Published on: Oct 11, 2021
We can hardly believe it is the October holidays already! Here are some activities to do in Northmavine or at home to keep the whole family entertained.
Northmavine has lots of beaches to visit. Here are some ideas for things to do!
Head up to the former fishing station at the Stenness Beach in Eshaness and learn all about the history. By downloading the Satsymph app before you head out, you can listen to local folk reading extracts from archival material as you walk around the beach.
Head to http://www.confusingshadowwithsubstance.co.uk/sound-walk/ to learn more about the project.
There are two woodlands in Northmavine found in Sullom and Swinister. Here are some ideas to do on your next visit.
You can find play parks at the North Roe and Urafirth Primary Schools, Stucca and Valladale in Hillswick and Runnadale in Ollaberry. There is also a multi court at the Ollaberry School, great for a game of football!
Check out Promote Shetland’s map for locations https://www.shetland.org/visit/do/outdoors/play-parks
Now that the nights are drawing in, it is a perfect time get outside and look at the night sky. The Royal Observatory Greenwich has lots of helpful resources https://www.rmg.co.uk/schools-communities/learning-home-royal-observatory
Here are some cool star gazing crafts to do too! https://kidscreations.com/blog/15-cool-stargazing-activities-kids/
You should be able to see Jupiter, Saturn and Mars this month with Jupiter being especially bright!
9th October: Full Moon
21st /22nd October: It's the peak of the Orionids meteor shower
25th October: Don't miss the partial solar eclipse
Head over to the Royal Museums Greenwich for more information and tips on stargazing
If it is a clear, still night you might see the merrie dancers. Merrie Dancers also called the Aurora Borealis has been attributed to goddesses, dragons and even warriors in the past. You can learn all about them here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHn5OO1t1yc
At Bruckland we have lots of books, DVDs and toys – great for a rainy day! Or why not have a go at upcycling something from the household section? Bruckland is open Sun, Mon and Tue 2-5pm.
The Nort Trow Gardin in North Roe is a great place to visit all year round. Located next to the former Church of Scotland, the garden is fairly sheltered and there are lots of toys to play with and benches to have a picnic. Download our Nort Trow Garden scavenger hunt and see if you can find everything.
BBC Good Food has lots of Halloween recipe ideas that you can try out over the holidays https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/halloween-recipes
There are lots of craft ideas on the internet. Check out Country Living who have a whole gallery of ideas! https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g4950/easy-halloween-crafts-for-kids/
The Young Walter Scott Prize – Competition for anyone age 11-19 interested in writing historical fiction. Open until the 31st October https://www.walterscottprize.co.uk/young-walter-scott-prize/
Saugus.net Halloween Ghost Story Contest – Have a go at writing a spooky story. Different categories for different age groups. Open until the 21st October https://www.saugus.net/Contests/Halloween/2022/
There are lots of great places to go for a walk in Northmavine. Have a look at our website for some walks https://www.northmavine.com/visitor-info/activities you can also look at the Shetland Island Council website to discover core path routes.
You can book the Weaving Shed in Hillswick for a film afternoon between 3-9pm on a Wednesday or Saturday. There is a large selection of films to choose from and projector with screen and sound system. It is for individual family use of up to 6 people. If you are interested in booking slot, get in touch with Iain Davidson: iain.davidson@northmavine.com
Although not strictly in Northmavine, the North Mainland Leisure Centre in Brae has lots of activities on over the holidays. You can download their brochure here.
There are picnic benches covered in lots of great photographs as well as a boat house to play in and information boards all about the history of the Brig.
Check out the natural history museum website for lots of activity ideas https://www.nhm.ac.uk/take-part.html
The National Museum of Scotland also has lots of activities to do at home https://www.nms.ac.uk/museum-at-home/
Eden Project activities for home https://www.edenproject.com/learn/eden-at-home
Shetland Museum and Archives https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/education/families