Dudley borough families can expect a busy summer of low-cost and free activities organised by the council, with events and sessions spread across leisure centres, libraries, parks and local attractions.
What’s on and where
Several of the borough’s leisure sites are offering swim sessions without charge at specific times during the school holidays. Duncan Edwards, Crystal and Halesowen leisure centres are named as venues providing these sessions. Alongside the complimentary swims, leisure centres are running paid-for activities, including sessions at The Dell Stadium, and there are tailored opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Leisure centres – free swim sessions at set times; paid activities and SEND-tailored provision.
- Sycamore Adventure Centre – summer play sessions that must be booked in advance and attended with a responsible adult.
- Red House Glass Cone – free entry, a family trail and glass fusing workshops for children and adults.
- Dudley Museum at the Archives – fossil-handling sessions and exhibitions featuring fossils, dinosaurs and art.
- Libraries – Lego clubs, craft sessions, story times and the annual summer reading challenge.
- Parks and outdoor – Park Active programme continuing with free exercise sessions, led walks, park yoga, Dudley parkrun and junior parkrun, and activities at five healthy hubs.
- Himley Hall and Park – open-air theatre, with Paperback Theatre performing The Railway Children at 3pm on Wednesday 29 July (tickets required).
Access, booking and targeted support
Times, prices and booking arrangements differ by site, so the council is asking parents and carers to consult the borough’s leisure website or contact individual venues for the latest information. Some activities, such as those at Sycamore Adventure Centre and the Himley Hall theatre event, require advance booking.
“free swimming”
The borough’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will continue to provide holiday provision for children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals and for other vulnerable groups; full details are published online.
| Venue | Type of activity | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Duncan Edwards / Crystal / Halesowen | Free swim sessions; paid activities; SEND sessions | Varies by site — check council leisure website |
| Sycamore Adventure Centre | Summer play sessions (adult to accompany) | Must be booked in advance |
| Red House Glass Cone | Free entry, trail, glass fusing workshops | Book workshops in advance where required |
| Himley Hall and Park | Open-air theatre and trails | Tickets for performances should be booked ahead |
For parents planning a summer of activities, the mix of free and paid options means there are opportunities to manage costs while keeping children engaged. The provision of SEND-tailored sessions and HAF places also seeks to ensure children with additional needs or from low-income households can access holiday activities.
Residents should check the council’s leisure pages or contact venues directly to confirm session times and any eligibility criteria before travelling.
