Sandwell families can access 25 free events this half-term
Finding ways to keep children entertained during the school break often comes with a significant price tag, but a new borough-wide initiative is removing that barrier for households across the West Midlands. Sandwell Council has launched its Festival of Free Play, a week-long program running from 25 to 31 May that transforms local parks and libraries into hubs of activity.
The festival is a collaborative effort between the GoPlay team and local library services. It is built on the principle that every child has a fundamental right to play and feel welcome in their own neighborhood. By removing entry fees, the program ensures that high-quality creative workshops and physical activities are accessible to all residents, regardless of their financial situation.
Free activities for children from Oldbury to West Bromwich
The festival’s geographical reach is extensive, ensuring that families do not have to travel far to participate. Events are scheduled across the six towns that make up the borough, providing a mix of high-energy outdoor sessions and quieter, indoor creative workshops.
Residents in the following areas will find activities within walking distance:
* Oldbury and Smethwick: Focused on park-based GoPlay sessions and library storytelling.
* Tipton and Wednesbury: Featuring nature-based activities and family fun days.
* West Bromwich and Rowley Regis: Hosting larger-scale performances and specialized workshops.
While Sandwell focuses on these local play initiatives, other regions are also hosting major outdoor events, such as the community celebrations in Ealing which recently demonstrated the high demand for accessible public park programming.
Workshops, circus skills, and K-Pop performances
The variety of the 2026 program caters to a wide age range, from toddlers to teenagers. For the youngest visitors, under-fives can participate in tailored yoga sessions and storytelling that encourages early literacy and physical coordination. Older children and teens have access to more specialized creative outlets, including T-shirt printing and circus skills training.
One of the most anticipated events this year is the K-Pop Demon Hunters concert, reflecting the growing cultural interest in global music trends among local youth. This sits alongside traditional family fun days that combine multiple activities into a single afternoon of community interaction.
| Activity Type | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| GoPlay Sessions | Supervised outdoor play in local parks focusing on physical movement and social skills. |
| Creative Workshops | Hands-on sessions including T-shirt printing and arts and crafts in library spaces. |
| Performances | Live theatre, circus skill demonstrations, and the K-Pop Demon Hunters concert. |
| Nature & Wellness | Storytelling and yoga for under-fives, plus nature-based exploration in green spaces. |
Planning your visit to Sandwell parks and libraries
All events within the Festival of Free Play are completely free of charge, but some indoor workshops may have capacity limits. Parents are encouraged to check specific start times for their nearest location to ensure they don’t miss out on the scheduled performances or guided sessions.
Beyond the festival week, the GoPlay service continues to operate as a vital resource for the West Midlands, championing the idea that play is essential for child development and mental well-being. The festival serves as a showcase for these year-round services, encouraging families to utilize their local libraries and parks more frequently.
For those looking for even more options, the Visit Sandwell platform provides a secondary directory of both free and paid-for attractions across the borough. However, the core Festival of Free Play remains the primary focus for families seeking no-cost engagement during the May break. Detailed schedules, including specific park names and library branches for every session, are hosted on the official Sandwell Council portal.
Source: Sandwell Council
