Kids can get active for free this summer

Our Active for Life summer programme is back and bigger than ever – offering a wide range of free activities for children, young people and families across the city.

From swimming and basketball to bootcamps and cricket, there’s something for everyone to get involved in – no matter their ability level. This year, we’re proud to be working with local organisations, including Sussex Cricket, Community Basketball Initiative, Brighton Sparks, Amaze, the Hangleton and Knoll Project, Old Boat Corner Community Centre and our city’s Family Hubs.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: "We are passionate about breaking down the barriers to physical activity – and committed to ensuring that all of our children and young people in Brighton & Hove can take part. The Active for Life summer programme is a brilliant opportunity for our families to get active and try something new, while enjoying our city’s fantastic spaces – and it’s all for free."

Free cricket day

In partnership with Sussex Cricket, we’re offering 30 fully funded places for 8 – to 11-year-olds to take part in a full day of Dynamos Cricket at Carden Park on Wednesday 30 July, 9am to 3pm. The event, which is specifically aimed at children who receive free school meals, would normally cost £50 per person – you can book a place for free using the code QZ5MK on the Dynamos Holiday Camps website.

Basketball on the beach

Fancy a game by the sea? Young people aged 6-17 can join free basketball sessions at the seafront court three times a week throughout August. Delivered by East Brighton Sports Academy (EBSA), these fun, inclusive sessions are open to beginners and intermediates alike. Book on the EBSA website.

The Active for Life (AFL) team will be joining in the following sessions:

Thursday 31 July, 9am to 12 noon (for ages 7 to 11)
Monday 4 August, 9am to 1pm
Thursday 14 August, 9am to 1pm
Thursday 21 August, 9am to 1pm
Thursday 28 August, 9am to 1pm

If you’d prefer to play inland, the AFL team and Brighton Sparks Basketball is running a basketball session for 7- to 11-year-olds at the Old Boat Corner Community Centre on Wednesday 30 July, 9am to 12 noon. Book your place by emailing healthylifestyles@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Bootcamps at The Level

The FMG Project is running free youth outdoor bootcamps and affordable adult sessions every Wednesday and Saturday in August on The Level. Youth sessions are fully funded, while adults can join for just £2 per session or £20 for the full six-week programme. You need to register first on the FMG Project website.

Free swimming for under-18s

Supported by the council, Freedom Leisure is once again offering free swimming to all under-18s at the King Alfred Leisure Centre, Prince Regent Swimming Complex and St Luke’s Community Swimming Pool. Sessions are available after school, at weekends, on bank holidays, and throughout the school holidays.

Open Air Youth Clubs

Young people aged between 11 and 17 can take part a range of different activities at the Open Air Youth Clubs in parks across the city every Friday from 1pm to 3pm. The clubs, delivered by the Hangleton & Knoll Project, offer sport and physical activity sessions run by the Active for Life team and refreshments.

Hangleton Park on Friday 1 August
Greenleas Park on Friday 8 August
Easthill Park on Friday 15 August
Wish Park on Friday 22 August
Hove Park on Friday 29 August

Family fun

Whitehawk Family Hub Fun Day at the Family Hub on Whitehawk Rd on Wednesday 6 August from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Big Munch event for families at Hangleton Community Centre on Tuesday 12 and Tuesday 26 August from 12pm to 2pm. Call Aleya at The Hangleton & Knoll Project on 07825 447 108 or email youth@hkproject.org.uk
Moulsecoomb Fun Morning at Saunder Park on Tuesday 19 August from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Free family fun day from Amaze Parent Groups & Befriending and Compass Card at Portslade Village Centre on Wednesday 27 August from 11am to 3pm.