Top Holiday Camps for Summer 2026

School holidays can be challenging for working parents, but they're also wonderful opportunities for children to try new activities, make friends, and create lasting memories. This guide explores the best types of holiday camps available across the UK for summer 2026, helping you find the perfect fit for your child.

Why Holiday Camps Matter

Holiday camps provide more than just childcare. They offer structured activities that keep children engaged, active, and learning during school breaks. Benefits include:

• Developing new skills and interests
• Building confidence and independence
• Making friends outside their usual school circle
• Staying physically active during holidays
• Preventing the "summer slide" in learning
• Giving working parents peace of mind

Types of Holiday Camps

Multi-Activity Camps

Perfect for children who enjoy variety, multi-activity camps offer different activities each day or session. Children might try sports, arts and crafts, drama, outdoor games, and team challenges all in one week.

Best for: Children who haven't yet found a specific passion, those who get bored easily, or kids who enjoy socializing and trying new things.

What to look for: Good staff-to-child ratios, varied daily schedules, quality facilities, and positive reviews from other parents.

Sports Camps

From football and tennis to swimming and gymnastics, sports camps help children develop skills, fitness, and teamwork. Some focus on single sports while others offer multi-sport experiences.

Popular options include:

• Football camps: Run by professional clubs and coaching organizations
• Tennis camps: LTA-approved programs at local clubs
• Swimming camps: Intensive courses to improve technique
• Multi-sport camps: Try different sports each day
• Adventure sports: Climbing, kayaking, mountain biking

Best for: Active children who love physical challenges, those wanting to improve specific sports skills, or kids who thrive in competitive environments.

STEM and Technology Camps

Coding camps, robotics workshops, and science programs keep minds active during holidays while developing valuable technical skills. These camps range from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced programming courses.

Popular themes:

• Minecraft coding and game design
• Robotics with LEGO and VEX
• App development and web design
• YouTube content creation
• Science experiments and engineering challenges

Best for: Tech-savvy children, those interested in gaming or computers, or kids who enjoy problem-solving and logical thinking.

Creative Arts Camps

Drama, music, art, and dance camps nurture creativity and self-expression. Many culminate in performances or exhibitions where children showcase their work.

Options include:

• Drama camps: Acting, improvisation, musical theatre
• Art camps: Painting, sculpture, mixed media
• Music camps: Instrumental, vocal, composition
• Dance camps: Ballet, street dance, contemporary
• Film-making camps: Scriptwriting, filming, editing

Best for: Creative children, those who enjoy performing or making things, or kids who benefit from artistic expression.

Outdoor and Adventure Camps

Forest schools, nature camps, and outdoor adventure programs connect children with nature while developing resilience, teamwork, and practical skills.

Activities might include:

• Bushcraft and survival skills
• Wildlife observation and nature studies
• Orienteering and navigation
• Camping and outdoor cooking
• Team-building challenges

Best for: Children who love being outdoors, those who enjoy hands-on learning, or kids who benefit from time away from screens.

Specialist Interest Camps

For children with specific passions, specialist camps offer intensive experiences in particular areas:

• Cooking camps: Culinary skills and food preparation
• Gaming camps: Esports, game design, streaming
• Language camps: Immersive language learning
• Magic camps: Illusion and performance skills
• Photography camps: Camera skills and editing

Choosing the Right Camp

Consider Your Child's Personality

Practical Considerations

Location and Transport:

• How far is the camp from home or work?
• Are drop-off and pick-up times convenient?
• Is there parking or public transport access?
• Do they offer extended hours or wraparound care?

Cost and Value:

• What's included in the price? (lunch, snacks, equipment)
• Are there sibling discounts or early booking offers?
• Can you book individual days or must you book full weeks?
• What's the cancellation policy?
• Are there additional costs for trips or special activities?

Safety and Quality Checks

Before booking, verify:

• All staff have enhanced DBS checks
• Appropriate staff-to-child ratios (typically 1:8 for under 8s, 1:10 for older children)
• Clear safeguarding policies
• Public liability insurance
• Qualified first aiders on site
• Proper risk assessments for activities
• Clear communication channels with parents

Preparing Your Child for Camp

Before Camp Starts

• Talk positively about what to expect
• Visit the venue beforehand if possible
• Arrange to go with a friend if they're nervous
• Prepare necessary equipment and clothing
• Discuss any dietary requirements or medical needs with organizers
• Establish a goodbye routine for drop-off

What to Pack

Essentials for most camps:

• Water bottle (labeled with name)
• Sun cream and hat for outdoor camps
• Comfortable clothing suitable for activities
• Spare clothes in case of accidents or weather
• Packed lunch and snacks (unless provided)
• Any medication with clear instructions
• Contact details for emergencies

Dealing with Homesickness or Reluctance

It's normal for children to feel nervous, especially on the first day. Here's how to help:

• Stay positive: Your anxiety can transfer to your child
• Keep goodbyes brief: Prolonged farewells often make things harder
• Trust the staff: They're experienced in settling nervous children
• Give it time: Most children settle within 30 minutes
• Ask for updates: Many camps send photos or updates during the day
• Celebrate successes: Praise them for trying something new

If your child is genuinely distressed after several days, speak with the organizers. Sometimes a different type of camp or smaller group setting works better.

Making the Most of Holiday Camps

Mix it up: Consider booking different types of camps throughout the summer to provide variety and prevent boredom.

Balance structure and freedom: Don't fill every week with camps. Children also need unstructured time to relax, play freely, and recharge.

Follow their interests: Use camps to explore potential new hobbies or deepen existing passions.

Stay connected: Ask about their day, look at any work they've created, and show genuine interest in their experiences.

Booking Timeline for Summer 2026

• January-February: Research options and book popular camps
• March-April: Book remaining weeks, look for early bird discounts
• May: Final bookings, arrange any special requirements
• June: Confirm details, prepare equipment
• July-August: Enjoy the camps!

Holiday camps provide wonderful opportunities for children to learn, grow, and have fun during school breaks. By choosing camps that match your child's interests and personality, you can ensure they have enriching experiences that create lasting memories while giving you peace of mind during the working day.