Summer in Swindon

Looking for ways to make the most of the summer holidays without breaking the bank? From free or low-cost family activities and local events to advice on childcare, food support and managing household costs, there is plenty happening across Swindon this summer.

Whether you are planning days out, seeking support or looking for something new to explore, you will find useful information below.

To help you get to activities throughout the summer, children aged 5 to 15 can travel for free on local bus services in England, including Swindon, during August.

Children playing in the water jets at Coate Water Splash Park, a free outdoor water play area in Swindon
Cool off at Coate Water Splash Park

Showing photo 1 of 10: Cool off at Coate Water Splash Park

Explore welcome spaces and community hubs

A Welcome Space is a council or community venue where you can visit or spend time while meeting other people from across the community.

You can also access information and services through the borough's growing network of community hubs.

In February 2026, we opened our first community hub at Park Library in Cavendish Square. The hub is open from 10.00am to 2.00pm, Monday to Friday, so you can drop in when it suits you.

You can also visit the Citizens Advice financial wellbeing team for financial advice and support. The team will visit several public spaces throughout the summer and beyond.

Enjoy free activities across Swindon

Fuel your imagination at our libraries by taking part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

The challenge encourages children to read six books over the summer. They can choose any books they like and earn rewards along the way.

There will also be free musical events in Swindon's libraries.

Take a trip to Coate Water to enjoy the walking trails or treat yourself to an ice cream at the café.

Children can cool off in the Coate Water Splash Park. This is a free, safe and accessible outdoor water play area offering:

  • a paddling pool
  • water features
  • games
  • seating areas

Coate Water is also home to many geocaching spots. Find out more about geocaching for families.

Geocaching is a treasure hunt for the digital generation, where you can enjoy the freedom of being outside and exploring new places.

Explore Lydiard Park, a beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon.

The Palladian House, church, walled garden, hotel, restaurant and conference centre are set in 260 acres of parkland.

There are also plenty of fun activities at Lydiard Park throughout the summer, including:

Children can visit Lydiard House Museum for £1 each when accompanied by a full-paying adult.

Dive into local history and art across Swindon's museums.

Museum & Art Swindon has a collection of permanent and special exhibitions.

The Richard Jefferies Museum hosts Nature Tots on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to noon. The sessions are for children aged up to 5 and their carers.

Activities include arts and crafts, wild play, stories and more.

The STEAM Museum is also running Kids for a Quid from 23 July to 31 August.

Signal Festival takes place from 24 July to 1 August 2026.

Signal Festival is a radical showcase of talent and opportunity for Swindon's young people aged 9 to 25. Signal cultivates art, supports artists and enriches audiences.

Find out about the events taking place during Signal Festival.

Pack some sandwiches and snacks and enjoy lunch outdoors at one of the many green spaces across the town.

You could visit Stratton Woods, Barbury Castle, Seven Fields or one of our other country parks and open spaces.

Bring a ball, some cards or a book for extra fun. You can also visit a nearby woodland, nature reserve or footpath and discover places you have never explored before.

Take on a scavenger hunt through nature by creating a list of things to find, such as:

  • a feather
  • a daisy
  • a pinecone
  • a ladybird

See how many you can spot on a walk and bring a notebook to record what you find.

Plant seeds in old pots, yoghurt tubs or recycled containers. Fast-growing options such as cress, beans and herbs are great for little gardeners.

Use household items to attract wildlife to your garden. For example, you could make a bird feeder using empty bottles or pinecones and some bird seed.

Pitch a tent or create a cosy outdoor space for storytelling, stargazing and enjoying the evening air.

You can find a comprehensive list of other activities taking place across the borough on the Swindon Rocks website.

Do Swindon brings together information about what is happening across the town. It makes Swindon's cultural activities easier to find and take part in.

Support while your child is off school

Since 2018, the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) has provided vital support to children receiving benefits-related free school meals during school holidays.

Places are available at a range of holiday clubs. These offer eligible children access to 16 sessions funded by the Department for Education.

Your child's school will contact you directly if your child is eligible.

Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, visit the government's Best Start in Life website to find out how you could save money on childcare.

Tax-Free Childcare can also help with the cost of childcare.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is government funding available to the Council. It helps us support low-income households that experience a financial shock.

You can also find help with bills and essential costs on our website.

Food clubs and support

Affordable Food Clubs are available at:

  • Haven Pantry
  • Parks Pantry
  • Penhill Pantry

The clubs give you and your household access to nutritious, fresh food free of charge. You only need to pay a small six-month membership fee.

You can also buy store cupboard items for a fraction of what they would cost at a supermarket.

The Gorse Hill Baptist Church Community Fridge offers food collected from local supermarkets that would previously have gone to landfill.

Available food may include:

  • fresh fruit and vegetables
  • store cupboard items
  • chilled food
  • frozen food

You do not need a referral to visit the community fridge. Everyone is welcome and all the food is free.

You can find more places offering food support in the Feeding Swindon Partnership food distribution leaflet.

You can also use apps such as Olio and Too Good To Go to access free or low-cost food.

If you need food support for yourself or a child, call Citizens Advice Swindon on 0808 278 7813.

You can call from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Citizens Advice will discuss options based on your circumstances. This could include a referral to the Swindon food bank.

The Citizens Advice financial wellbeing team will also visit several public spaces throughout the summer and beyond. The team will offer free financial advice and support.

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