Free Play sessions
Summer PLAYHEM with the Play Rangers:
Making PLAYHEM across the community this summer! Join the Play Rangers as we champion every child’s right to play, creating spaces where imagination runs wild, friendships flourish, and people of all ages can reconnect with the joy, freedom and whimsy of play.
Each week brings a new adventure, with themed activities designed to inspire creativity, movement, exploration and connection:
- Move & Multisport (20th - 24th Jul) – Get active and discover the joy of movement through a variety of sports, team games, physical challenges and playful activities. Whether you're a budding athlete or simply love to run, jump and play, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Splash & Play Week (27th - 31st Jul) – Cool off and make a splash with water-themed games, creative experiments and refreshing challenges. Expect plenty of laughter, teamwork and opportunities to explore the wonders of water through play.
- Big Kid Week (3rd - 4th Aug)- Play is for everyone! During Big Kid Week we're encouraging children, teenagers, families and adults to join in together. Enjoy pop-up play zones across Rugby Town Centre during the PLAYHEM Town Takeover and take part in exciting activities at the Houlton Youth Games. It's time to prove that nobody is ever too old to play.
- Woodland Wanderers Week (10th - 14th Aug) - Step into nature and unleash your inner explorer. Build dens, hunt for bugs, discover wildlife, create nature-inspired crafts and enjoy outdoor adventures that help children connect with the natural world.
- Play Pioneers Week (17th - 21st Aug) - As we celebrate the final week of our Summer of PLAYHEM, we're calling all Play Pioneers to lead the way. Take on scavenger hunts, team challenges, group games and creative loose-parts play as we celebrate curiosity, imagination and adventure together.
MONDAYS - Willoughby Playhem
Join us for outdoor games, creative activities and themed PLAYHEM adventures in the heart of Willoughby. A relaxed and welcoming session where families can play together and enjoy the week's theme.
FREE SESSIONS, ALL AGES WELCOME
Children must be accompanied by a responsible guardian
Dates:
- Monday 20th July
- Monday 27th July
- Monday 10th August
- Monday 17th August
Time: 12-2pm
Location: Willoughby Village Hall, Willoughby, Rugby CV23 8BH (Willougby Children’s Park)
TUESDAYS - Woodland Wanderers at Caldecott Park
An exciting outdoor adventure session designed for children aged 7–12 years. Explore natural crafts, learn bushcraft-inspired skills, discover wildlife and enjoy themed activities in the beautiful surroundings of Caldecott Park.
BOOKABLE SESSIONS, £3.00 PER CHILD (7-12yrs)
Drop-off and Collection permitted.
Dates:
- Tuesday 21st July
- Tuesday 28th July
- Tuesday 11th August
- Tuesday 18th August
Time: 2pm – 4:30pm
Location: Caldecott Park, Evreux Way, Rugby CV21 2DT (meeting at Park Rangers Hut in front of Caldecott bowling club)
WEDNESDAYS - Millennium Green Playhem
A full morning of imaginative play, games, crafts and themed activities in a spacious outdoor setting. Perfect for families looking to explore, create and play together.
FREE SESSIONS, ALL AGES WELCOME
Children must be accompanied by a responsible guardian
Dates:
- Wednesday 22nd July
- Wednesday 29th July
- Wednesday 12th August
- Wednesday 19th August
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Millennium Green Play Park, 56 Graham Rd, Rugby CV21 3LD (Field area)
THURSDAYS - Dunchurch hub Craft & Play
Get creative with hands-on crafts, playful making activities and opportunities to explore each week's PLAYHEM theme through art, imagination and shared family fun with accompanying multisport and loose parts play.
FREE SESSIONS, ALL AGES WELCOME
Children must be accompanied by a responsible guardian
Dates:
- Thursday 23rd July
- Thursday 30th July
- Thursday 13th August
- Thursday 20th August
Time: 4pm-5:30pm
Location: Dunchurch Community Hub and Library, School St, Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6PA
FRIDAYS - Multi Park Playhem
Bringing PLAYHEM to parks across Rugby! Expect pop-up play opportunities with themed games, sports, creative activities and community fun in local green spaces.
FREE SESSIONS, ALL AGES WELCOME
Children must be accompanied by a responsible guardian
Location/Date/Time:
Friday 24th July
Addison Park: 10am-12pm Rugby CV22 7RQ
Featherbed Playground: 2pm-4pm Hillmorton, Rugby CV21 4LA (Hillmorton Rec Ground)
Friday 31st July
Centenary Park: 10am-12pm Parkfield Rd, Rugby CV21 1EW
Whinfield Play Area: 2pm-4pm Clifton Rd, Rugby CV21 3QZ (field area by park)
Friday 21st August
Freemantle Play Park: 10am-12pm Freemantle Rd, Rugby CV22 7HY
Whitehall Recreation Ground: 2pm-4pm Rugby CV22 5LL (field space by play area)
Other events:
PLAYHEM Town Takeover
For three days, Rugby Town Centre transforms everyday spaces into places of activity, discovery, creativity and play.
Culminating on National Play Day, the Town Takeover will feature four relaxed pop-up play zones operating across the town centre each day. Families, children, young people and adults are invited to drop in and enjoy a variety of free play experiences between 11am and 3pm.
Rather than a traditional large-scale event filled with inflatables and rides, PLAYHEM Town Takeover takes a different approach. Think of it as "play busking" throughout the town – playful experiences appearing in public spaces for people to discover, explore and enjoy at their own pace. From creative and imaginative play to physical challenges, loose parts, games and moments of curiosity, each play zone offers a different opportunity to connect with play.
The Town Takeover celebrates the idea that play belongs everywhere. By bringing playful experiences into both familiar and unexpected spaces, we're showcasing what town centres, parks and urban environments can feel like when opportunities for play are woven into everyday life. An ordinary trip into town can suddenly become joyful, dynamic and memorable for people of all ages.
FREE Pop-up play zones, ALL AGES WELCOME
Children must be accompanied by a responsible guardian.
Dates:
- Monday 3rd August
- Tuesday 4th August
- Wednesday 5th August (National Play Day)
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Market Place, St Andrews Garden, Percival Garden, Caldecott Park
Houlton Youth Games
A high-energy multisport event packed with exciting activities, challenges and opportunities to try something new. Designed primarily for young people aged 8–14 years, but open to everyone who wants to get involved.
FREE Multisport Event, activities most suitable for 8-14yrs (all ages welcome)
Children must be accompanied by a responsible guardian
Dates:
- Friday 7th August
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Houlton Sports Field Dollman Rd, Clifton upon Dunsmore, Rugby CV23 1AL (behind Tuning Fork)
Benn Partnership Family Fun Day
Celebrate summer with a fantastic afternoon of family activities, games, community fun and opportunities to play together. A great way to bring families and neighbours together in a welcoming outdoor environment.
FREE EVENT, ALL AGES WELCOME
Children must be accompanied by a responsible guardian
Dates:
- Friday 14th August
Time: 12pm-4pm
Location: Millennium Green Play Park, 56 Graham Rd, Rugby CV21 3LD (Field area)
Keep the PLAYHEM Going!
When our Summer of PLAYHEM comes to an end, remember your play journey is only just beginning. Keep your playful spirit growing at home, in your neighbourhood, in your parks and open spaces. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and don't forget to make a little PLAYHEM wherever you go!
Summer Play Sessions
Activities are designed for 6-13 years, but there will be something for all ages to play.
The summer sport 2024 programme give youngsters the chance to try a new sport or develop skills under the guidance of a qualified coach, while the council's Play Rangers bring free outdoor play sessions to the borough's parks throughout the school break.
Contact playdevelopment@rugby.gov.uk to find out more information
