Activities for children and young people

Free and low-cost activities for children and young people aged up to 18 (up to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities), including multi-sports and gymnastics schemes, Girls Get Moving sessions and more.  
Location: Across Camden 

Find out more about sports and physical activity holiday programmes

For children and young people aged 5 to 16 in Camden who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Free activities from arts and crafts to sports – meals included.  
Location: Across Camden 

Find out more about HAF

Children aged 4 to 11 can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge by visiting a Camden library. This year’s theme is Story Garden: Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. Read 6 books with your child over the summer holidays – comics and audiobooks also count. Children can earn stickers and will receive certificates. There are also a range of free themed activities taking place in libraries. 

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge 
Check what’s on in Camden libraries

Children under 8 need to be accompanied by an adult who is also swimming – you do not need to have a membership.
Dates: Before 10am during school holidays and weekends all year round
Location: Camden Better leisure centres

Find out more about under 16s swimming

Low-cost holiday play schemes for children aged 4 to 12, offering a range of activities and trips.  
Location: Across Camden  

Find out more about play schemes

Youth centres and voluntary sector youth projects run a range of free and low-cost activities for young people aged 13 to 19 (up to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities).  

Find out more about youth programmes

There’s a range of activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Camden.  

Find out more about activities for children and young people with SEND

A relaxing social space for young people aged 12 to 18 with board games, books, an art workshop and free refreshments.
Dates: Fridays, 3 to 5.30pm
Location: Kentish Town Health Centre, 2 Bartholomew Road, NW5 3BX

Find out more – contact Creative Health Camden

Build, create and play with free Lego sessions. Free play and RoboTech sessions for different age groups. Some sessions require booking.  
Dates: Various, some term-time only  
Location: Camden libraries  

Find out more about Lego at Camden libraries

Children and young people aged 4 to 16 can join two new Scout groups in Camden to meet new people, learn new skills and try new things, including hiking, camping and swimming, as well as adventures indoors. The Scout groups are also looking for volunteers to support the groups.

Castlehaven Community Association
Dates: Mondays, various times depending on age
Location: Castlehaven Community Association, 23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU

Find out more about the new Scout group at Castlehaven Community Association

Steve Smith Hall
Dates: Wednesdays from September
Location: Steve Smith Hall, Redhill Street, NW1 4AX

Find out more about the new Scout group at Steve Smith Hall

Join The Garden Cinema for family films for all ages. Screenings are ‘pay what you can’ so you can pay as much or as little as you can afford. On Sundays, films followed by free activities for children.
Dates: Weekend mornings, additional weekdays in school holidays
Location: The Garden Cinema, 39-41 Parker Street, WC2B 5PQ

Find out more about films for the family at The Garden Cinema

Take a trip through the British Library collection, including a fun activity trail, a book corner and more. Ages 2 to 9. Free, booking needed.
Dates: Daily
Location: British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB

Find out more about Story Explorers at the British Library

Drop-in for free creative and sensory play activities, and a reading corner. For children of all ages.
Dates: Last Sunday of every month
Location: British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB

Find out more about Family Station at the British Library

Visitors aged 6 to 16 can explore the British Museum galleries with themed backpacks filled with activities to explore different cultures, with a dedicated backpack for under 5s and resources for children aged 3 to 11 with additional sensory needs. Free, £10 refundable cash deposit required.
Dates: Weekends and school holidays
Location: Pick up from the Families Desk, located in the Great Court. British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG

Find out more about British Museum family activities