Haringey parents can access a wide range of free sports, swimming sessions, and creative workshops for children during the upcoming May half-term. The local program, designed to keep young residents active without financial barriers, features award-winning tennis coaching, multi-sports camps, and themed museum events running from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2026.
Award-winning tennis sessions at local parks
The ‘Tennis for All’ initiative returns this year, delivered by the council’s leisure partner, Access to Sports. The program arrives on the heels of Finsbury Park being named the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) ‘Park Venue of the Year’ for the second time. Calum Manby, manager of Access to Sports, noted that the accolade reflects a long-term commitment to making the sport inclusive for all residents.
Free tennis coaching is available for children aged 5 to 11 at three primary locations. Parents must book places in advance through Access to Sports to ensure equipment and coaching ratios are maintained.
| Venue | Age Group | Dates | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapmans Green | 5–11 years | May 26–28 | 1pm–3pm |
| Chestnuts Park | 5–11 years | May 26–28 | 10am–12pm |
| Priory Park | 5–11 years | May 27–28 | 1pm–3pm |
Multi-sports camps and youth programs at Finsbury Park
Beyond the tennis courts, the athletics track at Finsbury Park will serve as a hub for broader physical activity. An Access to Sports Multi-Sports Camp is scheduled for children aged 8 to 12, running from 10am to 3pm between May 26 and May 28. For teenagers aged 12 to 16, a dedicated Sports Academy and Multi-Sports Programme will run during similar hours, offering higher-intensity training and skill development.
The borough-wide May Half-Term Holiday Fun Booklet also lists sessions for basketball, football, gymnastics, netball, and rollerskating. To assist families of children with additional needs, activities are color-coded (Blue, Green, or Yellow) to indicate the level of support and accessibility provided by the organizers. While Haringey offers these specialized local options, families interested in other London-based community celebrations may also find interest in historic park events occurring across the capital this month.
Swimming for a pound and Wonderland parties at Bruce Castle
The ‘Kids for a Quid’ promotion continues through the holiday week, allowing residents under the age of 16 to swim for £1 at Park Road Leisure Centre and Tottenham Green Leisure Centre. This offer excludes the Park Road Lido. Children under eight years old must be accompanied by an adult in the water.
For those seeking creative outlets, Bruce Castle Museum is hosting a ‘Masquerade Masks and Tiny Teacups: A Wonderland Party’ on Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28. Targeted at children aged 3 to 12, the event includes mask-making workshops, a pop-up tea room, and a museum-wide trail. Activities run from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and are free to attend.
In Northumberland Park, Project 2020—located at Kenneth Robbins House—will host a variety of sessions for those aged 10 to 19. From Wednesday to Friday, young people can participate in cooking clubs, calisthenics, and a specialized music and media program titled ‘Create 20×20’. A themed ‘Squid Game’ event is also scheduled for the final three days of the half-term break.
Booking and registration requirements
While many events allow for drop-in attendance, the high-demand sports camps and tennis sessions require pre-registration. Residents are encouraged to check the Haringey ‘What’s On?’ calendar, which allows users to filter activities by category, price, and venue. New events are frequently added to the digital schedule as the half-term approaches. For specific inquiries regarding the sports programs, parents can contact Access to Sports directly via email to secure their child’s spot.
Source: Haringey Council
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