10 things to tick off your summer bucket list at Rushden Lakes

Who knew there was so much to do? #thisisrushdenlakes The summer bucket list is the ideal way to make sure those weeks of summer don’t go to waste.  Here’s our top ten summer must-dos that you can complete at Rushden Lakes:
  1. Get an adrenaline rush
Adventure awaits at Rushden Lakes, and it could be just the place for you (or the kids) to try out an exhilarating new hobby. Rock Up features 26 incredible fun climbing walls towering over 8m with multiple routes to their peaks. Enjoy fantastic soft play, take on their new Traverse Challenge Wall or tackle the hugely popular Vertical Drop Slide. Heights not your thing? Then why not try out a new water sport on the lake with canoe2? Or head to Flip Out for some bouncing fun? And if you want to take the thrill off-site, then stores including independently owned AJ Cycles, Cotswold Outdoor, Mountain Warehouse, Regatta, Runnersneed and Decathlon have all the kit to get you going. 2. Try a new cuisine Tired of Italian? Bored of British? Then why not take your tastebuds on a culinary journey to far off lands? You may not be jetting off to another continent this summer, but now is the perfect time to broaden your horizons and try out something different for dinner. We also think it’s a great way to get fussy kids to try new things. Inspired by Japanese noodle bars, Wagamama is a delicious celebration of Asian Food with something to suit the whole family - including chopsticks suitable for the smallest hands. Or head to the Caribbean for a taste of Jamaica at Blue Mountain Yard where their ‘Jerk Shack’ and family recipes will have your mouth watering. On a totally different vibe is Patisserie Valerie, giving us a taste of Belgium with traditional decor and exquisite cakes and pastries.   3. Be at one with nature The Nene Wetlands nature reserve is a unique square mile of wild and man-made habitats, managed for wildlife and people. Visit the Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre on the boardwalk to find out more about the reserve, and the many ways to spend time exploring the great outdoors. The Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre also hosts regular events and activities including a summer camp. They have a wonderful shop plus a Discovery Play Area, Sculpture trail and Education area. Or you could simply take in the beauty of the lake by booking a table at one of the many restaurants overlooking it, including The Terrace with its stunning rooftop bar, Wagamama, Bills and Pizza Express. 4. Revamp your wardrobe If you’ve always fancied trying a new style but don’t know where to begin, then many of the fashion stores at Rushden Lakes have personal shoppers and stylists instore to help you dress for a special occasion, put together a holiday wardrobe or just discover a new you! Robert Goddard has personal shoppers on hand to deck you out in the latest designers, Frasers offers personal stylists, as do Joules. Contact the stores to book an appointment, if you don’t it could be a big mistake. Big. Huge! 5.Beautify yourself If you’re baffled by bronzer or totally confused by contouring then that’s your sign to leave it to the experts. Superdrug is home to a Beauty Studio including a nail bar, brow and lash bar and ear-piercing studio. Boots has make-up artists at favourites like Benefit and No7, while Frasers brings in the big brands like Dior and MAC. Check with each store to book your appointment. 6. Put your feet up With all this excitement you deserve to zone out. Escape reality and sit back with a giant tub of popcorn, a drool-worthy Baskin Robbins ice-cream and enjoy the latest blockbuster. 7. Listen to some live music Pull up a deckchair and tap your toes to the sounds of local band, Silver Surfers. They will be playing music from the 50s to the 80s in Garden Square and the Boardwalk each Sunday and Wednesday through the summer (Except for 7th & 14th August). The band will also be collecting for Macmillan Cancer Support. Or on Thursday 4th August, Stanwick Handbell ringers will be playing between 10am & 12pm in between Bills and Jamaica Blue. 8. Have a dino day 66 million years ago, Dinosaurs roamed the earth but now, with the help of Dinosaur Experiences – they’re back and coming to Rushden Lakes, on 16th and 23rd August. Feel the excitement as you come face-to-face with a dinosaur and hear its roooooooarrrrrr! Once you’ve taken a picture with a Triceratops there’s surely no other option but to head to Jurassic Grill! It’s the ultimate dining experience for fans of dinosaurs and delicious food alike. 9. Get crafty Use the extra time to perfect a new craft, not only is it good for your mental health and will help distract from scrolling, but children are also sure to love it. Head to The Works or Flying Tiger for all your supplies and stationery or take a look at the timetable of workshops available in Hobbycraft. From cricut to clay sea creatures, there’s lots to choose from. Check the website for details. 10. Embrace soft play You either love it or hate it, but there’s no denying that soft play ticks all the childcare boxes, giving your youngsters the opportunity to have lots of fun whilst tiring themselves out and working up an appetite. All while you watch from the side-lines with a hot cup of coffee. And 360 is the mother of all soft play, and even includes an amazing outdoor area complete with sandpit. All rides are included in the entry fee and time is unlimited. What are you waiting for?!