Get Creative This Summer: A Guide to Kids' Activities in Plymouth
By Bracken Jelier
Looking for ways to keep the kids busy, inspired, and creatively engaged over the long summer break? Whether your child is a budding performer, curious scientist, crafty maker, or outdoor adventurer, Plymouth has a summer full of activities to explore. From free family drop-ins to immersive creative camps, here’s your ultimate guide to creative fun for kids.
Performing Arts & Drama
Barbican Theatre with KGP Kids
Let imaginations run wild with theatre, dance, music, and crafts! Barbican Theatre teams up with KGP Kids for inclusive performing arts fun throughout the holidays.
Ages: 5+
Details: Weekly themed workshops with varied activities
From stage combat to musical theatre, filmmaking to drama, PQA offers creative sessions that build confidence and performance skills.
Ages: 6–16
Dates: Throughout summer in weekly blocks
Location: Various locations across Plymouth
Join a musical theatre summer school based on Hamilton! Kids learn choreography, acting scenes, and songs in a week-long course.
When: 28 July – 1 August, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Ages: 5–16
Location: Lipson Co-operative Academy
Theatre Royal Plymouth – Summer in the Scene Dock
A relaxed and creative drop-in space for young people aged 11–16 to explore performance, art, and ideas. Expect music, poetry, theatre games, art installations and more—all co-designed with young people.
When: Every Tuesday–Thursday, 30 July – 22 August, 1:30pm–5:30pm
Where: The Scene Dock, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Cost: Free (with a couple of bookable / paid-for events)
Booking: Drop-in or book via TRP website
The Soapbox Children’s Theatre (Stiltskin)
The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, nestled in the heart of Devonport Park, Plymouth, Devon, ignites the imaginations of children and families through captivating performances and interactive experiences.
Workshops: 11–14 August, 10:00am–3:00pm
Ages: 7–12
Roll up for an energetic and laughter-filled workshop where kids can learn juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, balance tricks and more! Run by skilled local performers, these free workshops are a fantastic way for children to try something new.\
Ages: 5–11 (ideal for primary school children)
When: Friday 2 August, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Royal William Yard lawn
Cost: Free (no booking required – just turn up!)
Dance & Movement
Plymouth Ballet School Summer Camp
A full week of ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theatre.
Dates: 4–8 August, 10am–3pm
Ages: 5–9
A fun and calming way for children to move their bodies and build confidence through creative Pilates. Set in the incredible immersive dome at Market Hall, each session blends mindfulness, music, and movement.
Ages: 4–7 years
When: Selected dates in August (see Eventbrite for full schedule)
Times: 9:30am – 10:15am
Where: Market Hall, Devonport
Cost: £6 per session
Plymouth Dance Holiday Sessions (FREE)
Fun, active, creative sessions combining dance, drama and crafts. Funded places are available through the Fit and Fed scheme.
Primary: 28–31 July & 11–14 August
Secondary: 4–7 August & 18–21 August
Times: 9:30am–2:30pm
Ages: 5–11 (Primary), 11–16 (Secondary)
Location: YMCA Plymouth
Visual Arts & Crafting
The Box Plymouth – Summer Family Art Sessions
An exciting calendar of free workshops and storytelling throughout the summer:
Imagine That! Story Sessions: Fridays, 25 Jul–29 Aug
Tell Me A Story Drop-in Crafts: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 29 Jul–28 Aug
Quiet & Calm Crafts: 7, 14, 21 Aug for SEND families
Super Saturday: Surreal Estates: 10 & 17 Aug, fun-filled family events themed around the museum’s surrealist exhibition
Plymouth Community Arts Council – Summer Art Camp
Weekly visual art and theatre camp with professional tutors.
Dates: Runs through to 22 August
Ages: 5–17
Booking: Half-day and full-day slots available
Science & Nature
Hands-on activities like slime-making, robotics, forest school, and more!
Location: St. Budeaux Foundation Primary
Ages: 5–12
Dates: Weeks 2 & 3 of summer holidays
National Trust – Summer of Play at Saltram
Get active with drama, storytelling, nature trails and outdoor crafts.
Dates: 19 July – 31 August
Cost: Included with Saltram admission
Highlights: Wild Wednesdays, crafting stations, mini-stage performances
Multi-Activity Camps
Adventure-packed days with sports, climbing, arts & crafts, water fun, street surfing and more.
Dates: 21 July – 29 August
Times: 8:00am–5:30pm
Cost: £20 per day or £18.50 early-bird. Trips: £43.50
Free: Funded places available for eligible families
Plymouth Life Centre Holiday Club
With inflatables, climbing, dry diving, and animal encounters, this is a fun option for younger adventurers.
Dates: 28 Jul – 29 Aug (Weekdays)
Times: 9:00am–3:00pm
Ages: 6–11
A supportive, friendly space offering sports, creative learning and social fun.
Dates: 22–25 Jul, 29 Jul–1 Aug, 12–15 Aug, 19–22 Aug
Times: 11:00am–5:00pm
Ages: 7–14
Location: Plymouth Hope Centre, Beacon Park
Outdoor Exploration
Plymouth Bike Hire – Fat-Bike Adventure Days
A fun, supported cycling adventure along Plym Valley Trail with games and lunch.
Dates: Weekly from 21 July – 14 August (Mon–Thu)
Times: 10:00am–2:00pm
Ages: 8–16
Mount Batten Watersports & Activities Centre – Holiday Adventures
Get kids outdoors and active with exciting water- and land-based adventures at the Mount Batten Centre. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, climbing, archery, and bushcraft, all delivered by expert instructors.
Ages: 8–11 (Primary School Age)
Dates: Weekdays throughout summer holidays (25 July – 4 September)
Times: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: £45 per day
Where: Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre
Booking: Required in advance via mount-batten-centre.com
High 5 Holiday Camps at Plymouth College
Weekly themed fun including fantasy, colour runs, obstacle courses and treasure hunts.
Dates: 7 July – 29 August
Ages: 5–12
Family Paddle Sessions with South West SUP
Explore the water together with these relaxed, family-friendly stand-up paddleboarding sessions at the beautiful Royal William Yard. Perfect for beginners, these sessions include all equipment and expert tuition.\
Ages: 8+ (children must be accompanied by an adult)
When: Various dates across summer (see website for schedule)
Times: Typically late mornings or early afternoons
Where: Firestone Arch, Royal William Yard
Cost: From £20 per person
Booking: Required via southwestsup.co.uk
Family Events & Days Out
The Box – Surreal Estates Family Programme
Explore surrealism through puppets, workshops, and storytelling.
When: Tuesdays to Thursdays throughout August
Extras: Free drop-ins and events themed around the summer exhibition
Buckland Abbey – Quest of King Arthur
Embark on an epic family adventure with sword-fighting, archery, and potion-making.
Dates: 19 July – 31 August
Take a dip in the Art Deco gem, newly restored and re-opened for the summer.
Special events: Outdoor cinema and pop-up food
From surrealist storytelling at The Box to muddy bike trails through Plymbridge Woods, this summer is bursting with opportunities for young minds to stretch, create and connect. Whether you're booking a full week of activities or planning one special family day out, there’s something to delight every child in Plymouth this summer.
Be sure to book early, check eligibility for funded spaces, and follow @What’son_cultureplym and your favourite venues on social media for updates.
Have a creative summer!
