Things to do over the summer holidays
Week 4 (11 August - 17 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 - Action for Children Family Swim
- 80 Jubilee 2, Brunswick Street, Newcastle, Staffordshire, ST5 1HG
- Saturday 16 August, 3:45pm - 4:45pm
- Action for Children say, "Come and join us for fun, laughter and the chance to make new friends. We have lots of different things you can do, like soft play, outdoor activities, arts and crafts and much much more too. We have a skilled team of staff to support you and to make your time with us the best."
- For more information and to book visit Action for Children Family Swim with Action for Children · Eequ
Aiming High - Gather the Community - Gather 4 Fun
- 2, Elsing Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2PR
- Tuesday 12 August, 10am - 3pm
- A fun blend of fitness, games, arts & crafts
- For full details and to book, visit Gather the Community with Gather the Community · Eequ
- Free through Aiming High
Aiming High - Sportworks activity sessions (ages 7 - 14)
- The Yard, Forest Road, Meir, ST3 7BY
- Saturday 16 August, 10am - 12pm - for ages 12-14
- Saturday 16 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 12-18)
- New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle, ST5 0JG
- Wednesday 13 August, 11am - 3pm
- For full details and to book visit: Yes Let's! at the New Vic with New Vic Theatre · Eequ
- Free through Aiming High
SEND-specific activities in the community
Accessible canoeing and kayaking with Green Door
- Longton Park, Trentham Rd, Dresden, ST3 4AZ
- Wednesday 13 August, 11am - 3pm (sessions last 30 minutes)
- Wednesday 20 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.
Peter Pan stay and play group (age 0-5)
- Port Vale Family Hub (previously known as Bescura Hub), Hamil Road, Burslem, ST6 1AW - Monday, 11 August, 10am - 12pm
- 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
Dimensions Sensory Splash session
- Dimensions Leisure Centre Scotia Road, Burslem, ST6 4ET
- Friday 15 August 7-8pm
- Sunday 17 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
Super 1s inclusive cricket session (ages 10-25)
- Newcastle and Hartshill Cricket Club, Stafford Avenue, Newcastle, ST5 3BZ
- Saturday 16 August, 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
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.
SEND-specific activities
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
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.
The Gruffalo with Family Hubs (ages 0-12 years)
- Tuesday 12 August - 10am - 12pm - Family Hubs @ Hanley Market, Potteries Shopping Centre Basement, ST1 1PP (0-12 years)
- Thursday 14 August - 10am - 12pm - Chell Heath Family Hub, Bishops Road, Chell Heath, ST6 6QW (0-12 years)
- Crafts, games, sensory play and fun activities
- Quiet spaces will be available.
- Free
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
Get Slimetastic - Music & Science Summer Club (ages 4-12)
- St John's Centre, Newcastle Road, Trent Vale, ST4 6QD
- Thursday 14 August, 1-4pm
- 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."
- "This session is a firm favourite. We make lot's of slime and learn all about how each of the different chemical change the properties of the slime. Everyone gets to go home with a pot of their own slime design.
Also New for this year - edible Slime! Our musical activities have a slimer link and include a ghostbusting tune." - 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
Tales in the Park (0-14 years)
- Tuesday 12 August, 11am - 3pm: Longton Park, Trentham Road, Dresden, ST3 4AZ
- Friday 15 August, 11am - 3pm: Burslem Park, Moorland Road, ST6 1EA
- 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
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
Tots' Film Club
- Mitchell Arts Centre, Broad Street, Hanley, ST1 4HG
- Thursday 21 August, 10am: Wallace and Gromit – The Wrong Trousers & A Matter Of Loaf And Death
- 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 21 August, 12pm: The Secret Life of Pets 2
- 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.
Creepy crawlies animal experience
- The Unconventional Menagerie, Market Street, Longton, ST3 1BE
- Tuesday 12 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
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
Split pin puppets at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
- Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
- Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August
- Drop in activity 10:30-12:00 and 13:00-3:00
- Choose from a variety of puppets and make your very own split pin puppet. Entertain your friends and family with your own puppet show at home.
- 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.
A la Puppet Carte performances at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
- Bethesda St, Hanley, ST1 3DW
- Thursday 14 August
- Appearances
- 12pm - 12:45pm
- 1:30pm - 2:15pm
- 3pm - 3:45pm
- On the “A la Puppet Carte” menu is a duo or trio of pop up puppet stages built onto the back of electric tricycles. Each mobile stage has a show full of surprises, fun and a heart-warming story of friendship and a sense of home. In “The Story of the Scary Noise”, a doting daddy finds the unexpected (and adorable) source of a mysterious sound. In “The Magic Samovar”, a Persian tea urn reveals a compelling puzzle of secrets, objects and characters. “Maisy and the Corn” tells the story of an exuberant gardener and her very hungry chicken.
- 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.
Big Cup community playgroup (ages 0-5)
- Monday 11 August, 9:30-11:30am - Bentilee Family Hub, Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0HW
- Monday 11 August, 1:30-3pm - Meir Community Education Centre, Pickford Pl, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7DY
- Tuesday 12 August 9:30am - 11:30am - Breathe New Life Church, 1455 Leek Rd, Abbey Hulton ST2 8BY
- Tuesday 12 August 1:30-3pm - Middleport Matters Community Hub, St Paul’s Church, Church Square, Dalehall. ST6 4BY
- Thursday 14 August, 9:30am - 11:30am - Normacot Family Hub, Buccleuch Road, Normacot, ST3 4RF
- Friday 15 August, 9:30am - 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
Lollystick dragonflies and flowers at Brampton Museum (age 5+)
- Brampton Museum, Newcastle, ST5 0QP
- Wednesday 30 July 11am - 2pm
- Learn about the animals that visit the Brampton pond and then make and decorate your own lollystick dragonfly, flower or photo frame to take home.
- Designed for children over 5 but with younger siblings welcome to join the fun, colouring sheets will be available.
- To find out more information about the event and venue, and to book tickets, please visit Family Craft for the Summer Holidays at Brampton Museum.
- Do let us know in advance if your child has any access needs or if there is anything we can do make the sessions more accessible e.g. ear defenders and an autism-friendly quiet space.
- Suitable for all ages
- Free
Family theatre at Bolton Gate Farm - The Wizard of Oz (suitable for age 4+)
- Bolton Gate Farm, Leek Road, Weston Coyney, ST3 5BD
- Saturday 16 August - 2:30pm - 4:10pm
- A new adaptation of The Wizard of Oz bringing the classic story up to date.
- Good to know: Bolton Gate Farm says, "Bolton Gate Farm is fully wheelchair accessible, and all our theatre shows are relaxed, meaning you are free to make sounds, move around or leave the space as needed. If you require additional sipport at one of our events, please email arts@boltongatefarm.co.uk and we will be happy to assist."
- For more information see 2025 Brochure. To book tickets visit: Buy tickets – The Wizard of Oz – Bolton Gate Arts
- Cost: from £10 per ticket