My account
Services
Get outdoors this summer and try something new with a range of outdoor and nature activity 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.
Allotment sessions - plant, create and cook
Provider: YMCA Barnsley
Dates and times
Monday 20 and 27 July, and 3 and 10 August, from 11am to 2pm.
Location
YMCA Allotment, Shaw Lane, S70 6JA
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Bolton Brick Pond fishing sessions
Provider: Angling for All
Free, supervised fishing sessions during the school holidays, delivered by a fully qualified angling coach. Free bait and tackle is also provided.
Dates and times
Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 July
Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August
Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 August
Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 August
Sessions run from 1pm to 5pm.
Location
Bolton Ponds Fisheries, Furlong Road, Goldthorpe, S63 9EL
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Family forest in the sun fun days
Provider: Gone Wild Education CIC Ltd
Gone Wild Education CIC’s family forest in the sun fun days bring families together for joyful outdoor adventures packed with nature, creativity, and play. Children and grown ups explore the woodland through hands-on activities, from nature crafts and bug hunting to storytelling and imaginative play. It’s a relaxed, friendly space where memories are made and everyone can experience the magic of being outdoors together.
Dates and times
Thursday 23 July
Tuesday 28 July
Thursday 30 July
Tuesday 4 August
Thursday 6 August
Tuesday 11 August
Tuesday 18 August
Thursday 20 August
Morning sessions are from 10am to 12pm, afternoon sessions from 1pm to 3pm.
Location
Goldthorpe Railway Embankment, Barnsley Road, Goldthorpe, S63 9AE
How to book
Book the family forest in the sun fun days online.
Farmyard explorers
Provider: Walking the Goats at Lower Coates
Join us at Lower Coates Farm for a fun-filled hands-on animal experience where families can meet, handle, and interact with our friendly goats and other animals. Sessions will include fun family challenges, team-building activities, and creative arts and crafts, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence around animals, and make lasting memories together.
Dates and times
21, 23 and 28 July
11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27 August
Morning sessions start at 10am. A few dates also offer an afternoon session starting at 1pm - check with the provider for these.
Location
Lower Coates Farm, Blackergreen Lane, Silkstone Common, S75 4PR
How to book
Email kelly@lcfltd.co.uk to book.
Fenn’s Den forest school stay and play
Provider: Fenn’s Denn
Forest school stay and play sessions for children up to age 8 and their carers. Each session includes exploratory play, learning new nature based skills, and a campfire experience (weather dependent).
Dates and times
Friday 31 July
Monday 3, Friday 7, Monday 10, Monday 17, and Friday 21 August
Sessions run from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
Location
Sessions will be delivered at:
Locke Park - Park Road, Barnsley, S70 6NA
Wombwell Park - Wright Crescent, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0ES
Elsecar Park - Armroyd Lane, Elsecar, S74 8ES
Contact the provider to check dates for each location.
How to book
Call 07909 848862 to book.
Grow wild in Thurnscoe
Provider: Thurnscoe Regeneration CIO
The following sessions will be available:
Incredible edibles - plant your edible seed gardens to take home and find out about what you can eat for free. Complete a scavenger journal from plants in the plaza and sports ground.
Sunflowers - explore the life-cycle of sunflowers through colouring and planting. Assemble nature bouquets to take home.
Bugs and bees - explore the role of pollinators. Make bee bombs and colourful window decorations to take home.
Water babies - find out about the life cycle of frogs. Enjoy playing water-based games such as water balloon hot potato and sponge relay, and enjoy using our special water fountains.
Willow weaving with Christine - explore the techniques of willow weaving and make a special gift to take home.
Forest school activities with Heather from Forged in Nature - morning session themed around the Gruffalo, and traditional forest school crafts.
Dates and times
Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 July
Tuesday 11 and Thursday 13 August
Morning and afternoon sessions available.
Location
Thurnscoe Road Plaza, Houghton Road, Thurnscoe, S63 0JT
How to book
Call or text Alison on 07557 740330 to book.
Growing Millhouse Green
Provider: Millhouse Green Institute
Dates and times
Thursday 23 and 30 July, and 6, 13, 20 and 27 August. Session times to be confirmed.
Location
Millhouse Community Garden, Millhouse Green, S36 9NW and Springvale Community Garden, Penistone, S36 6HH
How to book
Booking details to follow.
Inclusive summer family fun
Provider: Forged In Nature Forest School CIC
Join us for an inclusive summer family fun session filled with outdoor creativity, connection, and play. Families of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities, sensory-friendly experiences, and fun in the fresh air. A relaxed and welcoming environment where everyone can create, explore, and make happy summer memories together.
Dates and times
Wednesday 5 and 12 August, from 10am to 12pm
Location
Thurnscoe Community Allotment, Togo Street, Thurnscoe, Barnsley, S63 0QL
How to book
Book the inclusive summer family fun session 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.
Summer holiday forest camps
Provider: Yorkshire Wildlings
For a proper outdoors day for kids over the summer holidays, Yorkshire Wildlings has woodland adventures, fresh air, and the kind of play that sends them home happy and tired, with not a screen in sight!
Dates and times
All weekdays running between Monday 20 July and Friday 28 August.
Sessions run from 8:30am to 4:40pm.
Location
Hunningley Primary Academy, Hunningley Lane, Barnsley, S70 3DT
How to book
Visit the Yorkshire Wildings website to book.
Trans Pennine Trail kids activity pack
Provider: Trans Pennine Trail
Step into a world of adventure, discovery, and creativity on the Trans Pennine Trail! Get out in nature this summer and complete the Trans Pennine Trail kids activity pack.
Our free activity packs are packed with nature-inspired challenges, creative crafts, and outdoor games; perfect for key stage 1 and 2, and ideal for families and schools alike. Each pack is designed to support learning in geography, science, and PE, while promoting health, wellbeing, and a love for the environment. Download the pack and start your adventure today!
Dates and times
Throughout the holidays - take part any time.
Location
Various - find a trail in Barnsley.
How to book
Booking not required.