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Free fun for all the family this half term 

Children of all ages and their families will have plenty of activities to keep them busy this half term across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. 

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have set up a range of free and low-cost activities for residents to take part in. 

Xplorer 

There are Xplorer events across South Oxfordshire and the Vale over half term. Xplorer is a family friendly fun orienteering challenge that is suitable for all ages. Using a simple map, the aim is to find a number of markers that are located around the park. All our events take place from 10am-midday and families can turn up on the day, book via this link or email: active.communities@southandvale.gov.uk. 

The Halloween themed Xplorer events are taking place on: 

Monday 24 October:  

  • Long Furlong Play Park, Abingdon, OX14 1XP  
  • Wheatley Playing Fields (North), OX33 1QL 

Tuesday 25 October: 

  • Faringdon Folly Sports Park, SN7 7AQ  
  • Watlington Recreation Ground, OX49 5BZ 

Wednesday 26 October: 

  • Berinsfield Recreation Ground, OX10 7NX 

YouMove 

YouMove is a scheme for families with children on benefits related free school meals, children in need of support, including refugees, young carers, or children in or on the edge of care. YouMove gives those who sign up to the scheme access to low-cost or free fun activities. 

This half term in South Oxfordshire among other activities there will be multi-sport mornings in Wheatley (24 October) and Watlington (25 October) an indoor sports party in Thame (24 October) and family walks at Harcourt Arboretum.  

In the Vale children and families can get involved with the Xplorer events and family fun days on 24 October in Abingdon and 25 October in Faringdon. 

There are also free family walks through the woods at Harcourt Arboretum with stories, activities and fun facts along the way. 

There’s more information about YouMove and how to sign up on the councils’ websites www.southoxon.gov.uk/youmove and www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/youmove 

Fun at The Beacon 

At The Beacon in Wantage, Monkey Mayhem is a low-cost stay and play session on Mondays including half term, from 9.30–11.30am. Each session costs £4 for one child and £7.50 for two children. 

On Wednesday 26 October, there’s also Comedy Club 4 Kids at 2pm, with tickets at £9.50 each or £35 family of four. 

For more information, go to the website www.beaconwantage.co.uk or call box office on 01235 763456. 

Bhangra Dance at Cornerstone  

Join us for free in Didcot on Saturday 22 October at 11am and 1pm for energetic and vibrant Bhangra performances by Jugnu Bhangra Group, put on by Cornerstone Arts Centre. 

There’s also a Bhangra Dance Class for children of all abilities in school years 4-9, at 3pm at Cornerstone on Saturday 22 October, tickets are £10.  

For more information go to the website www.cornerstone-arts.org or call box office on 01235 515144. 

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “It can be hard for parents and guardians to find things for their children to do over half term, especially if they’re on a budget. 

“Our Active Communities team have a great range of sports and activities for young people and their families, and I encourage those who do need that little extra support to get in touch with them and find out more about YouMove.” 

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Vale of White Horse District Council said: “We know how important it is for all ages to keep active, it’s good for the body and the mind. The Xplorer events will really get you thinking as a team and with a spooky Halloween theme it’s going to be fun for everyone. Activities for families at The Beacon in Wantage and for those who can sign up to YouMove will make a difference not just to the children but their parents as well.” 

And for those a little older across both districts our free weekly wellbeing walks continue. They are suitable for all abilities and are a great way for residents to keep active and meet new people. 

Ends 

Notes for editors:

There’s more information about activities co-ordinated by our Active Communities team on our websites southoxon.gov.uk/activecommunities and whitehorsedc.gov.uk/activecommunities