What to do at Wicksteed Park this April 2026
If you are wondering what to do for your next day out as we head into April, Wicksteed Park has a range of events and activities for you to check out.
From family thrills and big celebrations, to model shows and learning new creative skills, there is fun for everyone. Here’s what you can do at Wicksteed Park this April:
Spring into Easter
Easter is almost here and all zones at Wicksteed Park will be reopening for the start of the season. Join us from 28th March until 12th April from 10:30am until 5pm for a day full of adventure and family thrills as you explore all zones.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Wicksteed Park. From saying hello to our cute farm animals in Wicky’s Farmyard and taking in the picturesque views from Wicksteed Park Railway, to spinning on the Sway Rider and making a splash on the Water Chute. Plus, over Easter you can solve clues and spot new signs of life in our Springtime themed trail.
Our wristbands start from just £22, giving you unlimited access to an array of rides and attractions. There are also family tickets available starting from just £56 for a family of 3!
Find out more or book your family day out here!
Water Chute 100th Birthday Celebration
On 2nd April 2026 Wicksteed Park will be celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime occasion with music, great atmosphere and of course, riding the historic Water Chute as it turns 100.
On the day you can ride the Water Chute for ONLY 100 pennies* per person, with the celebration tickets available to purchase down by the Water Chute (cash preferred) at the Wicksteed Charitable Trust stall.
Other stalls will be at the park on this day, with local community groups coming along to support the park.
Pop along to say hello to the Wicksteed Model Boat Club, Boards of Kettering and Brightwayz!
From 2nd April until 12th April you will also have the chance to win a free wristband as a part of the celebrations.
You can win by being the 100th passenger for each day during this time.
We are so excited to celebrate 100 years of our much-loved Water Chute, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Find out more here!
Art in the Park – Phone Photography
Unleash your creativity and learn a new skill at Wicksteed Park this April!
Join us on the 8th of April 2026 from 11am until 1pm for Art in the Park – Phone Photography workshop in the Learning Centre.
This session will focus on the art of photography using your own phone, teaching you how to make the most of your phone camera and take amazing photographs. It is suitable for all skill levels, so anyone is welcome to join whether they are new or experienced.
The session will be led by Ben and Amber from Love Kettering.
Art in the Park is free to attend, find out more and book online here!
Garden Walk and Talk
If you love history and gardening, join us on the 12th April 2026 for a walk and talk about Wicksteed Park’s gardens from Spring to Summer.
The session includes a short talk introducing you to the history of the gardens as well as how we manage them today in the Learning Centre. This will be followed by a walk around the key historic garden areas if you are able to.
Tickets are £3 per person, and proceeds support Wicksteed Charitable Trust in caring for Wicksteed Park.
Spaces are limited so make sure you book your tickets quickly, so you don’t miss out. Find out more and book your ticket online here!
Wicksteed Model Show
If you are interested in models or looking for a new hobby, join the Wicksteed Park Model Boat Club for the first ever Wicksteed Model Show on 18th and 19th April from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
The model displays will all be undercover (apart from those at the model boat pond and the Crawler Trucks ) so even if the weather is bad there will be lots to see.
Model Boat Club members will be displaying some of their wonderful model boats and ships and also operating them at the park’s heritage model boat pond. Visitors will be able to try their hand at operating our radio controlled boats and trying out our hobby for real.
There will be four wonderful fully operating model railway layouts and a number of large scale radio controlled model aircraft displayed in our marquee (no flying is possible).
Regular demonstrations of model jet engine operation will take place on the Terrace. High speed jet aircraft are powered by these masterpieces of miniature engineering.
Crawler Trucks will be performing over a very tricky obstacle course, demonstrating their amazing skills in climbing the most demanding challenges. Haulage Trucks will also be demonstrated, tackling complex manoeuvres with their big articulated trailers.
The art of plastic kit building and especially painting will be on show, along with demonstrations by Models for Heroes, a most worthy charity giving valuable support to former and current armed forces and emergency personnel.
The show is free to enter, parking charges will apply. Find out more about the Wicksteed Model Boat Club here!
Mayor of Kettering’s Leaving Do
Get your dancing shoes ready for a 90s-themed celebration as we mark the end of a fantastic year in office and say thank you to the Mayor of Kettering on the 18th April 2026.
Dust off your best 90s outfit and bring your friends for a night of music, memories, and community spirit. Whether you’re reliving your favourite decade or joining in for the first time, it’s set to be a brilliant evening for all.
Tickets are only £10 per person. Fancy dress is optional but highly encouraged! This event is 16+, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
There will be live entertainment from Odell and a 90s Disco with DJ Big Bopper, bringing all your favourite hits to the dancefloor. Enjoy raffle prizes and games throughout the evening. This event is supporting the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, helping to preserve Wicksteed Park for future generations.
Don’t miss out on the fun of a 90s party, find out more and book your tickets online here!
Other News
Reminder: Wild Birds in Wicksteed Park Winter 2023
As we are approaching the winter season, you may see our wild birds wandering the fields and areas around the lake more often.
Wicksteed Park Nominated for 5 UK Theme Park awards
Wicksteed Park have been announced as a nominee in 5 awards in the UK Theme Park Awards 2025!
Celebrating Water Chute Centenary
One of the oldest surviving water-based rides in the world and the oldest ride of its kind in the UK is celebrating its centenary – by making a splash! The iconic Water Chute attraction was built in 1926 by Wicksteed Park’s founder Charles Wicksteed, the creator of swings and slides as we know them today. It was a forerunner to many of the theme park rides now popular across the world.