Things to do in May half term

23 May - 31 May

Aiming High

Aiming High offers a wide range of fun, inclusive activities and short breaks for children and young people under the age of 18 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in Stoke-on-Trent — and their families. For more information see: Aiming High activities

Aiming High activities over half term include: 

  • Swim sessions at Dimensions
  • Peter Pan stay and play sessions
  • Our Space family fun days
  • Visit to Inflato

SEND-specific activities

Dimensions Sensory Splash session

  • Dimensions Leisure Centre Scotia Road, Burslem, ST6 4ET
  • Friday 29 May, 7-8pm 
  • Sunday 31 May, 9-10am
  • A SEND sensory family session will be in a fun-filled environment designed to stimulate and engage different senses.
  • £5.30 per person, carers free.
  • For more information and booking: • Call us at 01782 233500 • Email us at dimensions@stoke.gov.uk

Breakthrou' FRONTLINE dance family session

  • Newfriars College, Castle Grove (off Newhouse Road), Bucknall, ST2 8BH
  • Saturday 23 May - 11am – 12:30pm
  • Dance workshops for wheelchair users with complex disabilities and their families.
  • Pay what you can - £3 - £6
  • For more information and to book: Breakthrou’dance | FRONTLINEdance

Super 1s inclusive cricket session (ages 10-25)

  • Newcastle and Hartshill Cricket Club, Stafford Avenue, Newcastle, ST5 3BZ
  • Saturday 23 May, 9:30am – 11am
  • Free inclusive cricket sessions for ages 10-25. All disabilities welcome.
  • For more information and to book email Steve s.lightfoot@staffordshirecricket.co.uk or call 07789 265 618
  • Free

SEND family swim sessions at Fenton Manor (all ages) 

  • Fenton Manor, City Road, Fenton, ST4 2RR
  • Saturday 30 May, 5:45 - 6:45pm
  • Held in our warm teaching pool (maximum depth 1m), these sessions provide a safe, calm, and welcoming space for swimmers of all abilities.
  • Tel 01782 233 222 to book a place

Together Thursday with Indi Club - Disco night with DJ Dave

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Thursday 9 April, 4:30pm - 8:30pm
  • An inclusive and welcoming weekly social night where you can connect, have fun, and experience new and exciting activities.
  • From ages 14-16+ but to access independently you need to be over 18 and independent with all personal care needs
  • For more information, contact bookings@projectindi.org.uk or tel 07709 716 293 or 01782 212 000
  • Book online here: Project Indi
  • £5 per person

SEND Youth club (ages 12-25)

  • Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre, Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0EU
  • Tuesday 26 May, 6:45pm - 8:45pm
  • Meet other young people and make friends while you enjoy activities like playing pool, board games and arts and crafts.
  • For more information email alan.mason@stoke.gov.uk or call 07717 714 299
  • Free

SEND Youth club (ages 12-25)

  • Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishop Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6QW
  • Wednesday 27 May, 6:45pm - 8:45pm
  • Meet other young people and make friends while you enjoy activities like playing pool, board games and arts and crafts.
  • For more information email alan.mason@stoke.gov.uk or call 07717 714 299
  • Free

Indi Club day time activities (age 16+)

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Tuesday 26 May  - AM Cook and eat with Tom / PM The Indi Gardening Club with Kate
  • Wednesday 27 May - AM The Indi Choir / PM Dance session with ABSOD
  • Friday 10 April - AM ETS Indi – Multisports with Stoke City Foundation / PM Cricket skills with Steve
  • From ages 14-16+ but to access independently you need to be over 18 and independent with all personal care needs.
  • To find out more information, contact bookings@projectindi.org.uk or tel 07709 716 293 or 01782 212 000
  • To book visit: Project Indi
  • Cost: £11 for half day session, £20 for full day session, carers go free

Peter Pan stay and play group (age 0-5)

  • Thursday 28 May, 1pm - 3pm @ Hazel Trees, Duke Street, Fenton, ST4 3NR
  • Relaxed and friendly sessions for families with young children who require extra support.
  • For more information or to book, please call 01782 715 219 or email familysupport@thepeterpancentre.co.uk
  • £5

Indi in the Community - Cook and eat (age 16+)

  • Clayton Sports Centre, 1 Stafford Ave, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 3BN
  • Tuesday 26 May, 1pm - 3pm
  • An inclusive weekly social group for adults with disabilities to connect, have fun and enhance their wellbeing. From art and music sessions to sports and nature walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
  • From ages 14-16+ but to access independently you need to be over 18 and independent with all personal care needs
  • For more information, contact bookings@projectindi.org.uk or tel 01782 212 000
  • Book online here: Project Indi
  • £5 per person

Inflato SEN session

  • Inflato Bounce Festival Wy., Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5SG
  • Wednesday 27 May, 5-6pm
  • Inflato SEN session - a calm, fun session for children with additional needs and their families. The session runs at half capacity, with no music, calm lighting and no loud distractions. One carer free with every child.
  • For more information and to book, visit: Inflato Stoke – Top Inflatable Park for Family Days Out
  • Cost: Under 4 years - £7.99, ages 4-14 - £11.99

Ninja Warrior SEND session

  • 1 Sun St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4JW
  • Saturday 23 May, 6:30 - 7:30pm
  • Saturday 30 May, 6:30 - 7:30pm
  • A SEN friendly session with fewer people, and reduced noise levels. For more information and to book see their website Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park Stoke online tickets
  • £9 per child, carers free - entry cost pays for 1 hour of play.
  • For ages 4+

SEND Dance lessons

  • 5:30 – 6pm for age 10 and over / 6 – 6:30pm for age 2 and over
  • @ SCDC Dance School, Clarence Works, Longton, ST3 1EW
  • Dance classes run by a SEN TA. 3 weeks of dance lessons followed by week 4 a sensory session of music games and fun. 1 parent or care giver allowed into sessions for support.
  • Classes run most Tuesdays throughout the year.
  • £4.50 for 30 minutes lesson. Joining fee, including uniform, of £20 applies to all new members. Free trial available for first lesson.
  • Tel: 01782 317714 / website Dance School in Stoke | SCDC Dance School 

SEND-inclusive activities

These activities are not SEND-specific. All information is provided by the organisers. Please do contact them to find out any further details that are important for your family.

Holiday fun with Diamond Families Wellies Club

  • Saverley House Farm,Saverley Green Road, ST11 9QX 
  • Monday 25 May - Family fun day - meet the animals, enjoy hands-on activities, and make special memories together - ages 8-16 - £28 per session
  • Wednesday 27 May, 11am - 2pm - Donkey experience - a calm therapeutic session getting up close with the donkeys - ages 8-16 - £28 per session
  • Thursday 28 May - Alpaca art experience - get creative with the alpacas - a perfect blend of art, nature and connection - ages 8-16 - £28 per session
  • Good to know: parents/carers are very welcome to stay for your child's first session, or throughout, if 1:1 support is needed 
  • For more information call 01782 315 758 / WhatsApp 07498 417 167 
  • Booking is essential. All sessions can be booked here: Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.

Make and Bake session - breadstick wands and monster sticks

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Tuesday 26 May, 11am
  • A free, self-led, drop-in session at the Spitfire Cafe bar that allows children to create their own items around a variety of themes.
  • No booking is required, but it's recommended to arrive early to get a reservation
  • More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and Mitchell Arts Centre
  • All ages welcome
  • FREE

Heroes Day and Princesses Day 

  • Affinity Outlet shopping centre, Talke Pits, ST7 1XD
  • Wednesday 27 May - 10am - 4pm - Heroes Day
  • Thursday 28 May - 10am - 4pm - Princesses Day
  • Character appearances, Mask making, Face painting, Epic photo opportunities
  • For more information see What's On Blog | Affinity Staffs
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Free

Animal time (ages 5 - 16)

  • The Unconvential Menagerie, 11-15 Market Street, Longton, ST3 1BE
  • Friday 29 May, 1 - 2 pm
  • 1 hour of exotic animal encounters , come and meet  snakes, owls, meerkats, spiders and much more.
  • Booking in advance required, phone 01782 593 819
  • Good to know: the venue offers a secure environment with wheelchair access
  • £5 per child

Claynauts (age 7+) - in partnership with HSL Pottery

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Tuesday 26 May, 11am
  • MAC say: “An immersive clay-play adventure where kids solve missions with their hands and take home their creations."
  • "Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs and can be adapted to wheelchair users. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for it. Communication support can be provided for children and parents with hearing impariment - please email to arrange”.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and Mitchell Arts Centre
  • £5 - ticket admits one adult and one child with one fired piece of clay.

Family gardening with Middleport Matters

  • Root'n'Fruit Community Allotment, Mott Place, ST6 3RH
  • Wednesday 27 May, 10am - 12pm
  •  Family gardening session for families with children aged 0-18 years.
  • No booking required, just turn up. For more information, call 01782 817 590 or contact through Facebook

Bee Active sports holiday clubs

  • Running at a variety of locations across and around Stoke-on-Trent  including Ash Green Primary Academy and Meir Heath Academy
  • Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 May
  • Sports Holiday Clubs promote healthy lifestyle choices and will improve children’s skills and knowledge of many different sports and activities.
  • Good to know: "We aim to make all of our services as inclusive as possible. At the point of creating your account you will be prompted to enter any medical or behavioural information that our team would need to be aware of that may affect participation. Any information provided here will be instantly available to the coaching team on site" Please see further information FAQs - Bee Active
  • To book: Bee Active
  • Cost: full day, 9:30am - 3:30pm: £28.52 (half sessions and wraparound sessions are available)

Family board games at The Block

  • The Block, Middleport Park, ST6 3PT
  • Friday 29 May, 10am - 12pm
  • No booking required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • For more information, call 01782 817 590 or contact through Facebook
  • Free

Space-themed activities with Best Start Family Hubs

  • No need to book, just come along.
  • Tuesday 26 May
    • 10 - 11:30am @ Blurton Family Hub, Finstock Avenue, ST3 3JU
    • 1-2:30pm @ Best Start Family Hubs @ Hanley Market, Potteries Shopping Centre, Basement, ST1 1PP
  • Wednesday 27 May
    • 10 - 11:30am @ Normacot Best Start Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, ST3 4RF
    • 1 - 3pm @ Bentilee Best Start Family Hub, Dawlish Drive, ST2 8DU
  • Friday 29 May
    • 10 - 11:30am @ Tunstall Salvation Army, Dunning Street, ST6 5AP
    • 1- 2:30pm @ Abbey Hulton Best Start Family Hub, Abbots Road, ST2 8DU
    • 1 - 4pm @ Green Space Meir, Stansmore Road Park, Henderson Grove, ST3 6LJ
  • Saturday 30 May
    • 1 - 4pm @ Green Space Chell Heath, Burnwood Primary, Chell Heath Road, ST6 6DP
  • Free

K Pop Demon Hunters workshop (age 7+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Wednesday 27 May: registration 11:30am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm
  • A workshop exploring dance and drama. Young people will have chance to socialise, have fun and get creative. Perfect for budding stage stars.
  • MAC say: “Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs and can be adapted to wheelchair users. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for it. For those whose needs are complex participants are recommended to have a 1 to 1 with them in sessions”. 
  • Please bring a drink.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and Mitchell Arts Centre
  • Age 7+
  • £5 per child

Rave Dance workshop (age 7+)

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 28 May: registration 11:30am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm
  • A workshop exploring dance and drama. Young people will have chance to socialise, have fun and get creative. Perfect for budding stage stars.
  • MAC say: “Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs and can be adapted to wheelchair users. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for it. For those whose needs are complex participants are recommended to have a 1 to 1 with them in sessions”. 
  • Please bring a drink.
  • Book at place by calling 01782 409 307. More information from education@mitchellartscentre.co.uk and Mitchell Arts Centre
  • Age 7+
  • £5 per child