Portsmouth families invited to enjoy action-packed summer of activities at BH Live Active leisure centres

Families looking to keep children active, engaged and entertained during the summer holidays can take advantage of a huge range of activities, camps, courses and attractions at BH Live Active leisure centres across Portsmouth.

BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is offering an expanded programme of junior and family-friendly activities designed to help children of all ages across the city stay active, build confidence, make new friends and try something new over the summer break.

From intensive swimming lessons (crash courses) to inflatable attractions, plus soft play, gymnastics and family fitness sessions, there is something for everyone, whatever the weather. Activities cater for a wide range of ages, from babies and pre-school children through to teenagers aged 17.

Popular multi-sports holiday camps are available again, encouraging children to get active in a fun and social environment with fitness-themed activities. Some spaces are also available for children in receipt of benefits-based free school meals via HAF (Holiday Activities and food programme) funding*.

Supporting families with Summer Savings
Between Thursday 25 June 2026 to Tuesday 1 September 2026 as part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign, BH Live is offering VAT savings on the following activities to ease the financial squeeze throughout the school holidays:

• AquaDash! at Mountbatten Leisure Centre

• MountAirX at Mountbatten Leisure Centre

• Soft play and Play & Bounce sessions at Exploria at Pyramids

• Soft play facilities at Mountbatten Leisure Centre

Families can also benefit from a 5% VAT flat rate on all children's meals at BH Live hospitality outlets, including South Terrace at Pyramids, the Exploria café and other selected venues.

A summer packed with fun
In Portsmouth, Mountbatten Leisure Centre and Pyramids are once again offering a vibrant programme of holiday activities designed to keep children active and entertained throughout the school holidays.

Highlights include swimming crash courses, multi-sports holiday camps, gymnastics workshops, tennis activities and family gym sessions, providing opportunities for young people to build confidence, learn new skills and make friends in a fun and supportive environment.

Adventurous youngsters can tackle AquaDash!, Mountbatten's inflatable aquatic obstacle course, featuring challenging obstacles and splash-filled fun. Visitors can also make the most of their money with extended 90-minute MountAirX sessions, offering giant inflatable fun for the whole family. Meanwhile, Clip 'N Climb at Mountbatten offers exciting climbing experiences for visitors of all abilities, making it an ideal activity whatever the weather.

At Pyramids, children can burn off energy at Exploria, Portsmouth's largest indoor soft play and bounce attraction. Featuring slides, climbing zones, foam pits, interactive games and colourful play areas, Exploria offers hours of family-friendly entertainment during the summer break.

On behalf of BH Live, Bobby Cole, Group Swim & Junior Activities Manager at BH Live, said: "We know how important it is for families to have access to fun, affordable activities during the school holidays, which is why our teams have worked hard to create a diverse summer programme that gives young people opportunities to stay active, build confidence, and create lasting memories with friends and family.

"Whether children want to learn a new skill, take part in a holiday camp, enjoy swimming and sports, or experience one of our popular attractions, there really is something for everyone across our centres this summer.

“We’re also proud to be embracing the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme to offer more affordable junior activities for families to ease the squeeze throughout the school summer holidays.”

On behalf of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport, said: "We're proud to work in partnership with BH Live to deliver high-quality leisure facilities and activities for families across Portsmouth. School holidays can be a challenge for parents, so it's fantastic to see such a wide range of affordable, active and engaging opportunities available for children and young people this summer.

"Whether it's learning to swim, trying gymnastics, tackling an inflatable obstacle course or simply having fun with friends, these activities help children stay active, build confidence and create lasting memories. Having so many options available across the city is a real asset for Portsmouth families and reflects the strength of our partnership with BH Live.”

See full timetables, availability and booking information at bhliveactive.org.uk/find-an-activity/school-holiday-activities.