Summer 2026 at Aspire Children & Family Centres
Summer is here, and our Children and Family Centres across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are offering a packed timetable of activities, events and family sessions throughout July and August. Whether you’re looking for play opportunities, support sessions, creative workshops or fun days out with your children, there’s something for every family this summer.
This year we’re excited to introduce several new activities, alongside our much‑loved sessions that run every holiday. Here’s a look at what’s happening across our centres.
What’s New for Summer 2026
Soft Play and Sensory Rooms
For the first time, families can book into our soft play (under 8s) and sensory rooms (under 18 months) at Gardners Lane and Oakwood. These sessions run on selected days throughout the summer and offer a calm, engaging space for children to explore, play and develop their early skills. SEND‑specific sessions are also available at both centres.
Teddy Bears Picnics
We’re delighted to be partnering with Springbank Community Group to bring you a series of Teddy Bears Picnics across Gardners Lane, Brockworth, Oakwood and Noah’s Ark. Families can make their own picnic treats, enjoy outdoor fun and bring along their favourite teddy for a 🐻 beary brilliant time.
Ready for School Sessions
Starting school is a big milestone, and our Ready for School sessions offer practical tips, confidence‑building activities and guidance for both parents and children. These sessions are led by our Family Hub staff and the School Nurse team, with options for parent‑only and parent‑and‑child sessions.
Family Drop‑In Sessions
New for this summer, we’re running two Family Drop‑In sessions offering activities for children under 11. These relaxed sessions give families the chance to play, connect and enjoy time together. Parents must stay throughout.
Family Story Time Sessions
Oscar’s Reading Corner is back with themed Family Story Time sessions at Gardners Lane and Noah’s Ark. Each session includes interactive storytelling and crafts, designed for children aged 0–8.
HAF Holiday Activities
Our HAF programme returns with creative workshops, drama sessions, sports activities and messy play at Brockworth, Noah’s Ark, Gardners Lane and Oakwood. These sessions are bookable through the Virtual Family Hub and are available to families with HAF‑eligible children.
Family Fun Days
Our two big Family Fun Days take place at Brockworth and Gardners Lane. Families can enjoy entertainers, outdoor games, creative activities, face painting, free refreshments and stalls from a wide range of local organisations. These events are free and open to families with children aged 0–11.
Booking Information
Many of our summer sessions require booking. Families can book in two ways:
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HAF‑eligible families: book through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) website.
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Non‑HAF families: book through Eventbrite.
Where to Find the Full Timetable
The full Summer 2026 timetable is available on our website and includes dates, times and booking details for all sessions across Gardners Lane, Brockworth, Oakwood, Noah’s Ark, Hesters Way and Bishops Cleeve Library.
Families can also follow us on social media for updates, reminders and new sessions added throughout the summer.
About Aspire Foundation
Aspire Foundation is a Gloucestershire charity providing children and family centres (Family Hubs), family support services, and early years settings across the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury localities. We help families thrive through practical support, community activities, and services that promote children’s development and wellbeing.