Free Easter activities for children at local leisure centres

A range of free activities are available this Easter for children and young people eligible for free school meals across Stratford-on-Avon District.  

As part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, several local leisure centres will host an array of free activities, all accompanied by free lunches.

The participating centres include Stratford Leisure Centre, Shipston Leisure Centre, Southam Leisure Centre and The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester - all of which are managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Each facility is offering something different, from free swim or gym sessions to TAGactive games and swim discos. Every session will include a free nutritious and balanced lunchtime meal.

The initiative aims to ensure that children from families who are eligible for free school meals can enjoy an active and engaging Easter half term.

Information on activities:

Stratford Leisure Centre - Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford Leisure Centre will host free TAGactive sessions, an arena-based game designed to test strategy, speed, agility, awareness and bravery, while promoting fitness, fun and competition. For this activity, children will need to be between the ages of 8-16 years.

Sessions will take place across the Easter half term, excluding the Bank Holiday weekend. Multiple one-hour sessions will run on the selected dates between 10am and 2pm.  

Shipston Leisure Centre - Shipston-on-Stour
Shipston Leisure Centre will host free swim sessions to help children build confidence in the water and improve their swimming skills.

There will be fun inflatable swim sessions on Friday 29 March at 7pm and 8.15pm and a family swim session on Thursday 4 April at 11am.

Southam Leisure Centre - Southam
Southam Leisure Centre will host a variety of fun swim sessions. This will include an inflatable session on Wednesday 3 April at 1.30pm and disco swim on Friday 5 April at 7pm.

The Greig Leisure Centre - Alcester
The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester will be hosting free junior gym sessions aimed at those between 11 and 15 years old. Those eligible will be able to join any of the regular scheduled sessions, but will require a gym induction ahead of attending.

Richard Bell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said, "We are delighted to be part of the national HAF programme and provide children with the opportunity to enjoy an active and engaging Easter break, regardless of their financial circumstances.

"With activities designed to promote both physical wellbeing and social interaction, we hope to see children from the local area join us to have fun, stay active and develop new skills."

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio said: "We know that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families because of increased costs. These holiday activity programmes are a great way for young people to try a range of fun activities in a safe environment and meet new friends.

"Thanks must also go to Everyone Active for providing a fantastic and varied range of activities. If your child is eligible, I would encourage families to book their place as soon as possible."

For all centres, advance registration is required, and places are limited to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Parents and guardians of eligible children are encouraged to register at: https://searchout.warwickshire.gov.uk/holidays-activities-food-haf.