Get moving this summer: NHSGGC champions activities to keep kids active

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is encouraging families to get active this summer by working with partners to promote events and activities designed to keep children moving, playing, and thriving.

Supporting children to lead healthy, active lives is a priority. Recognising the financial pressures many families face during nursery and school holidays, NHSGGC is keen to support parents and carers to find free or low-cost ways to keep kids physically and mentally engaged.

NHSGGC Head of Health Improvement, Anna Baxendale said:

“Physical activity is vital for children’s mental wellbeing, cognitive development, and physical health. Children who are active from a young age are more likely to maintain healthy habits into adulthood. Active play, especially when it’s fun, social, and self-directed, is the most common and effective form of exercise for children outside of school.

“We understand that during these summer months keeping the active momentum going for children can be challenging, particularly for families who are on a budget or have multiple children.

“Our aim is to support families in finding free or lower cost ways to keep active in the summer months and beyond by sharing with them organised activities in their local area and creative cost-free ideas that they can adopt for active play at home. We are grateful to our partners and local authorities for creating and hosting these events, as well as developing at-home resources.”

Resources for at-home fun

For families looking to stay active at home or in local parks, NHSGGC recommends these trusted resources:

Play Scotland, the national expert in Play

NHSGGC’s Thrive Under Five and HENRY programmes continue to provide families with support, tools and guidance for healthier living. The HENRY programme is delivered in partnership with Early Years Scotland (EYS) and PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid), bringing expert support directly into communities.

This summer, EYS is running Free Step into Summer sessions where they are promoting being physically active and the HENRY program. Sessions will include sensory fun, physical play, arts and crafts, bug treasure hunt and parachute play.

EYS: Step Into Summer Sessions

Monday 28 July – Battery Park, Greenock (10am–12pm)
Wednesday 30 July – Woodhead Park, Kirkintilloch (10am–12pm)
Wednesday 6 August – Rouken Glen Park, Thornliebank (10am–12pm)
Monday 11 August – Barshaw Park, Paisley (10am–12pm)

PEEK is running a Play Day on the 30^{th of} July from 12pm-3pm at the Crownpoint Sports Complex. Activities will include PEEK Mudder, crafts, outdoor games, Go Karting, face painting, early years activities and a silent disco.

PEEK: Play Day

Wednesday 30 July – Crownpoint Sports Complex, Glasgow (12pm–3pm)

For information on how to access NHSGGC programmes including Thrive Under Five and HENRY visit: Child and Young Persons Healthy Weight – NHSGGC

NHSGGC works closely with partners including local authority leisure providers many of whom provide holiday programme activities, discounted court hire, and free play initiatives.

Glasgow:

Families can explore more free opportunities through Glasgow Life’s Summer of Fun and Free Family Play initiatives.

Glasgow Life’s Summer of Fun

Free family swimming sessions
Free pitches
Free courts
ASN Sports camps

Glasgow Life’s Free Family Play

Families are invited to their local sports centre to enjoy free games sessions for all ages. Sessions will take place until Thursday 7 August. Sessions are hosted at clubs listed below and the schedule can be found here: Free Family Play – Glasgow Life