A variety of free formal and informal activity sessions will be on offer, both outdoors around Cambridge and online. All the activities will be managed with participants’ safety as top priority, and will be carried out in line with the latest government Covid-19 guidelines.
Among the activities to look out for are:
- Ping in the Park – Pre-bookable facilitated table tennis sessions on the outdoor tables at Nuns Way Pavilion (Wednesdays 1pm-4pm) and Trumpington Pavilion (Mondays 1pm-4pm). Cost: Free. Book at https://bookwhen.com/camsport
- Outdoor Fit Kit sessions - Fitness instructors will also be on hand on various dates to show young people aged 14-19 how to use the outdoor Fit Kit fitness equipment at both Coldham’s Common and Trumpington King George V playing field. Some of the sessions are for girls only, others are for mixed groups. Cost: Free for a 45 minute session. Book at https://bookwhen.com/camsport
- Virtual Table Tennis Club – Four coached weekly sessions for children aged 12 and over which can be done at home. No previous experience necessary, and participants will be sent a free bat and ball pack. Cost: Free. Book at https://bookwhen.com/camsport
- Online yoga – Free 30-minute sessions across the holidays, created by a local instructor especially for teenagers. Find out more at www.cambridge.gov.uk/sport
- Family Orienteering - a series of free, smartphone mobile adventure trails around green spaces in the city. There are six adventures to complete, taking between 45-90 minutes. Visit ‘hotspots’ en route, take part in family friendly challenges, most of which are suited to children aged 7-12 years – and win rosettes and prizes. For more information visit https://mailchi.mp/cambridge/mobile-adventures-summer-2020 or www.cambridge.gov.uk/mobile-adventures-activity-trails
In addition, for older children there are regular football, circuits, bootcamp and footgolf sessions taking place in small socially distanced groups in parks and open spaces throughout the holidays. For full listings visit https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/summer-sport-and-fitness-activities
You may also see new line markings popping up in parks and open spaces including King George Playing Field, Coldham’s Common, Thorpe Way, St Alban’s Recreation ground and Parker’s Piece, perfect for socially distanced games of tennis or badminton. Running tracks will also be marked out on Parker's Piece and a Coldham’s Common.
The council’s Active Lifestyle Team will also be setting families a fun virtual ‘Activity Master’ challenge each week of the summer holidays, which could involve dancing, throwing, racing, searching, building, jumping or crawling. Challenges will be announced on Fridays at 10am on the Let’s Get Moving Cambridge Facebook page www.facebook.com/getmovingcam
Cllr Anna Smith, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “Summer is a great time of year for people of all ages to get involved with some enjoyable, healthy activities, especially as we come out of the difficult lockdown period.
“We’re committed to giving everyone in the city the opportunity to take part in activities and exercises, as being active is one of the keys to improving our physical and mental wellbeing. These fantastic family activities across the summer are a great opportunity to try something new in a ‘safety first’ environment.”
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay