Get creative this summer and try something new with a range of creativity, arts and culture sessions during the school holidays.
The activities are part of the Great Childhoods Ambition School Holiday Enrichment Programme, and are delivered by a range of local partners.
You need to book to take part in some of the activities - details of how to do this are listed with each activity. Many are fully inclusive, but you should contact the provider directly if you or your child have any specific needs or requirements to be able to take part.
Ancient Egypt Extravaganza
Provider: Barnsley Museums
Delve into the history of ancient Egypt, create cool crafts, hold amazing artefacts and take on the super tricky sphinx challenge. There is so much to do for all ages in this free, fun-filled family day.
Dates and times
Friday 24 July, from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
Location
Experience Barnsley Museum, Barnsley Town Hall, Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2TA
How to book
No need to book - drop-in session.
Barnsley Youth Choir summer school development days
Provider: Barnsley Youth Choir
We’re holding four free summer singing days in the school holidays for all young people in Barnsley aged 6 to 13 years old. No experience is necessary - come and get involved in what should be a fantastic day!
Dates and times
Thursday 23, Friday 24, Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July, from 9am to 3:30pm.
Location
One session is being delivered at each of the following locations:
Barnsley 6th Form College, St Mary's Place, Barnsley, S70 2SR
Hoyland Common Primary School, Sheffield Road, Hoyland, S74 0DJ
Goldthorpe Pentecostal Community Church, Market Street, Goldthorpe S63 9HA
Penistone St John's Community Centre, Church Street, Penistone, S36 6AR
How to book
Book the Barnsley Youth Choir summer school online.
Casting and modelling session
Provider: YMCA Barnsley
Dates and times
Tuesday 4 August, from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Location
YMCA Barnsley, 1 Blucher Street, Barnsley, S701AP
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Crafting sessions with Hoyland Common Residents Group
Provider: Hoyland Common Residents Group (HCRG)
Get creative and crafty with Hoyland Common Residents Group. These craft sessions will give children and their families open access to a mix of art materials, as well as jewellery making, Lego, and more.
Dates and times
Tuesday 4, Thursday 6, and Thursday 13 August. Contact the provider for details of session times.
Location
Hoyland Common WMC, Fitzwilliam Street, Hoyland Common, Barnsley, S74 0NJ
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Crafty vibes session
Provider: YMCA Barnsley
Dates and times
Tuesday 28 July, from 1pm to 3pm
Location
YMCA Barnsley, 1 Blucher Street, Barnsley, S701AP
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Creative at Cooper Craft Club: luscious landscapes
Provider: Barnsley Museums
Get creative at Cooper Gallery this summer. Highlighting our four new landscapes on display, you will have a chance to create your own 3D pop-up tunnel picture, design a picture postcard using collage techniques, and learn some tricks and techniques to for perspective drawing.
Dates and times
Tuesday 28 July, from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
Location
Cooper Gallery, 33 Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2AH
How to book
No need to book - drop-in session.
Iron Nest - summer band and fashion creating for children with special educational needs
Provider: eQuiPT Therapy Services
This summer, eQuiPT is launching Iron Nest – a unique band for children and young people with additional needs. A safe, supportive space where special educational needs (SEN) young people can build confidence, make friends, and discover their voice through music.
Iron Nest is more than a band – it's a place to shine. Alongside writing and performing music, young people can also help design their own band fashion and merchandise, expressing their individuality through clothing, artwork, and creative branding.
Join us this summer and be part of something special, where every beat, every song, every design, and every young person matters.
Dates and times
Friday 24 and 31 July, and 7, 14, 21 and 28 August
Location
eQuiPT Therapy Services, 13 Regent Street, Barnsley, S70 2EG
How to book
Book for the Iron Nest sessions online.
Nature's art box
Provider: Barnsley Museums
Why not go wild making your own nature crafts in the beautiful walled garden at Cannon Hall. From making and decorating your own concertina book using natural resources, painting pebble pets and collaborating to create colourful chalk art, this event is suitable for all ages.
Dates and times
Wednesday 19 August, 11am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 3pm.
Location
Walled Gardens - Cannon Hall
How to book
No need to book - drop-in session.
Performing arts holiday camp
Provider: NovaCity Ltd
Come and experience a crash course in performing arts for four weeks of the summer. Experience different types of dance and performance, with an end of summer show to perform to all parents at The Lamproom Theatre in Barnsley.
Dates and times
27, 28 and 29 July
3, 4 and 5 August
10, 11 and 12 August
17, 18, 19 and 27 August
Sessions run 10am to 1pm.
Location
Nova Arta College, Shambles Street, Barnsley, S70 2RN
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Pride in Yorkshire Day
Provider: Barnsley Museums
What better way is there to celebrate God’s Own Country than coming along to the UK's most family friendly museum? This exciting and action packed day will include Yorkshire pudding flinging, crazy cricket crafts, the chance to make your own Yorkshire rose, and lots of other activities and crafts to help you find out about the weird and wonderful people and places that have made Barnsley the place we know and love today.
Dates and times
Tuesday 4 August, from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
Location
Experience Barnsley Museum, Barnsley Town Hall, Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2TA
How to book
No need to book - drop-in session.
Summer art club
Provider: Barnsley Civic
Unlock your child's creativity this summer! Our free summer art club is for children aged 8 to 11 who enjoy drawing, painting, and creating. Each session offers a relaxed, supportive environment to explore different art techniques and materials. A great way for kids to stay creative, meet others, and enjoy a productive summer break.
Dress for mess, as some of the materials used will stain. All materials will be provided, including aprons.
Dates and times
Tuesday 21 and 28 July, and 4, 11, 18, and 25 August. Sessions times are 10am and 1pm.
Location
The Old Art School at Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Summer movement club
Provider: Barnsley Civic
Unlock your child’s creativity this summer! We're offering an exciting new movement club for children aged 5 to 8 who are interested in trying out elements of dance, creative movement, and circus skills. The sessions will offer children a dynamic and engaging experience that supports both artistic exploration and physical development.
Dates and times
Wednesday 22 and 29 July, and 5, 12, 19 and 26 August. Sessions at 10am and 1pm.
Location
The Old Art School at Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Willow weaving workshops
Provider: The Art Room
Drop in for a free family willow weaving workshop at Worsbrough Mill and enjoy a fun, creative activity inspired by nature. Parents, carers and children of all ages are invited to weave, create and explore together while making their own willow artwork to take home.
Dates and times
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 August, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
Location
Worsbrough Mill, Worsbrough Bridge, Barnsley, S70 5L
How to book
No need to book - drop-in session.
Youth activity sessions with Great Houghton Youth Group
Provider: Great Houghton Youth Group
Dates and times
Dates and times to be confirmed.
Location
Great Houghton Welfare Hall, Rotherham Road, Great Houghton, Barnsley, S72 0EG
How to book
Booking details to follow.