Looking for things to do this summer?

Here’s a list of FREE activities and events for children and young people in Southampton

The summer holidays are great for children and young people to unwind from school or college but filling six weeks can be a real challenge. While many young people enjoy gaming on consoles such as the Xbox or PlayStation, there are lots of events and activities taking place over the summer that can help get them active or even plan for their future.

Here are some FREE events and activities happening across the city:

For school leavers taking their next steps

Advice for life after exams (Post-16 options)

• Every Monday, Central Library, 12-3pm
• Every Tuesday in Testlands Hub, Millbrook, 1.30-3.30pm

Work Club weekly drop-ins

• Every Monday, Bitterne Library, 10am-12pm (except 28 August)
• Every Thursday, Central Library, 3-5pm

Wellbeing Wednesday drop-in sessions

• Every Wednesday, YMCA Newtown Youth Club, 5.30-7.30pm

Employability sessions, Saints Works

Every Monday, St Mary's Stadium, 10am-12pm. Find more information on the Southampton FC website

Other weekly activities available

• Summer Activity Sessions, every Monday and Thursday, No Limits Advice Centre SO14. Apply using their form

Local Events

• 24-25 August 2024 – Guildhall: Southampton Pride
• FANSTAND at Westquay: Official Olympics Team GB Fanzone, 26 July - 11 August 2024, the Esplanade
• FANSTAND at Westquay: Official Paralympics Team GB Fanzone, 28 August - 8 September 2024, the Esplanade

Fanatical about football?

Do you live in SO14? If so, take a look at the Saints Foundation list of free events taking place throughout the summer.

Looking for something more flexible?

• Take up the challenge and use all the cycle paths around the city!
• Check out the lighthouse trail (available until 1 September 2024)
• For a host of different trails, from Spitfires to the Titanic, use the Visit Southampton website
• Pop over to the Young People’s Hub in the Civic Centre, chill out or play table tennis.
• Set yourself a challenge… lace up your trainers and try a 5k Park Run every Saturday 9am Southampton Common, just register to collect your completion time, can you beat it?
• Looking for work? Visit a job club at your local library
• Testlands Hub has a range of activities available to book throughout the summer
• Check out Southampton’s local wildlife at Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre
• Going shopping? Stop! Sign up for a SO card before you go and get money off a range of things across the city
• Thinking about a job in Health & Social Care? There are lots of free courses available

Visit the Cost of Living information for a range of low-cost activities and entertainment across Southampton.