Step into summer with these SEND-friendly activities
With the summer holidays just six weeks away, we wanted to help you get prepared and find out what’s available for your children and young people. We’ve put together a list of some of the SEND-friendly activities and events on offer this July and August. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the What’s on page, as new activities are being uploaded regularly.
HiveAbility
The Hive Youth Zone is a state-of-the-art space offering young people across Wirral opportunities and experiences that can’t find anywhere else. It provides a safe place with lots to do, and someone trusted to talk to!
HiveAbility is the Hive Youth Zone’s fully inclusive session where every young person—regardless of ability, background, or identity—is welcomed. These sessions provide tailored support for young people with learning difficulties through accessible activities, trained staff, and a nurturing environment that encourages confidence, independence, and meaningful social connections.
When: there are two Hiveability sessions:
HiveAbility: Sundays 10am to 2pm (8-19 years (up to 25 years with additional needs)
Hiveability 13+: Tuesdays 5pm to 8pm (13-19 years (up to 25 with additional needs)
Where: Bright Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 4EA
Cost: annual membership is £5 and then only 50p for each session attended. You can register online for membership here Membership - The Hive Youth Zone
For more information you call The Hive Youth Zone on 0151 705 8000, or email enquiries@thehiveyouthzone.org.uk.
Equilibrium Spring and Summer Sensory Sessions
There are many activities for SEND families and children to get excited for at Equilibrium North West Family Hub this summer, including:
Garden
Sandpit
Water play
Sensory Trays
There is need to book, just pop along and join the fun!
When: Wednesdays 9:30am to 12pm (July 22 – Aug 6)
Where: Equilibrium North West Family Hub, Livingstone Street Play & Community Centre,130 St Anne St, Birkenhead CH41 3HX
Cost: £2 per child
For more information you can phone 0151 647 6044, or email: equilibriumnwteam@gmail.com
Wheelchair Basketball (ages 13-18)
This awesome session is run in collaboration with IAG Basketball and a qualified coach. All specialist wheelchairs are provided.
It takes pace during Hive Seniors, which is an inclusive session, but not SEND only. Every session at the Hive Youth Zone has at least one member of the team who provides inclusion support. Young adults age 18+ with SEND may be able to join on a case by case basis, safeguarding considered.
The Hive also benefits from a changing place facility so children with high care needs can come and join in.
The onsite cafe provides snacks and drinks at a subsidised price. A hot evening meal is £1
PLEASE NOTE: Hive staff do not provide personal care. Parents and carers of children with personal care needs are welcome to stay throughout any sessions.
When: Fridays 8pm -9pm
Where: The Hive Youth Zone, Bright Street Birkenhead, CH41 4EA
Cost: Children must become members of The Hive (£5 per year) then pay 50p at each session.
For more information you can call The Hive Youth Zone on 0151 705 8000, or email enquiries@thehiveyouthzone.org.uk.
Sundowns Monthly Drop-In Sessions
Relax, chat with other families with Down. Syndrome and enjoy some great coffee. Sundowns stands for Supporting Understanding has been working with families for 25 years to create an inclusive, supportive community, celebrating and championing brighter futures for individuals with Down Syndrome.
When: August 26 9:30am – 11:30am
Where: Quirky Café, Market street, Hoylake
Who is it for: parents of children with Down’s Syndrome
Cost: Free
For more details, phone: 0151 647 8888, or email sundowns12@gmail.com.
SEN Soft Play and Tag Active Sessions
Bidston Sports and Activity Centre have dedicated SEN sessions for their Active Zone? These sessions are perfect for children who need a quieter and safe place to play.
The Tag Active game is designed for ages 8 and over. It gives children the opportunity to have a fun-packed session filled with climbing, balancing and running. This game is the only one of its kind in Wirral. Children are able to try new skills and get active, all whilst aiming to get to the top of the leaderboard!
Looking to get your younger children active? The Soft Play area includes a spacious and safe three floors of fun for children aged 0-7 years.
The Tag Active game and Soft Play area are open throughout both term time and the school holidays. With half-term fast approaching, why not book in for a session of SEN-friendly fun?
The dedicated SEN sessions run on Wednesday afternoons between 4-6pm. They take place in term time and during the school holidays. There is a limited number of places available for both the Tag Active and Soft Play, so booking is recommended.
Parents and carers must stay in the Active Zone whilst children in the Soft Play area. But, you can sit and watch whilst enjoying the varied menu at the Active Zone café.
When: Wednesday 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Bidston Sports and Activity Centre,
Valley Road
Bidston
Wirral
CH41 7EJ
Cost: £10.00 per child for two hours including three games of electronic Tag
To find out more and to book your session, head to: Active Zone at Bidston. You can also book by calling 0151 606 2010 or in person at Bidston before the session.
The Positivitree Stay and Play Sessions
The Stay and Play sessions aim to provide a safe space for parents/carers to access peer support in a welcoming place, where the children can come along and play. The sessions are for children with SEND aged 0 to 25. Siblings are welcome.
When and where:
Brassy Gardens Family Hub, 2 Brassey St, Birkenhead CH41 8DA - every Wednesday from 30 July to 27 August from 10am to 12pm
Seacombe Family Hub, St Paul's Rd, Wallasey, CH44 7AN - every Thursday from 31 July to 28 August from 10am to 12pm
Cost: Free
Active Allsports
We’re happy to let you know that Active Allsports will be returning this summer! The team at Active Wirral are currently working on a programme of activities. We will share the schedule with you as soon as it is available.