School holiday activities

The next school holiday will take place between Monday 25 to Friday 29 May 2026. 

Further information about what free and low cost activities are available will be published soon.

Spark Festival

• DJ workshop
  Have a go at DJ’ing on the decks with professional DJs and Musicians in this dedicated DJ’ing session. 
  • 1pm to 2.30pm at Pedestrian, 29a Horsefair Street
  • £8 per person - Booking required
• Family community day
  Bring your family to Curve for a free, creative day made for children and families.  
  • Drop-in between 10.30am to 4pm at The Curve
• Paper movies workshop
  Create your own ‘paper movie’ in this drop-in workshop. Draw scenes onto a paper film strip, then add them to a film reel which goes through a special camera to create the movie!
  • Drop-in between 12noon and 4pm at Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre

See other Spark Festival events taking play in May

• Happy teeth, happy smile - stay and play
  As part of National Smile Month, join Live Well for some half-term stay and play sessions.  With free games, stories and quizzes.
  
  • 11am to 11.45am at St Barnabas Library
• Knit Club
  Learn to knit, or practice your knitting skills
  • 1.30pm to 4pm at Pork Pie Library
  • Ages 13-18+
• Lego coding
  Take part in the interactive Lego coding session.
  
  • 10.30am to 12noon or 1.30pm to 3pm at Knighton Library
  • Ages 7+
  • Booking required
• Life's full of stories
  Enjoy fairground themed arts and crafts
  
  • 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 4pm at Central Library
• May mayhem!
  Enjoy fairground themed arts and crafts
  
  • Drop-in between 11am and 1pm at Belgrave Library
• Railway day 
  Enjoy the a ride on the Narrow-Gauge Railway and spend time exploring Abbey Pumping Station.  There is a small charge for train rides (£1p per person), and children under 3 years can travel for free.
  
  • 11.30am - 4pm at Abbey Pumping Station
• Under the sea at Haymarket
  Join the commotion in the ocean with the visiting sea creatures.  Meet the magical mermaids from the lost city of Atlantis, take part in the Aquaestrian Games and listen to stories of the ocean told by the vintage deep sea divers.  A day of exciting activities for all of the family. 
  • Drop-in between 11am and 3pm at Haymarket Shopping Centre

• Fairies and bugs
  Make a ladybird or bee hat and a flying fairy. Take part in our bug hunt trail around the gardens and spot the funny fairies around the museum. Dressing up welcome. 
  • 12noon to 3pm at Newarke Houses Museum
  • £4 per child online; £5 at the door
• Funky feet whacky wheels
  A free family event of walking, cycling and wheeling with an opportunity to bling up your shoes, scooters and bikes.
  
  • 11am to 2pm at The Oval, Abbey Park
• Happy teeth, happy smile - stay and play
  11am to 11.45am at:
  • Central Library
  • New Parks Library
• May the crafts be with you
  Free crafts activities
  
  • Drop-in between 1.30pm and 3pm at Pork Pie Library
• Spring mural
  Join in and create a spring themed mural using arts and crafts.
  
  • Drop-in between 12.30pm and 2.30pm at St Matthews Library
• Spy games
  Get your spy credentials ready for your next reading mission: play Central Library Cluedo to find the missing book or make your very own spy gadgets.
  • 1pm and 3pm at Central Library
  • Ages 6+; Colouring available for younger children

• Clay play day
  Create your own clay art or model from air drying clay to take home and explore the historic Guildhall. 
  • 11am to 3pm at Leicester Guildhall
  • £4 per child online; £5 on the door
• Canal and river trust - nature walk and crafts
  Walk along the river soar and grand union canal and take part in the spy spotter challenge.  A 45 minute guided walk followed by nature inspired activities. 
  • Meet at 10am at Cross Corners Community Arts Centre
• Happy teeth, happy smile - stay and play
  • 11am to 11.45am at Braunstone Library
• Pot decorating and seed planting
  • 1pm to 2.30pm at Evington Library
  • Ages 7+
  • Booking required
• Spring wreaths
  • 11am to 12noon at St Barnabas
  • Booking required
• Wind chime craft
  Create your own special wind chime.  
  • 11am to 1pm at Highfields Library
  • Ages 6+
  • Booking required

• Spring wreaths
  Make your own spring wreath using a paper plate and paper flowers. 
  
  • 2pm to 3pm at Hamilton Library
  • Booking required

• Bike Fest
  A chance to enjoy riding on a smooth, fully traffic-free circuit at their own pace. Whether you’re a child on a balance bike, a family looking for a fun day out, or an adult rediscovering cycling, everyone is welcome.
  • 1pm to 4pm at Leicester Cycle Circuit

• Open streets - Graffwerks street art jam
  Family-friendly fun where artists create live street art alongside spray-paint workshops and hands-on upcycling activities.  A colourful, creative event that fills the streets with energy, music and community spirit. Alongside the art activities, the Art Jam also includes bike fix-it workshops, accessible cycling sessions from Wheels 4 All, and high-energy live music.
  • 1pm to 4pm at Graffwerks HQ, Jarvis Street, LE3 5BN

This summary is for information only and is correct at the time of publishing. View the webpage links or contact the individual providers directly to find out if the activities are suitable for your child or family needs. Children must be supervised by a parent / guardian at all times. 

Activities are free to attend unless stated; however, fees may apply for additional activities or services available at the event. 

• Leicester Museum and Galleries family-friendly exhibitions
• King Richard III daily activities
• Active Leicester - Leisure centre activities
• Free adventure playground sessions
• Playschemes
• Mychoice - search for other activities, clubs and childcare in Leicester
• What's on in Leicester
• Go Leicestershire