Glenrothes Gazette and East Fife Mail Column – Published 12 July 2023
For children the first weeks of the summer holidays are an exciting time, escaping the classroom with freedom stretching out for weeks ahead.
For parents and carers, however, it can be tricky to find fun, affordable activities to fill the time before the kids go back to school.
For those looking for inspiration, the Go Fife website is an excellent starting place (go.fife.scot). The website, created by partners of Fife Council including Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, Fife Golf Trust, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, On Fife and Welcome to Fife, outlines a range of activities and experiences suitable for all ages and interests throughout Fife this Summer. As well as sports and activities for kids, the website also has plenty of suggestions for those looking for educational visits or creative pursuits.
With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on families, it is important that young people have access to fun and affordable activities over summer. Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Splash Out for Nowt programme extends free swimming sessions, usually available for under-fives, to all under-17s. Splash Out for Nowt will run every morning from 9.00am to 1.00pm, with afternoon “Quid a Kid” Swimming from 1.00pm – 5.00pm. Fife Leisure is also offering “Quid a Kid” football and racquet sports from 9:00 – 17:00, with the opportunity for grown-ups to join their child for £2.
These activities are currently available Monday to Friday every week until the schools go back on 16 August. A full programme of activities and information on how to book is available on Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s website.
For those looking for something a bit different, the fourth annual Largo Arts Week also kicks off across Lundin Links and the Largos next week. A total of 60 artists will be exhibiting in 37 homes and studios, which will be open to the public from 10:00 – 17:00 on 15– 23 July.
Largo Arts Week embraces all forms of art, and this is reflected in the wide range of events on offer. From family-friendly workshops and quiz nights to live music and a Saturday night comedy show, there really is something for everyone. A list of free and affordable events can be found on the Largo Arts Week website, along with guidance about which are suitable for families (www.largoartsweek.com).
It’s great to see such a wide range of fun and affordable activities on offer across the constituency. I know how hard volunteers and organisations work each year to provide these opportunities, and I would encourage people who live in our area to take full advantage of the events and programmes on offer locally this Summer.
