Things to do for families

In Southampton there are a wide range of activities that parents and carers can attend with their children.

What's on in and around Southampton?

Our family hubs offer activities and learning programmes such as breastfeeding support, parent support groups and play activities.

For children who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme offers a range of activities during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.

Southampton has a year-round programme of events and activities from the ABP Southampton Marathon, Southampton International Boat Show, Chinese New Year Celebrations, Southampton Pride, to pop legends performing, fantastic theatre performances musicals, high-profile art exhibitions, guided walks and festivals. You can view upcoming events with the events calendar on Visit Southampton.

There are many sports and leisure facilities in Southampton that offer a huge range of activities and events that families can have access too. This includes sports and activity clubs that are easy to access and often low cost including football, martial arts or athletics clubs.

There are also many open spaces including local parks and play spaces which provide a further range of free activities.

Find local activities

The Southampton Family Information Service promote events on their Facebook page
Search local support groups, services and volunteering opportunities on So:Linked
View activities for children and young people in our directory

Activities for children with additional needs and/or disabilities

For information about local services, support, activities and events for children and young people aged 0-25 years who have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), visit our SEND Local Offer pages.

The Council for Disabled Children put together a pack of information written primarily for parents of disabled children and young people. The pack provides information to parents on their child’s rights to access activities, community facilities and other services. If children are very young, or have a disability, there should be clear guidelines on feeding, toilet, and administering any medication.

Short Breaks

Short breaks give disabled children and young people the chance to take part in activities, make new friends and try new things. They are also an opportunity for parents and carers to have a break from caring.

You can find out more about how to apply by contacting Southampton Family Information Service or visiting Short Breaks.

Disclaimer

This information has been collected from third party providers therefore the Southampton Services Guide and Southampton City Council (SCC) cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information and recommends that parents, carers, young people, residents and professionals check with providers regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and OFSTED registrations and CQC registrations.

Information collected by is used solely to implement and supply the Southampton Family Information Service (FIS) and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities - Southampton's Local Offer.

Keeping children safe

It's important to make sure that the staff who deliver any Southampton activity/club are suitable to do so. Remember to check child protection policies and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Southampton Family Information Service offers impartial information relating to childcare, activities and support services. We are here help, if you need to contact us use our contact form.

Solihull Safeguarding Children Partnership have a checklist of questions to help you feel confident your child is with a safe organisation.

What to do if you have specific concerns

As a professional, if you have specific concerns about a person who is working with or in a position of trust with children or young people, you should discuss these with the Southampton Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

If you are a young person, parent/carer or member of the public and have specific concerns about a person who is working with or in a position of trust with children or young people and are in need of advice or support, please contact the Children's Resource Service on 02380 83 3004 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm) or 02380 23 3344 (weekends, Bank Holidays and outside of office hours).

Where to get advice if running a group

If anyone running a group needs advice about safeguarding and child protection this is available on NSPCC Learning and by contacting the NSPCC by email saferchildren@nspcc.org.uk or phone 0871 990 3200.