Free activities for children and teenagers this summer

23 July 2025

Children and teenagers are invited to take advantage of a range free activities this summer, thanks to West Northamptonshire Council and its partners.

From football sessions, to multi-sports activities and opportunities to hang out with friends, there are a range of activities to keep young people active and occupied during the holidays.

Multi-sports sessions for children aged 5 to 11

Our Youth Activators are working with Northampton Saints Foundation coaches and a range of town and parishes councils to put the following free events, all taking place from 12-2pm:

• Monday 28 July: Middleton Cheney Sports & Social Club, Astrop Road (OX17 2PG)
• Monday 4 August: King’s Sutton Children’s Park, Astrop Road (OX17 3PG)
• Tuesday 5 August: Greens Norton Recreational Ground, Towcester Road (NN12 8BL)
• Wednesday 6 August: Hartwell Community Centre Playing Field (NN7 2HL)
• Monday 11 August: King’s Sutton Children’s Park, Astrop Road (OX17 3PG)
• Tuesday 19 August: Towcester Recreational Ground, Islington Rd (NN12 6DT)
• Wednesday 20 August: Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre, St Davids Rd (NN2 7QJ).

Daventry free for all football sessions

Held in partnership with Daventry Town Council, our Youth Activators will be hosting a series of sessions at New Street Park (NN11 4BS) in the town between 10am and 11am on the following days:

• Friday 1 August
• Friday 8 August
• Monday 18 August
• Thursday 21 August.

Kick About and Hang Out activities 

Run by Youth Inspired with support from our Community Safety Partnership, these free sessions will take place weekly in Daventry throughout the school summer holidays.

Kick About football sessions are on at the astros at Daventry Sports Park in Brown’s Road every Tuesday from 5pm to 6.30pm, starting on 22 July.

The Hang Out sessions take place at the Saxon Suite at Daventry Leisure Centre every Friday from 3pm to 5pm, starting on 25 July, offering table tennis, a pool table and music.

Family Hub activities 

There are a range of free groups and activities taking place across West Northants as part of the Family Hubs service. From families with babies, toddlers and children under five to young people and teenagers or parents looking for support and advice, there really is something for everyone.

Whether you are looking for sensory play or baby massage, family fun, pottery or craft sessions for 11-year-olds +, the programme offers a variety of ways to connect, create and enjoy time together.

Sessions run Monday to Friday throughout the school holidays, with activities happening at different locations in Northampton, Daventry and Towcester. 

Please note some sessions do require booking in advance to ensure the team can cater for the number of people required. Spaces are available on a first come first serve basis. 

Visit our Family Hubs page to find out more and book a session

Libraries’ Summer reading challenge

Children aged 4 to 11 can let their imaginations bloom with the Summer Reading Challenge at West Northamptonshire’s libraries.

The free challenge invites children to read six books over the summer holidays, with each completed book earning them a reward sticker, and those finishing all six receiving a medal and certificate.

Families can also enjoy a range of free activities in libraries throughout the summer, from teddy bear festivals to magic shows, bird and butterfly feeder making activities, nature trails and more.

Visit our library pages to find out more about activities at our libraries

Pop-in Wednesdays at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Head to Northampton Museum & Art Gallery between midday and 4pm on Wednesdays 30 July and 6,13,20 and 27 August for free afternoon sessions packed with fun activities, puzzles, and games.

Children can explore exciting themed trails, challenge themselves with brain-teasing games, and dive into interactive experiences designed to spark their curiosity. 

Rugby World Cup-inspired activities

The arrival of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August provides a range of opportunities to get involved in free activities, from a free rugby-inspired arcade machine in our libraries, to the free Fan Zones in Northampton’s Market Square on August 24, 30, 31 and September 7.

Families are also invited to Abington Park in Northampton on Friday 22 August for RugbyFest – a free day of activities and games with Northampton Saints Rugby and Loughborough Lightning, followed by England’s opening match vs USA on the big screen.

Other activities offered by partners

A range of parish and town councils across West Northamptonshire are also putting on activities for young people throughout the summer holidays. 

Please visit your local town or parish council website to find out more.