Check out our round-up of summer activities, resources and support

The Gruffalo in Islington!

Tara Wilkinson, executive director of Tall Stories, reveals all about the free live storytelling experience taking place this summer in Islington’s three Bright Start Wildlife Gardens – ‘The Gruffalo: Who Lives in the Deep Dark Wood?’
“We’ve launched a new, nature-based storytelling activity inspired by The Gruffalo to celebrate 25 years of the stage show. The project was developed to tackle barriers to outdoor access and reading. Children enjoy an animated retelling with costumes, music, and interactive exploration of animals and their habitats, delivered through weekly themes. It combines Bright Start’s early years expertise with Tall Stories’ storytelling skills to create a relaxed, interactive experience. Children actively engage with the story, build confidence, and connect imagination to local nature. Free, local, and weekly, the sessions offer a chance for families to spend quality time outdoors, meet others, and enjoy a welcoming community activity in familiar green spaces.”

Feedback from families is already pouring in. Parent Kate O’Hara said: “We haven’t been to anything like this before! It’s very interactive and brings the story to life.”

Book today!

Summerversity is back!

This exciting holiday programme gives Islington young people aged 13–24 the chance to try something new, build skills, make friends and have fun all summer long. From 20 July, choose from 90+ courses across 25 venues, many with free meals and beginner-friendly. Discover sports leadership, kayaking, lifeguarding and backstage skills. Some courses offer nationally recognised qualifications. Booklets available in libraries, youth clubs and schools.

summerversity.co.uk

Activities and youth support

This summer, youth workers will be heading out into the community offering fun activities such as football, bowling and go-karting trips. They’ll also be sharing advice and support about opportunities in the borough for young people who might not be aware or ready to visit a youth club. The targeted youth support team’s new Youth Bus will also be visiting estates – an open, welcoming space for young people to make connections on their doorstep.

Free swimming lessons

Throughout the holidays, Better leisure centres offer free swimming lessons for children and young people aged four to 21, families and those aged under four with an adult, all funded by the council. Sessions take place at Archway Leisure Centre, Cally Pool, Highbury Leisure Centre and Ironmonger Row Baths. For young people aged 12-21 see summerversity.co.uk and adults with toddlers and children aged 4-11 years see better.org.uk/free-swimming-lessons

Activities with lunch

Don’t miss out on the many exciting activities for young people happening across Islington. From football, tennis, archery and kayaking to dance, music-making, theatre art and cooking – as well as exciting trips.

Young people can have fun and make new friends while trying new things, and will get a tasty, free lunch!

Free places are available for Islington’s young people from Reception to Year 11 if they receive benefits-related free school meals. If you have a social or family support worker, please ask them to refer you.

Plan your summer holiday activities now – free places get booked up quickly and must be booked in advance. To register and book activities, visit islington.gov.uk/HolidayActivities

Bright Start

There are lots of brilliant free activities this summer for under-fives in Islington’s Bright Start green spaces and children’s centres. The summer programme focuses on connecting children and families to nature and being active through outdoor stay-and-plays, forest school sessions, outdoor story and music time, yoga and more. See full listings online.

islington.gov.uk/BrightStart

Libraries and Summer Reading Challenge

Get ready to Read to the Beat! This year’s Summer Reading Challenge inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with Universal Music.

Head to any Islington library on their special Sign-Up Saturday on 4 July, 11am—4pm, with author events, face painting, crafts and storytelling.

Children need to read at least six library books over the summer, collecting stickers and rewards along the way, to complete the challenge and receive a medal and certificate.

Islington libraries are also hosting more than 60 free family activities this summer, including crafts, Bollywood dance, nature sessions with Ranger Stu, baby bounce, under-5s sessions and much more!

islington.gov.uk/libraries

Support through sport

Young people who are feeling stressed, isolated or low can meet up with social prescribing youth workers, who provide support through arranging creative, social and sporting activities. The service is open to young people aged 11-25 who live, study, work or have a GP in Islington.

liftislington.org.uk/support/social-prescribing-team

Summer Celebration at Rose Bowl

A celebratory event for all ages featuring inflatables and circus acts, sports day fun and a host of surprises. Slip into the summer mood with live music and a barbeque. Head down to St Paul’s Park, N1 2PT, from 12noon to 5pm on Saturday, 11 July. Free entry!

rosebowlislington.org.uk

Get in The Mix

A new, dedicated space for LGBTQIA+ young people launches this summer for those aged 12-19. The Mix supports and celebrates LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences, offering a safe, inclusive environment to connect, share and explore.

Build confidence, wellbeing, and resilience through creative activities and peer support. Allies and those questioning their identity are welcome too!

Sessions run at Mary’s Youth Club and Whittington Park Community Centre on 23 and 25 July, 5 and 19 August.

See @Marysyouthclub on Instagram or visit marys.org.uk/the-mix

Lead the way at Elthorne

Young people aged 13–19 can shape their own summer at Elthorne Youth Club, which is offering free youth-led activities focused on boosting wellbeing, confidence and connection.

From sports and creative projects to trips and mental health support, the sessions are designed around what young people say they need — giving them a genuine voice.

Supported by experienced youth workers, the club provides a safe, welcoming space where young people can build friendships, stay active and feel heard.

prospex.org.uk

Youth hubs and clubs

Islington’s youth hubs and clubs offer a huge range of opportunities for young people aged 13 and up to relax, meet their friends, learn new skills and find their voice. As well as plugging into their communities, they can have fun and receive support from trained, friendly and skilled youth workers. There’s plenty on offer to explore at the hubs right across the borough and online, too.

islington.gov.uk/YouthClubs

Free childcare and early learning

Working parents could be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week from the term after their child turns 9 months old. The application deadline for a September start is 31 August. Parents should apply in good time, so they don’t miss out!

Details of support with free childcare and early learning for working and non-working families: BestStartInLife.gov.uk

You can also contact Islington’s friendly Family Information Service (FIS) for information and support with early years and school-age childcare – see their contact details below.

Childcare and holiday clubs

The Family Information Service (FIS) can help find low-cost or free activities during the holidays and after school. Holiday childcare schemes run from some schools and community venues, while adventure playgrounds run throughout the summer. The FIS can also help you find childminders. Call FIS on 020 7527 5959, email fis@islington.gov.uk, visit islington.gov.uk/FIS

Measles – is your family protected?

Around 1 in 5 children who catch measles end up in hospital.

Measles is a serious illness that spreads easily. It can cause hearing loss, pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and, rarely, death.

The best protection is vaccination. Book a free MMR/MMRV vaccine with your GP today—it’s never too late.

Children can get catch-up vaccines at local Vaccination UK clinics. Missed a dose? Check their Red Book or ask your GP right now.