Summer activities at Kids: 2025 highlights
It’s been an action-packed summer at Kids, with children and young people taking part in a variety of activities. As summer comes to an end, here’s a look back at some of the highlights.
Sandwell playscheme
17 young people aged 10-18 joined our Sandwell Playscheme over 18 days of fun-filled activities. Each day offered a three-hour session packed with laughter, energy, and learning. Highlights included meeting fascinating creatures with the Animal Lady, outdoor adventures at Forge Mill Farm and Sandwell Valley Park, and trying out circus skills and bouncing at Inflatanation.
The variety of activities gave young people the chance to explore new interests, build friendships, and develop confidence.
Sandwell HAF
Our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Sandwell reached 185 young people, with an amazing 218 attendances across 10 events. Children and families enjoyed cinema trips to see The Smurfs, glow-in-the-dark sports, and live theatre, as well as family fun days, pool parties, and plenty of playful activities to keep everyone smiling.
Dudley HAF
In Dudley, our HAF programme welcomed 205 young people across 15 events, including both playscheme days and larger family sessions. Highlights included lego building, art workshops, glow in the dark sports, trips to the cinema, zoos, train rides, and inflatable parks.
Every day offered opportunities for children to try something new, while families enjoyed quality time together in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Kids Yorkshire family fun
Kids Yorkshire’s Summer Holiday Club has been a joyful, inclusive space where every child could thrive and have fun. Children enjoyed sensory play, craft days, and T-shirt painting, as well as hands-on activities like pizza making and den building at The Pinewood Trust. They explored the outdoors through park picnics, farm visits, and trips to Welton Waters for kayaking and paddleboarding, and stayed active at Woodford Swimming Baths and Big Fun. Every activity was designed to be inclusive, sensory-friendly, and adaptable, giving children the chance to play, learn, and make unforgettable summer memories.
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you all. Charlie has really enjoyed the summer activities club and it’s also given me free time to spend 1:1 time with his younger sister. You’re all absolutely amazing what you do for the SEND families.”
– Parent
Colour run
A standout event was the colour run, organised by the amazing No More Mehhs team, where over 60 children and parents raised more than £1,000 for our Hull Family Activities groups.
Kids Norfolk
Kids Norfolk has been busy creating SEND-friendly experiences for children and families. At the Norwich Science Festival, children enjoyed interactive balance sculptures, sparking curiosity (and a few of our team had a go too!). Family meetups at Old Hunstanton Beach Hut included fossil hunting, beach toys, crafts, and colouring, giving children the chance to play and explore by the sea. Over at Holt Country Park, families joined a SEND-friendly scavenger hunt, with time to chat, connect, and share experiences with other parent carers in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Looking back – and ahead
This summer, many children and families across the UK had the chance to make memories, discover new strengths, and enjoy safe spaces where everyone belongs.
From building dens to building friendships, from hay bale runs to high scores at bowling, every activity was about more than just fun – it was about confidence, community, and giving children with SEND the same joyful opportunities as their peers.
A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, partners, and families who made this possible. Together, we’ve given children and young people with SEND a summer to remember.