Children’s summer activities in Dudley

Sessions are taking place in leisure centres, libraries, parks, the Red House Glass Cone, halls and Dudley Museum at the Archives with some available to book in advance.

Duncan Edwards, Crystal and Halesowen leisure centres will be offering free-swimming during the holidays at set times. Other chargeable activities, which also includes The Dell Stadium, are Waikiki Waves family water disco, under 5s splash time, under 5s stay and play, badminton including new £1 sessions, £1 football sessions, table-tennis, soft play, and activities for children with SEND. Terms and conditions apply and activities vary between facilities and may be subject to change. More information is online at www.dbleisure.co.uk/school-holiday-activities or by calling 01384 812800.

Dreams will come true at Stourbridge Town Hall on Saturday 26 July with Princesses Unite, the ultimate children's pop princess party. Featuring a cast of dazzling princesses, the enchanting spectacle brings favourite hit songs and party dances to life in a vibrant, high-energy performance. https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk

The award-winning Sycamore Adventure Centre will have summer play sessions from 22 July. There will be family play sessions on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with water play, race on pedal go-karts, climbing and arts and crafts. Inclusive play for children with disabilities and their families will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with accessible activities in a supportive environment. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and people are asked to book in advance by visiting https://www.sycamoreadventure.co.uk/public-session-bookings

At the Red House Glass Cone families can enjoy free entry and a free trail. There will be various family glass fusing sessions, where children and adults can make fused glass, using small pieces of glass and powders to create a unique piece. For more information people can visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/red-house-glass-cone

At Dudley Museum at the Archives there will be family activities and talks as well as displays with fossils, dinosaurs and art. People can find out more at www.ticketsource.co.uk/dudley-museum-at-the-archives

There are more than 750 activities to enjoy in Dudley borough libraries this summer holiday including Rattle and Rhyme, Lego, craft sessions, teddy bear’s picnic, story sessions and much more with full details available online. Children of all ages can also enjoy the summer reading challenge.

The Park Active programme will continue to offer free outdoor exercise sessions for children, adults and families to enjoy over the summer holiday. There will be led free walks, park yoga, Dudley Park Run, Junior Park Run and activities at the five healthy hubs. People can find out more online.

People can download a gentle one-mile walking route through Saltwells Nature Reserve, which is suitable for pushchairs and walking aids. The map includes things to look out for, as well as benches for resting www.healthydudley.co.uk/zero-to-1-mile-hero

There will be a chance to play outdoor chess with new tables at Stevens Park in Quarry Bank and Abbey Street Park in Gornal. Players are encouraged to bring their own chess pieces where possible. Sets are also available to borrow from the café at Stevens Park and Gornal Library. 

Families can enjoy open-air theatre at Himley Hall and Park when Paperback theatre performs the children’s classic The Wind in the Willows. There will be performances at 4pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 5 August with people asked to prebook their tickets to avoid disappointment https://www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/events-1/wind-in-the-willows-with-paperback-theatre

There will be a dinosaur trail at Himley Hall and Park with more information online at www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk

Families with younger children can enjoy free summer fun in Stourbridge, Dudley, Kingswinford, Halesowen and Coseley with the Dudley family hub network. Activities will include messy play, crafts, small world, games, face painting, storytelling, baby activities and more. People can find out more and book spaces now at www.dudley.gov.uk/familyhubs

Dudley Holiday Activities (HAF) will continue to offer holiday activities for children eligible for benefit related free school meals and other vulnerable groups. Full details available online.

Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

“It’s wonderful to see so many exciting events and sessions planned to help keep children occupied and active over the summer holidays.

“As always, we encourage parents and carers to book in advance wherever possible and always check the webpages before setting out for the latest information.

“I’d also like to remind people that the free swimming is very popular and is run on a first come first served basis, with the centres only able to accept families who have registered their child in advance.”