Families can discover everything the borough has to offer this summer as part of a month-long programme of free activities being held across Basingstoke and Deane.

Taking place in parks and public spaces around the borough, the August Adventures programme is packed with creative activities such as BMX stunts and fairy treasure hunts  to keep children entertained throughout the summer holidays.

Organised by Love Basingstoke and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, every event will offer something new and young adventurers can collect stamps in an adventure passport as they explore.

This year’s programme kicks off on Friday 1 August in War Memorial Park, where families can watch world-class BMX shows and get stuck into water trays, crafts and imaginative role play with PopUp Play Village. Children can also design their own mythical creature with local artist Louise Hight and join in Basingstoke Voluntary Action’s 60^th anniversary celebration with a superhero trail.

Taking over Brighton Hill Park on Tuesday 5 August, family fun on offer includes a fairy finder treasure hunt where children search for signs of fairies, pirate-themed LEGO building, magnifying glass crafting and a mini beast trail.

At the Top of the Town on Friday 8 August, explorers can get hands-on with a special dino dig, pirate map making, binocular colouring and a challenge to discover a series of hidden clues.

On Wednesday 14 August, a day of discovery calls for budding scientists with interactive science experiments, recycled robot making and crafts taking place at The Green, in Tadley.

Budding engineers  can also take part in bridge and tower building challenges, exciting science shows and a mini torch making activity on Friday 15 August at the Top of the Town

The fun continues on Tuesday 19 August at Popley Fields Community Centre, where families can enjoy the Recycled Magic Show, Maximum Play outdoor activities, seed bomb and nature mobile creations and storytelling with Wild-ERFUL Warriors, followed by crafts.

On Wednesday 20 August, Penwood hosts Bee Insect-AZING with Junk Jodie, a Basingstoke Festival favourite, alongside jungle mask making.

The final stop of August Adventures will be at Russell Howard Park in South Ham on Tuesday 26 August. Adventurers will be able to learn new skills from Circus All Stars and take part in art workshops with local artists Rachel Davis and Jacky Purtill, turning everyday objects into vibrant creations.

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “August Adventures is a fantastic way for families to try something new and enjoy free, creative activities this summer while exploring parts of the borough they might not have visited.

“We encourage people to join in the fun, make the most of these brilliant free activities in their local areas and town centre spaces and to keep an eye on the Love Basingstoke social media for any updates or weather-related changes. Don’t forget to bring the adventure passport to each event to collect your stamps.”

All events are free and designed for families with children aged between three and 13-years-old and run from 11am to 3pm. No bookings are needed although some activities run at specific times. For the full programme and updates, visit the Love Basingstoke website www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk or follow @LoveBasingstoke on social media.