Affordable Activities for Families in Oldham
School Holiday Childcare Doesn’t Have to Break the Budget: Affordable Activities for Families in Oldham
For many working parents, the school holidays can bring an unwelcome financial headache. With children out of school for six weeks over the summer, the cost of keeping them safe, active and entertained quickly adds up.
Research from children’s charity Coram shows families across Britain now spend an average of around £179 per week on holiday childcare, meaning many parents face bills of more than £1,000 over the summer holidays. Rising household costs are making it even more important for families to find affordable local alternatives.
Keeping children active without overspending
Not every school holiday activity needs to come with a premium price tag. Across Oldham, families have access to low-cost activities that combine childcare, physical activity and opportunities to make new friends.
One of the best-value options is Oldham Active’s School Holiday Camps, designed for children aged 6 to 11. Running throughout every school holiday, the camps offer full days of supervised activities including sports, dance, gymnastics and swimming.
At £18 per child per day, the camps provide a significantly more affordable option than many private childcare providers while giving children the chance to stay active in a safe, structured environment led by qualified, DBS-checked coaches. Eligible families can also access free places through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, helping remove financial barriers for those who need support most.
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Swimming: Affordable fun with lifelong benefits
For families looking to fill the holidays without spending a fortune, swimming continues to be one of the healthiest and most affordable activities available. Our Family Swim Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) is only £15.
Oldham Active operates swimming pools across the borough, including Oldham Leisure Centre, Royton Leisure Centre, Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, Failsworth Sports Centre and Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre, with regular family swim sessions throughout the week.
Unlike expensive attractions that can cost £60 or more for a family day out, a trip to the local pool provides hours of entertainment while improving children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Money-saving tips for Oldham families this summer
- Parents looking to reduce holiday costs can combine several approaches:
- Book activity camps only for the days childcare is essential.
- Use community leisure centres for lower-cost family activities.
- Check eligibility for HAF-funded places.
- Make use of Tax-Free Childcare where applicable for registered childcare providers
Planning ahead can also help secure places before sessions become fully booked.
Supporting healthier communities
Affordable holiday activities do more than ease pressure on family finances. They help children stay physically active, develop new skills and socialise with their peers during the long school break.
With structured holiday camps, accessible swimming sessions and a range of junior activities available locally, Oldham families have options that support both their household budgets and their children’s wellbeing.
As the cost of childcare continues to rise nationally, investing in community-based activities offers a practical solution that benefits families across the borough.
