Free Fun Activities and Food for Young People This Summer

Type:Participatory Event

Various Locations, BL1 1RU
Children playing watersports

About

Bolton’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme returns this summer, offering thousands of school age children free fun activities and nutritious food, spanning 4 hours a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks over the school holidays.

Funded by the Department of Education, the HAF programme primarily supports children in receipt of free school meals, ensuring they can access positive activities and healthy food during the holidays, and Bolton has provided £150k extra from its Household Support Fund (HSF) to support this.

Bolton Council’s Play & Youth Service, together with its partners deliver a vast range of activities, from creative arts to alternative sports, with the opportunity to pick up a free lunch at every session.

The HAF sessions cover Bolton’s core school holiday...Read More

About

Bolton’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme returns this summer, offering thousands of school age children free fun activities and nutritious food, spanning 4 hours a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks over the school holidays.

Funded by the Department of Education, the HAF programme primarily supports children in receipt of free school meals, ensuring they can access positive activities and healthy food during the holidays, and Bolton has provided £150k extra from its Household Support Fund (HSF) to support this.

Bolton Council’s Play & Youth Service, together with its partners deliver a vast range of activities, from creative arts to alternative sports, with the opportunity to pick up a free lunch at every session.

The HAF sessions cover Bolton’s core school holiday period which this year runs from Monday, 21 July, to Friday, 29 August. 

Daily family food and fun events are available with live cooking sessions provided by Urban Outreach and Classroom Kitchen, as well as multiple services and partners offering support advice and guidance for children, young people and families.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said:

“The HAF programme is a huge success, with thousands of young people in Bolton accessing the offer year after year."

“The jam-packed sessions appeal to young people’s diverse interests and there really is something to suit all tastes."

“It not only provides great activities and food but also opens them up to meeting new friends and trying out some life changing experiences they may otherwise miss out on."

“It’s all about having fun and trying new experiences in places close to home, so please visit the HAF website and book a fun packed summer.”

The holiday activities and food offer are a huge hit with Bolton’s young people and parents alike, which is reflected in feedback like:

  • It’s great to see the HAF vans back in my street. Me and my friends loved taking part in the activities and trying new things and the staff are kind and always bring food which we love. I can't wait for summer”, (Hussain, aged 9).
  • Millie, aged 14 wasn’t referring to the food when she said: "I decided to come with my friends because there was nothing else to do.  We got to play football with Bolton Wanderers as well as try ZORBS which I hadn't tried before, they were sick!”
  • Mum of Charlei aged 12, added that, "The good weather has encouraged more kids to get outside and off their computers.  It’s great that there are so many activities for them to do without me worrying if they are safe.  The HAF programme is fantastic for our community as well as getting to know other parents."

 

 Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council Leader said:

“I’m delighted that once again we’ve been able to support the HAF offer and ensure its continued success."

“School holidays can be challenging for some families, especially for those with limited means, and HAF offers the reassurance that their children can still get a healthy meal during school holidays while keeping safe, happy and active."

“With continued funding and the support of the amazing partners delivering the programme of activities, we can continue to make a real difference to our residents’ lives and prospects for the future.”

Many HAF activities are available for all families and young people, with more information available at bolton.gov.uk/HAF

To find out more about positive activities for children and young people year round, then please follow Play & Youth Bolton’ on social media platforms.

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Opening Times

Season 26 July 2025 - 1 Sept 2025

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