Whether it’s exploring cool exhibitions, diving into play adventures, perfecting filmmaking skills, or enjoying a good book, there’s opportunities for young people of all ages to get creative and have fun.
Stay and Play Sessions
Free Stay and Play drop-ins at various Children’s Centres and Family Hubs across Camden. Perfect for bonding, learning, and connecting with other families through songs, rhymes, and messy play, both indoors and outdoors.
Day: Throughout the summer
Location: Various Family Hubs across Camden
Cost: Free
More info: families.camden.gov.uk/support-for-parents/activity-groups
Summer Reading Challenge 2024
This year’s challenge inspires children to discover their inner storytellers and unleash their creativity. Picture books are perfect for early readers, while middle-grade books suit more advanced readers.
Kids aged 4 to 11 can join the challenge by reading six books of their choice over the summer holidays, including audio books and comics. Simply visit your local library to sign up, where you’ll find plenty of books to borrow and fun reading activities to get you started.
Children will earn stickers and certificates to celebrate their reading achievements, and maybe even win some prizes.
You can also join the fun online at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Day: Saturday 13 July to Saturday 14 September
Location: All Camden libraries
Cost: Free
More info: camden.gov.uk/libraries
Camden Summer University
Young people aged 13 to 19 who live or study in Camden can choose from nearly 70 free courses in various fields such as creative arts, music, drama, photography, sport, and more. Courses are available to book online.
Day: Thursday 25 July to Friday 23 August
Location: Across Camden
Cost: Free
More info: cmdn.co.uk
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
The Holiday Activities and Food programme offers free activities and nutritious meals for children aged 5 to 16 eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
Day: Thursday 25 July to Friday 30 August
Location: HAF hubs across Camden
Cost: Free for eligible children
More info: haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
Holiday Play Schemes
Holiday play schemes are available at play centres across Camden for children aged four to 12. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, day trips, and more. All centres are inclusive and welcome children with additional needs, working closely with parents and professionals to ensure the right support is provided.
Day: Thursday 25 July to Friday 30 August
Location: Across Camden
Cost: Free
More info: camden.gov.uk/afterschool-clubs-holiday-playschemes
Sports and physical activities holiday programme
Take part in a variety of fun activities including Swim for a Quid, multi-sports sessions, Girls Get Moving, mini-gymnastics, trampolining, football coaching, and more.
Day: Thursday 25 July to Friday 30 August
Location: Across Camden
Cost: Free or low-cost
More info: camden.gov.uk/sports-children-young-people
Summer youth programmes
Youth centres and voluntary sector youth projects offer a range of exciting free and low-cost activities, from arts and sports to day trips.
Day: Thursday 25 July to Friday 30 August
Location: Across Camden
Cost: Free or low-cost
More info: camdenrise.co.uk/youth-clubs-and-projects
