Finding affordable ways to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays can be a challenge. If you’re searching for free summer holiday activities that get your children’s legs moving, brains working, AND have them excited to head out to the shops, West Orchards Shopping Centre has you covered.
Because from Monday 20th July to Friday 28th August, the centre is hosting the West Orchards Dino Trail and Fossil Hunt, bringing a completely free, interactive, code-cracking experience to the heart of Coventry city centre.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
How to Take Part in the West Orchards Dino Trail
The free dino trail will run every day during normal opening hours throughout the summer holidays.
It’s an exciting, puzzle-solving adventure that will keep everyone entertained as they figure out how to crack the hidden code. Based inside the shopping centre, the dino trail is ideal if you’re looking for indoor things to do in Coventry when the British summer weather is unpredictable.
To get started, follow these 4 simple steps:
- Pick up your map: Head to Urban Sandwich on Level 2 to collect your official trail sheet and map.
- Find the hidden fossils: Explore the centre and check every store window to spot the secret fossil decals.
- Crack the 5-digit code: Count the hidden fossils at each location to reveal the secret code numbers.
- Collect your prize: Once you’ve solved the puzzle, take the completed sheet to Burrito Masala inside Street Kitchen Cov (Level 2) to claim a reward.
Mega Wednesday Dino Activities & Pop-Ups
If you want to add even more adventure to your week, visit on a Wednesday.
On 29th July, and 5th, 12th, and 19th August, West Orchards is running two extra free interactive activities.
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The Pop-Up Fossil Dig
Grab a trowel and paintbrush to become real-life palaeontologists for the day! Search through the indoor sand pits to carefully excavate hidden dinosaur fossils… and trade your ancient discovery for a small prize.
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Spin the Wheel with Nick the Dino
Keep an eye out for Nick, who’ll be stomping round the shopping centre dressed as a dino. If you track him down, your little ones can spin his paleo prize wheel to win store vouchers, exclusive discounts, star pins vouchers, and other treats.
Plan Your Visit
Looking for a free family adventure this summer? Head to West Orchards and see if your little explorers have what it takes to crack the code!
There’s no need to book – simply turn up, collect your trail map from Level 2, and set off on a dinosaur hunt around the centre.
With plenty of shops, cafés and places to stop along the way, West Orchards is the perfect place to enjoy a fun, budget-friendly day out this summer holiday.
We can’t wait to welcome you… it’s going to be roarsome!