Things to do over the summer holidays

Week 3 (4 August - 10 August)

SEND-specific activities

Aiming High activities

Stoke-on-Trent Aiming High is a programme full of exciting, fun and safe activities for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Stoke-on-Trent, up until the age of 18. Each child can book between 2-4 sessions per month dependent on their needs. We will tell you how many sessions you can book. Please feel free to browse at and book at Stoke-on-Trent Aiming High · Eequ. The team can be contacted at Aiming.High@stoke.gov.uk  We look forward to welcoming your child.

Aiming High - Sportworks activity sessions (ages 7 - 14)

  • The Yard, Forest Road, Meir, ST3 7BY
  • Saturday 9 August, 10am - 12pm - for ages 12-14
  • Saturday 9 August, 1pm - 3pm - for ages 7-11
  • Sportsworks say, "Families can look forward to fun-filled, active sessions that are designed to be inclusive, relaxed and welcoming. From creative team games and movement activities to confidence-building challenges and opportunities to learn new skills, each session offers something different and exciting."
  • For full details and to book, visit Sportworks Aiming High Activity Sessions with Sportworks LTD · Eequ
  • Free through Aiming High

Aiming High - The Grand Treasure Hunt at the New Vic (age 5-12)

SEND-specific activities in the community

Accessible canoeing and kayaking with Green Door

  • Tunstall Park, Queen's Avenue, Tunstall, ST6 6EE
  • Wednesday 6 August, 11am - 3pm (sessions last 30 minutes)
  • Canoeing and kayaking sessions, supported by instructors. There are a range of unique adaptations for those with disabilities and supported needs.
  • Please see Accessible Canoeing and Kayaking gallery (green-door.org.uk) for more information
  • No need to book, just turn up and paddle!
  • Suitable for all ages apart from babies.
  • £6 per adult, £4 per child (16 and under). You will have 30 minutes on the water. 

Dimensions Sensory Splash session

  • Dimensions Leisure Centre Scotia Road, Burslem, ST6 4ET
  • Friday 8 August 7-8pm 
  • Sunday 10 August, 9-10am
  • A SEND sensory family session will be in a fun-filled environment designed to stimulate and engage different senses.
  • £4.90 per person, carers free.
  • For more information and booking: • Call us at 01782 233500 • Email us at dimensions@stoke.gov.uk

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

  • Port Vale Family Hub (previously known as Bescura Hub), Hamil Road, Burslem, ST6 1AW - Monday, 4 August, 10am - 12pm
  • Hazel Trees, Duke Street, Fenton, ST4 3NR - Thursday 7 August, 1pm - 3pm
  • 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

Ability Counts Football coaching session (ages 5 - 15)

  • Stoke City Academy Dome, Denis Violet Avenue, ST4 4TN
  • Friday 8 August, 11am - 2pm
  • SCFC say, "PAN Disability Soccer School is football session for any participants with a registered disability. We pride ourselves on its inclusivity and will always look to accommodate you. 
  • Suitable footwear to be worn (Moulded boots or Astro Turf trainers). No metal studs to be worn. Shinpads, and packed lunch required."
  • For more information and to book a place, visit Book Summer Soccer Schools
  • £10 per child

Youth Pan Disability Football (ages 8-11)

  • Port Vale Foundation, Tommy Cheadle’s, Entrance C, ST6 1AW
  • Tuesday 5 August, 5pm – 6pm
  • Youth PAN disability football sessions aimed at young people aged between 8 and 11 years old, providing young people with the opportunity to enjoy and play football whilst developing their skills and confidence. 
  • Book at Book Youth Pan Disability Football (ages 8-11)
  • You can find out more information by calling 01782 757066
  • For ages 8-11
  • Free

Trampolining sessions (ages 3-18) 

  • Wallace Centre, 63 Abbots Rd, Abbey Hulton, ST2 8DU
  • Thursday 7 August
    • SEND group session: 1:30pm - 2:30pm 
      • Coaches will be on the trampoline with your child and provide 1:1 support. This will be for 20 minutes of the session. 40 minutes is free time (unable to run around)
      • There will be a Sensory and chill out matted area
      • Cost £5.50 per child
      • For ages 4-18
  • Open to children and adults with learning and/or physical disabilities (hoist available)
  • To book visit Our schedule | NSTrampolining | Powered by ClassForKids

Other activities you may enjoy:

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

Rainbow Fish with Family Hubs (ages 0-3 / 0-12 years)

  • Monday 4 July - 1:30-3pm - Tunstall Family Hub, Tunstall Town Hall, 142 High Street, Tunstall, ST6 5TP (0-3 years only)
  • Tuesday 5 August - 10am - 12pm - Family Hubs @ Hanley Market, Potteries Shopping Centre Basement, ST1 1PP (0-12 years)
  • Thursday 7 August - 12 - 2pm - Shelton Family Hub, College Road, Shelton, ST4 2DQ (0-12 years)
  • Crafts, games, sensory play and fun activities
  • Quiet spaces will be available.
  • Free

Family Hub sensory rooms (all ages)

  • We have 3 FREE sensory rooms in our Family Hubs that will be open during the summer holidays. They are suitable for any age and can be therapeutic for people with a wide range of different needs.Please call to book an hour slot.
  • Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishops Road, Chell Heath, ST6 6QW - telephone 01782 232 977
  • Normacot Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF - telephone 01782 237 500
  • Shelton Family Hub, College Road, Shelton, ST4 2DQ - telephone 01782 237 100

Family Hub play spaces (ages 0 - 7)

  • We have 3 FREE play spaces in our Family Hubs that will be open during the summer holidays. ALL children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Bentilee Family Hub, Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0HW - open Monday to Friday - 9am - 5pm
  • Normacot Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF - open Monday to Friday - 9am - 4:30pm
  • Family Hubs @ Hanley Market, Potteries Shopping Centre Basement, ST1 1PP - open Monday to Friday - 9am - 4:45pm

Tales in the Park (0-14 years)

  • Tuesday 5 August, 11am - 3pm: Yeaman Street Rec, Yeaman Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4AP
  • Friday 8 August, 11am - 3pm: Fenton Park, Victoria Road, ST4 2HQ
  • The Literacy Trust invites all families from across the city to 'Tales in the Park' taking place this summer! These family-friendly storytelling festivals are completely free and promise a day filled with fun and creativity for children of all ages.Highlights include:
    • Captivating storytelling sessions
    • Interactive draw-along sessions
    • Free books for the children
    • Facepainting and craft activities
    • Pop-up sports
    • Bouncy castle
    • And much more!
  • Suitable for ages 0-14
  • Free

Hula Land workshop

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 4 August: registration 9:45 am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm - book here: Mitchell Arts Centre
  • Thursday 7 August: registration 9:45 am, workshop 12pm – 1:30pm - book here: Mitchell Arts Centre
  • Come and be a part of this magical, hula hoop workshop where you'll learn the art of hooping while exploring the music of the circus!
  • MAC say: “Our workshops can support those who have special educational needs. 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 Age 7 - 11
  • £5 per child

Newsies dance  workshop

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Monday 4 August: registration 11:45 am, 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 6+
  • £5 per child

Tots' Film Club

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 7 August, 10am: Curious George
  • MAC say: “Our Tots Films are ideal for your little ones; providing a relaxed environment for their first cinema experiences!”
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • For more information and to book a place see Mitchell Arts Centre or call 01782 409 307
  • A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

Family Film Club

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 7 August, 12pm: Lightyear
  • MAC say: “Whether you are introducing these films to your children for the first time or just look forward to enjoying them once again on the big screen this season we have chosen some of the most popular family films. No trailers or adverts. Film starts at 12 midday prompt. Film starts at advertised times so please arrive with plenty of time.This is a relaxed film screening. Due to high demand, please book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!"
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • For more information and to book a place see Mitchell Arts Centre or call 01782 409 307
  • A child ticket is £4 and one accompanying adult ticket is free. Additional adult tickets are £4.

MAC Matinee Film Club - captioned

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Tuesday 5 August, 11am: Edward Scissorhands
  • MAC say: “Edward, a synthetic man with scissor hands, is taken in by Peg, a kindly Avon lady, after the passing of his inventor. Things take a turn for the worse when he is blamed for a crime he did not commit. MAC Community days brings you a programme of accessible film all in a bid to break barriers and create a happy place for our community. MAC Community days are in partner ship with Able Stoke, North Staffs Pensioners' Convention, and Staffordshire Sight Loss."
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
  • For more information and to book a place see Mitchell Arts Centre or call 01782 409 307
  • This is a free, drop in event.

Kidsbop dance and drama workshop

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Wednesday 6 August: registration 11:45 am, 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 6+
  • £5 per child

Billy Elliott dance and drama workshop

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 7 August: registration 11:45 am, 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 6+
  • £5 per child

Make and Bake session - marshmallow sticks and fortune tellers

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
  • Thursday 7 August, 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

Meet the giants animal experience

  • The Unconventional Menagerie, Market Street, Longton, ST3 1BE
  • Thursday 7 August, 1pm - 2pm
  • Sessions must be prebooked
  • Animal based learning with a animals on approach. 
  • Good to know:The Unconventional Menagerie say, "This is all focused around animals so completely inclusive, our staff are all SEN trained and experienced."
  • For more informaion and to book a place, please call 01782 593 819,
  • All ages
  • £5 per child

Cars and carriages - Music & Science Summer Club (ages 4-11)

  • Tuesday 5 August, 1-3pm: The Brampton Museum, Newcastle, ST5 0QP
  • Thursday 7 August, 1-4pm: St John's Centre, Newcastle Road, Trent Vale, ST4 6QD
  • Tutorage say, "Our sessions are designed to be inclusive with small group sizes and high staff ratios, we have experience working with a range of students and can accommodate students with EHCPs. The Brampton is also accessible. However, if your child needs 1:1 support please contact us to discuss availability as we have limited space and staffing."
  • "Make your own self-propelled elastic band car or sparkly carriage. Physics with racing games and sparkles! Accompanied by lots of racing themed musical activities and games."
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair accessible toilet facilities.
  • To book, visit Tutorage CIC event tickets from TicketSource.
  • Cost: pay what you can afford

SPACE sessions 

  • The SPACE scheme are running fun activities for 8-17 year olds during the school summer holiday across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
  • The contact details of the session providers are available in the session details, please contact them with any specific questions.
  • Many varied activities including sports, creative, fun days, days out, outdoor and learning.
  • Activities can be viewed and booked at https://staffordshirespace.uk/
  • Ages: 8-17
  • Cost: varies - some activities are free, some are payable

Stellar Space Rockets - Music & Science Summer Club (ages 4-11)

  • Friday 8 August, 1-3pm: The Brampton Museum, Newcastle, ST5 0QP
  • Thursday 28 August, 1-4pm: St John's Centre, Newcastle Road, Trent Vale, ST4 6QD
  • Tutorage say, "Our sessions are designed to be inclusive with small group sizes and high staff ratios, we have experience working with a range of students and can accommodate students with EHCPs. The Brampton is also accessible. However, if your child needs 1:1 support please contact us to discuss availability as we have limited space and staffing."
  • "Design and make a rocket, then propel it into space (or across the grass!) Learn about space, the solar system and stars.Then complete the day with Boomwhackers, lightsabers and compose yourown space dance and music."
  • Good to know: the venue is wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair accessible toilet facilities.
  • To book, visit Tutorage CIC event tickets from TicketSource.
  • Cost: pay what you can afford

Big Cup community playgroup (ages 0-5)

  • Tuesday 5 August, 9:30 - 11:30am - Breathe New Life Church, 1455 Leek Rd, Abbey Hulton ST2 8BY
  • Tuesday 5 August, 1:30 - 3pm - Middleport Matters Community Hub, St Paul’s Church, Church Square, Dalehall. ST6 4BY
  • Thursday 7 August, 9:30-11:30am - Normacot Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF
  • Friday 8 August, 9:30 - 11:30am - Newcastle-under-Lyme Children's Centre, Cemetery Rd, Knutton, Newcastle ST5 6DH
  • Inclusive playgroup for children age 0-5. 
  • Good to know: venues are wheelchair-accessible with wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities. Playgroup leads have all completed SEND awareness and autism awareness training.
  • If you have any questions, or would like to discuss anything before your visit, you are very welcome to contact Kelly or Lisa on 01782 614 838
  • Free

Teddy bear outing - Apedale Valley Light Railway

  • Loomer Rd, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 7LB
  • Saturday 9 August - 11:30am -  4:00pm
  • Sunday 10 August - 11:30am -  4:00pm
  • A family-focused event, especially for the little ones. Spot the bears on the journey, solve a puzzle and win a prize. Kids with bears (or other furry friends) travel for free!
  • No need to book, just turn up and ride. Call 0845 094 1953 for more information or see www.avlr.org.uk Suitable for all ages. They are pleased to welcome visitors of all abilities, and their train can convey wheelchairs
  • Standard fares apply: return tickets: adult - £4, child £2, family £9. See Fares and Times | Apedale Valley Light Railway (avlr.org.uk)

Bug Hunt with CAFAG (all ages welcome)

  • The Whitfield Valley Centre, Fegg Hayes Road Fegg Hayes, ST6 6QR
  • Thursday 7 August, 10am - 12pm
  • Come and join our free bug hunt, take a stroll around our gardens and find our plastic bugs. Find them all and win a prize!
  • For more information call 01782 878 843
  • FREE

Make shell and clay sea creatures at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

• Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
• Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 August
• Drop in activity 10:30-12:00 and 13:00-3:00
• Let your imagination go wild and create your very own sea creature using a collection of shells and clay.
• No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit Events
• £3.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Terrific tin tokens at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery (ages 5-12)

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Wednesday 6 August
  • Drop in activity 11:30am - 3:00pm
  • Join us for a series of drop-in workshops in collaboration with the Foundling Museum in London and The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, run by artist Phoebe Kaniewska. Inspired by the tokens at the Foundling Museum, create your own embossed token to reflect your story or identity. The Foundling Museum team will be happy to answer any questions you have about this event. Just drop them an email at learning@foundlingmuseum.org.uk or give them a call on 020 7841 3600.
  • On arrival at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, head to the main reception to pay and ask for directions to the workshop.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit Events
  • £3.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Passports to Imagination at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery (ages 5-12)

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Thursday 7 August
  • Drop in activity 11:30am - 3:00pm
  • Join us for a series of drop-in workshops in collaboration with the Foundling Museum in London and The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, run by artist Phoebe Kaniewska. 
  • Create your own passports using plasticine printing. Press shapes and patterns into the pages to tell a story about you and your adventures.. The Foundling Museum team will be happy to answer any questions you have about this event. Just drop them an email at learning@foundlingmuseum.org.uk or give them a call on 020 7841 3600.
  • On arrival at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, head to the main reception to pay and ask for directions to the workshop.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit Events
  • £3.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Moving Puppets at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery (ages 5-12)

  • Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
  • Saturday 9 August
  • Drop in activity 11:30am - 3:00pm
  • Join us for a series of drop-in workshops in collaboration with the Foundling Museum in London and The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, run by artist Phoebe Kaniewska. 
  • Inspired by the Foundling Hospital children’s lack of toys, in this workshop you’ll create a simple moving puppet, which you can take home to enjoy.. The Foundling Museum team will be happy to answer any questions you have about this event. Just drop them an email at learning@foundlingmuseum.org.uk or give them a call on 020 7841 3600.
  • On arrival at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, head to the main reception to pay and ask for directions to the workshop.
  • No need to book in advance. Call 01782 23 23 23 for more information or visit Events
  • £3.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Centenary Carnival

  • Longton Park, Trentham Rd, Dresden, ST3 4AZ
  • Sunday 10 August, 11am – 4pm
  • Turn the clock back 100 years and see how the park used to be: old-fashioned games, Punch and Judy, vintage vehicles, live music.
  • For more information contact QPPevents@gmail.com
  • Free entry
  • All ages