Nothing beats the summer months in Bermuda as a kid. Whether it’s spending all day at summer camp or weekends at the beach, there’s always something on to keep little ones busy. We’ve rounded up some of the best events taking place this summer with kids in mind. Some are specifically designed for kids, others are great fun for the whole family and to take young ones along.
SUMMER SUNDAY – CITY FUNDAY (July 16)
The Summer Sunday festival in Victoria Park put on by the City of Hamilton always has the perfect mix of entertainment and activities for everyone in the family. The event, which celebrates local music and talent is free admission, and the park is always filled with the requisite bouncy castles, games and activities. The event runs from 12pm-5pm, and with plenty of vendors on tap there will be no shortage of food and treats to make an entire day of it.
For updates and more information about the event, follow the City of Hamilton social media channels or visit www.cityofhamilton.bm.
CUP MATCH CLASSIC (August 3 + 4)
For little cricket enthusiasts, spending a day at the island’s iconic Cup Match Classic is an inspiring experience for potential future players. Even if the game isn’t something your kids are interested in the festival-like atmosphere, team rivalry and local food vendors make it a fun way to spend the summer holiday weekend and soak up the island’s culture. Cup Match takes place at the St George’s Cricket Club this year on the first Thursday and Friday of August. While both days have their reasons to take part in the Classic with your kids, heading to the grounds early in the day, particularly on the Thursday tends to be less crowded and a little more child-friendly. Either way, kids will have a blast rooting on their favourite team.
For more information, contact St George’s Cricket Club at 297-3018.
PRIDE BERMUDA HOMECOMING (August 26)
Kids will revel in the sights, sounds and the message of acceptance as they march through the streets of Hamilton at the annual Pride Bermuda Parade. The theme of Homecoming marks the third parade, this year organized by OUTBermuda. While late August can be high heat for kids to be out for the entire march, there will also be a Party in the Park at Victoria Park, where there will be entertainment and food vendors, so families can still show support for the LGBTQ+ community if walking the full parade route isn’t doable. Along with the Parade and Party in the Park, families are invited to the Pride Worship Service on Sunday, August 27 at Wesley Methodist Church at 11am.
For more information about Pride Bermuda, follow their social medial channels or visit www.pride.bm.
BERMUDA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION (September 2)
For one last hurrah before the school year begins, the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition provides the opportunity to take all those hours playing in the sand on the beach over the summer and gives kids (and adults) a chance to win prizes for their creative sand monuments. The annual sandcastle building event, which takes place on Horseshoe Bay the Saturday before Labour Day, runs throughout the day from 9.30am to 4pm for those who want to show off their building skills, with judging taking place at 4pm for those who prefer just coming for a look at some of the fantastic creations that have in the past ranged from lighthouses to sea monsters.
Those looking to add a few more tips and tricks to their building repertoire can take part in the Sandcastle workshops and tutorials taking place on August 26 & 27 as well as August 30 & 31.
For more information, visit www.sandcastle.bm or email [email protected].
ST. GEORGE’S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL (September 17)
As the summer comes to a close and the school year gets into full swing, take one more opportunity to spend a day out with the kids in St George’s enjoying one of Bermuda’s favourite and most celebrated cuisine – seafood! Last year’s inaugural event was a huge hit and featured local favourites like deep fried fish and mussel stews from local vendors. Along with delicious food and favourite treats like snow cones and sugar cookies, there will also be a kids park area with all the fun favourite activities like bouncy castles, miniature golf and mini go-carts all with the perfect backdrop of the Town of St. George’s. The Seafood Festival takes place from 12pm-7pm on Ordnance Island.
For more information, visit www. corpstgeorge.bm.
Throughout Summer
HARBOUR NIGHTS (Every Wednesday)
Everyone has that one memory of Harbour Nights when they were a kid. Whether it’s walking the streets with your friends, hanging out in the kids zone or snacking on mini doughnuts, every Wednesday the street festival has become a right of passage. Running until August 30, Harbour Nights takes places from 7pm to 10 pm, and each week can expect to see Gombeys, live entertainment, a range of local delicious food vendors and unique crafts and locally made items.
For more information, visit www.bermudachamber.bm.
DESTINATION DOCKYARD (July 20 + August 24)
On Thursday evenings, Dockyard transforms into a family-friendly affair featuring vendors and local food and snacks, many from the surrounding Dockyard businesses. But what sets this event apart is the fun activities for kids including free roller skating. Along with other kids activities such as fun castles and face painting, the evening will also feature live entertainment, including the Gombeys.
Destination Dockyard takes place from 6pm to 9pm on the North Lawn.
