Holiday and Fun Activities
Summer Adventure Quest: Learn, Create, Play is in full swing, and what a summer it has already been!
For anyone new to HAF, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free holiday activities for children and young people aged 4–16, with funded places helping eligible families across Rochdale access enriching experiences during the school holidays.
Over the past four weeks, we’ve seen creativity, confidence, friendship, laughter, and a few unexpected changes of plan. Here’s a look at the story so far.
Week 1: From First-Day Nerves to Creative Fun
Every adventure has to start somewhere.
Week 1 began with Registration Day, bringing a few first-day nerves as children got settled, met new faces and found their feet.
Those nerves quickly gave way to creativity on Painting Day, with colourful ideas coming to life. The week ended with a visit to Rochdale Town Hall, giving everyone the chance to explore, learn and enjoy something a little different.
Week 2: Creativity Meets Adventure
Week 2 got everyone working with their hands, from clay moulding to print making.
Then we headed outdoors for a lakeside adventure at Hollingworth Lake. There was plenty of space to explore, play and enjoy the summer together — a perfect reminder that learning doesn’t always happen inside a classroom.
Week 3: Rain Didn’t Stop the Fun
The weather had other plans in Week 3, with some trips unfortunately rained out. But the fun didn’t stop.
We swapped outdoor adventures for a Spelling Bee and Movie Day, alongside games and plenty of team spirit. The week ended with a trip to Tenpin Rochdale, where the competition, and laughter, was in full swing.
And just when we thought the week couldn’t get better, there was a surprise Karaoke lunch. Because why not?
Week 4: Creativity, Smoothies and Talent
Week 4 brought another mix of creativity and fun.
Children explored fabric collage, got hands-on with smoothie making, and then took to the spotlight for the Old School Day Talent Hunt Show.
The creativity continued in the kitchen, where children got hands-on with fresh ingredients and made their own fruit juice.
Then came the Old School Day Talent Hunt Show. It was a brilliant opportunity for children to express themselves, build confidence and celebrate their talents, and they certainly did not disappoint.
More Than Activities: We’re Telling the Story Too
We’ve also been having fun sharing the HAF experience online.
From our “Kinda Chic” trend to the “HAF 2026: So Far” video, we’ve been finding creative ways to capture the moments, personalities and memories that make Summer Adventure Quest special.
Because HAF isn’t just about what we do. It’s about the experiences children take away with them.
What’s Next?
We’re heading into the Grand Finale of Summer Adventure Quest, and there’s still plenty to look forward to.
Cultural Day. Games Day. The closing party. And a trip to Chester Zoo.
We’ll save the full story for when it happens, but let’s just say, we’re ending HAF 2026 in style!
Thank You for Being Part of HAF 2026
A huge thank you to all the children, families, staff and volunteers who have made the past four weeks so memorable.
Your energy, enthusiasm and support are what make programmes like this possible.
And with one more week to go, the adventure isn’t over yet.
Summer Adventure Quest: Learn, Create, Play… let’s finish strong!
Follow Caring and Sharing Rochdale on our social media channels for more HAF 2026 updates, photos and highlights.
