Your guide to family fun in Cheltenham

Looking for great ways to keep the kids busy, active and inspired this summer? Whether you’re after free indoor fun, creative workshops, or all-day camps, The Cheltenham Trust offers something for everyone across its venues – The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Leisure at Cheltenham, and Cheltenham Town Hall.

Here are ten fantastic family-friendly experiences you won’t want to miss:

1. Play Ground – Interactive Family Exhibition
   Location: The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
   Dates: 7 June to 21 September 2025
   Cost: Free

This hands-on exhibition invites children and families to explore Cheltenham’s outdoor heritage through creativity, play and movement. With themed zones and interactive spaces, it’s an inspiring experience for all ages.

2. Play Café – Drop-in Play Area
   Location: The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
   Hours: During café opening times
   Cost: Free

Relax with a drink while little ones enjoy giant soft bricks, arts and crafts, and a 3D interactive wall in this informal stay-and-play space.

3. SEND Inflatable Soft Play
   Location: Leisure at Cheltenham
   Dates: Every Wednesday from 6 August
   Time: 10am to 11:30am
   Cost: £7.70 per child (free for platinum members)

A quieter, reduced-capacity session for under 8s who benefit from a calmer play environment. Features a bouncy castle, inflatable soft play, and a new giant sensory igloo. A parent or guardian must remain on-site.

4. Teaching Pool Float Fun and Soft Play
   Location: Leisure at Cheltenham
   Dates: All week (see website for times)
   Cost: Varies

Enjoy family swim sessions with fun floats in the teaching pool, or book 45-minute soft play sessions designed especially for toddlers and younger children.

5. Pre-School Gymnastics
   Location: Leisure at Cheltenham
   Dates: Every Tuesday
   Times:

• Bouncing Bunnies (ages 2 to 3): 9:45am
• Gym Tots (ages 3 to 4): 10:30am
  Cost: Varies

These structured, fun classes help little ones develop balance, coordination and confidence, all under the guidance of qualified coaches.

6. Children’s Swimming Lessons
   Location: Leisure at Cheltenham
   Dates: Throughout the week
   Cost: Varies

Group lessons led by expert instructors, designed to build confidence, safety and swimming skills through fun, age-appropriate activities.

7. Holiday Sports Camp
   Location: Leisure at Cheltenham
   Ages: 8 to 12
   Dates:

• 22 to 25 July
• 4 to 8 August
• 25 to 29 August
  Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
  Cost: £30.50 per day

These full-day multi-sport camps offer football, diving, water polo, free running and more. A great way for children to stay active and make new friends in a safe, supportive environment.

8. Voices of Cheltenham – Children’s Poetry Competition
   Location: The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
   Dates: 22 July to 31 August
   Cost: Free

Young writers aged 6 to 18 are invited to share what Cheltenham means to them through poetry. Selected entries will be showcased in a special exhibition at The Wilson.

9. Creative Explorers – Summer Craft Sessions
   Location: The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
   Dates: Wednesdays – 30 July, 6, 13, 20, 27 August
   Time: 10am to 3pm (4-year-olds from 11am)
   Cost: £20 per session

These artist-led creative day clubs explore nature and craft through hands-on making, storytelling and imaginative play. A brilliant way to nurture creativity and confidence in a relaxed setting.

10. Sweet and Sour – A Tribute to Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter
    Location: Cheltenham Town Hall
    Date: Thursday 31 July
    Time: 7:30pm
    Cost: Ticketed event

This tribute show brings together the music of two pop icons in one exciting night – a great summer treat for teenagers and fans of live music.

Start Planning Your Summer
From free drop-in sessions to full-day activity camps, The Cheltenham Trust offers a wide variety of ways to make the most of the summer holidays.

For full event details and booking, visit: cheltenhamtrust.org.uk