South and Vale Holiday Activities
During most school holidays, our Active Communities team offer a range of free and low-cost activities, for young children, teenagers and families to enjoy at locations across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
Bookings open around a month before each holiday period – follow our new Active Communities Facebook page, you can join our mailing list to receive regular email updates, or if you have any questions; please email active.communities@southandvale.gov.uk
The activities are usually very popular so, where required, we would encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment. See below for details of our next programme of holiday activities and how to book.
Easter holidays 2025
The Active Communities team have four free Fun Days running 10am– 3pm during the Easter holidays.
Join in free activities throughout the day and find out more information about other local activities and programmes.
- Wednesday 9 April – Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot OX11 8AY
- Thursday 10 April – Faringdon Leisure centre, Fernham Road, Faringdon, SN7 7LB
- Monday 14 April – Cholsey Pavilion, Station Road, Wallingford, OX10 9PT
- Tuesday 15 April – Dean Court Community Centre, Pinnocks Way, Oxford, OX2 9DG
What’s on, where and when:
Below are the events we have confirmed for the upcoming holiday period.
Under each category, you’ll find when and where the activities take place along with the links you’ll need to make a booking.
Sport and exercise
Didcot Leisure Centre Fun Day
Working in partnership with Better Leisure to bring you a day of activities from 10am – 3pm. There will be some fruit and basic hot drink available but don’t forget the packed lunch so you can stay and enjoy the day of activities.
The Active Communities team and leisure centre team will be on hand to give information on local programmes and services such as YouMove and Move Together and membership options at the centre.
Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot OX11 8AY
Sports Hall
New Age Kurling
Kurling with no Ice! Play with ball bearing stones to get as close as you can to the target. Sitting or standing options available.
- 1-1.30pm
16 spaces available. Book your space for New Age Kurling here.
Fun Games
Join in a variety of different activities which may include ball, tag, parachute games and more.
- Age 6-8, 1.45-2.15pm
- Age 9-12, 2.30-3pm
25 spaces available for each session. Book your space for Fun Games here.
Studio Upstairs
Born to Move
In these fun-fuelled classes there’s plenty of opportunity for young children to develop their self-awareness, balance, co-ordination, and concentration skills as they interpret music, explore, and move to a beat.
For older children and teens featuring the freshest moves and the latest music, these classes get young people fit – fast. Combining cutting edge moves from martial arts, sports conditioning, dance, and yoga. Participants leave feeling fitter, more mentally energized, and able to take on the world.
- Walking–5 years, 10am-10.30am (Parents are encouraged to take part)
- Age 6–8, 10.45-11.15am
- Age 9-12, 11.30am-midday
20 spaces available each session. Book your space for Born to Move here.
Family Fun Fitness
A session for you and your child to enjoy total body exercises together. Exercise as much as you can in 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds before the next move comes in.
Midday-12.45pm
25 spaces available. Book your space for Family Fun Fitness here.
Fun Games- Age 2-5
Join in a variety of different games all aimed at ages 2 to 5 years, have fun, help develop their co-ordination, balance and more. Parents are encouraged to join in.
- 10.15-10.45am
20 spaces available. Book your space for Fun Games here.
Leisure Centre Activities
Equipment for sports sessions will all be provided so please ensure that you turn up with appropriate sportswear and footwear.
It is advisable to book sessions as there are limited numbers, and this will avoid disappointment on the day.
Family Pickleball and Family Badminton:
Open court sessions with all equipment provided. Come along and have a go at Pickleball or badminton.
- 10-11am
- 11am-midday
Book Family Badminton or Family Pickleball here or use the Better Leisure app.
Bouncy Castle:
- 10-11am
- 11am-midday
Book the Bouncy Castle session here or use the Better Leisure app. Bookings will open 5 days before (7 days for members)
Table Tennis:
Table tennis will be available throughout the day for families to have a go. No need to book just head to the squash court when you want to play.
Faringdon Fun Day
Working in partnership with Better Leisure to bring you a day of activities from 10am – 3pm.
The Active Communities team and leisure centre team will be on hand to give information on local programmes and services such as YouMove and Move Together and membership options at the centre.
Faringdon Leisure centre, Fernham Road, Faringdon, SN7 7LB
Sports Hall
Fun Games- Age 2-5
Join in a variety of different games all aimed at ages 2 to 5 years, have fun, help develop their co-ordination, balance and more. Parents are encouraged to join in.
- 10.15-10.45am
20 spaces available. Book your space for Fun Games here.
Family Born to Move
A session for you and your child to take part and get fit together. Combining cutting edge moves from martial arts, sports conditioning, dance, and yoga. Leave feeling fitter, more mentally energized, and able to take on the world.
- 11.15-midday
30 spaces available. Book your space for Family Born to Move here.
New Age Kurling
Kurling with no Ice! Play with ball bearing stones to get as close as you can to the target. Sitting or standing options available.
- 1pm – 2pm
16 spaces available. Book your space for New Age Kurling here.
Studio
Born to Move
In these fun-fuelled classes there’s plenty of opportunity for young children to develop their self-awareness, balance, co-ordination, and concentration skills as they interpret music, explore, and move to a beat.
For older children and teens featuring the freshest moves and the latest music, these classes get young people fit – fast. Combining cutting edge moves from martial arts, sports conditioning, dance, and yoga. Participants leave feeling fitter, more mentally energized, and able to take on the world.
- Ages 6-8, 1-1.30pm
- Ages 9-12, 1.45-14.15pm
20 spaces available. Book your space for Born to Move here.
Leisure Centre Activities
Equipment for sports sessions will all be provided so please ensure that you turn up with appropriate sportswear and footwear.
It is advisable to book swimming and gym as there will be limited numbers, and this will avoid disappointment.
Swimming:
- Toddler splash – 9-10am main pool
- Family Fun swim – 10-11.30am main pool
Book Toddler splash session here, Family Fun swim here or use the Better Leisure app.
Gym sessions:
- Junior gym (11+) and Adult gym inductions– 10am-3pm
Book a Junior gym induction here, Adult gym Induction here or use the Better Leisure app.
Family Pickleball and Family Badminton:
Open court sessions with all equipment provided. Come along and have a go at Pickleball or badminton.
- Midday – 1pm
- 1-2pm
Book Family Badminton or Family Pickleball here or use the Better Leisure app.
Table Tennis:
Table tennis will be available throughout the day for families to have a go. No need to book just head to the squash court when you want to play.
Cholsey Fun Day
10am–3pm – Cholsey Pavilion, Station Road, Wallingford, OX10 9PT
Outdoor activities
Xplorer
A family-friendly fun navigation challenge that is educational and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact to tell their friends.
- 10am–2pm
Meet us at the information table inside the Pavilion.
The trail can take 30 minutes or more and can be done anytime from 10.00am. Last registration is 1.30pm.
Book your space for Xplorer here or turn up on the day.
Please note the sessions below may be cancelled in inclement weather.
Football
Join our FA qualified coach for a fun football session, all abilities are welcome.
- Age 5-8, 11-11.30am
- Age 9-12, 11.45am-12.15pm
25 spaces available. Book your space for Football here.
Fun Games
Join in a variety of different activities which may include ball, tag, parachute games and more.
- Age 6-8, 2-2.30pm
- Age 9-12, 2.30-3pm
25 spaces available for each session. Book your space for Fun Games here.
Hall
Family Born to Move
A session for you and your child to take part and get fit together. Combining cutting edge moves from martial arts, sports conditioning, dance, and yoga. Leave feeling fitter, more mentally energized, and able to take on the world.
- 10.15-10.45am
25 spaces available. Book your space for Family Born to Move here.
New Age Kurling
Kurling with no Ice! Play with ball bearing stones to get as close as you can to the target. Sitting or standing options available.
- 11-11.30am
16 spaces available. Book your space for New Age Kurling here.
Fun Games- Age 2-5
Join in a variety of different games all aimed at ages 2 to 5 years, have fun, help develop their co-ordination, balance and more. Parents are encouraged to join in.
- 11.45am-12.15pm
20 spaces available. Book your space for Fun Games here.
Teen Yoga – Age 11+
Join in a yoga session specifically for teens. Yoga support mental health, muscle strength, flexibility and is a space you can relax and unwind.
- 12.15-1pm
10 spaces available. Book your space for Teen Yoga here.
Family Fun Fitness
A session for you and your child to enjoy total body exercises together. Exercise as much as you can in 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds before the next move comes in.
- 1-1.45pm
25 spaces available. Book your space for Family Fun Fitness here.
Boxercise – Age 11+
Sessions typically involve hitting focus pads, but no class involves hitting an opponent.
This session will give you a taster of Boxercise as a puncher and a pad holder, working with a partner.
It is a fun, challenging and safe workout, no experience necessary.
- 2-2.45pm
16 spaces available. Book your space for Boxercise here.
Dean Court Fun Day
- 10am–3pm – Dean Court Community Centre, Pinnocks Way, Oxford, OX2 9DG
Easter scavenger hunt
An Easter themed family fun navigation challenge which gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers.
- 10am–1pm
Find us outside, in the park behind the community centre to take part. The trail can take about 15 minutes and can be done anytime from 10.00am.
Last registration midday.
Book your space for the Easter scavenger hunt here or turn up on the day.
Born to Move
In these fun-fuelled classes there’s plenty of opportunity for young children to develop their self-awareness, balance, co-ordination, and concentration skills as they interpret music, explore, and move to a beat.
- Walking – 5 years, 10-10.30am
20 spaces available. Book your space for Born to Move here.
Family Born to Move
A session for you and your child to take part and get fit together. Combining cutting edge moves from martial arts, sports conditioning, dance, and yoga. Leave feeling fitter, more mentally energized, and able to take on the world.
- 10.45-11.15am
20 spaces available. Book your space for Family Born to Move here.
For ages 2-5 join in a variety of different games all aimed, have fun, help develop their co-ordination, balance and more.
For older children a variety of different activities which may include ball, tag, parachute games and more.
Fun Games
- Age 2-5,1.00-1.30pm
- Age 6-8 1.45-2.15pm
- Age 9-12 2.30-3pm
20 spaces available for each session. Book your space for Fun Games here.
New Age Kurling
Kurling with no Ice! Play with ball bearing stones to get as close as you can to the target. Sitting or standing options available.
- 11.30-midday
16 spaces available. Book your space for New Age Kurling here.
Shows and movies
24K Magic with Danny Lee Grew
Join top magician Danny Lee Grew at The Beacon in Wantage on Saturday 5 April.
This brand new mind boggling one man show 24K Magic has no rabbits, no top hats and most importantly, no ‘magic tricks’… just miracles.
Expect a spellbinding evening of jaw dropping magic, illusion, laughs, gasps, and stunning sleight of hand sorcery-all performed live, in the flesh and under the most impossible conditions.
Tickets are available via the Beacon website.
Arts and crafts
Make your own cardboard creature
On Wednesday 9 April at 1100am join the team at Cornerstone Arts Centre and delve into their mountain of cardboard and create your own creature! Will they be magical? Will they be mythical? Will they be the spitting image of your pet? The choice is yours! The session lasts for an hour and costs £8 per child.
More details can be found on the Cornerstone website.
Family Art Play
Fun for all the family this Easter with Family Art Play at The Beacon on Saturday 12 April. Join local in-house artist Eden for an hour of creativity, where everyone gets to join in and make art in their own way.
This session will focus on making paper plants, with lots of art materials for you to personalise your art to make it your own.
Grown ups don’t need any art experience; this is a great opportunity to explore creativity as a family, in a supported environment where you don’t need to worry about tidying up!
More details on The Beacon website.
Term Time Activities
We offer a range of free and low-cost activities, for young children, teenagers and families to enjoy at locations across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse during term time.
To find out more, visit our Term Time Activities page.
Activities for all residents
Our Active Communities Team work across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to help residents with their physical health and wellbeing. They run a variety of weekly activities for all ages and abilities.
To find out more and to see what activities are available near you, visit our pages on Active Communities in South Oxfordshire and Active Communities in the Vale of White Horse.