Taking place in libraries, children’s centres and leisure centres, activities have been co-ordinated to cater for most interests, from organised board games and craft activities – to learning how to computer code, sports days, and soft play.
These free activities for all children and families are in addition to those specially created and funded for children in receipt of free school meals through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme: https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/schools-education/early-years/holiday-activities-food-programme/
Activities include:
St Helens Library Service
Libraries in St Helens borough offer a lot more than just books. Over the summer, there will be fun sessions of songs, rhymes, and stories for pre-school children – as well as organised board games and bingo. Not forgetting fun and creative sessions themed around the environment as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/STHLibraries/
Children’s Centres
There will be a wide range of activities happening in St Helens Children’s Centres for the whole family to enjoy, including crafts activities, cooking sessions, sports days, messy masstravaganza’s and opportunities to learn new skills.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/STHCCentres
Leisure Centres
If you are looking for a new place to entertain the kids, then Willowbees is perfect for you. With plenty of room to run around, children of all ages are bound to enjoy Willowbees. The play structure is aimed at children up to age 11, with a soft play area for the younger ones.
Willowbees is based within Newton le Willows Health and Fitness and open 7 days a week. Prices start from £4.
Go Active have sports pitches and courts available to hire, coaching sessions and swimming sessions that can be booked. Visit the website for more information.
Councillor Nova Charlton, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “As a parent myself, I know how difficult it can be to keep the kids entertained throughout the summer holidays – even more so given the past 18-months when they have had to sacrifice a lot – so it’s important activities like these are available to them during this period to support with their development and wellbeing.
“Of course, this is just a flavour of the types of fun which can be enjoyed, either for free or on a budget. If the weather is nice, why not pack up a picnic and head to your local park or green space – or now that we’re able to, support local businesses and attractions like our museums or entertainment venues.
“As a council, one of our key priorities is to ensure all children have a positive start in life, and providing activities like these in safe and secure environments play a big part in us achieving this.”