Posted: 07 July 2026
With the summer holidays fast approaching, Lakeside Village Outlet Shopping has lined up a host of fun, free activities for families to enjoy as it celebrates its 30th birthday.
At the heart of the programme is Elvie’s Farm Family Fun Zone, open daily until 31 August in Unit 12 and on the Village Green, where younger visitors can enjoy themed play areas, games and creative activities. Families can also take on Elvie’s Farm Trail, encouraging exploration across the centre, and enjoy a round of Elvie’s Crazy Golf.
To mark the start of the summer holidays, the weekend of July 25-26 will see Elvie’s Petting Farm visit the Doncaster outlet, offering the chance to meet some of Elvie’s friendliest farmyard visitors for a hands-on experience little ones will love. The petting farm will also make a return on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August.
Over the weekend of August 1-2, it will be the turn of Sammy the Bronco Sheep, to entertain youngsters with some high-energy fun! Brave thrill-seekers can take on Sammy for a rodeo-style challenge that’s guaranteed to have the whole family laughing.
Working in partnership with Boston Park Farm, the centre will also host a series of special farm-themed events, bringing even more opportunities for families to get involved and enjoy hands-on experiences including Elvie’s Farm creative workshop for the weekend of August 8-9. This will see lots of fun activities, including creating delicious Posey Pig lollipops, painting your own farmyard masterpiece, and transforming into your favourite characters with a spot of face painting.
A special highlight this summer is the 250th St Leger Anniversary Maze, running from Monday 10 August to Sunday 23 August, offering an engaging activity for families and racing enthusiasts alike.
The centre will also be celebrating a major milestone itself with Lakeside Village’s 30th birthday party on Saturday 15 August, featuring face painting, a birthday gold rush, party fun and games and a special meet and greet with Shaun the Sheep. There will also be a Giant Lakeside Village birthday cake and 400 cupcakes that will be given away throughout the day.
The centre will also host the ever-popular Artisan & Craft Fayre on Saturday 4 July, 1 August and 5 September as well as the Yorkshire’s Strongest Man and Woman event which returns for the third year running on Saturday 11 July.
The free-to-attend event will see some of the county’s top strength athletes go head-to-head in a series of five challenges, competing for the title of Yorkshire’s Strongest Man and Woman 2026. Taking place from 10am on the lawned area in front of the M&S Outlet, the competition promises a full day of high-energy entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Abby Chandler, deputy centre manager at Lakeside Village, said: “We want to make this summer something extra special to celebrate our 30th birthday and we are thrilled to have so many fun and free activities lined up for all the family.
“Elvie’s Farm Fun Zone is a place where everyone can unwind, and children can play and let their imaginations run free. The Petting Farm gives young ones the opportunity to meet and learn about a selection of gentle animals in a safe and welcoming environment. It’s a great opportunity to slow down, connect with nature and create some truly memorable family moments.
“Of course, August 15 is the big day as we mark 30 years of Lakeside Village, and we would like to see many of our regular customers - and new customers - visit us on the day to share in the occasion. How quickly the time has gone!”
For further information on the summer activities at Lakeside Village, visit Events | Lakeside Village
