The summer holidays might be over – but play never stops.
As children and young people across Warwickshire return to school, the council is encouraging families to keep making time for play, while reflecting on a summer filled with creativity, adventure and memories.
Throughout July and August, Child Friendly Warwickshire’s Summer of Play campaign encouraged children, young people, families and communities to find ways to play and discover how the activity can support happiness, wellbeing, creativity and social connection.
From getting outdoors and exploring Warwickshire to reading, creating, and imagining, the campaign celebrated play in all its forms – showing that there is no single way, or age restriction, to play.
Organisations and community groups from across Warwickshire also got behind the campaign, sharing their pledges to support opportunities for children and young people to play. These included inclusive activities, outdoor adventures, creative sessions and opportunities for families to enjoy time together.
Young people played an important part in the campaign too, sharing their ideas and recommendations for places to play, explore, relax and spend time with friends across Warwickshire. Through the Warwickshire Youth Council and work experience opportunities with the Child Friendly Warwickshire team, young people helped create content and showed the county through their eyes – putting their voices and experiences at the heart of the campaign.
But Summer of Play wasn’t only about making new memories.
Warwickshire County Council colleagues shared their own childhood stories, recalling favourite toys, outdoor adventures, homemade shows, secret clubs and long summer days spent playing with friends and family.
The campaign also reached across generations at Kineton Manor Nurse Home, where residents, relatives and staff shared treasured childhood keepsakes, photographs and memories during a special Reminiscence Day. From traditional games such as hopscotch and marbles to a treasured doll around 94 years old, their stories showed how memories created through play can remain with us throughout our lives.
Together, these experiences reinforced one simple message at the heart of the campaign: play doesn’t stop with childhood.
Warwickshire County Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, Education and SEND, said: “It has been fantastic to see children, young people, families, organisations and communities getting involved in Summer of Play and celebrating everything that play can bring to our lives.
“As children return to school and the summer holidays come to an end, we want families to keep that spirit going. Play doesn’t have to mean a big day out or a planned activity. It can be kicking a ball around after school, visiting the park, reading together, getting creative or spending time with friends.
“The summer may be over, but there are opportunities to play, explore and make memories year round in Warwickshire.”
Although the Summer of Play campaign has drawn to a close, Child Friendly Warwickshire is encouraging families to continue making play part of everyday life.
After-school adventures, weekend walks, trips to the library, games with friends, creative activities at home or simply finding a few minutes to have fun together can all help children and young people relax, connect, learn and enjoy being themselves.
Find more ideas, activities and inspiration on the Child Friendly Warwickshire website.
Because the summer holidays might be over – but play never stops.