Summer holidays are here in Nottingham – and with more than four weeks left to fill, many parents are wondering how to keep kids entertained and fed without spending a fortune.

Thanks to our many volunteers, Nottingham City Council services, faith groups, and community and voluntary providers around the city, Nottingham children can enjoy a packed programme of free and great value activities, both in their neighbourhood and the city centre – and many of them offer free food too.

All primary schoolchildren in the city have received a free leaflet with their own local summer ‘bucket list’ – fifty free or very cheap ideas of things to do.

The ideas include:

  • Free sports and play activity sessions
  • Local family fun days
  • Ideas for rainy days
  • Free activities at our libraries
  • Free activities at venues across Nottingham including Stonebridge City Farm, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Contemporary, Green’s Windmill, New Art Exchange and more.

Many of the sessions offer a free lunch or snack, to support those families who struggle with holiday hunger – the lack of free school meals during the school holidays. Organisations in the city, including Active Notts and the City Council, are working together to organise volunteers and food donations to feed hungry kids – with City Council staff and other volunteers working to make 250 packed lunches a day

Councillor Rebecca Langton, Portfolio Holder for Communities at Nottingham City Council, said: “School holidays should be a chance for children to have fun experiences and make lasting memories – but it’s hard for families who are struggling financially to provide these things for their children.

“For the first time, we’ve brought together a detailed list of what’s happening in your local area and across the city, including where to get free lunches and snacks for kids. Nottingham City Council is really proud to be able to make the summer holidays a little easier for local families.”