Holiday activities
There are many free and low cost activities for young people taking place across Camden and Islington.
Looking for reading inspiration this summer?
The English and Media Centre has put together a fantastic selection of Summer Reads for 2026, featuring recommendations for children alongside titles that parents and carers can enjoy too. This list offers something for every reader.
EMC's Summer Reads for You and Your Students 2026 | English & Media Centre
Camden Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
Camden will be delivering a 4-week Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for 30 young people aged 12–16 years old. The programme will run from Monday 27 July to Thursday 20 August, operating 4 days per week (Monday–Thursday) from 10am to 3pm.
Our programme will provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where young people can develop new skills, improve their wellbeing, build confidence, and make positive friendships throughout the summer holidays.
Islington free holiday activities with lunch
Islington's free holiday programme gives young people the chance to enjoy a wide range of free activities with a healthy lunch.
The summer HAF programme will run in the school summer holidays from Monday 20 July to Friday 28 August 2026. To find out more and check eligibility, visit here: https://www.islington.gov.uk/children-and-families/things-to-do/lunch-bunch.
Summer in Camden – free and low-cost activities
Summer in Camden is Camden Council’s guide to free and low-cost activities for all ages over the summer. This brings together activities from the Council as well as from a wide range of partners. This includes activities for children and young people.
Check out the Summer in Camden guide. A printed guide is available in the summer Camden magazine, distributed to homes in Camden and available in Camden libraries.
Family-friendly and inclusive early evening activities
This summer, explore vibrant evening activities and events happening across Camden from Monday 20 July to Tuesday 1 September.
As part of Camden's evening and night-time strategy, they’re working with local businesses and organisations to create more family-friendly and inclusive non-alcohol led activities and experiences.
All the events and activities are free or low cost, and they happen between 5pm and 9pm.
Camden Summer University
Free courses for eligible 13-19 year olds in Camden running 22 July to 21 August 2026.
The Dome Summer Holiday Camp
Runs every weekday 10.30am-3.30pm, 27 July-28 August 2026.
CKC's Parliament Hill Cricket Holiday Camp 2026
Running 3-27 August 2026, Monday to Thursday 10am-1pm for girls and boys aged 8-15. Free for state school pupils. Limited space only.
Cook for Good
Free cooking course
Castlehaven Free Summer Activities
For children aged 8-17 years, running 27 July-20 August, 11am-5pm.
Castlehaven 40Fest
1 August 2026 12-5pm
Play Day at Coram's Fields on 5 August
This year’s theme is 90 Years of Play, as Coram’s Fields turns 90! Join them this Play Day to celebrate the charity’s birthday and champion every child’s right to play. Free activities for a wide range of ages. It is all taking place on Wednesday 5 August, from 12noon to 4pm at Coram's Fields, 93 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DN. Find out more.
ShiftED
A makerspace for young people
Is your child curious, creative, and loves to make things?
shiftED is a design education charity offering high-quality after-school design and making projects for young people. Our projects explore a wide range of creative disciplines, including woodwork, fashion and textiles, printmaking, prop making and model making.
Our weekly, term-time sessions run over 10 weeks and are led by professional artists and designers who are passionate about sharing their skills and inspiring the next generation of makers. Every programme is also supported by qualified teachers, ensuring a safe, engaging and supportive learning environment.
Our programmes are open to young people in Years 6–13 (ages 10–18) and are free to attend thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Sign Up to receive advance email notifications about next term's after-school programmes and be among the first to hear when bookings open.**
www.forms.gle/XtXzCRyGVTSjWxNg9
Visit our website page to find out more:
www.shifted.org.uk/after-school
Rise Academy Summer School 2026
Creative Health Camden Youth Hub
CHC Youth Hub is based at The Gym, on the ground floor of Kentish Town Health Centre, 2 Bartholomew Road, NW5 2BX. Visit their chilled, arty, wellbeing space, which is a quiet social space for 12 to 18 year-olds, bridging the gap between school and weekend. Activities include art workshops, table tennis, beanbags, books and graphic novels, refreshments and old-school board games.
To kick off the summer break, CHC Youth Hub are holding a one-off summer creative afternoon on Friday 24 July, from 3pm to 6pm. They’ll have plenty of different materials to work with – printmaking, foil embossing, tote bags, canvas painting, beanbags to lounge on, books and graphic novels and we’ll get the badge maker out. Complimentary refreshments are provided. Please contact Li by sending a text to 07523 533490 or emailing li@creativehealthcamden.com.
For more information about activities, opportunities and support, please visit the Camden Local Offer website or Camden Rise website.