Skip to content

Comedy, crafts and a whole lot of fun this half term

Kids of all ages have a range of activities to choose from across South Oxfordshire and the Vale this half term.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have planned a week of free and low-cost family fun including table tennis, nature walks, Xplorer and multisport activities.

There’s much more to table tennis than you think. Come along to one of the activity days and games will include round the table, target practise, ‘beat the champ’ and a chance to practice or compete in singles and doubles.

You’ll also be able take home some equipment so you can use the free tables across the districts again and again.

These activities are aimed at children aged 5 and over and will take place:

  • Tuesday 30 May, Wheatley Play Area, 2-4pm
  • Wednesday 31 May, Lay Avenue Recreation Park Berinsfield, 10am-midday
  • Wednesday 31 May, Tickers Folly Field, Blewbury 2-4pm
  • Thursday 1 June, Abbey Meadow Abingdon 1.30-3.30pm

At Blewbury and Abingdon there will also be a chance for children to get involved with free multisport activities as part of the day, plus in Abingdon on the 1 June, there will be a nature walk starting at 2pm in Abbey Meadow.

Take with you a nature information sheet and discover the different insects and plants along the walk. There’s no need to book for these sessions, just turn up on the day.

The popular family friendly free navigation activity Xplorer challenge is back this half term.

Find the hidden markers around the park and at each marker, and then identify what is pictured while enjoying learning a fun fact to tell friends.

  • Tuesday 30 May, Kidmore End Memorial Hall Field, Sonning Common
  • Tuesday 30 May, Long Furlong Park Abingdon
  • Wednesday 31 May, Lay Avenue Recreation Park, Berinsfield
  • Thursday 1 June, Wantage Memorial Park

All the Xplorer activities run from 10am-midday. Families can turn up on the day or book via the online booking form.

There’s more information about these activities on the South Oxfordshire school holiday activities webpage and the Vale of White Horse District Council school holiday activities webpage.

The districts arts centres are also ready to entertain the family this May. At Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot, you can ‘Make your own paper plants’ on Tuesday 30 May with their crafty workshop.

All materials will be provided in this arty session aimed at school years 1-6. Perfect for any child that likes to get stuck in to making things, and the best thing is these plants won’t need watering.

And on Friday 2 June Comedy Club 4 Kids will have the whole family laughing with the best stand-up and sketch acts on the circuit. It’s just like a normal comedy club but without the rude bits.

Find out more about the workshop and the Comedy Club on the Cornerstone website.

At The Beacon in Wantage if you have a bubble fan or fans in your family, then you will enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles with host Mr Bubbles in The Bubble Show on Saturday 3 June. More information and booking details can be found on The Beacon website.

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “Keeping the family busy and for free or at a low-cost can be challenging, but we’ve got lots planned this May. Whether your child is arty or likes to run around and get involved with sports there is plenty to do.”

Cllr Helen Pighills Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council said: “We’re lucky to have great outdoor spaces in the Vale which can be used by families and we’re making the most of them this half term.

“From Abingdon to Wantage and Blewbury we’re taking over the district offering free activities that will keep families busy and entertained. Mr Bubbles will be a hit at The Beacon with the younger children and those of us who are still a child at heart.”

The council’s Better Leisure centres will also have a timetable packed with activities for half term, including the Kids Swim for a Quid scheme.

The Riverside outdoor pool in Wallingford owned by South Oxfordshire District Council will be open for the summer season from Saturday 27 May and the splash pads in Abingdon and Wantage will be turned on in time for the start of the half term break too.