wellington Street Play Area

Westley Vale Millennium Green