Much as we love the summer holidays – no pack-ups to make, uniforms to iron or PE kits to remember – they are LONG. Most parents will need, or want, a holiday club or camp for a few days or more so they can work or get stuff done without little people in tow. It’s always better to pack them off for the day to something really fun, and we’re lucky that York has lots of brilliant options for holiday clubs, camps and workshops. Some run for the whole holiday, while others are just a few days long. There’s something for children who love to sing and dance, sporty clubs for kids who need tiring out and some that have a mixture of everything. Here’s our pick of the best holiday camps and clubs in York this summer. Make sure you book in advance – some are very popular and will sell out. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for daily inspiration throughout the summer, too.
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Summer Holiday Swimming Courses at York Sport – Head to York Sport Village this summer for their exciting holiday swimming courses! Designed for all abilities, their program starts at Stage 1 for absolute beginners and progresses up to Stage 6, helping children build confidence and improve their skills. Once they’re comfortable in the water, they can explore the special courses like Dolphin Snorkel to further develop their aquatic talents.
York Sport’s courses focus on fun, friendly learning environments where kids can make new friends while mastering essential water skills. Perfect for children of all levels, they run from 28th July to 18th August 2025, starting at just £33 for the Dolphin Snorkel taster and £40 for the 5-day stages 1-6 lessons.
Book now and watch your child’s confidence and skills grow in the water!
PQA York Summer School: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR – Join PQA York from 4th to 8th August 2025 for a fun-filled week of singing, dancing and acting as you rehearse and perform this magical musical! Open to ages 6 to 18, every student gets five days of professional tuition, ending in a live performance. Sessions are held at Huntington School, York.
Winner of Best Holiday Club 2025
PQA Students £160 | Non-PQA £170
Book now – spaces are limited!
Contact Principal James on 07753 179070 or email james@pqacademy.com
Adventure Camps at The Mount School and St Peter’s School – United Adventures aren’t just about keeping kids busy, they’re helping kids discover what they love. At Adventure Camps, children shape and make their own day, choosing from exciting zones like bushcraft, arts and crafts, performing arts, sports…plus super awesome themed weeks! It’s confidence-building, creative, and seriously fun. Running at The Mount School and St Peter’s School, York throughout the summer holidays.
⭐️ Book now to receive 10% off summer bookings with the exclusive code: LITTLEVIK ⭐️
For more information, visit adventurecamps.co.uk.
Arty sessions at The Colour Corner – The Colour Corner is a new children’s art studio in Wetherby that offers fun, creative holiday sessions as well as term-time classes. Take a look at their website for the various options, but themes include tropical sunset canvas painting, pastel toucans, watercolour elephant mandalas. Visit the website.
YRAD Summer School 2025 – Wicked! – Join Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance for a high-energy week of dancing, singing, and acting, designed to build confidence, skills, and friendships in a fun, supportive setting. Running from Monday to Friday, the week ends with a performance for family and friends. This year’s Wicked theme includes a special session with West End and TV choreographer Ryan Jenkins (Wicked, Dance Moms, BGT). Open to YRAD and non-YRAD pupils. Visit the website
Holiday adventures in the woods with The Woodland Adventure Company – The Woodland Adventure Company’s forest school-inspired adventures are designed to provide children with an unforgettable experience and come with the Little Vikings seal of approval. Keep an eye on their website for this year’s themes. Find out more
Fun active sessions with York RLFC – This summer, the York RLFC Foundation will stage loads of sessions across York. Most are aimed at kids aged 5 to 13 and are FREE, turn-up-and-play inflatable sessions. Multi-sport sessions and day camps require advance booking, so visit their website for all the info.
For all the details, visit the York RLFC website or email info@yorkrlfc.com for more information
