MEActive Summer Scheme 2026 - Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne

Every summer, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council runs its MEActive Summer Scheme to keep children busy, active and out of the house during the long school holidays. The five-day camps at leisure centres in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne are free to attend and open to children aged 6 to 12 - which makes them one of the most practical options for local families looking for structured, professionally run activity during July and August. Sessions run Monday to Friday, with morning and afternoon slots available so parents can pick the time that suits the family timetable.

What to expect

The camps are led by qualified MEActive coaches and are designed to keep the pace high and the activities varied. Sports, games and multi-activity sessions fill the day, running from 10am to 3pm. Children take part in both indoor and outdoor activities, so appropriate clothing and footwear matter - sunscreen applied before arrival is a good idea for outdoor days. Places are limited and go on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is strongly advised. Booking is done online through the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council website at midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Alongside the five-day schemes, MEActive also runs Summer Roadshows twice a week in each of the three towns from 29 July to 13 August - a lighter-touch option for children who cannot commit to a full week. Adapted two-day camps for children aged 6 to 18 with additional or special needs are also part of the programme.

Getting there

The Ballymena venue is Seven Towers Leisure Centre on Trostan Avenue, BT43 7BL. Ballymena is the main town of Mid and East Antrim and sits on the A26 road, roughly 28 miles north of Belfast. By car from Belfast, it is around 35 minutes via the M2 and A26. Translink Ulsterbus runs regular services between Belfast Europa Bus Centre and Ballymena town centre. The town has ample parking near the leisure centre. If travelling from further afield, Ballymena also has a rail station on the Belfast to Derry/Londonderry line, with services roughly every hour.

While you’re in Ballymena

Ballymena is a handy base for the Antrim Glens and the north Antrim coast, with the Causeway Coast an easy drive away. There is more to see in Ballymena and across Co. Antrim.

Good to know

• Dates: 26 July to 11 August 2026 (Monday to Friday)
• Session times: 10am to 3pm; morning and afternoon slots available
• Price: Free; booking is essential - places are limited and fill quickly
• Book online at midandeastantrim.gov.uk/resident/sport-and-leisure/meactive-summer
• Suitable for children aged 6 to 12 (adapted sessions available for ages 6 to 18 with additional needs)
• Wear appropriate sports clothing and footwear; apply sunscreen before outdoor sessions