Free Holiday Activities - HAF Programme
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Free Holiday Activities - HAF Programme

This Christmas, children and young people aged 5-16 in Barking and Dagenham can enjoy the free Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme. The initiative offers a range of fun, active, and healthy activities, each including a nutritious hot meal. Both free and fee-paying spaces are available, with booking essential to secure a spot.

What to Expect

Free holiday activities with meals for eligible children.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $
  • Accessibility: https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/accessibility
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Barking

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families with school-aged children

Vibe

Community-focused, active, and educational

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (2/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free places for eligible children
  • Paid places available for all
  • Healthy hot meal included

Tags

family friendlychildrens activitiesfree eventcommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesholiday seasonfestive food

Location

Barking and Dagenham
1 Town Square
Barking
IG11 7LU

Event Details

Duration

Varies by activity

Ages

5-16

Neighborhood

Barking

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham

Food & Drink

Healthy hot meal provided

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Book early as spaces are essential and can fill up quickly, especially for the free places.
  • Check back frequently for program announcements, as full details are released closer to the holiday season.
  • Confirm your eligibility for benefit-related free school meals to secure a free spot for your child.
  • Consider utilizing the paid places if you do not qualify for free admission, to ensure your child can participate.
  • Explore the provided annual reports to understand the program's scope and impact in previous years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the free Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme?

Children and young people aged 5 to 16 who live or go to school in Barking and Dagenham and are eligible for benefit-related free school meals are eligible for free places.

Are there options for children who do not qualify for free school meals?

Yes, paid places are available for all other children, ensuring wider access to the program's activities and meals.

What is included in the HAF Programme activities?

Each activity session includes a healthy hot meal, opportunities for physical activity, and chances to make new friends.

When will the full Christmas program details be announced?

Full details of the Christmas programme are expected to be announced soon, so it's advisable to stay tuned for updates.

How can I contact the organizers with queries?

For any queries regarding the HAF Programme, you can contact them via email at hafprogramme@lbbd.gov.uk.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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