A music-themed initiative encouraging children to read during the school holidays is the next event in Hillingdon Council’s stellar line-up of activities and events for families this summer.Â
Children aged four to 11 can join the free Summer Reading Challenge taking place in libraries across the borough until Saturday 12 September. This year’s theme, Read to the Beat, links stories, music and creativity, encouraging reading for fun.
Sign up at any branch to collect rewards and be in with a chance to win an electronic keyboard and songwriting journal. Highlights include the Imagination Station, a fun, free drop-in day with activities for all the family, at Botwell Green Library on Friday 31 July and the Great Barn, Manor Farm, on Thursday 13 August. Find out more and sign up at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/summer-reading.
Hillingdon’s libraries have a packed programme of summer events for all ages and interests, including author talks and creative clay modelling, knitting and LEGO-building workshops. Find out more at discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/library-events.
Keep children and young people busy with a range of activities as part of the council’s Hillingdon Youth Offer, from sports and cooking to arts, crafts and music.
Sessions are available for those aged eight to 18, with additional support programmes for young people up to 24 years old, including mentoring, counselling, and self-esteem building sessions. Find out more at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/youth-offer.
For school-aged children who receive benefits-related free school meals, the council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has plenty to keep you active, including football, Taekwondo, canoeing, climbing, coding, cookery, arts across more than 50 locations and runs from Tuesday 21 July to Friday 28 August. Learn more at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/haf.
Hillingdon’s annual Playday features a full day of fun with BMX, basketball, tennis, arts and crafts and more to enjoy at Hillingdon Athletics Stadium on Wednesday 5 August. The event is free, but booking is required. Find out more at discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/playday. 
For youngsters who love the spotlight, popular theatre workshops, The Stage is Yours, return to the Compass Theatre, Ickenham, this month for children aged four to 16. Participants will learn songs, drama scenes and dance routines inspired by West End and Broadway favourites. Find out more and book at discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/stage-is-yours.
The council’s leisure centres offer lots of ways to stay active and entertained, whatever the weather. From outdoor and indoor swimming, rooftop 3G football and gym facilities, to clip ‘n’ climb challenges and soft play areas for younger children. See what’s available at better.org.uk/hillingdon.
For families who love to get out in nature or are keen to explore Hillingdon’s fascinating past, book onto one of the guided walks, expert talks or secret tours available at our brilliant heritage sites, including the Battle of Britain Bunker and Cranford Park.
Cllr Wayne Bridges, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said:
“Following the Mayor’s Picnic in the Park this weekend, there’s lots more activities and events for families to enjoy in Hillingdon this summer, from reading challenges and creative workshops to sport, theatre, heritage activities and outdoor adventures. “Many events are free or low-cost and taking place across the borough, making it easier for residents to find something fun, active and inspiring close to home.”
For a full list of events, visit discover.hillingdon.gov.uk or sign up for our quarterly events e-newsletter at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/enews.
