October half term holiday camps for kids in London
October half term is fast approaching. And so as a team of London-based parents, holiday camps are a hot topic for us in the Loopla office.
Many of us have the same question. How has researching holiday camps for kids in London found its way onto the list of things to do already? It feels like the summer holidays just ended.
But another kids holiday camps debate came up. Is it better to stick to what you know or branch out?
More than just something to do: holiday camps in London
For some, familiar holiday camps and clubs are best. Some of us have kids who know what they like or have lots of friends at their regular options.
But holiday camps can also let kids step outside their comfort zone and learn things about themselves.
Away from the classroom and their usual routine, they'll explore new interests with a little more freedom. Sometimes that’s all it takes for something to click.
There are new friendships, too. Joining in with a new group, trying something unfamiliar and finding something they enjoy can all help build confidence and independence along the way.
If the above describes your hopes for your kid's next holiday camp, you'll find plenty of exciting options below.
Looking for a particular age group, activity or London area? Search London holiday camps to find the best clubs and camps near you.
October half-term holiday camps in London you can book right now:
Young Flyers
These sessions are aimed at giving newbies the chance to learn new superhero style aerial tricks and flips. We also run sessions for our more regular students who can't get enough airtime during the term!
Thu 8 Oct - Thu 17 Dec
15:15 - 17:30
Circus Skills • 7-16 years • £322.00
SE1, Flying Fantastic Bankside
Young Flyers Holiday Workshop
We run a variety of different workshops across our different venues in the school holidays. Your children will do a mixture of hoop/ trapeze, silks and slings. They will also try their hand at some ground based circus skills, to give their hands a rest. This workshop is a great way to try aerial for any newbies. For our regular students these workshops allow a bit more time than our regular classes to focus on new moves and get some upside down in the holidays!
Tue 27 Oct - Tue 27 Oct
10:00 - 16:00
Circus Skills • 7-16 years • £95.00
SE1, Flying Fantastic Bankside
Football Camp
Join us at South Carriage Drive for the ultimate outdoor holiday experience in the heart of Hyde Park. Whether your child is a budding footballer or loves trying new sports, our camps are designed to build confidence, improve skills, and burn plenty of energy. Our Football Camps make holidays fun and active. With qualified, friendly coaches, children enjoy exciting sessions filled with ball mastery, shooting practice, mini-games, and fun challenges. Kids build confidence, improve technique, and make new friends while having a great time on the pitch. Football Camp – Daily Schedule Day 1 – Fun Football Sessions Day 2 – Skill Development Day 3 – Confidence Building Day 4 – Teamwork Day 5 – Match Day & Weekly Awards
Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
09:00 - 14:00
Football • 5-14 years • From £75.00
W2, Old Football Pitches Hyde Park
Douce France The School of Magic French Holiday Camp, 3-4yrs
In our camps, we create a safe and caring environment in which your children can grow and develop with confidence. We believe that the holiday period is a special time for children to continue their learning and development outside of school. Through artistic, creative, fun and physical activities, they will strengthen their language skills, their memory, their attention and creativity, the discovery and control of their body, and also their social skills. OUR STORY DOUCE FRANCE LONDON is offering french holiday camps, french private tutoring and corporate language services. The name Douce France London is inspired by the song of the famous French singer Charles Trenet. The singer recalls his childhood memories. It is by going back to my childhood memories that the desire to create a convivial family company was born. Pleasant and happy memories from our childhood, nourish and comfort us. They bring back past emotions that we rediscover in our present lives. Colours, sounds and flavours also bring back sweet memories. My own memory takes me back to the games in the schoolyard, the books I loved to devour, the imaginary stories that transported me to fantastic worlds. Today, we want to offer fun activities and French classes to play, learn and grow… together. Thanks to a a team of qualified and experienced professionals able to adapt to the needs and rhythm of each child, the children and teenagers of Douce France London will explore and discover a range of artistic, creative and sport activities. Douce France London also aims to help children and teenagers learn to live together, communicate, listen and respect each other through cooperative and collective games. These games allow children and teenagers to develop their individuality while growing in a group. “Play is the child's job, it is his job, it is his life.” Pauline Kergomard French Educator Alongside play, imagination has an essential role in the development of young people. It is through imagination that we can create, dream and invent. Imagination allows evolution, innovation and the creation of a better future. At Douce France London, we use imaginary stories in our activities to stimulate children’s creativity. Douce France London’s signature lies in our focus on these creative aspects and the acquisition of knowledge through play and imagination. We therefore offer a range of different activities as part of an educational project that complements that of the schools.
Mon 19 Oct - Fri 23 Oct
07:00 - 11:00
French • 3-4 years • £49.50
SW7, South Kensington Camp
Douce France French The School of Magic Holiday Camp, 5-7yrs
In our camps, we create a safe and caring environment in which your children can grow and develop with confidence. We believe that the holiday period is a special time for children to continue their learning and development outside of school. Through artistic, creative, fun and physical activities, they will strengthen their language skills, their memory, their attention and creativity, the discovery and control of their body, and also their social skills. OUR STORY DOUCE FRANCE LONDON is offering french holiday camps, french private tutoring and corporate language services. The name Douce France London is inspired by the song of the famous French singer Charles Trenet. The singer recalls his childhood memories. It is by going back to my childhood memories that the desire to create a convivial family company was born. Pleasant and happy memories from our childhood, nourish and comfort us. They bring back past emotions that we rediscover in our present lives. Colours, sounds and flavours also bring back sweet memories. My own memory takes me back to the games in the schoolyard, the books I loved to devour, the imaginary stories that transported me to fantastic worlds. Today, we want to offer fun activities and French classes to play, learn and grow… together. Thanks to a a team of qualified and experienced professionals able to adapt to the needs and rhythm of each child, the children and teenagers of Douce France London will explore and discover a range of artistic, creative and sport activities. Douce France London also aims to help children and teenagers learn to live together, communicate, listen and respect each other through cooperative and collective games. These games allow children and teenagers to develop their individuality while growing in a group. “Play is the child's job, it is his job, it is his life.” Pauline Kergomard French Educator Alongside play, imagination has an essential role in the development of young people. It is through imagination that we can create, dream and invent. Imagination allows evolution, innovation and the creation of a better future. At Douce France London, we use imaginary stories in our activities to stimulate children’s creativity. Douce France London’s signature lies in our focus on these creative aspects and the acquisition of knowledge through play and imagination. We therefore offer a range of different activities as part of an educational project that complements that of the schools.
Mon 19 Oct - Fri 23 Oct
08:00 - 15:00
French • 5-7 years • £77.00
SW7, South Kensington Camp
Douce France The School of Magic French Holiday Camp, 8-11yrs
In our camps, we create a safe and caring environment in which your children can grow and develop with confidence. We believe that the holiday period is a special time for children to continue their learning and development outside of school. Through artistic, creative, fun and physical activities, they will strengthen their language skills, their memory, their attention and creativity, the discovery and control of their body, and also their social skills. OUR STORY DOUCE FRANCE LONDON is offering french holiday camps, french private tutoring and corporate language services. The name Douce France London is inspired by the song of the famous French singer Charles Trenet. The singer recalls his childhood memories. It is by going back to my childhood memories that the desire to create a convivial family company was born. Pleasant and happy memories from our childhood, nourish and comfort us. They bring back past emotions that we rediscover in our present lives. Colours, sounds and flavours also bring back sweet memories. My own memory takes me back to the games in the schoolyard, the books I loved to devour, the imaginary stories that transported me to fantastic worlds. Today, we want to offer fun activities and French classes to play, learn and grow… together. Thanks to a a team of qualified and experienced professionals able to adapt to the needs and rhythm of each child, the children and teenagers of Douce France London will explore and discover a range of artistic, creative and sport activities. Douce France London also aims to help children and teenagers learn to live together, communicate, listen and respect each other through cooperative and collective games. These games allow children and teenagers to develop their individuality while growing in a group. “Play is the child's job, it is his job, it is his life.” Pauline Kergomard French Educator Alongside play, imagination has an essential role in the development of young people. It is through imagination that we can create, dream and invent. Imagination allows evolution, innovation and the creation of a better future. At Douce France London, we use imaginary stories in our activities to stimulate children’s creativity. Douce France London’s signature lies in our focus on these creative aspects and the acquisition of knowledge through play and imagination. We therefore offer a range of different activities as part of an educational project that complements that of the schools.
Mon 19 Oct - Fri 23 Oct
08:00 - 15:00
French • 8-11 years • £77.00
SW7, South Kensington Camp
Beauty & the Beast Drama Holiday Course
This October half-term, children aged 4-10 can enjoy three full days exploring the magical story of Beauty & the Beast. Venturing into the enchanted wood and exploring the Palace of Dreams, they'll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast and what happened next. Can we help break the spell that turned the prince into a beast? Our warm and friendly team of theatre professionals will inspire and encourage them as they combine drama, dance and singing into a magical production. They'll guide the children every step of the way and encourage them to project their voices, learn energetic dance routines, sing catchy songs and develop the Perform 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. On the last day, the children will put on an enchanting performance which will delight family and friends, complete with colourful costumes and original songs.
Mon 26 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
10:00 - 15:00
Drama • 4-10 years • £299.00
EC1R, Church Of Our Most Holy Redeemer
Beauty & the Beast Drama Holiday Course
This October half-term, children aged 4-10 can enjoy three full days exploring the magical story of Beauty & the Beast. Venturing into the enchanted wood and exploring the Palace of Dreams, they'll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast and what happened next. Can we help break the spell that turned the prince into a beast? Our warm and friendly team of theatre professionals will inspire and encourage them as they combine drama, dance and singing into a magical production. They'll guide the children every step of the way and encourage them to project their voices, learn energetic dance routines, sing catchy songs and develop the Perform 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. On the last day, the children will put on an enchanting performance which will delight family and friends, complete with colourful costumes and original songs.
Mon 26 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
10:00 - 15:00
Drama • 4-10 years • £299.00
W8, Kensington United Reformed Church
October Art Camp
ORIGIN Creative Research Approach. For over ten years, we've been creating carefully curated creative experiences that invite children to explore the ideas shaping our world through art, design, science, nature, culture and storytelling. Every day begins with research, curiosity and a meaningful connection. A museum exhibition. A scientific discovery. A cultural movement. An artist. A place. A question. These ideas are transformed into immersive, hands-on experiences where children don't simply make art, they investigate, connect, experiment and create. Designed for curious minds and led by practising artists, designers and creative educators, our camps celebrate creative thinking as much as creative making. We encourage children to observe closely, ask questions, take creative risks and discover that great ideas often begin by connecting unexpected worlds. At Kreativity Camps, every project tells a story, every day explores a new idea, and every child leaves not only with something they've made, but with a new way of looking at the world.
Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
10:00 - 15:00
Art • 4-10 years • £90.00
W2, St Stephen’s Church
Shine Bright Gymnastics Half-Term Camp
Stay active this half-term while discovering rhythmic gymnastics. Build confidence, improve coordination, learn new skills and get inspired by performances, all in just one day. Looking for something fun and active this October? Join us for a one-day rhythmic gymnastics camp where children can discover the magic of this Olympic sport. Packed with games, crafts, dancing and hands-on practice with ribbons, hoops and more, it’s the perfect way for kids to stay active, try something new, and enjoy an exciting day with friends in a safe, supportive environment. About Shine Bright Gymnastics Shine Bright Gymnastics was created with a clear mission in mind: to raise awareness of rhythmic gymnastics as an Olympic sport in England. It's time to give this beautiful sport the recognition it deserves in stead of referring to it as the other gymnastics. We will do it by providing a supportive and fun learning environment for all those who want to join the rhythmic gymnastics adventure.
Wed 28 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
10:00 - 13:00
Gymnastics • 6-14 years • £40.00
W14, Shine Bright Gymnastics
Circus Glory Trapeze Camp
Children's workshops are designed to be fun and cover aerial (trapeze, rope, and hoop) as well as floor circus games including juggling, diablos, plate spinning, devil sticks, and hula hoop. All levels are welcome, no experience is necessary. About Circus Glory Trapeze School Circus Glory is a central London trapeze school owned and run by Genevieve Monastesse since 1993. Genevieve has taught circus arts to adults, teenagers and children for over 30 years in variety of leading circus school and is respected as one of the best aerial teachers in Europe. The key principle of Circus Glory trapeze school is a personal attention from Genevieve who works 1-1 with each student on trapeze, instead of spreading teacher’s attention on all students simultaneously. The small group setting of maximum 4 people add to the quality of teaching and the intimacy of the group. Every student's progress is closely monitored and supported with one-to-one tips and technique corrections. This speeds up overall learning progress and allows a person to naturally perform to a high standard overtime (demonstrated beautifully by a pool of regular students training with Genevieve for years).
Mon 26 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
09:30 - 12:00
Circus Skills • 4-12 years • £45.00
NW1, Primrose Hill Community Centre
Beauty & the Beast Drama Holiday Course
This October half-term, children aged 4-10 can enjoy three full days exploring the magical story of Beauty & the Beast. Venturing into the enchanted wood and exploring the Palace of Dreams, they'll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast and what happened next. Can we help break the spell that turned the prince into a beast? Our warm and friendly team of theatre professionals will inspire and encourage them as they combine drama, dance and singing into a magical production. They'll guide the children every step of the way and encourage them to project their voices, learn energetic dance routines, sing catchy songs and develop the Perform 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. On the last day, the children will put on an enchanting performance which will delight family and friends, complete with colourful costumes and original songs.
Mon 26 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
10:00 - 15:00
Drama • 4-10 years • £299.00
NW8, Mansergh Club
Minis: Phantom Engineers
Budding little ghouls and goblins will tinker with technology in this spook-tacular STEM adventure! Using Scratch Jr, they’ll conjure their own creepy-cute games and bring robots to life, sending them on candy-collecting trick-or-treat missions. Perfect for curious ones aged 5–6!
Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
09:00 - 16:00
Coding, IT • 5-6 years • From £100.00
W11, Colville Primary School
Explorers: Minecraft Monster Builders Junior
In this blocky Halloween realm, kids will code their Minecraft agents to help build eerie bridges, towering haunted castles, and pumpkin-lined houses. Parents will love seeing teamwork, logic, and creativity come together in this digital playground. Embark on a thrilling Halloween quest with Minecraft Education Edition! In this fun and interactive course, young explorers will gain the skills and confidence to code using Minecraft’s powerful tools. They will use their spooky creativity to build haunted mansions, eerie towers, and pumpkin-lit pathways, all while learning how to program their own magical mods. Get ready for a chilling adventure as they uncover the mysteries of coding and master the art of survival in a haunted world!
Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
09:00 - 16:00
Coding, IT • 6-8 years • From £100.00
W11, Colville Primary School
Adventurers: Minecraft Creeper Creations Senior
Older Minecraft magicians will conjure spooky mini-games, building haunted castles, and master advanced coding skills along the way. Perfect for those ready to level up their creativity and game design skills. Join the ultimate spooky adventure as your child dives into the haunted world of Minecraft Education Edition! In this advanced course, our young adventurers will take their coding skills to the next level by crafting eerie castles and ghostly mini-games. They will build creepy, immersive environments and learn to conjure their own mods, all while sharpening their computational thinking and problem-solving powers. It is a Halloween season full of exploration, creativity, and chilling coding challenges that will turn them into true digital adventurers!
Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
09:00 - 16:00
Coding, IT • 8-12 years • From £110.00
W11, Colville Primary School
Innovators: Python & Pygame Haunted Arcade Quest
Embark on a spooky Pygame quest where young coders will creep into the world of game development! Using Python and Pygame, kids will conjure their own ghoulish games, from haunted survivor games to eerie arcade challenges. Along the way, they will unlock mysterious coding tricks, design frightfully fun levels, and create creepy characters that come to life on screen. By the end of this chilling adventure, your child will have the skills to stalk the digital night as a budding game developer!
Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
09:00 - 16:00
Coding, IT • 10-14 years • From £110.00
W11, Colville Primary School
Multi Activity Summer Camp, St Jude's Primary
At ABC Sports Stars, we run a holiday camp every school holiday. We want children to enjoy having time away from school whilst creating a fun learning environment. Each day we ask the children to set out some rules, and at the end we ask what they enjoyed from their time with us. Prizes will be given out each day on behaviour and attitude The Camp will have multiple different activities to choose from each day making each day a memory not to forget. 🌟 What can the children expect? ⚽ Multi-Sports 🤸 Gymnastics 💃 Dance & Drama 🎨 Arts & Crafts 🎮 Games & Activities 🏆 Prizes & challenges 🤝 Making new friends 💪 Staying active & building confidence Extra Information Please note we will be giving each child a healthy lunch each day with snack breaks included. We accept all childcare vouchers. About ABC Sports Stars Encouraging the next generation of sports stars Founded in 2021, ABC Sports Stars is a unique youth sports club, here to help children of all ages get active and have fun outdoors. Based in Lewisham we work with schools, nurseries and activity centres throughout the South London area. All members of our team are fully DBS checked, and committed to the safety of everyone who takes part. We hold qualifications in PE (Level 3) and youth football (Level 2 Youth Module, FA Football).
Mon 19 Oct - Thu 29 Oct
08:00 - 16:00
Holiday Camp • 4-11 years • £25.00
SE24, St Judes Primary School
Netball Coach UK October Half Term Camp, 6-14yrs
Come and join us this half term at JAGS Sports Centre, Red Post Hill for our fun-packed specialist netball camp. We provide young people with the opportunity to take to the courts during the school holidays and learn new skills, hone existing skills, make friends and have fun. There is a different coaching focus each day and we end with a tournament on the final day. We pride ourselves on the quality of coaching at our netball camps. Our camps are led by experienced and qualified netball coaches, teachers and players, who we hand-pick for their knowledge and ability to inspire young netballers. All our staff hold an enhanced DBS and there is at least one first aider on site at each camp.
Mon 19 Oct - Wed 21 Oct
08:00 - 11:00
Netball • 6-14 years • £40.00
SW6, South Park
Beauty & the Beast Drama Holiday Course
This October half-term, children aged 4-10 can enjoy three full days exploring the magical story of Beauty & the Beast. Venturing into the enchanted wood and exploring the Palace of Dreams, they'll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast and what happened next. Can we help break the spell that turned the prince into a beast? Our warm and friendly team of theatre professionals will inspire and encourage them as they combine drama, dance and singing into a magical production. They'll guide the children every step of the way and encourage them to project their voices, learn energetic dance routines, sing catchy songs and develop the Perform 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. On the last day, the children will put on an enchanting performance which will delight family and friends, complete with colourful costumes and original songs.
Mon 26 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
10:00 - 15:00
Drama • 4-10 years • £299.00
SW12, St Francis Xavier College
Beauty & the Beast Drama Holiday Course
This October half-term, children aged 4-10 can enjoy three full days exploring the magical story of Beauty & the Beast. Venturing into the enchanted wood and exploring the Palace of Dreams, they'll learn songs, rehearse dances and put together scenes that tell the story of how Beauty met the Beast and what happened next. Can we help break the spell that turned the prince into a beast? Our warm and friendly team of theatre professionals will inspire and encourage them as they combine drama, dance and singing into a magical production. They'll guide the children every step of the way and encourage them to project their voices, learn energetic dance routines, sing catchy songs and develop the Perform 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. On the last day, the children will put on an enchanting performance which will delight family and friends, complete with colourful costumes and original songs.
Mon 26 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
10:00 - 15:00
Drama • 4-10 years • £299.00
NW3, St Paul's CE Primary School
Young Flyers
These sessions are aimed at giving newbies the chance to learn new superhero style aerial tricks and flips. We also run sessions for our more regular students who can't get enough airtime during the term!
Mon 12 Oct - Sun 20 Dec
15:20 - 17:35
Circus Skills • 7-16 years • £322.00
SE15, Flying Fantastic Peckham
Netball Coach UK October Half Term Camp, 6-14yrs
Come and join us this half term at JAGS Sports Centre, Red Post Hill for our fun-packed specialist netball camp. We provide young people with the opportunity to take to the courts during the school holidays and learn new skills, hone existing skills, make friends and have fun. There is a different coaching focus each day and we end with a tournament on the final day. We pride ourselves on the quality of coaching at our netball camps. Our camps are led by experienced and qualified netball coaches, teachers and players, who we hand-pick for their knowledge and ability to inspire young netballers. All our staff hold an enhanced DBS and there is at least one first aider on site at each camp.
Mon 26 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
09:00 - 12:00
Netball • 6-14 years • £40.00
SW6, Hurlingham Academy
Minis: Phantom Engineers
Budding little ghouls and goblins will tinker with technology in this spook-tacular STEM adventure! Using Scratch Jr, they’ll conjure their own creepy-cute games and bring robots to life, sending them on candy-collecting trick-or-treat missions. Perfect for curious ones aged 5–6!
Mon 19 Oct - Fri 23 Oct
08:00 - 15:00
Coding, IT • 5-6 years • From £100.00
W11, Notting Hill Preparatory School
Adventurers: Spooky Micro:bit Magic
Young witches and wizards will enchant their Micro:bits to send secret messages over Bluetooth, light detectors, their own tamagotchi, and even conjure their own game controllers or remote-controlled monster mobiles. Parents will appreciate the hands-on coding, electronics, and creativity. Let your child embark on a spook-tacular robotic quest in the haunted jungle with our Micro:bit course! They will explore the thrilling world of robotics and micro-computing, learning to use Micro:bits to send ghostly messages to friends through Bluetooth, and even design their own monster-themed video game controllers. As they navigate this mysterious tech-filled jungle, they will also program remote-controlled haunted safari vehicles, bringing their spine-tingling digital creations to life in the ultimate Halloween adventure!
Mon 19 Oct - Fri 23 Oct
08:00 - 15:00
Coding, IT • 8-12 years • From £110.00
W11, Notting Hill Preparatory School
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🏅 Loved by Loopla: Holiday camps
Rising Stars multi-activity camps 🧒 4–11 years 📍 East Finchley, Finchley, Hampstead, Stratford + Parliament Hill
- A mix of sports, creative activities and themed days. They help kids find activities they love, helping them build confidence, independence and friendships in a safe and supportive setting.
Flying Fantastic aerial and circus summer camp 🧒 7–16 years 📍 Bankside SE1 and Peckham SE15
- Aerial silks, hoop, slings and static trapeze, with bungees and ground-based circus skills (to give those arms a break). They've run a youth circus since 2013, so those with no experience are in safe hands.
The main types of holiday camp
Multi-activity camps have a bit of sport, a bit of crafting, games and team challenges, with the day broken into chunks. The safest choice if you're not sure what your child will take to, and want to be sure they'll find something they'll enjoy.
Sports camps go deep on a particular sport or a range of physical activities. Football and multi-sports are everywhere in London, with netball, cricket and tennis appearing in the bigger holiday breaks. Good for burning energy and sharpening some skills.
Performing arts and drama camps often build towards a performance at the end of the week, with singing, dancing and drama in between. The show is a highlight, so these work best booked as a full week rather than drop in days.
Music camps teach an instrument across the week, often with one to take home. Lovely for a child who's curious about music but not ready for weekly lessons.
Adventure and outdoor camps get children outdoors for the day often to parks, lakes, forests and activity centres. Usually a single day rather than a week, and often the thing they talk about longest afterwards.
Specialist camps for teenagers offer something different. For art it could be portfolio building, for fashion design bootcamps, for STEM coding intensives. There are fewer of these available, they tend to be pricier, and useful if your teen has a direction in mind.
Choosing the right holiday camp
Holiday camps are meant to be fun so start with the activity your child enjoys the most.
If they're happiest running about, a sports or multi-activity camp will send them home properly tired out. If they're the one directing everybody in the garden, performing arts could be a good fit, and the show at the end of the week gives them something to work towards.
A child who's crafty may get more out of an arts or creative camp than a week of football. And for one who's curious about music but not ready for weekly lessons, a music camp is a gentle way in, often with an instrument to take home.
If they can't choose, or you can't tell yet, multi-activity camps sample a bit of everything. They're the easiest first camp for a child who's never been.
Then ask the camp provider how children are grouped by age and how many there are to each adult. The better camps publish this, and the rest will tell you if you ask.
Still not sure? Book a single day before you commit to a week. Lots of London camps allow it, and one day will give you and your child an idea of what it's like.
When to book holiday camps
A few weeks ahead is a good guide and earlier for anything very popular.
Summer camps usually go on sale in the spring, and the best-known ones fill up long before the end of the summer term. If you already know which week you need, book that one as soon as it opens.
Half term is shorter notice, but a few weeks is still the right window.
Try not to leave it to the last minute. Spaces do come up, but you'll be choosing from whatever's left rather than what suits your child, and the camp you wanted may be full.
If you need early drop-off or late collection, book it at the same time. Lots of London camps offer it for a few pounds an hour, but places are limited.
London holiday clubs for kids FAQ
How can I find the best London holiday clubs near me?
Use Loopla's search to see the full list of holiday camps. You can narrow by area and category to find the closest option to your family.
Are there any holiday clubs for three year olds?
Most holiday clubs are aimed at school-age children, but there are exceptions, and a few London camps take children from as young as 18 months.
For this age, sessions are often shorter than a standard camp day, running a few hours or a half day rather than nine till four, which tends to suit little ones better anyway.
One thing worth checking before you book: many camps ask that children are toilet trained before attending.
How much do holiday camps cost in London?
Most sit between £40 and £90 a day, depending on what's included and how long the day runs. Multi-activity and sports camps are usually at the lower end, music and performing arts camps a little higher, and specialist teen courses higher again. Early drop-off and late collection are normally charged on top.
Can I use childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare for holiday camps?
Often, yes. If a camp is Ofsted registered it can usually accept Tax-Free Childcare, employer childcare vouchers and the childcare element of Universal Credit. Not every camp is registered, so check before you book. Camps that do accept it normally say so on their listing.
What age do holiday camps start from?
A few London camps take children from 18 months, though most start at age four and over. Sports and multi-activity camps typically run to ages 12-14, and there are specialist courses for teenagers up to 16 and over.
What should my child take to holiday camp?
Usually a packed lunch, often nut-free, plus a refillable water bottle, suncream, a rain jacket and comfortable clothes they can get messy in. Sports camps will want trainers. Individual camps send a list with anything else that is needed on booking.
Do children have to attend the whole week?
Not always. Plenty of London camps let you book single days, which is ideal if you only need cover for part of the week or you're trying somewhere new. Performing arts camps are the exception, since they build towards a show at the end of the week, so those work best booked in full.
When do summer holiday camps in London open for booking?
Most open in the spring, and the popular weeks and sites go before the summer term ends. If you need a particular week, book that one early and fill in the rest later.
