The summer holidays have started!
Looking for things to do with children? Need help with food, money or family support?
We have brought together some useful links to help families across Newcastle enjoy a safe and healthy summer.
🎨 Free activities
Keep children busy this summer.
Find free holiday clubs, activities and meals across Newcastle.
Find activities🍎 Food and money help
Extra support is available.
Find help with food, benefits, bills and household costs.
Get support📅 Family events
Discover things to do locally.
Find activities, groups and events for children and families.
See events📚 Library activities
Free activities for all ages.
Find crafts, reading sessions, events and learning activities.
Visit libraries💚 Family support
Advice and support when you need it.
Find help for children, young people and parents.
Get help🎨 Find free summer activities
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers free activities during the school holidays.
Children and young people can enjoy:
- sports and games
- arts and crafts
- cooking
- music and dance
- outdoor activities
- trips and experiences
Free places are mainly available for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Some children who need extra support may also be able to take part.
🍎 Get help with food and money
The summer holidays can put extra pressure on family budgets.
Support is available with:
- food
- benefits
- money advice
- household costs
- local support services
📅 Find things to do
There are lots of ways to keep children active and entertained over the summer.
Look out for:
- local events
- family activities
- community groups
- outdoor activities
- holiday clubs
📚 Free library activities
Libraries across Newcastle offer free activities for children and families.
You can find:
- craft sessions
- reading activities
- events
- learning activities
Find your local library:
☀️ Summer health checklist
A few simple checks can help your family enjoy the holidays. If you’re heading away check out our holiday health quick checks.
💊 Medicines
Make sure you have enough of:
- regular medicines
- inhalers
- creams and treatments
Order repeat prescriptions early if you need them.
🧴 Sun safety
Remember:
- sunscreen
- hats
- shade
- regular drinks
Try to keep children out of direct sun during the hottest part of the day.
💧 Keep children hydrated
Children can become unwell quickly in hot weather.
Encourage them to drink water regularly.
🤒 Be ready for common illnesses
A well-stocked medicine box can help you manage minor illnesses at home.
Find NHS advice:
💚 Looking after children’s wellbeing
The summer holidays can be exciting, but changes to routine can be difficult for some children.
Things that can help:
- keep some regular routines
- make time to talk
- stay connected with friends
- plan activities together
If your child needs extra support, help is available.
Find support:
👨👩👧 Support for parents and carers
Being a parent or carer is not always easy.
If you need advice, information or support, there are services across Newcastle that can help.
Find local support:
We hope these links help your family make the most of the summer holidays.