South and Vale Holiday Activities

During most school holidays, our Active Communities team offer a range of free and low-cost activities, for young children, teenagers and families to enjoy at locations across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

Bookings open around a month before each holiday period – follow our new Active Communities Facebook page, you can join our mailing list to receive regular email updates, or if you have any questions; please email active.communinities@southandvale.gov.uk 

The activities are usually very popular so, where required, we would encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.  See below for details of our next programme of holiday activities and how to book. 

October half-term 2024

Unless stated otherwise, all activities are free and are aimed at preschool and primary aged children to do with their parent/guardians or grandparents.

What’s on, where and when:

Below are the events we have confirmed for the upcoming holiday period.

Under each category, you’ll find when and where the activities take place along with the links you’ll need to make a booking.

Halloween Xplorer

A fun navigation challenge that is educational and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers.

• Wednesday 30 October, 10am-midday, Manor Road Memorial Park, Wantage, OX12 8EW
• Thursday 31 October, 10am-midday, Benson Recreation Ground, Sunnyside , Benson, OX10 6LZ

**Please note registration closes at 11.30am for all Xplorer events **

Click here to book a place at an xplorer event

Born to Move

Come along and join in fun, fitness classes for children.
Fun sessions for young children to explore and move to the beat. For older children – age-appropriate fitness, with punch, kick, dance tracks and games.

• Thursday 31 October, Didcot Leisure Centre; Studio 1, Mereland Road, OX11 8AY
  • 1-1.30pm – Age 3-5
  • 1.45-2.15pm – Age 6-8
  • 2.30-3pm – Age 9-12

There is a limit of 20 children per session.

Click here to book a place for Born to Move

Pickleball

Come along and try out Pickleball; a fun paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

• Tuesday 29 October, 1-2pm, White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3PJ

There is a limit of 12 people for the session

***THIS SESSION IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST PLEASE EMAIL ACTIVE.COMMUNITIES@SOUTHANDVALE.GOV.UK ***

Family Yoga

Join our fun family yoga session this half term with our experienced instructor Emma.  Suitable for adults with children aged 2 and over.

• Tuesday 29 October 9.30-10.30am, District Community Centre, Gentian Mews, Didcot OX11 6GR

***THIS SESSION IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST PLEASE EMAIL ACTIVE.COMMUNITIES@SOUTHANDVALE.GOV.UK ***

Further teen sessions are available for YouMove card holders.  Check eligibility for YouMove and sign up here

The Ugly Duckling

A heart-warming ballet about self-acceptance and kindness. Let’s All Dance returns for this enchanting show featuring vibrant characters, stunning costumes, and a clear, child-friendly story. Perfect for families, especially kids aged 2-12. Tickets from £12.

• Sunday 27 October – Shows at 1pm and 3pm – Cornerstone, Didcot, OX11 7NE

Click here to book tickets for The Ugly Duckling

Clare and Cory share a (Glorious) Story by Joe Bromley

As part of the Wantage Literary Festival book tickets to see Really Big Pants for “Clare and Cory Share a (Glorious) Story” by Joe Bromley. An interactive, rhyming show about sharing, exploring, and daring. Encouraging children to explore the natural world, the performance is based on a picture book illustrated by award-winning Steve Smallman. Babies – free, children £5, adults £10.

Book signings available.

• Thursday 31 October 10am The Beacon Wantage, OX12 9BX

Click here to book tickets for Clare and Cory share a Story

The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde

First published in 1886, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is a mystery tale about the inexorable conflict between good and evil. A gripping one-man show, providing a brilliant introduction to a classic of English literature. Ages 12+. Tickets from £14.85.

• Thursday 31 Oct 2024 – 7.30pm – Cornerstone, Didcot, OX11 7NE

Click here to book tickets for The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde

Make Your Own Monster Friend

Join local artist Eden Silver-Myer for a terrifyingly fun art session, creating your very own monster friend for Halloween! We’ll provide all the materials all children need to do is bring their creativity. For children in school years 1-6. £10 per child.

• Thursday 31 October – 11am to midday – The Beacon, Wantage OX 12 9BX

Click here to book a place on Make Your Own Monster Friend with Eden Silver-Myer

Make Your Own Halloween Mask

Get creative and craft their own spooky or silly masks using a variety of colourful art supplies. Perfect for a Halloween treat! For children in school years 1-6. £8 per child.

• Wednesday 30 October – 11am to midday – Cornerstone, Didcot, OX11 7NE

Click here to book a place on Make Your Own Halloween Mask

Activities for all residents

Our Active Communities Team work across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to help residents with their physical health and wellbeing. They run a variety of weekly activities for all ages and abilities.

To find out more and to see what activities are available near you, visit our pages on Active Communities in South Oxfordshire and Active Communities in the Vale of White Horse.