With the summer holidays approaching, we are highlighting a range of free and low-cost activities available across the borough to help families keep children entertained, active and engaged throughout the break.
The summer holidays can be an exciting time for children, but they can also bring additional pressures for parents and carers balancing work commitments with childcare. To support residents, a wide variety of affordable activities are taking place, offering opportunities for children and young people to learn new skills, make friends and have fun close to home.
Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Thousands of Croydon children who are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals can sign up for free activity clubs with healthy meals over the school holidays through the Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, which provides eligible children and young people with access to enriching holiday activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays. Many of these clubs are also available to all children with a small fee per session.
Better leisure centres Open Day
For those looking to get active, our five leisure centres operated by Better, will be taking part in Team England National Sports Weekend on 18 and 19 July, offering a range of low-cost activities for all ages and abilities.
Residents can try gym taster sessions, fitness classes, swimming, family activities, racquet sports and wellbeing sessions in a welcoming community environment. With Better leisure centres in Waddon, Ashburton Hall and Park, South Norwood, New Addington and Thornton Heath, there are plenty of opportunities on offer.
Croydon’s RAP Disability Sports Programme Holiday Camp
The Council’s award-winning RAP programme for children and young people with additional needs will be offering summer activities from 23-24 July, 27-29 July and 3-5 August in St Cyprian’s Greek Orthodox Primary School in Thornton Heath. Those who wish to take part should email sdo@croydon.gov.uk. Find out more about the RAP Programme here.
Summer Reading Challenge
Children are encouraged to keep reading during the holidays through the Summer Reading Challenge at Croydon Libraries. The annual initiative helps children maintain their reading skills over the summer while discovering new books, earning rewards and taking part in library activities. Children can collect stickers for reading books and if they complete six books, they will receive a medal and a certificate. There are also great prizes to be won including theatre tickets, for children entering competitions at their local library. Don’t forget all our libraries are now open at least five days per week, with all open on Saturdays.
Other family friendly activities
Families looking for affordable days out can enjoy a programme of family screenings at the David Lean Cinema, while budding explorers can take part in Creative Quests: The Curiosity Rover, an interactive cultural adventure designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
Our Family Hubs for families, young people and children in the Woodlands and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor centres also offer free support and activities over the summer months.
The Museum of Croydon will host its Summer Craft Club, offering free, hands-on creative activities for children throughout the holidays. Do not miss their creative health take-over day on 8 August.
And on top of that, Costa Del Croydon will once again bring a taste of the seaside to the town centre, providing families with a free and fun way to enjoy the summer closer to home.
“We know that the summer holidays can be a challenging and expensive time for many families, particularly for parents and carers juggling work and childcare commitments. That is why we are pleased to offer so many affordable and fun activities.
“Whether children want to get active through sport, take on the Summer Reading Challenge, get creative at the Museum of Croydon or enjoy a day out at Costa Del Croydon, there are plenty of opportunities for families to have fun right here in our borough.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
