Summer of fun!

The City Council is working with key partners to make sure there's something for everyone in the city this summer with activities from a Jurassic Jungle Trail to free circus skills workshops.

That's not to mention Active Family Fun sessions across Sunderland parks, an outdoor cinema at Keel Square, crazy golf, and an inflatable assault course.

There's also the chance to see some major sporting action when Sunderland hosts the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series along the seafront at Roker on the weekend of 29 and 30 July.

Councillor John Price, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, said: "I'm sure that many families will be looking for activities to keep the children entertained over the summer holidays, so it's brilliant that there's so many exciting things happening across Sunderland this summer.

"Whatever their age and interests, there's something for everyone to enjoy and many of the activities are completely free."

Activities across the city over the summer holidays include:

50p Climbing Wall - every Wednesday and Saturday from 22 July - 2 September

Let them reach dizzying heights in Sunderland City Centre this summer and watch them reach the top of the climbing wall for just 50p! Happening from 11am to 3pm in Market Square.

Jurassic Jungle Trail - 22 July - 2 September

Augmented Reality Fun is back for Summer 2023 with a Jurassic jungle trail! Get ready to hunt for prehistoric critters, creatures and creepy-crawlies using the Sunderland Experience App, all while visiting local businesses hosting GIANT Dino Eggs and learning lots of fun facts along the way.

Free crazy golf - 27 July, 10 August, and 24 August.

Whether you're out with the family, or having a catch-up with friends, this activity suits all ages, and can really bring out your competitive side. Happening from 11am to 3pm at High Street West.

AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series - 29 & 30 July

Roker Beach will welcome the best triathletes from around the world as Sunderland hosts the British leg of the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series. The weekend promises to deliver a festival of swim, bike, run with plenty to get involved with and free family fun in the Fan Zone at Cliffe Park. Find out more at: www.mysunderland.co.uk/swim-bike-run

Free inflatable assault course - 29 & 30 July

To coincide with the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland, there will be a free giant, inflatable assault course to Crowtree Rd for keep-fit family fun days!

Active Sunderland Family Fun - 29 July - 23 August

The free family fun days typically include everything from archery and mini golf to fitness challenges and sports. There are also taster sessions from local sports clubs and early years activities for younger children. Find them at:

Wednesday 2 August 10am - 3pm - Herrington Country Park
Wednesday 9 August 10am - 3pm - Princess Anne Park, Washington
Wednesday 16 August 10am - 3pm - Mowbray Park
Wednesday 23 August 10am - 3pm - Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope

Live music - 3 August, 17 August, and 31 August

The spotlight will be on all musical genres, giving a platform to Sunderland's homegrown talent!

Thompson Park Family Fun Day - 5 August

Come along to Thompson Park Family Fun Day from 10am - 3pm.

Visitors can enjoy live music while taking part in cycling activities, highland games, crazy golf, walking football, arts and crafts, and much more. There will also be a giant inflatable area including a large assault course, Hungry Hippos game and under 5s play corner.

Outdoor Cinema - 5 August - 2 September

Get your tribe together and head to Keel Square for these free, family-friendly screenings in the sun!

Happening from 12 Noon in Keel Square on:

Saturday 5 August: The Jungle Book (2016), Beauty and the Beast (2017), Dirty Dancing (1987)

Saturday 19 August: Matilda (1996), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), A Star is Born (2018)

Saturday, 2 September: Encanto (2021), The Lion King (2019) Back to the Future (1985)

Free Circus Skills Workshops - 16, 23 & 30 August

Master the art of juggling, spinning plates, balancing acts and more! These events usually fill up very quickly and although free, booking is essential. Happening from 12pm to 2pm in Sunniside Gardens.

Elemore Family Music Festival - 26 August 

Taking place in the newly transformed Elemore Country Park from 11am - 5pm, there is a free afternoon of live music including performances from Houghton Brass Band and Dennis plus family activities such as circus skills and face painting.

Minster Park Family Fun Day - 28 August

Come along for great family day out at Minster Park on August bank holiday Monday from 11am-4pm.

There are craft stalls, tombola and a cake sale in Sunderland Minster as well as food from Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen, musical performances from Sunderland-based community choirs and activities from Sunderland Culture and The Art Room.

Wear Here 4 Summer programme - 21 August - 1 September

The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is back this Summer to provide school aged children an opportunity to get involved in a range of FREE activities centred around sports, culture, arts, and learning.

The HAF programme includes dedicated Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) sessions as well as family fun days and evening sessions for teenagers. Open to families who receive means tested free meals and those struggling with the cost of living. Visit www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/HAF

Find out more about what's on offer and plan a jam packed summer of fun at: Summer in Sunderland - MySunderland