Healthy Holidays: Free activities, food and fun all summer
SUMMER OF FUN: The Healthy Holidays programme includes a wide range of activities
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Thousands of children and young people across Hull are taking part in a packed schedule of free activities, sessions, days out and more.
The summer Healthy Holidays programme started as soon as schools broke up. Open to all children in the city, almost all activities include a nutritious food offer.
The scope is huge – from traditional sports like football, netball, rugby and tennis, to swimming, go karting, music, dance and theatre, creative arts and much more.
The programme also includes days out and one-off events like the festival themed Zebfest. It was held on July 24 for all young people aged 11-16 and included live music, a silent disco, pizza making, a glitter bar and TikTok area.
Healthy Holidays, which is funded by the Department for Education, has been running since 2018. It takes place during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays.
ACTIVE: Healthy Holidays allows children to take part in diverse sports
Last summer, 10,728 children and young people attended sessions, including sports, swimming, rock climbing, arts and creative classes, day trips and family events.
With the continuing cost of living crisis putting holidays and outings out of reach for many, Healthy Holidays aims to ensure every child and young person has access to activities they can enjoy, without the adults in their lives having to worry about costs.
Councillor Linda Tock, the city council’s portfolio holder for children, young people, families and learning, said: “A huge amount of work goes into making sure Healthy Holidays is something people want to use, and really enjoy.
“We know from the huge attendance figures, that this work pays off. The programme has also adapted to meet developing needs in the city, as we saw over the Christmas break with the provision of increased family offering including hot meals and warm zones.
“Now, more than ever, families across the city count on Healthy Holidays throughout the school holidays. The scope of activities available really is fantastic – whether they’re into team sports, dance, music, creative pursuits, drama, swimming, or days out and family activities, Healthy Holidays has it.
‘FANTASTIC SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES’: Councillor Linda Tock
“While Healthy Holidays is about providing fun and excitement for its participants, it also addresses serious systemic issues with inequality, food poverty and inactivity, which have only deepened over the past few years”.
Key sessions and activities this summer include:
Multi-sport sessions
Football
Rugby
Tennis
Netball
Swimming
Dance
Go karting
Wellbeing activities
Music
Performing arts
Musical theatre
Arts and crafts
Outdoor education
Family fun days and events.
Play days will also form part of the programme with the following two taking place:
Wednesday, August 7, 11am-3pm at Alderman Kneeshaw Playing Fields
Wednesday, August 21, 11am-3pm at Pickering Park.
HEALTHY: Boxing is just one of the sports youngsters can participate in
Coun Tock said: “Healthy Holidays has really gathered momentum over the years, and there are so many activities now.
“It’s absolutely crucial, because of the high levels of poverty. In other areas of the country where it takes place, it’s means tested. We don’t do that – it’s open for all children.
“It works because it’s a partnership, and it brings together so many people, organisations and companies across the city. The level of partnership is truly phenomenal.
“The programme has developed over the years, and now offers different experiences. It gives children and families the chance to try new things and gain news skills, and it also opens their eyes to different opportunities for them.
“The majority of activities also offer nutritious food, which is really important at this time, when we know a lot of families are struggling.”
‘CRUCIAL’: The Healthy Holidays programme has many benefits for children, young people and families
Healthy Holidays is currently funded until Christmas 2025.
“I think it’s absolutely crucial for the city,” said Coun Tock. “It gives children in the city the chance to see what’s available to them and start thinking about what they want to do in the future.
“It also helps them develop relationships, because they’re talking to each other.
“We’ve got to do everything we can to ensure Healthy Holidays continues for many years to come. “
Find out more
Visit healthyholidayshull.org to find out more about the hundreds of listed activities to get involved in.
Follow @healthyholshull and @HullccNews on X, @LoveHullHQ and @healthyholidayshull on Instagram, and follow Hull City Council News and @healthyholidayshull on Facebook for information and updates throughout the summer.