How to keep your family active and engaged during the Summer

As the summer season arrives, many of us eagerly anticipate the long days and warm weather, but finding activities to keep the family entertained can be a challenge, especially for busy professionals balancing work and childcare. With six weeks of school holidays looming, it's essential to plan ahead for a summer filled with fun and healthy activities. Fortunately, Southwark offers a wealth of options to help you and your family stay active and engaged throughout the season.

1. Embrace family-friendly activities:

• Dive into family swims: Swimming isn't just a refreshing way to beat the heat; it's also a fantastic opportunity for family bonding. Enjoy free swim sessions at Southwark leisure centres on select days, where you can splash around, play games, and create lasting memories together. If you’re a Southwark resident you can swim at Southwark leisure centres for free on Fridays, 2:30 – 5pm on Saturdays and 2pm – 9pm on Sundays. Visit www.southwarkleisure.co.uk/ membership-offers

• Serve up some fun with racket sports: Whether it's badminton or tennis, racket sports are a fantastic way to promote agility, fitness, and flexibility for the whole family. Book a court at The Castle Leisure Centre or explore the numerous tennis facilities across Southwark

• Explore water adventures: For those seeking adventure, consider paddleboarding, kayaking, or windsurfing at Surrey Docks Fitness and

Watersports Centre. With equipment available for hire and sessions suitable for all experience levels, it's a thrilling way to experience the water together. Sessions are on Wednesdays 5pm –8pm, weekends 10am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm –4pm. Minimum age is 8 years old.

2. Get moving with Move Games: Free kids activities

• Encourage your kids to stay active with Move Games, offering a variety of free activities across Southwark leisure centres. From swimming and badminton to watersports, football and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Pick up a Move Games card at a Southwark leisure centre and collect stamps and stickers as you participate, aiming to complete the card and become a Move Games champion.

Move Games activities:

• Swimming, badminton, tennis, watersports, BMX, basketball, Born to Move ™ activity sessions, fun and games, football and more!

Join in the Moves Games at southwarkleisure.co.uk/summermoves

3. Groove to exercise classes:

• FREE online classes at home or visit a group exercise class at your local leisure centre! Born to Move – for kids

Get kids moving at home with fun Born to Move exercise classes. Alternatively, if they want company of other children then classes at your local Southwark leisure centre are sociable and lots of fun.

Les Mills online classes – for adults

Get access to over 2000 workouts with all the favourite group exercise classes from Body Pump to Grit, Body Combat, Sh’bam, Core and more.

How to access classes:

Download the Southwark Leisure app for free online classes and tap ‘free online classes’ on the home screen. Search Born to Move classes for kids or adults can select from a huge choice of classes – all free this summer!

4. Adult Track and Fitness:

• Take your fitness routine outdoors with a run on the Olympic-grade athletics track at Southwark Park Sports and Athletics Centre. Whether you're training for a race or simply enjoying a leisurely jog, the track provides a safe and accessible environment for all fitness enthusiasts.

• Don't forget to prioritise your own fitness goals with gym memberships starting from £26.99 at local Southwark leisure centres, offering unlimited access to gym facilities, pools, and classes.

5. Discover a Summer of Fun:

• Explore all the summer activities Southwark has to offer at southwarkleisure.co.uk/ summermoves and make the most of the season with your family.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy yourselves! With a variety of activities available, fun and fitness can go hand in hand for a memorable summer season.