The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Holiday Club
Holiday clubs offer a fantastic way to keep children active, engaged, and learning during school breaks. Whether you're running a half-term activity club, a summer holiday camp, or an after-school programme, having the right structure, activities, and equipment in place is essential for a fun and successful experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about organising a well-run holiday club, including tips on planning, key activities, and the best sports and play equipment to use.
Why Holiday Clubs Matter
Holiday clubs provide structured, engaging activities that support children’s development while giving parents a trusted childcare solution. Benefits include:
- Encouraging physical activity – Keeps children fit and healthy through fun games and sports.
- Building social skills – Helps children make new friends and learn teamwork.
- Providing a safe and engaging environment – Ensures children are supervised while learning through play.
- Supporting parents – Offers flexible childcare options during school breaks.
Planning a Successful Holiday Club
1. Choose the Right Activities
A holiday club should offer a mix of sports, creative play, and teamwork-based games to keep children entertained. Some great activity ideas include:
Sports & Team Games:
- Football, rounders, and cricket – Perfect for team-building and friendly competition.
- Dodgeball and tag games – High-energy activities that keep kids active.
- Obstacle courses and relay races – Encourage coordination and movement skills.
- Multi-skill games – Develop fundamental movement skills through fun challenges.
Creative & Learning-Based Play:
- Arts & Crafts – Painting, drawing, and crafting for self-expression.
- STEM activities – Simple science experiments and problem-solving tasks.
- Storytelling & drama games – Encourage imagination and communication.
Explore our range of school holiday club equipment here
2. Prioritise Safety & Supervision
- Ensure staff have child safeguarding training and follow best practice guidelines.
- Conduct risk assessments for all activities and equipment.
- Keep first aid kits readily available.
- Maintain low staff-to-child ratios for adequate supervision.
3. Must-Have Equipment for Holiday Clubs
Having the right equipment makes running a holiday club smoother and ensures children stay engaged.
Sports & Active Play Equipment:
- Football goals, skipping ropes, and softballs – Ideal for group sports and fitness activities.
- Parachutes and bean bags – Great for cooperative games and teamwork.
- Hula hoops and cones – Versatile for different games and movement drills.
- Giant outdoor games – Connect Four, quoits, and target games add variety to free play sessions.
Browse our full range of holiday club equipment
4. Keeping Activities Inclusive & Engaging
- Adapt activities to accommodate different ages and abilities.
- Provide soft play and sensory-friendly options for younger children.
- Rotate activities to maintain engagement and prevent boredom.
5. How to Promote Your Holiday Club
To attract parents and ensure full attendance:
- Use social media to showcase activities and success stories.
- Send email newsletters to parents, schools, and local communities.
- Offer early booking discounts to encourage sign-ups.
- Partner with local schools and community groups to spread awareness.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned holiday club provides children with a fun, active, and engaging experience while giving parents a trusted childcare solution. With the right activities, safety measures, and equipment, you can create a successful and memorable programme for every school break.
☀️ Run a holiday park? Check out our article on how to enhance your facilities here!
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