What are the main trends that will shape the children’s activity industry in 2026?

If you want to plan for success and growth in the year, you’ll need a clear understanding of the trends that will shape the children’s activity industry in 2026. You might be thinking about how the government’s wraparound childcare plans will affect after-school clubs, how parents will budget for activities next year, or what rising expectations around digital bookings and safeguarding will mean for your kids’ club.

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This guide gives you a realistic picture of what is likely to change in 2026 and why it matters for your club. Every insight is grounded in trusted data and real shifts across the sector, so you can plan your timetable, pricing and staffing with confidence.

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By the end, you will know what to expect and which practical steps will help you move into the year organised, prepared and ready to grow.

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What will the 2026 wraparound childcare plans mean for your kids’ club?

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The UK government wants “all parents and carers of primary school-aged children [to have] access [to] term time childcare in their local area from 8am-6pm, so [they] can access employment.”* This is set to shape how clubs operate, how schools look for support and what parents expect from the services they book.

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Here is why it matters for your club.

• Schools will look for activity providers that feel reliable, organised and confident with compliance, because wraparound hours bring higher expectations for safety and structure.

• Parents will expect after school options that feel clear, consistent and easy to book, with accurate registers and up to date medical information.

• Local authorities will need more trusted partners who can help them meet demand, which creates more opportunities for clubs that already have strong processes in place.

• Clubs with simple digital tools for bookings, payments and registers will find it easier to work with schools, because everything is recorded properly.

If wraparound childcare becomes part of your timetable, this is a good moment to review how your team covers early and late hours, check that your safeguarding processes feel solid and make sure your systems support accurate attendance. This will help you approach schools with confidence when new opportunities appear.

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You can also lean on booking and management software platforms built for kids’ clubs running wraparound care. ClassForKids includes tools designed for before and after-school clubs, with easy bookings, fast register updates, secure payments and parent communication. If you want to see how these tools support busy wraparound hours, [.blue__text]you can explore them here[.blue__text].

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Are parents planning to spend more or less on activities in 2026?

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Parents are still investing in their children’s activities, but the Coram Childcare Survey 2025 shows that families now make choices with more care.** They want clubs that feel safe, friendly and well organised, especially when weekly costs feel tighter.

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Here are the shifts that will influence how parents book next year.

• Parents pay close attention to their child’s happiness. Coram highlights how strongly families prioritise enjoyment and confidence when choosing care. Parents often decide based on what they see in your photos, coach profiles and class descriptions. If your online presence feels inviting, you give parents an easier yes.

• Clear communication builds trust. Coram reports that 92% of parents value hearing about their child’s day. The same principle applies to clubs. Simple updates, reminders and clear instructions help parents feel supported, especially during busy term time.

• Some families are reducing the number of weekly activities, so they hold on to the ones that feel the most reliable. A smooth booking journey and a timetable that feels predictable do a lot of the heavy lifting here.

• Parents look for activities that help children become more sociable and confident. Coram’s focus groups show that many choose sessions because they see a positive change in their child’s behaviour or friendships. If your sessions already nurture confidence or teamwork, make that visible in your descriptions and welcome emails.

If you want to stay ahead in 2026, you can review how clearly your club shows its value, check that your communication feels warm and reliable and make sure parents can book without confusion. These steps help families choose your club even when they are being more selective.

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And if you need a parent communication platform designed for kids’ clubs like yours, [.blue__text]check out all the communication features in our software[.blue__text].

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Will holiday camps stay in high demand in 2026?

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Holiday camp demand is set to remain strong in 2026 because many families face limited availability and rising costs during school breaks.*** Surveys and news reports show that holiday childcare often costs more than term-time after-school care, and families with children who have additional needs or whose parents work atypical hours face the tightest squeeze.****

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Here are what the trends mean for your kids’ club.

• Many parents look for places early in the school year because holiday camp provision is scarce. When you open your timetable and share clear themes and activities early on, you capture bookings while families are still planning.

• Increased costs push parents to choose camps they trust. Holiday childcare has gone up by around 4% in the past year, with the average weekly cost sitting at about £179.**** When parents feel stretched, they stick with camps that feel trustworthy, friendly and professional.

• Children with SEND are especially affected by shortages. The data shows that only about 9% of local councils report having enough places for 75% of children with additional needs. This means camps that show inclusive practice and clear communication have a real advantage.

• Working parents who need full-day holiday cover value reliability more than ever. If your camp shows clear hours, staff ratios, daily structure and easy booking, that becomes a selling point for busy families.

If you want to prepare for 2026, you can publish your holiday camp dates, session times and themes early, make headings like “full-day cover” and “experienced coaches” visible, and review how you support children with additional needs or families working shift patterns. [.blue__text]For more holiday camp promotion ideas for your kids’ club, check out our blog here[.blue__text].

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How will digital expectations change in 2026?

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Parents already expect simple online bookings, secure payments and quick updates, and these expectations will only grow in 2026. Clubs that feel smooth, organised and professional online tend to keep more repeat customers, because parents compare every booking experience across their whole week, not just within the kids’ activity world.

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Here are the shifts that will shape what families look for next year.

• Parents expect to book and pay in one place. Many no longer have patience for forms, transfers or multiple messaging platforms. When your timetable, payment options and communication are managed in one platform, you make life easier for parents and free up time for yourself.

• Communication needs to feel fast and clear. Parents want reminders, updates and changes sent on time, especially during busy school terms. Clubs that communicate consistently see fewer no-shows and fewer confused messages.

• Subscriptions continue to grow in importance. Families appreciate smaller monthly payments rather than large term fees, and clubs gain steadier cash flow. Parents already use subscriptions everywhere else in their lives, so they expect the same level of flexibility from activities.

• Schools and local authorities expect digital accuracy. As wraparound childcare expands, more partnerships rely on clean registers, clear audit trails and up to date safeguarding information. Clubs with reliable digital records find these relationships easier to manage.

• Parents trust clubs that feel secure and professional. Platforms that are GDPR-compliant and ISO-certified give parents the reassurance they need when booking for the first time.

If you want to explore tools that support these expectations, you can take a self-guided tour of the ClassForKids booking and management software. You can walk through the key features in your own time and see how everything fits together without needing to book a demo.

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What staffing and venue pressures should you expect in 2026?

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Staffing and venue access will continue to challenge clubs in 2026, especially as demand grows for wraparound care, weekend classes and holiday camps. Many clubs already feel the pressure of rising costs, limited availability and competition for good coaches. The year ahead is likely to intensify this, which makes early planning essential.

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Here are the shifts to prepare for.

• Many clubs expect coach recruitment to stay difficult. Activity providers across the UK report that it takes longer to find experienced staff and that younger coaches move roles more often. This means clear expectations, simple onboarding and reliable schedules matter more than ever. When your admin feels organised, coaches feel more settled and stay longer.

• Rising costs will influence staffing patterns. Some clubs are reducing the number of short sessions they run because they cannot justify multiple changeovers and travel time. Longer sessions or back to back blocks often work better for coaches and reduce unnecessary pressure on your rota.

• Venue availability continues to tighten. Schools, councils and private facilities are filling their timetables earlier, and some increase rates each year. Clubs that secure longer term agreements or build strong relationships with venue managers often find they have more stability and better hours.

• Shared venues bring higher safeguarding expectations. Schools and community centres are more cautious about who they work with. Venues expect accurate registers, clear communication and proper record keeping. When your processes feel organised, you become a safer choice for them.

• Parents prefer consistent locations. Families want to know exactly where sessions take place each week. If your venue changes often, parents feel less confident. Clear directions, early reminders and simple sign in routines help keep parents on track, even when you run multiple locations.

If you want to prepare for 2026, you can map out your staffing needs earlier, review how many venues you need and look at which sessions create the strongest value for your club. You can also check that your systems support safe sign-ins, medical notes and coach schedules. These small steps help you create a smoother experience for parents, coaches and venue partners throughout the year.

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If you want practical ideas for building a stronger team, [.blue__text]you can read our guide on how to get kids’ club recruitment right[.blue__text].

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What are the smartest next steps for your kids’ club as you plan for 2026?

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You have a clearer view of what 2026 is likely to bring, so the next step is to decide what matters most for your club. You do not need to change everything at once. A few focused improvements can make a big difference to how organised, confident and prepared you feel going into the new year.

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Here are the most useful steps to consider now.

• Map out what you want your year to look like. You can start with your timetable, your team and your venue access. Clubs that plan ahead often avoid the last minute rush that creates stress for both staff and parents.

• Review your booking and communication journey. Parents want clear information, simple payments and reliable updates. When everything sits in one place, you reduce admin and protect the experience they have with your club.

• Strengthen your relationships with schools and venues. Wraparound care will shape a lot of the opportunities in 2026. You can reach out to schools early, check availability for next year and share how organised your processes are.

• Look at the value you show online. Families choose clubs that feel warm, structured and clear. Small improvements to your class descriptions, coach profiles or photos can help parents pick you with confidence.

• Check how ready your club is for different needs. Inclusion will matter even more next year. You can review how you collect information, how you support children with different needs and how clearly you communicate this to families.

• Explore where you can save time. If admin takes up too much of your week, you can look at tools that support bookings, registers and payments in one place. This helps you focus more on your sessions and less on day-to-day admin.

If you want to see how a purpose-built system can support you in the new year, you can try the ClassForKids booking and management software for free. You can explore the system in your own time and see the difference it can make to your growth, your organisation and the way you run your club.

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