The council works with a range of partners to present healthy activities for children, teens and families during the school holidays.
There are free places at these events under the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Eligibility for free places is based on children and families who are on benefits related free school meals or pupil premium or where there is an identified need (such as being in care, bereavement, or if they are homeless).
Children not meeting the criteria for free places are also welcome to participate in many of the events for a small cost.
Various activities and sessions are on offer across the district in and around Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Mildenhall and Newmarket.
For more information and to book, please see contact details of individual events below.
Adventure Days at Brandon Country Park. 1 and 2 August; 15 and 16 August, 10am to 4pm. Enjoy an action-packed day of safe, structured activities with fresh air in abundance for ages 8 to 12 years. All under the careful eye of experienced outdoor instructors. Activities include Forest Games, Fire-Lighting, Combat Archery, Archery, Catapult Building and Geocaching. £24 or free. To book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Teen Challenge Days at Brandon Country Park. 26 July; 2; 9 and 16 August. Meet new people and try new things with our Teen Challenge Days. Book on to one of these active and exciting days. Every session will include new and challenging activities. Everyone that attends will get a free hot lunch as well as taking part in at least two of our awesome activities. Challenge yourself! ages 11 to 16 years. Join in the fun with activities such as; snorkeling, mountain biking, climbing, cooking lessons, and a cinema visit! to book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Film-making workshop at Breckland School IP27 0PE. 25 to 28 July. Learn to make movie trailers, music, videos, stop motion animations and so much more! Lunch included. For 9 yrs upwards. £30 or free. To book email theoffshootfoundation@gmail.com
Family Park Cooking. Various dates between 25 July and 25 August. 10am to 4pm. Adults and children take part in an amazing unique experience, away from the normal pressures of life. These sessions are only available for families in receipt of free school meals. Includes outdoor family activities, outdoor cooking class and lunch provided, recipe book, videos and a food box for a family of four. To book email exploreoutdoor@acleisure.com or for information visit Abbeycroft Leisure - holiday activity fund
Adventure Days at Nowton Park. IP29 5LU. 25 to 28 July; 8 to 11 August and 22 to 25 August, 10am to 4pm. Enjoy an action-packed day of safe, structured activities with fresh air in abundance for ages 8 to 12 years. ;All under the careful eye of experienced outdoor instructors. Activities include Forest Games, Fire-Lighting, Combat Archery, Archery, Catapult Building and Geocaching. £24 or free. To book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Teen Challenge Days at Nowton Park. 28 July; 4; 11 and 18 August. Meet new people and try new things with our Teen Challenge Days. Book on to one of these active and exciting days. Every session will include new and challenging activities. Everyone that attends will get a free hot lunch as well as taking part in at least two of our awesome activities. Challenge yourself! ages 11 to 16 years. Join in the fun with activities such as; snorkeling, mountain biking, climbing, cooking lessons, and a cinema visit! to book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Curvemotion Bury St Edmunds. 25 July to 21 August. Free roller skating or soft play sessions for children aged 5 to 16yrs. Includes a meal, a drink, and skate hire, if required.; £3.50 to £17.95 or free. For more information or to book visit CurveMotion, Skate Play Eat
Fun Football Factory at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre IP33 3TT. Your child will take part in our range of inflatable football experiences including games and activities inside our inflatable football pitch, football darts and play on our inflatable goal! We also deliver some more traditional football sessions, games and play plenty of matches. For children 5 to 12 years. To book a space contact darryl@thefootballfunfactory.co.uk
Multisport camp at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club. 26 to 28 July; 2 to 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 18 and 23 to 25 August. Fun packed days filled with sporting activities, team building and games. 8.45am to 4.30pm. Ages 5-12, girls and boys. Contact rdo@bserufc.co.uk to book and for more details.
Family Park Cooking. Various dates between 25 July and 25 August. 10am to 4pm. Adults and children take part in an amazing unique experience, away from the normal pressures of life. These sessions are only available for families in receipt of free school meals. Includes outdoor family activities, outdoor cooking class and lunch provided, recipe book, videos and a food box for a family of four. To book email exploreoutdoor@acleisure.com or for information visit Abbeycroft Leisure - holiday activity fund
Swim and Lunch at Bury Leisure Centre. Unlimited free swimming sessions with a lunch, to support children age 5 to 16 years who are entitled to free school meals, young carers, and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents can now swim for free with their children. Includes Family swim sessions, ;Wet ‘n’ Wild at sites with flumes, and Floats ‘n’ Fun. For information visit Abbeycroft Leisure Holiday Activity Fund . Enquires email HAF@acleisure.com Booking at Ticket Booking
Summer workshop in the Yard at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. 26 July, 2, 9, 16 August 11am to 3pm. 23 August 4.30 to 8.30pm. Free, priority places and free lunch for those aged 11 to 18 whose families are eligible or with an identified need. Eco-crafts, gardening, painting and decorating the garden room plus much more. You can find us at The Yard, across the green opposite the Cathedral café doors (to the rear of the shop). Please pre-book by contacting Jane Dow on 07747 540594 or janedow@stedscathedral.org
Holiday Camp activities with:
School's Out for ages 4 to 16 years. South Lee School, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2BT. Choose any 16 days from 20 July to 26 Aug, 9am-5pm. £38 / FREE. Book at School Holiday Camps - School's Out Activities or call 01473 942990.
Early Explorers, 4 to 6 years, designed by primary school teachers to aid in the development of children In early years. Singing, drawing, creating, dancing, building, painting, baking and more!
Creative Crew, 7 to 12 years, for girls and boys to indulge in their creative side, be active, yet have time to chill. Arts and crafts, textiles, performing, dancing, cooking, fashion, singing and more!
Adrenaline Adventure, 7 to 12 years, an action-packed week jammed full of 30 plus team sports and adventurous activities! Nerf Wars, dodgeball, football, Mario Kart, roller racers, KinBall, RC Cars and more!
Holiday Camp at Clements Academy. 25 to 29 July and 1 to 5 August, 8 to 12 August and 15 to 19 August. 9am to 4pm. Includes fun activities including great value sports, performing arts and games for children aged 5yrs to 12 yrs. Run by Premier Education. More information at Premier Education - Holiday Camps. Book at Clements Academy Summer Holiday Course HAF Booking Form - 2022 Places £20 or free.
Adventure Days at East Town Park. CB97UW. 1 to 4 August and 15 and 18 August, 10am to 4pm. Enjoy an action-packed day of safe, structured activities with fresh air in abundance for ages 8 to 12 yrs. All under the careful eye of experienced outdoor instructors. Activities include Forest Games, Fire-Lighting, Combat Archery, Archery, Catapult Building and Geocaching. £24 or free. To book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Teen Challenge Days at East Town Park. 25 July; 1; 8 and 15 August. Meet new people and try new things with our Teen Challenge Days. Book on to one of these active and exciting days. Every session will include new and challenging activities. Everyone that attends will get a free hot lunch as well as taking part in at least two of our awesome activities. Challenge yourself! ages 11 to 16 years. Join in the fun with activities such as; snorkeling, mountain biking, climbing, cooking lessons, and a cinema visit! to book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Happy Days Childcare Stradishall holiday camp, for children in reception and above. Includes home cooked lunches and activities. Support with transport available from local villages. For more information and to book call Debbie on 01440 8200.
Film-making workshop at Samuel Ward Academy. 8 to 11 August. Learn to make movie trailers, music, videos, stop motion animations and so much more! Lunch included. For 9 yrs upwards. £30 or free. To book email theoffshootfoundation@gmail.com
Family Park Cooking. Various dates between 25 July and 25 August. 10am to 4pm. Adults and children take part in an amazing unique experience, away from the normal pressures of life. These sessions are only available for families in receipt of free school meals. Includes outdoor family activities, outdoor cooking class and lunch provided, recipe book, videos and a food box for a family of four. To book email exploreoutdoor@acleisure.com or for information visit Abbeycroft Leisure - holiday activity fund
Swim and Lunch at Haverhill Leisure Centre. Unlimited free swimming sessions with a lunch, to support children age 5 to 16 years who are entitled to free school meals, young carers, and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents can now swim for free with their children. Includes Family swim sessions, Wet ‘n’ Wild at sites with flumes, and Floats ‘n’ Fun. For information visit Abbeycroft Leisure Holiday Activity Fund. Enquires email HAF@acleisure.com Booking at Ticket Booking
Let's Dance Holiday Club at Haverhill Arts Centre led by Dance East. For 11 to 16 years on 25 and 27 July, 9.30am to 3.30pm. For 4 to 10 years on 28 and 29 July, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Dance styles include contemporary dance, creative dance, break dance and street dance. Plus a nutritious lunch, healthy snack and drinks, art and wellbeing sessions. Form new friendships, build confidence, develop skills, have fun! This free opportunity is for young people eligible for income/benefit related free school meals or people identified as in need of the provision. To book call 01440 714140.
Adventure Days at Mildenhall Scout Group. IP28 7HB. 3 to 4 August and 17 to 18 August. 10am to 4pm. Enjoy an action-packed day of safe, structured activities with fresh air in abundance for ages 8 to 12 years. All under the careful eye of experienced outdoor instructors. Activities include Forest Games, Fire-Lighting, Combat Archery, Archery, Catapult Building and Geocaching. £24 or free. To book email haf@acleisure.com or visitAbbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Teen Challenge Days at Mildenhall Scout Hut. 28 July; 4; 11 and 18 August. Meet new people and try new things with our Teen Challenge Days. Book on to one of these active and exciting days. Every session will include new and challenging activities. Everyone that attends will get a free hot lunch as well as taking part in at least two of our awesome activities. Challenge yourself! ages 11 to 16 years. Join in the fun with activities such as; snorkeling, mountain biking, climbing, cooking lessons, and a cinema visit! to book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Family Park Cooking. Various dates between 25 July and 25 August. 10am to 4pm. Adults and children take part in an amazing unique experience, away from the normal pressures of life. These sessions are only available for families in receipt of free school meals. Includes outdoor family activities, outdoor cooking class and lunch provided, recipe book, videos and a food box for a family of four. To book email exploreoutdoor@acleisure.com or for information visit Abbeycroft Leisure - holiday activity fund
Swim and Lunch at Mildenhall Hub. Unlimited free swimming sessions with a lunch, to support children age 5 to 16 years who are entitled to free school meals, young carers, and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents can now swim for free with their children. Includes Family swim sessions, Wet ‘n’ Wild at sites with flumes, and Floats ‘n’ Fun. For information visitAbbeycroft Leisure Holiday Activity Fund. Enquiries email HAF@acleisure.com Booking at Ticket Booking
Newmarket
Adventure Days at The Jarman Centre CB8 9HB. 8 to 11 August and 22 to 25 August. 10am to 4pm. Enjoy an action-packed day of safe, structured activities with fresh air in abundance for ages 8 to 12 years. All under the careful eye of experienced outdoor instructors. Activities include Forest Games, Fire-Lighting, Combat Archery, Archery, Catapult Building and Geocaching. £24 or free. To book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Teen Challenge Days at Jarman Centre CB8 9HB. 27 July; 3; 10 and 17 August. Meet new people and try new things with our Teen Challenge Days. Book on to one of these active and exciting days. Every session will include new and challenging activities. Everyone that attends will get a free hot lunch as well as taking part in at least two of our awesome activities. Challenge yourself! ages 11 to 16 years. Join in the fun with activities such as; snorkeling, mountain biking, climbing, cooking lessons, and a cinema visit! to book email haf@acleisure.com or visit Abbeycroft Leisure - Children and families
Film-making workshop at King Edward VII Memorial Hall CB8 8JP. 22 to 25 August. Learn to make movie trailers, music, videos, stop motion animations and so much more! Lunch included. For 9 years upwards. £30 or free. To book email theoffshootfoundation@gmail.com
Family Park Cooking. Various dates between 25 July and 25 August. 10am to 4pm. Adults and children take part in an amazing unique experience, away from the normal pressures of life. These sessions are only available for families in receipt of free school meals. Includes outdoor family activities, outdoor cooking class and lunch provided, recipe book, videos and a food box for a family of four. To book email exploreoutdoor@acleisure.com or for information visit Abbeycroft Leisure - holiday activity fund
Earth Arts Festival in the Memorial Gardens Newmarket. 28 July, 4, 11, 18 and 25 August 1pm to 4pm. Free. Whether you need to entertain the children or grandchildren, we have put together a list of free things to do in the Memorial Gardens. It is jam-packed with exceptional creative activities with professional artists including theatre, music, drama, storytelling, crafts, educational animal encounter, and as always, your favourite free inflatable fun. No booking required. Visit Newmarket Town Council Memorial Gardens Summer Entertainment
Swim and Lunch at Newmarket Leisure Centre. Unlimited free swimming sessions with a lunch, to support children age 5 to 16 years who are entitled to free school meals, young carers, and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents can now swim for free with their children. Includes Family swim sessions, Wet ‘n’ Wild at sites with flumes, and ;Floats ‘n’ Fun. For information visitAbbeycroft Leisure Holiday Activity Fund . Enquires email HAF@acleisure.com Booking at Ticket Booking
Wrap Around Care, Exning Primary School. 25 July to 28 August. Qualified staff organise a wide range of free choice and adult supported activities or games. Sessions include morning and afternoon snack, as well as the option of breakfast, but children should bring a packed lunch. To book or enquire email Rachel.donald@exning.suffolk.sch.uk
Holiday Activity and Food Club at Newmarket Pony Academy. 25 to 29 July. Ride every day. You will be encouraged to build key skills, there will be educational and enriching activities. Nutritious free hot meal included. Free to children receiving benefit related school meals. Limited spaces available, places will be allocated through schools.
Red Lodge
Holiday Camp at St Christophers Primary School. 1 to 5 August and 15 to 19 August. 8.45am to 4pm. Includes fun activities including great value sports, performing arts and games for children aged 5yrs to 11 yrs. More information at Premier Education - Holiday Camps. Book at St Christophers Primary School Summer Holiday Course HAF Booking Form - 2022. Places £20 or free.
Rural
Lackford Lakes holiday club IP28 6HX. 26 July; 2; 9; 16; 23 and 30 August. 9am to 3.30pm. Forest free play, woodland crafts and games. Cook your lunch over a campfire (Lunch provided) with Suffolk Wildlife Trust. £25 or free. Book at Suffolk Wildlife Trust Holiday Club
Bradfield Woods holiday club IP30 0AQ. 26 July; 10; 17 and 24 August. 9am to 3.30pm. Forest free play, woodland crafts and games. Cook your lunch over a campfire (Lunch provided) with Suffolk Wildlife Trust. £25 or free. Book at Suffolk Wildlife Trust Holiday Club
