As schools close for the long summer break, thousands of children and young people in Hull have a packed schedule of totally free activities, sessions, days out and more to look forward to.
The Healthy Holidays programme starts as soon as schools finish. Open to all children in the city, sessions are totally free and almost all include a nutritious food offer.
The scope of activities available is huge, from traditional sports like football, netball, rugby and tennis, to swimming, wellbeing, outdoor activities, go-karting, music, dance and theatre, creative arts and much more. There are also days out and one-off events like the festival themed Zebfest. Taking place Wednesday July 24, Zebfest is for all young people aged 11-16 and includes live music, a silent disco, pizza making, a glitter bar, TikTok area and more.
Healthy Holidays, which is funded by the Department for Education, has become a staple when school is out, supporting parents and carers to give children and young people a summer to enjoy.
In summer 2023, 10,728 children and young people attended sessions, including sports, swimming, rock climbing, arts and creative classes, day trips, family events and so much more.
With the continued cost of living crisis putting holidays and outings out of reach for many, Healthy Holidays ensures every child and young person has access to activities they can enjoy, without the adults in their lives having to worry about costs.
Cllr Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Families and Learning, said: “A huge amount of work goes into making sure Healthy Holidays is something people want to use, and really enjoy. We know from the huge attendance figures, that this work pays off. The programme has also adapted to meet developing needs in the city, as we saw over the Christmas break with the provision of increased family offering including hot meals and warm zones.
“Now more than ever, families across the city count on Healthy Holidays throughout the school holidays. The scope of activities available really is fantastic – whether they’re into team sports, dance, music, creative pursuits, drama, swimming, or days out and family activities, Healthy Holidays has it.
“While Healthy Holidays is about providing fun and excitement for its participants, it also addresses serious systemic issues with inequality, food poverty and inactivity, which have only deepened over the past few years”.
Key sessions and activities for this summer include:
- Multi Sport Sessions
- Football
- Rugby
- Dance
- Performing Arts
- Musical Theatre
- Arts and Crafts
- Go Karting
- Wellbeing Activities
- Music sessions
- Tennis
- Netball
- Outdoor Education
- Swimming
- Outdoor Education activities
- Family Fun Days and events
Zebfest includes live bands, street art, TikTok video set and filming, a clothes swap, silent disco, photo booth, smoothie bike, glitter bar and pizza making. The event will take place in Zebedee’s Yard on Wednesday 24 July from 2:30-6:30pm. No need to book, free to attend.
Play Days will also form part of the Summer Programme with two taking place over the summer.
- Wednesday August 7, 11am-3pm at Alderman Kneeshaw Playing Fields
- Wednesday August 21, 11am-3pm Pickering Park.
Visit healthyholidayshull.org to find activities – the site has hundreds of activities listed to get involved in. Follow @healthyholshull and @HullccNews on Twitter, @LoveHullHQ and @healthyholidayshull on Instagram and follow Hull City Council News and @healthyholidayshull on Facebook for information, and updates throughout the summer.
