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

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)

SEND-specific activities in the community

PEGiS in the Park

  • Longton Park (Queen’s Park), Trentham Rd, Dresden, ST3 4AZ
  • Friday 15 August, 10am - 1pm
  • Come along for family fun in the park with PEGiS (Parent Engagement Group in Stoke). 
  • Free

Indi Club day time activities (age 16+)

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Monday 11 August
    • 9:30am - 12pm: Indi Gardening Club with Derek
    • 1pm - 3:30pm: Dance workshop with Harji
  • Tuesday 12 August
    • 9:30am - 12pm: Cricket skills with Staffordshire Cricket
    • 1pm - 3:30pm: Creative storytelling session
  • Wednesday 13 August
    • 9:30am - Rockbox session with Mika
    • 1pm - 3:30pm:Dance session with ABSOD
  • Friday 15 August
    • 9:30am - Multisports with Stoke City Community Trust
    • 1pm - 3:30pm: Performing Arts with Mickey's Theatre School
  • 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

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

Indi Club Live Music Night with Mike and the Floorfillers (age 16+)

  • Ralph Dr, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6HZ
  • Thursday 14 August, 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

SEN roleplay session (age 1+)

  • Appletree Town, UNIT 6, Loomer Road Industrial Estate, Newcastle ST5 7LB
  • Saturday 16 August, 9am - 11am
  • Appletree Town says, " discover what our little role play town has to offer, the themed role play areas have been built to with little imaginations in mind, offering a full immersive experience that fully encourages development, communication and social skills of young children.
  • Good to know: These sessions have reduced number of children playing and are for children with SEND needs and their siblings.
  • Booking through the website: BookMyParty - Apple Tree Town - By Package
  • Contact 01782 914 224 for more information.
  • Cost: £13.95 per child over 1 year, £2 per adult

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.

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

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

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

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 

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