24-07-2025
Leisure centres in York step in to keep kids busy this summer for under a tenner
LEISURE centres in York are offering a range of activities that don't cost the earth to keep children entertained this summer.
Better, the charitable social enterprise GLL which runs four leisure centres across the city, has created a timetable of activities of active sports and fun games.
Many of the Better leisure centres are offering a range of swimming sessions this summer including a four-week Summer Swimming Skills Clinic for youngsters between 8-16 years who can swim 25m unaided (£8.70 per session).
This includes a 45-minute session over four weeks at Yearsley Swimming Pool on July 26 until 16 August from 1pm to 1.45pm. These short courses are ideal for those who want to learn more than just swimming strokes.
Meanwhile, Aqua Splash is on at Yearsley Swimming Pool each Wednesday between 1.20 and 3.10pm and Friday from 3pm to 3.50pm (£7.00 per person) with inflatable obstacle course and fun floats. A dedicated SEN session will run each Friday between 2pm to 2.50pm.
The 'Swim for all' sessions are available at York Leisure Centre, Yearsley Swimming Pool and Energise Leisure Centre throughout the holidays at varying times, where families can have fun, build confidence and practice strokes in a relaxed environment (£4.75 for children aged three-years plus, £6.50 for accompanying adults).
There are also family fun swims with floats and toys each Saturday and Sunday afternoons at York Leisure Centre and Saturday afternoons at Energise Leisure Centre (£4.75 for children aged three-years plus, £6.50 for accompanying adults)
Children up to the age of 15 can also swim for £1 at Better Leisure Centres in York in holidays and at weekends throughout the year before 10am.
There are also various sessions to help prevent children from feeling restless as well staying fit and healthy, including racquet sports - badminton, pickleball and table tennis are available to book at York Leisure Centre and Burnholme Sports Centre from £5.95. Outdoor tennis courts are also available at Energise Leisure Centre (£8.95 for one hour).
Toddler's World soft play sessions help little ones burn off energy and socialise with friends. At Burnholme Sports Centre, the equipment includes soft play, bouncy castle, building blocks and a variety of other elements that will assist with the development of balance, coordination and social skills.
Morning sessions are every Tuesday for under 5s and cost from as little as £3.50 per session. York Leisure Centre also offers Toddlers World and Jungle Run for up to 8 years old, at various times throughout the week.
There is also Roller Skating at Energise Leisure Centre for children of five years upwards every Sunday between 4pm and 5pm with additional sessions throughout the summer for just £4.80 for non-members.
Dedicated junior gym sessions run throughout the year at varying times at Burnholme Sports Centre, Energise Leisure Centre and York Leisure Centre. The sessions, which allow youngsters to get fit, are aimed at 11 to 17-year-olds. Sessions are £5.80 per session and monthly memberships are available.
For details, visit your Better leisure centre or visit to find out what's happening in your area and book online. Prices range by activity and leisure centre.
