Useful tips from our Child and Family Support Worker

Summer Activities for Families (Low cost and free)

Published 25/07/25

As the summer holidays approach, we understand the importance of keeping children engaged, active and happy during their time away from school. To support you, we have compiled a selection of local activities and events that may be of interest to families over the break.

Please note that while this guide provides a range of suggestions, the school does not endorse or officially recommend any of the organisations, events, or services listed. We encourage parents and carers to carry out their own checks to ensure that any activities meet their family’s needs and expectations, particularly with regard to safety, supervision, and suitability.

We hope you find this guide helpful in planning an enjoyable and enriching summer for your children.

Low cost and free activities to do in Hampshire:

https://www.hampshireattractions.co.uk/things-to-do-for-free/

Portsmouth’s free Adventure Playgrounds:

https://www.pycportsmouth.co.uk/play/

Easy walks for the family:

https://www.theamblingpath.co.uk/

Swimming Pools and Splash Parks:

https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/blog/read/2025/06/10-swimming-pools-and-splash-parks-in-hampshire-b241

Port Solent - Kids Club every Thursday over summer:

https://portsolent.com/events/

Havant Meridian Shopping Centre – free activities ticketed but free:

https://meridianshoppingcentre.com/were-going-wild-this-summer/

Fareham Shopping Centre - Free Ping Pong Parlour, Podium Playtime every Thursday and Play Day event:

https://farehamshopping.com/events/

Joe Wicks – Free animated workout challenges for children:

https://www.thebodycoach.com/blog/introducing-activate-my-brand-new-animation-for-kids/

Hampshire Libraries - Summer reading challenge and other events:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library

Google Maps – Local Play Parks

Google Maps – Hampshire Country Parks

SEND Information

SEND Summer Activities and Sessions:

Finkley Down Farm - SEND Early Bird Access

https://www.finkleydownfarm.co.uk/event/send-early-bird-access/

Various Family Activities and SEND Sessions: https://portsmouthlocaloffer.org/information/summer-fun-events-and-activities-for-families-in-portsmouth/ - Including Exploria, FlipOut and Charter swimming SEND sessions.

Havant and Waterlooville Horizon Leisure Centre:

SEND Soft Play – Thursday 16:00-17:00 £4.00 per child, including siblings. Parents and Carers go free. Music is turned off and we only allow 20 children attending to reduce noise and movement. Therefore, it is advisable to prebook.

Inclusive Sports Club Havant: Join Horizon Today

Summer Thriving – Please see timetable attached in full document.

Explore Additional Needs Activities at Horizon Today

Gateway Card and Gateway Card+:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/specialneeds/shortbreaks/gatewaycard

Gateway Cards are free and give children access to community activities, play schemes and buddy schemes through the short breaks programme.

Leisure and Activities for Children and Young People with SEND:

https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/advice.page?id=MOPm_33ijiM

Short Breaks Activities:

https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/advice.page?id=wQ4VE5g_-lg

Short breaks, enable children and young people with additional needs to participate in safe and fun activities, giving parents an opportunity for a short break from caring.

Community Buddy Scheme:

https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/service.page?id=xCypGryvhNc

Community buddies enable children and young people with a disability to access the community or support them to take part in activities or groups of their choosing within the local community.

Planning ahead for the holidays

Published 30/06/25

As the academic year comes to a close, the summer holiday offers children a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy a break from their regular routines. However, without thoughtful planning, the weeks can quickly become unstructured and less productive. Taking the time to organise your child’s summer can lead to a more enriching and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Children benefit from a sense of routine, even during the holidays, and a balanced schedule that includes play, learning opportunities, and family time can support both their well-being and development. Planning ahead also creates opportunities to make meaningful memories - whether through travel, local outings, or simply time spent together. Most importantly, a clear plan reduces the stress of last-minute arrangements and allows both children and parents to approach the summer with a sense of calm and purpose.

Please see below for some free downloadable resources.

Let’s talk about Mental Health

Published 20/05/25

This month marked Mental Health Awareness Week (12th-18th May) - a powerful reminder of the importance of talking about mental well-being, especially for children. In today’s fast-paced, constantly changing world, kids face a variety of emotion

When a book might help.

Published 01/05/25

When you are stuck for answers or finding discussing certain subjects with your children difficult, books can often help. All Hampshire Libraries run a scheme called ‘When a Book Might Help’. If you follow the link below, you will see

Queen’s Inclosure Primary School

Useful tips from our Child and Family Support Worker

Summer Activities for Families (Low cost and free)

Finkley Down Farm - SEND Early Bird Access

Planning ahead for the holidays

Let’s talk about Mental Health

When a book might help.

Cookie Policy