Lisburn and Castlereagh Summer in the City Scheme 2026

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council runs its Summer in the City scheme every July and August, filling the school holidays with structured, affordable activity for children aged 5 to 12. Run by qualified coaches and leisure staff across multiple sites in the borough, it is one of the most established summer programmes in Northern Ireland - a practical solution for working parents and a genuinely fun eight weeks for kids who want to stay active rather than stare at a screen.

What to expect

The programme runs across several council leisure facilities including Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lough Moss Leisure Centre, Glenmore Activity Centre, Grove Activity Centre and Dundonald International Ice Bowl. Day to day, children rotate through team sports, games, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, and pool sessions. Alongside the core daily programme, specialist sports camps cover a wide range: Kids Multi Sports, Junior Golf Coaching, GAA Football, Just 4 Keepers Goalkeeping Academy, swimming, racquet sports, pickleball, and even ice skating at Dundonald. A Summer Carnival strand adds circus skills, dance and drama workshops for children who lean towards the arts.

The council makes a point of inclusivity - there is a Disability Kids Club and Inclusive Cycles access at Lough Moss, so children of all abilities can take part. Spaces are limited and fill quickly; enrolment for 2026 opened at noon on 3 June, so booking as early as possible is advisable.

Getting there

Lisburn city centre sits about 10 miles south-west of Belfast, off the M1 motorway. By train, Lisburn station has regular services from Belfast Great Victoria Street (around 15 minutes). The LeisurePlex and other main venues are reachable by local Translink bus from Lisburn city centre. If you are driving, parking is available at the leisure facilities. Because venues are spread across the broader Lisburn and Castlereagh area - from Lisburn city to Dundonald - it is worth checking the council website for the site nearest to you before setting out.

While you’re in Antrim

Lisburn and the surrounding Castlereagh area sit at the southern end of Greater Belfast, with easy access to the Lagan Valley Regional Park for riverside walks and cycling after a day at the scheme. There is more to see in Antrim and across Co. Antrim.

Good to know

• Runs throughout July and August 2026; enrolment opened 3 June 2026 at noon
• Children aged 5 to 12; specialist sports camps may extend to a wider age range
• Prices from GBP 5; concession rates available
• Full programme, prices and online booking at lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/summer-in-the-city
• Disability Kids Club and inclusive sessions available