The leisure centre has teamed up with Nottinghamshire County Council and the Department of Education to provide the Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF scheme) available throughout the school holiday, starting on Tuesday 21st October for children between the ages of 5 and 11 years who receive Free School Meals. Sessions run from 10am until 2pm. HAF will be running on the following dates in October: Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd, Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th Your little one's will be, developing their communication and teamwork skills through playing sports and games and falling in love with new hobbies through arts and crafts. Don't forget lunch is included so your little one's will be fuelled up and raring to go.placeholder image
The leisure centre has teamed up with Nottinghamshire County Council and the Department of Education to provide the Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF scheme) available throughout the school holiday, starting on Tuesday 21st October for children between the ages of 5 and 11 years who receive Free School Meals. Sessions run from 10am until 2pm. HAF will be running on the following dates in October: Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd, Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th Your little one's will be, developing their communication and teamwork skills through playing sports and games and falling in love with new hobbies through arts and crafts. Don't forget lunch is included so your little one's will be fuelled up and raring to go.

FREE HALF TERM: 11 activities to entertain your children in and around Mansfield

By Kate Mason
Published 24th Sep 2024, 13:05 BST
Updated 8th Oct 2025, 17:32 BST

Many families will be feeling the pinch so we’ve found some of the best activities and outings to keep children entertained during the October half term holidays without spending a penny.

Here are the best workshops, craft activities and family fun days out in and around Mansfield and Ashfield.

Please check individual websites for details and to book. Parking charges may apply for some of the events.

Enjoy fishing, cycling, dog walking, wildlife watching, model boat sailing, and horse riding. There are three waymarked trails available free of charge from the visitor centre where there is also toilets and Rumbles café.

9. Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone

Enjoy fishing, cycling, dog walking, wildlife watching, model boat sailing, and horse riding. There are three waymarked trails available free of charge from the visitor centre where there is also toilets and Rumbles café. Photo: Rachel Atkins

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Make the most of the great outdoors in Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, covering over 450 acres and incorporating some truly ancient areas of native woodland. In summer 2018 a new visitor centre was opened by the RSPB, presenting information about the history of the forest. Parking at the Visitor Centre is a flat £5 for anything up to a whole day. If you are a member, you can display your membership card on your dashboard to receive free parking.

10. Sherwood Forest

Make the most of the great outdoors in Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, covering over 450 acres and incorporating some truly ancient areas of native woodland. In summer 2018 a new visitor centre was opened by the RSPB, presenting information about the history of the forest. Parking at the Visitor Centre is a flat £5 for anything up to a whole day. If you are a member, you can display your membership card on your dashboard to receive free parking. Photo: Visit Nottinghamshire

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There are plenty of fantastic activities happening across the county as part of the Holiday Activities and Food programme. For a full list of venues and activities and to book your spot visit https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/holiday-activities-and-food/activities-and-venues

11. Nottinghamshire County Council, free activities

There are plenty of fantastic activities happening across the county as part of the Holiday Activities and Food programme. For a full list of venues and activities and to book your spot visit https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/holiday-activities-and-food/activities-and-venues Photo: LDRS

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