Summer Holiday Activities Programme

Bolton’s Summer Holiday Activities Programme Returns for 2026

Thousands of children and young people are set to enjoy free activities across the borough.

Children and young people across Bolton are being encouraged to make the most of a packed programme of summer holiday activities, with a wide range of free sessions and events taking place throughout the borough.

Bolton’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is returning for Summer 2026, offering eligible children and young people access to free physical and enriching activities alongside a substantial meal during the school holidays. The programme continues to be a key part of Bolton Council’s commitment to supporting children, young people and families.

Funded by the UK Government and coordinated by Bolton Council, the programme is delivered in partnership with Bolton CVS, Bolton Together, local out-of-school clubs, Urban Outreach and a wide range of community organisations.

Most of the activities can be enjoyed by all children in the borough, not just those who qualify for free school meal.    

Activities include:

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

“School holidays can place additional pressures on families, particularly at a time when many are continuing to manage rising household costs.

“The HAF programme plays an important role in ensuring children and young people have access to healthy food, enjoyable activities and safe places where they can socialise and learn new skills throughout the summer.

“All eligible families will have received information on how to book activities and access support; however, I do recognise that positive activities over the holidays are beneficial for all children and young people.

“I encourage all families to visit Bolton Council’s HAF website and access the free sessions that are also being delivered across the borough by the council’s Play and Youth Service.”

In 2025, more than 12,000 children took part HAF activities with 87% of children rating the activities as ‘Good’ or ‘Great’.   

For more information and to view activities taking place this summer, visit Bolton HAF website.