Your Guide to Cost-Free Activities for Kids During the School Holidays
School’s out – and if you’re looking to keep the kids busy without spending a fortune, East Ayrshire is packed with fantastic free activities and events this summer.
Here’s what’s on for families across the area — from football and crafts to community gardening, pop-up sports and more!
Free “Kick About” Football (Age 10+)
Kids aged 10+ can drop into free football sessions on East Ayrshire Leisure astro pitches this summer.
📍 Locations: Barony Sports Village, Doon Valley LC, Loudoun LC, Rose Reilly SC & McIlvanney LC
🗓️ 30 June – 15 August 2025
📞 Contact your local venue for dates and times.
Make Do and Mend at the Dick Institute – Sat 2nd August
Get creative at this free family recycling and sewing event, inspired by Kilmarnock FC’s famous hand-towel suit! Learn sewing skills, upcycle old clothes, and discover local history.
📍 Dick Institute, Kilmarnock
🗓️ Saturday 2nd August, 11am–3pm
✅ Open to all ages — bring old clothes to transform!
Summer Scheme at Netherthird Community Garden
Enjoy afternoons in the community garden with activities, crafts and free lunches for kids.
🗓️ 8 July – 14 August, 1:30–3:30pm
📍 Netherton Community Garden
👨👩👧👦 All ages welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Family Racquet Sports Sessions
Come and try badminton, short tennis, table tennis or pickleball — all free! One family per court, subject to availability.
📍 Barony SV, Doon Valley LC, Grange LC, Loudoun LC, Rose Reilly SC, St Joseph’s LC & McIlvanney LC
🗓️ 30 June – 15 August 2025
📞 Contact your local venue to book.
“Beat The Grownups” Family Learning Workshop
A fun literacy and numeracy session where kids can challenge the adults!
📍 Cumnock Library
🗓️ Tuesday 8 July, 10:30am–12:30pm
👧 Nursery & primary age kids (children must come with an adult)
No booking needed — just drop in!
Athletics “Come and Try” Sessions
Try track running, long jump, hurdles, shot put and more! Staff will give guidance, but children must be supervised by an adult.
🗓️ 1 July – 12 August, 4–5pm
📍 Various local venues
✅ Free and open to all ages.
Find out about more free and low cost events in your area by clicking the link.