Children's services
Free summer adventure scheme returns to Walsall for 2026
Published on
A free fun Walsall scheme designed to support children’s development and their transition to early years or school will make a welcome comeback this summer holiday.
Walsall Council is pleased to relaunch the popular Summer ‘Ready to Learn’ Passport after its successful introduction in 2025. In its first year, more than 500 local families took part in the six‑week programme of free, fun activities aimed at children aged between two and five.
The passport is designed to enrich children’s experiences, boost early development, support families throughout the summer holidays, and help prepare young children for starting primary school.
The scheme is being delivered by the council’s Best Start in Life Family Hubs, and families will be able to collect their passports from libraries and family hubs from Monday 13 July 2026.
Families can expect a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions to support their child’s learning, including story and rhyme times, sensory sessions, Tiny Rangers, and Mini Kickers events hosted by Walsall FC Foundation.
Each activity encourages children to explore key areas of learning, including: developing independence, building social skills, communicating confidently, and fostering a lifelong love of reading, writing, and numbers.
“ We are delighted to see the return of the much loved summer passport here in Walsall. This means another summer where families can get involved in a wide variety of events and activities that are not only fun and enjoyable but help develop vital skills for our youngest children, giving them the best possible start in life.
This scheme is open to all our families; there is no eligibility criteria whatsoever. So, make the most of the summer holidays, pick up your passport and get stuck into six weeks of fun and learning! “
Each passport includes a free-swimming pass and a ‘Ready to Learn’ pack filled with information and resources, a Best Start in Life Family Hubs Hippo toy, a toothbrush and tooth paste to support oral help, and learning activities. Families are also encouraged to collect stamps in their passports along the way for the chance to enter a prize draw.
For more information about the summer passport and how to get involved, please visit the Walsall Best Start in Life Family Hubs website: https://family-hubs.walsall.gov.uk/summer-ready-learn-adventure-passport
Family Hubs also provide a wide range of activities and support for families beyond the 2–5 age group, including for those who are expecting or have children aged 0–2, with sessions such as baby sensory, weekly stay‑and‑plays, baby massage. All information and what’s on can be found on the Family Hub website.
