Free Christmas Activities and Lunches for Children in Stratford-on-Avon District
Families looking for active, budget-friendly things to do in and around Stratford-upon-Avon this festive season can take advantage of free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions across Stratford-on-Avon District. Stratford Leisure Centre and The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester will be opening their doors from 20–23 December, offering fun, energetic sessions for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals, with a free healthy lunch included at every visit.
The programme is part of the national HAF scheme and is delivered locally by Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council. It aims to help children stay active, social and well-nourished over the winter break, at a time when costs can be a concern for many households in Warwickshire.
What to Expect
At Stratford Leisure Centre, children can get stuck into Ninja Tag Active, an indoor interactive obstacle course that challenges speed, agility, strategy and courage. With lights, sensors and targets to hit, it turns fitness into a fast-paced game, encouraging friendly competition while keeping everyone moving.
Over at The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester, junior gym sessions give younger members the chance to explore age-appropriate fitness equipment in a supportive environment. These sessions are designed to build confidence, support physical and mental wellbeing, and encourage healthy habits that can continue beyond the holidays.
Every HAF session across the two leisure centres includes a free nutritious and balanced lunchtime meal, helping to support families with both activity and food during the winter school break.
Practical Info & Who It’s For
The free HAF activities are open to school children from Reception to Year 11 who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and live within Stratford-on-Avon District. The sessions are ideal for children and young people who enjoy being active, trying new challenges and spending time with friends in a safe, supervised setting.
Places must be booked in advance. To register for Ninja Tag Active sessions at Stratford Leisure Centre, families should email Stratfordinfo@everyoneactive.com. To book junior gym sessions at The Greig Leisure Centre, email Greiginfo@everyoneactive.com. Staff from Everyone Active and Stratford-on-Avon District Council are keen to welcome children of all abilities and backgrounds, helping them to stay active and connected over the festive period.
This programme is particularly suited to local residents looking for what’s on in Stratford-upon-Avon and the wider Warwickshire area that supports both physical activity and access to a healthy meal at no cost to eligible families.
Event details at a glance
- Location: Stratford Leisure Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire; and The Greig Leisure Centre, Alcester, Stratford-on-Avon District.
- Dates: 20–23 December.
- Times: Not specified – contact the venues for session times.
- Price: Free for school children from Reception to Year 11 in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
- Best for: Children and young people on free school meals, and local families seeking active holiday sessions with a free healthy lunch.
- Booking: Email Stratfordinfo@everyoneactive.com for Ninja Tag Active at Stratford Leisure Centre, or Greiginfo@everyoneactive.com for junior gym sessions at The Greig Leisure Centre.
- Organiser: Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, as part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
