Much as we love the summer holidays – no pack-ups to make, uniforms to iron or PE kits to remember – they are LONG. The majority of 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.
Holiday camps and clubs in York for Summer 2023
Multi-activity holiday camps with Adventure Camps at The Mount School
Adventure Camps (formerly United Adventure Camps) is an adventurous holiday camp for children aged 3-14. Held at The Mount School, their unique holiday day camps offer an exciting multi-activity experience with the chance to enjoy loads of activities like team sports, craft, archery, games, drama and swimming. Visit the Adventure Camps website
Mamma Mia! Summer School with Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance
Join Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance for a fast-paced, action-packed week full of dancing, singing and acting in this year’s summer school. It takes place from 21st to 25th August 2023 (9:30am to 3:30pm) and concludes with a performance at the end of the week. It will be a positive week that will leave children feeling inspired, enriched and ready to embrace new opportunities. Non-YRAD pupils are also welcome. Visit the website for details.
Multiactivity camps at Camp QE
Join Camp QE this summer, on-site at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate. Every day at Camp QE is different and combines a great selection of outdoor sports, outdoor games, indoor sports, indoor activities and arts and crafts. Outdoor activities range from football, rugby and tennis through to rock climbing, scavenger hunts and skating, indoor activities may include basketball, dodgeball, table tennis and baking. Suitable for children aged 5 – 13 years. Parents can rely on the state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality independent-school coaching staff to ensure that their child has a safe, enjoyable learning experience that they’ll always remember. The camp runs from 9:00 to 16:00 and free wraparound care is available from 8:00 to 17:30. For more information, visit www.qe.org/campqe
Summer camps at The Little Gym York
The Little Gym will keep your family moving this summer with its popular camps, classes, practice sessions and NEW ‘Parent Survival Nights’. Classes run from 24th July throughout the holidays and you can just join for summer! Half-day and full day camps are available. Children attending a full-day camp must be 5+ and need to bring a packed lunch.
Summer Camp offer – 6 camps for the price of 5! *cheapest camp free
PLUS: Summer Class pass – 6 weeks of unlimited classes for just £62 (4 months to 6 years). Classes run throughout the holidays and you can just join for summer – no prior membership required!
*NEW* Parent survival nights! Fridays, 4.00 – 7.00 pm, for 3-12-year-olds
Enjoy a few child-free hours to have an early evening meal or catch up with friends! All whilst your children experience quality “kid time” in a safe, fun, and familiar environment with trained instructors who lead them through games, music, and gymnastics skill-building activities. Click here for summer information and schedule.
Holiday adventures in the woods with The Woodland Adventure Company
The Woodland Adventure Company’s forest school-inspired adventures and designed to provide children with an unforgettable experience and come with the Little Vikings seal of approval. This year’s theme include The Search for The Gruffalo’s Child, Magic School Adventure and – for older children – fire lighting and den building. Find out more
York Sport Multi Sport & Activity Camps
York Sport’s fun sports camps are packed full of great activities, keeping children active and engaged through the holiday period. They’ll take part in a smorgasbord of sports and games including dodgeball, tennis, football, netball, hockey, volleyball, fencing, basketball, athletics, badminton and table tennis. Visit the website
