Seasonal support
Find below what seasonal help we offer, plus money-saving advice and tips.
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Community welcome spaces
We support a network of community welcome spaces. These are often located in a community centre, village hall or your local library.
They offer a friendly welcome and are free to use. Some serve hot drinks and host activities. Find your nearest community welcome space.
Summer Sorted events
We are visiting shopping centres across South Gloucestershire this summer to chat with residents about the help and support available from us and our partner organisations.
We will be sharing practical tips to help you save money during the summer months, and there will be freebies on offer.
Come to see us on:
- Wednesday 29 July at Willow Brook Shopping Centre, Bradley Stoke, 11am to 4pm
- Thursday 6 August at Yate Shopping Centre, 11am to 3pm
Dates for Kingswood and Thornbury to be added soon.
Free days out
A family day out does not have to be expensive, and children get free bus travel across South Gloucestershire during the summer holidays. Here are 10 great places to visit for free.
Grimsbury Community Farm
The Kingswood farm has lots of animals to see, plus a play area, café and free parking.
Three Brooks Nature Reserve
A beautiful nature reserve in Bradley Stoke, perfect for scenic walks, picnics and feeding the ducks.
Lower Woods, Wickwar
The largest ancient woodland in the South West, famous for its butterflies, with 32 recorded species found there.
Page Park, Staple Hill
A lovely community park with a popular play area, open green spaces, and a café for a post-play treat.
Frome Valley Walkway
A lovely walking route following the River Frome from Old Sodbury through Chipping Sodbury and Yate.
Kingswood Park
Home to a new play area and a range of free activities funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Bristol and Bath Railway Path
A 13-mile traffic-free cycle route that is almost entirely flat, running along a former railway line. Perfect for a family bike ride.
Conham River Park
One of the best riverside walks near Bristol, surrounded by woodland and following the winding River Avon.
Willsbridge Mill
A charming woodland setting with a wildlife garden, fairy trail and café.
Warmley Forest Park
A nature reserve just off Bristol and Bath Railway Path with lots of woodland trails to explore and a skatepark in the centre.
Explore all our parks, nature reserves and woodlands.
Low cost activities for summer
Enjoy the longer summer days together without spending a fortune. There are lots of simple and low cost ways to have fun.
Cool off with water play
Use buckets, bowls or a hose at home for some simple splash games on warm days. Guaranteed fun and a great way to cool down.
Grow something
Growing plants at home is a fun way to keep little ones busy while learning something new. Easy growers include cress, sunflowers, strawberries and herbs.
Visit Mamas
Mamas in Bradley Stoke offers fun stay-and-play sessions from just £1.50, with role play, a sensory den, and a free drink for adults. Confidential support and an on-site food larder are also available.
Get creative
Take arts and crafts outside. Draw with chalk, make glittery pinecones, paint pebbles, or create nature art using leaves, sticks and flowers.
Try geocaching
Go on a real-life treasure hunt using a smartphone to find lots of hidden caches in your local area. It is a fun way to explore together. Learn more about geocaching.
Visit your local library
Our libraries are welcoming spaces and a great place to visit whatever the weather. There are also lots of free activities for children during the holidays, including the Summer Reading Challenge.
Eat well, spend less
Packing a picnic for a family day out can save money and make mealtimes more fun. Try colourful foods, fun shapes and simple snacks children can help prepare.
Rainbow veggie wraps
Spread soft cheese or hummus onto a wrap, then add grated carrot, cucumber, lettuce and peppers. Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Easy pizza pinwheels
Spread tomato purée onto ready-rolled puff pastry, sprinkle with grated cheese and add toppings like sweetcorn or ham. Roll up, slice into swirls and bake until golden.
Make picnic food more fun
Tips for a fun picnic include:
- cutting sandwiches, wraps or fruit into fun shapes using cookie cutters
- adding colourful fruit and veggie sticks
- freezing yoghurt tubes or water bottles to keep food cool
- getting children involved in preparing their picnic food
Many supermarkets and cafés also offer free kids’ meals or £1 deals during the school holidays.