Planning activities for a holiday club can be challenging. Organisers need activities that are engaging, inclusive, suitable for a range of ages and capable of entertaining groups of children throughout the day.
Whether you're running a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, youth club, community centre activity scheme, charity project or school holiday club, choosing the right activities can make a huge difference to children's enjoyment and participation.
The best holiday club activities combine creativity, interaction and opportunities for children to learn new skills while having fun.
Here are some of the most popular activity ideas for primary school children.
10 Holiday Club Activities for Primary School Children
- Bubble workshops
- Balloon modelling workshops
- Craft sessions
- Glitter tattoos
- Airbrush tattoos
- Team challenges
- Giant bubble play
- Festival activity stations
- Badge making
- Interactive group games
What Makes a Great Holiday Club Activity?
The most successful activities usually have several things in common.
They are:
- - Suitable for mixed age groups
- - Easy to participate in
- - Inclusive and accessible
- - Engaging for different interests
- - Adaptable for different group sizes
- - Memorable and enjoyable
Activities that encourage children to interact with one another often create the strongest engagement and help build confidence throughout the programme.
Bubble Workshops
Bubble workshops are a fantastic option for holiday clubs because they combine science, creativity and outdoor play.
Children can learn about:
- - Bubble shapes
- - Surface tension
- - Giant bubble techniques
- - Bubble wands
- - Different bubble tools
Unlike a traditional performance, a workshop gives children the opportunity to participate directly and experiment for themselves.
Bubble activities work particularly well because they appeal to a wide age range and encourage teamwork, problem solving and curiosity.
For many children, creating a giant bubble larger than themselves becomes one of the highlights of the holiday programme.
Bubble Show London | Kids Party Bubble Entertainer & Giant Bubbles - Kat's Krafts
Balloon Modelling Workshops
Balloon workshops provide a creative activity that teaches patience, coordination and problem-solving skills.
Depending on age and ability, children may learn to make:
- - Balloon dogs
- - Flowers
- - Swords
- - Simple animals
- - Hats
- - Basic decorative designs
Many children enjoy learning a skill that they can continue practising after the session has ended.
Balloon workshops also provide a sense of achievement as children leave with creations they have made themselves.
Balloon Twister London | Kids Party Balloon Modeller & Entertainer - Kat's Krafts
Creative Craft Sessions
Craft activities remain one of the most versatile options for holiday clubs.
Popular ideas include:
- - Mask decorating
- - Wand making
- - Badge making
- - Friendship bracelets
- - Summer-themed crafts
- - Recycled art projects
- - Bookmark decorating
Craft sessions are particularly valuable because they can be adapted to suit different themes, seasons and age groups.
They also provide a quieter activity option for children who may prefer creative projects over more energetic games.
Temporary Tattoos
Temporary tattoos are often a huge hit with primary school children.
Options may include:
- - Glitter tattoos
- - Airbrush tattoos
- - Festival-style designs
- - Animal themes
- - Superhero-inspired artwork
Children enjoy choosing their own design and showing off their tattoos throughout the day.
Temporary tattoos are especially useful during holiday programmes because they are quick to apply and can accommodate large numbers of participants.
Many designs are waterproof and can last several days, giving children a lasting reminder of the event.
Large Group Activities
Holiday clubs often need activities capable of entertaining large groups simultaneously.
These can be particularly useful during:
- - Arrival periods
- - End-of-day sessions
- - Whole-group activities
- - Special event days
Popular options include:
Interactive Bubble Shows
Bubble shows can entertain large audiences while incorporating participation opportunities.
Team Challenges
Children work together to complete tasks, solve problems and achieve shared goals.
Group Games
Simple games that encourage cooperation and communication can help children build friendships and confidence.
Festival-Style Activities
A mixture of entertainment stations allows children to choose activities that match their interests.
Activities for Mixed Age Groups
One challenge many holiday clubs face is catering for children of different ages.
Activities that often work well across a broad age range include:
- - Bubble activities
- - Temporary tattoos
- - Craft workshops
- - Balloon modelling
- - Interactive demonstrations
Providing different levels of challenge can help ensure younger and older children remain engaged.
Supporting HAF Programme Objectives
Holiday Activities and Food programmes often aim to provide more than just entertainment.
Activities can also support:
- - Creativity
- - Confidence building
- - Social interaction
- - Physical activity
- - Learning through play
- - Emotional wellbeing
Interactive workshops are particularly valuable because they combine fun with educational and developmental benefits.
Activities for Community Centres and Youth Groups
Community organisations frequently need activities that can be delivered within limited budgets while still providing a high-quality experience.
Activities such as:
- - Craft sessions
- - Bubble workshops
- - Temporary tattoos
- - Balloon workshops
can often be adapted to suit different venues, age groups and attendance levels.
They are also effective for both one-off events and longer holiday programmes.
Planning a Successful Holiday Club Programme
Many successful holiday clubs use a mixture of activity types throughout the day.
For example:
Active Activities
- - Bubble workshops
- - Team games
- - Outdoor challenges
Creative Activities
- - Craft sessions
- - Balloon workshops
- - Art projects
Relaxed Activities
- - Temporary tattoos
- - Story sessions
- - Reading corners
This variety helps maintain engagement while catering to different personalities and energy levels.
Holiday Club Entertainment for Primary School Children
The best holiday club activities combine creativity, participation and fun while remaining suitable for a wide range of children.
Bubble workshops, balloon modelling workshops, craft sessions, temporary tattoos and large-group activities continue to be among the most popular choices for HAF providers, youth groups, community centres and children's charities.
By offering a variety of experiences, organisers can create memorable holiday programmes that keep children engaged, encourage learning and help build confidence throughout the school holidays.
If you're organising a holiday club, HAF programme, youth project or community activity scheme in London, get in touch to discuss bubble workshops, balloon modelling workshops, temporary tattoos, craft activities and large-group entertainment for primary school children.
More blog posts with holiday ideas:
Family Fun Day Entertainment Ideas That Actually Keep Queues Moving
How to Keep Children Entertained During the Six-Week Summer Holidays
Summer Holiday Entertainment Ideas for Councils and Community Events