Find activities for kids near me

Activities for Kids

It’s not easy keeping everyone entertained and this year especially, you may be wondering how to fill that free time.

With more of us holidaying in the British Isles or choosing a staycation, we've pulled together a guide to turn up the fun at a Better.

From splashing about in one of our many pools to tennis, racquet sports, trampoline parks, soft play and football, there are plenty of options to keep your family active all over the country.

You can windsurf on Lake Windemere or kayak at the West Reservoir in Hackney, London. How about ice skating at a Better ice rink around the country or taking up one of the newest Olympic sports, climbing.

Come rain or shine, there's so much more at Better. So bring your brood to where the fun is and join us at Better this summer.

Home or away, get active with the family

Whether you're choosing a home away from home or making the most of the holidays in your local area, discover what Better has to offer around the country.

Come to London town

Whether you're visiting or live in London, you'll find a whole bunch of stuff to keep you busy in the capital. The difficult thing is knowing where to start.

From swimming in the iconic London Aquatics Centre to watersports at West Reservoir, Hackney, water lovers are spoilt for choice. You can soak up the sunshine at London Fields Lido and get into the spirit of things at Lido Ladies favourite spot, Charlton Lido.

For adventurous types, you'll find climbing at several centres, including Swiss Cottage in Camden, plus London's largest trampoline park at Barking Sporthouse and Gym. Cool off when the temperature rises at the ice rink in the Sobell Centre, Islington, or Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre.

Discover a soft play adventure over at Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre or three floors of fun. Over in Hackney, the newly built Britannia Leisure Centre boasts activities for the whole family, including an interactive flume, splash pad for the little ones and a toddler water area (pictured above right), catering for all ages to cool over over the summer.

And for the grown-ups, make time to relax and unwind at one of the many Spas around London.

There's something for everyone to enjoy in London throughout the holidays.

Find children's activities in London

Make it a must in Manchester

Visiting this fun and vibrant city or making the most of your holiday time at home? Better has so much to offer in Manchester. From the Manchester Aquatics Centre where you can learn how to dive with our Tom Daley Diving Academy to Platt Fields Outdoor BMX Track alongside the favourites - swimming, tennis, football etc..., you have a great choice of things to do this summer.

Feeling adventurous? Have a look at what's on offer at Debdale Outdoor Centre. Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and powerboating...kids and adults alike can try a number of new activities with Better over the holidays.

Heading North?

If you've planned a trip to the popular Lake District, Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre is worth a visit. With plenty of watersports on offer, including canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing on Lake Windermere, you can make the trip one to remember in this scenic location.

Or why not try climbing at the Wave Centre in the coastal town of Maryport or Workington Leisure Centre? From swimming and tennis to squash and more, you'll find plenty of activities in and around the North West at Better.

Jump to it in the North East

Go east to Newcastle to bounce, jump and somersault your way around Newcastle Trampoline and Play Park. Suitable for kids of all ages, the bouncing arena and soft play park ensures a day out for everyone. And for a splashing time, you'll find Aqua Splash - an inflatable obstacle water course - at East End Pool.

South of Newcastle, you'll find a Clip'n'Climb centre in York. Again, suitable for all the family. If you're spending time in this popular historic city, add this to your list of things to try.

Have fun in the home counties

Inspired by the Olympics? Head to Palmer Park Sports Stadium, Reading, where you'll find an athletics track and outdoor velodrome to put you through your paces. For golf enthusiasts, Panshanger Golf Complex in Welwyn Hatfield has plenty on offer, including Footgolf. Make the most of the warmer weather at Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge or Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool in Vale of White Horse. You can also dip your toes in the water at Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre and try your hand at some water sports.

Experience the Cornish charm

Arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles, Cornwall is a popular summer destination. And while we can't promise you warm weather, we have plenty of things to keep you entertained. From fun-filled leisure pools such as Bude Leisure Centre and Ships and Castles to the trampoline and play park at Newquay Leisure World. You'll also find the largest tennis centre in the South West, so you can learn how to play or master your skills throughout the summer months. Find children's activities in Cornwall.

Explore Cornwall

Have a South West summer

For those visiting or living in Bath and the surrounding areas, Better has plenty to offer. From the trampoline and play park at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre and cycle track at Odd Down Sports Ground, you have a great choice of things to keep you active.

And not far away in Swindon you'll find an ice rink at the Link Centre, so you can cool off when it gets hot outside. As well as a number of pools, other leisure facilities and even Victorian Turkish Baths at the Health Hydro, where you can kick back and relax.

Things to do in Belfast

Get active in the capital of Northern Ireland this summer with Better. Whether you want to swim, play tennis, have a kickabout with friends and keep the kids entertained, you'll find a number of activities to try.

From surfing at Ireland's only indoor surfing simulator and water slides both found at Andersontown Leisure Centre to indoor tennis at the Indoor Tennis and Ozone Complex, the holidays will fly by with so much to do.

Whether you want to try swimming, football, basketball and outdoor activities, bring it to Better in Belfast.

Reach new heights Wales

Whether you want to go swimming, play badminton or take part in fitness classes, come to Better to stay active throughout the summer. Following the Welsh government's roadmap, restrictions will still apply until further notice but you can jump on your bike at the Maindy centre's cycle track or play squash at Eastern Leisure Centre.

And for something a little different, try AirVenture at the Western Leisure Centre. This giant inflatable obstacle course gets everyone of all ages to bounce, climb, slide and crawl into an inflatable adventure. Find children's activities in Cardiff.

And all your favourite activities...

Swimming, tennis, gymnastics and more, Better offers you so many activities over the holidays. Here are some of the most popular to entertain the entire family.

Go swimming

Cool off in the pool with Better. We provide swimming to more people in the UK than any other operator. Visit one of our pools today, fun for all the family. To ensure the safety of everyone, please read our guide to swimming safely.

Take to the court

Why not visit one of our Better tennis courts and try something new with the kids? Tennis is great fun and helps to improve hand-eye coordination skills.

Swim like a pro

Develop your child's skills with our Swim School programme designed for all levels of abilities. We offer a variety of lessons for all age groups including babies, children and adults.

Holiday time

You'll find a number of centres hosting holiday clubs that will keep the kids entertained throughout the school break. Find a centre near you below.

Junior gym

We run junior gym sessions up and down the country to help your child stay active. Available at most Better gyms and leisure centres, find your local centre for more information on a class timetable.

Run wild

Let the little ones loose in one of our indoor soft play facilities across the UK. Let your child swing, jump, play, climb and laugh, all in a safe, enjoyable environment.

Holiday short courses

Struggling for things to do this summer? Why not keep the kids active while learning a new skill with our Holiday Short Courses.

Whether you want to get them moving away from the sofa or improve their confidence in the water, you'll find plenty of Holiday short courses to choose from at your local Better Leisure Centre.

From swimming and gymnastics to tennis and more, lessons run daily from Monday to Friday*.

To find and book a holiday short course:

Go to https://www.betterlessons.org.uk/onlinejoining/homeclick
Enter your location plus activity
Select 'Holiday and Short courses' in the left-hand filter (you'll also find 'Swim School Holiday courses' which you can filter separately)

*days and times will be confirmed as you select your booking

Book Holiday short courses

Plus even more from our libraries

From Baby Rhyme Time and Knit and Natter to Arts and Crafts plus skill-based courses, Better libraries have something for everyone. Join now to enjoy all they have to offer, whether that be e-books, online magazines and more. Find out what's happening at your local library in the following areas:

Bromley | Dudley | Greenwich | Lincolnshire | Wandsworth

You can also find activities to try at home such as regular storytime and messy mornings on your library's Facebook pages. Brilliant for rainy days and more...