Holiday activities 

There are many free and low cost activities for young people taking place across Camden and Islington. 

Camden free and low cost October half term activities for children and young people

It's half-term week from 26 to 30 October 2026 and there are lots of free and low-cost activities for children, young people and families taking place across Camden.

• Sports and physical activities – Kids Swim for a Quid (£1) at Camden swimming pools – find out more; Girls Get Moving Monday free activities for girls aged 8 to 14 on Monday 26 October, 4pm to 6pm, at Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF – find out more and book your place; Active Wednesday free activities for boys and girls aged 11 to 17 on Wednesday 28 October, 4pm to 6pm, at Talacre Community Sports Centre, NW5 3AF – find out more and book your place by emailing Shaun.Taylor@camden.gov.uk; Arsenal in the Community free football sessions for boys and girls aged 8 to 14 at Cantelowes Gardens, Camden Road, NW5 2AU from Wednesday 28 October to Friday 30 October, 10am to 1pm – find out more and book your place; Multisport Camps for ages 8 to 12 and Gymnastics Mini Camp for ages 4 to 7, Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October – find out more and book places.
  
  
• Free four-day music production course. Camden Opportunity Centres, based at Euston Skills Centre, Starcross Street, NW1 2HR, are excited to invite all Camden secondary school students and sixth formers aged 12 to 18 to our free Autumn Half Term Music Production Course, running from Tuesday 27 October to Friday 30 October, 12.30pm to 2pm each day. Over four exciting sessions, young people will learn how to create their own music using Soundtrap, a professional online music production platform. Sign-up here and/or download a flyer. Places are limited so don't miss out!
  
  
• Camden Black History Season – Discover an inspiring programme of film, music, spoken word, visual art, performance, conversation and community-led events taking place across Camden, including free arts and crafts sessions in libraries for all ages during October half term week – find out more.
  
  
• Holiday play schemes – The play provision in Camden is run by community and voluntary organisations. They are funded by the Council to provide after school clubs and holiday play schemes for children aged four to 12. This provision includes specialist services for children and young people with additional needs. Find out more and book places
  
  
• Pirate Castle’s School Holiday Schemes – With a focus on adventurous fun, discovery and learning, Pirate Castle’s School Holiday Schemes provide affordable opportunities for 8 to 17 year olds to experience kayaking, canoeing and canal boating on the Regent's Canal in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment that welcomes everyone. Gain skills, have lots of laughs, make friends and explore Camden's waterways. Suitable for children with mild to moderate additional support needs. Find out more and book places.
  
  
• Youth activities – Visit our youth clubs and projects page to find out more.
  
  
• Best Start Family Hubs – Visit the events and activities page to find out more.
  
  
• Special educational needs and disabilities – To find activities for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, please visit the SEND Local Offer events page.

Islington free and low cost children's activities, sports camps, and swimming sessions for October half term

Free sports and cycling

• Bikeability cycle training: Free cycle instruction for children aged 5–17 years old
  • Dates: Monday 26 October–Thursday 29 October
  • Locations: Highbury Fields (N5) and Tollington Park (N4)
  • Booking: Register via the Islington Council Bikeability page. 

• Access to sports project: Free sports and physical activities for children and young people.
  • Dates: Monday 26 October–Friday 30 October
  • Eligibility: Open to young people living or studying in Islington, Hackney, or Haringey
  • Details: Check the schedule on the Access to Sports Project website

Swimming and recreation

• Free half term swimming lessons: Offered by Islington Council and Better for children aged 4–16 who cannot yet swim 25 metres (10am–12pm, first-come, first-served).
  • Location: Ironmonger Row Baths and participating local pools.