Great Childhoods Ambition

Creativity, arts and culture school holiday activities

Children's theatre performance.jpg

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

Barnsley Museums

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

Barnsley Youth Choir

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

YMCA

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

YMCA

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

Barnsley Museums

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

Equipt Therapy Services

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

Barnsley Museums

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

Barnsley Museums

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

The Civic Barnsley

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

The Civic Barnsley

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

Art Room

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

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.