Families in Halton have enjoyed over 100 free events, activities and groups this summer thanks to support from the Council, partners and providers.

With a wide variety of themes and interests, more than 3,000 children, young people, families and carers made the most of the season with lots of fun, food and friends – exactly as summer should be!

Holiday Activity Fund (HAF)

The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme* was very popular with 40 providers delivering activities across 43 clubs, including three SEND-specific clubs, offering children with additional needs the chance to try new experiences, develop skills, and make new friends. Activities ranged from dance, swimming, martial arts, yoga, drama, rugby, music, and even a hairdressing and makeup workshop.

Feedback from parents included:

  • “My girls have loved it as usual. All of you do a fantastic job. Thank you.”
  • “Thank you so much for an amazing time. We appreciate all that you have done for the children.”
  • “It’s been incredible. My daughter came home after every session confident and happy.”
  • “Absolutely amazing! My two grandchildren went for both weeks and come home every afternoon buzzing.”
  • “Absolutely brilliant. My child loved it. The exercise was amazing, just what the children needed. Much better than tech all holiday, good for their health.”

Halton Family Hubs

The summer fun continued at Halton Family Hubs** with a spectacular event at Brookvale Family Hub in Runcorn. Over 450 people joined in a day of celebration featuring singing, dancing, face painting, mindfulness for kids, arts and crafts, baby and outdoor play, sensory activities, and even special guests from beloved children’s programmes.

Pupils from Cavendish School also generously gave their time during the holidays to run their recently launched café for families at the event.

Feedback included:

  • One 7-year-old boy said: “It was the best day ever!”
  • Local dad said: “I just cannot believe what’s on offer, there’s something for everyone, thank you so much.”

With the autumn timetable now live, families can look forward to even more exciting opportunities. Visit www.haltonfamilyhubs.co.uk to explore what’s coming up and get involved.

The Cavendish Café is open at Brookvale Family Hub every Wednesday and Friday 10am- 12pm (term-time only).

Booknics at Halton Libraries

More than 2,300 children and adults attended 66 events across Halton Libraries this summer with newly introduced ‘Booknics’ – a picnic with a book being very popular with local families. Families were invited to enjoy free packed lunches for children every Wednesday and sit on picnic blankets to read the books in the baskets as they enjoyed their lunch.

Lots of families enjoyed the ‘Booknics’ with parents reading with their kids, or kids reading independently and discovering lots of books to enjoy.  Halton Libraries also ran the popular Summer Reading Challenge again with nearly 900 children signed up.

You can find out the latest family friendly events and activities at Halton Libraries here – Halton Libraries | Runcorn and Widnes Libraries or go along to one of our libraries. Halton residents can join the library for free and access a wide range of books, magazines and digital services.

Halton Short Breaks – making precious memories

The Council’s Short Breaks Team and their families had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of inclusive and engaging events through the Family Events programme this summer. These events provided safe, supportive environments where families could relax, connect, and create lasting memories together.

From outdoor adventures at CAFT to travelling on the local Miniature Railway and Stay & Play sessions at Halton Family Hubs. The activities were designed to be accessible and fun for all, helping children build confidence, social skills, and joyful experiences. Families expressed appreciation for the chance to spend quality time together, highlighting the positive impact on both the children and themselves.

Cllr Tom McInerney, the Council’s Executive Board Member for Children and Families said: “It’s fantastic to see so many children, families and carers enjoying the events that our brilliant teams have put on over the summer. We know the school holidays can be a struggle for many families pushing up the stress and costs of having children at home so these events and groups can help make summer everything it should be about, carefree fun in the sun with friends and family.”