Looking for free school holiday activities? Gordon’s Bay and Strand libraries have released their July 2026 programmes, with coding, crafts, Bluey Bingo and more.
I have been keeping a close eye on the local library schedules as the July holidays approach, as libraries are such excellent free indoor options for those rainy winter days we often get this time of year. While I was disappointed to find that Somerset West Public Library has not yet released a full holiday schedule beyond their usual Brick Club SA, both the Gordon’s Bay and Strand libraries have published extensive, free programmes for children.
According to the official schedules released by these branches, the activities range from creative arts to coding and community service. These programmes are part of a broader City of Cape Town initiative to provide structured entertainment while schools are closed from Friday, 26 June 2026.
Gordon’s Bay Library Free Programme
The Gordon’s Bay Library has released a very busy schedule. Based on their official programme, all sessions are free, but they have noted that booking is essential as space is limited.
| Date | Activity | Time | Age Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 30 June | Manga Minions: Manga, anime, and comics chat | 11:00 – 12:00 | Ages 10 – 15 |
| Thursday, 2 July | Book Buddies | 09:00 – 11:00 | All Ages |
| Friday, 3 July | Coding Club: Bring your own device | 11:00 – 12:00 | Ages 6 – 13 |
| Saturday, 4 July | Alice in Wonderland Day | Library Hours | All Ages |
| Tuesday, 7 July | Manga Maestros: Manga and anime discussion | 11:00 – 12:00 | Ages 16 & Up |
| Wednesday, 8 July | Let’s Collage: Creative construction | 11:00 – 12:00 | Ages 6 & Up |
| Thursday, 9 July | Knitters | 10:00 – 12:00 | Adults |
| Thursday, 9 July | Bluey Bingo: Colouring and bingo game | 10:30 – 12:00 | Ages 5 & Up |
| Friday, 10 July | Silent Book Club | 10:00 – 12:00 | All Ages |
| Saturday, 11 July | Let’s Draw: Colour theory with primary colours | 10:00 – 12:00 | Ages 5 & Up |
| Tuesday, 14 July | Dino Discussions: Dinosaur facts | 11:00 – 12:00 | Ages 5 & Up |
| Wednesday, 15 July | Minecrafters: Picture frames and pixel art | 11:00 – 12:00 | Ages 5 & Up |
| Thursday, 16 July | Mindful Colouring: Mandalas | 11:00 – 12:00 | All Ages |
| Friday–Saturday, 17–18 July | Mandela Day: Community clean-up | Library Hours | All Ages |
| Tuesday, 21 July | Creative Kickstarters | 16:45 – 18:00 | Not specified |
| Thursday, 23 July | Knitters | 10:00 – 12:00 | Adults |
| Thursday, 23 July | School Visit | During visit | School learners |
| Saturday, 25 July | Book Sale | 09:00 – 12:00 | All Ages |
| Saturday, 25 July | Saturday Silent Book Club | 10:00 – 12:00 | All Ages |
| Saturday, 25 July | Fantasy Book Club | 12:00 – 14:00 | All Ages |
| Tuesday, 28 July | Scrabble Society | 12:00 – 14:00 | All Ages |
| Thursday, 30 July | School Visit | During visit | School learners |
| Friday, 31 July | Manga Minions | 14:30 – 15:30 | Ages 10 – 15 |
For the Gordon’s Bay sessions, the library’s notice mentions that kids for the coding club need to bring their own device, and those attending Bluey Bingo or the drawing class should bring their own coloured pencils. You can contact them on 021 400 6370 or WhatsApp 079 827 6631 to secure a spot.
Strand Library Holiday Fun
The Strand Library has also shared its schedule for the holiday period. Their announcements indicate that most sessions begin at 10:00, and parents are encouraged to book by calling 021 444 3107 or emailing the library staff.
| Date | Activity Details | Time |
| Tuesday, 30 June | Nature Conservation Programme | 10:00 |
| Wednesday, 1 July | Music fun with Musical Explorers | 10:00 |
| Thursday, 2 July | Stories and Craft | 10:00 |
| Monday, 6 July | Board games and colouring competition | 10:00 |
| Thursday, 9 July | Stories and Craft | 10:00 |
| Monday, 13 July | Coding Unplugged | 10:00 |
| Thursday, 16 July | Stories and Craft | 10:00 |
Somerset West Toy Library Options
If you are looking for something a bit different and do not mind a small fee, I noticed the Milkwood Toy Library (Che-Africa) at 9 Fagan Street in Somerset West has a full July calendar as well. These sessions are generally R40 per child and cater to ages 3 and up.
Their schedule includes a Six Bricks Play morning on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, from 10h00 to 11h00. Other highlights from their calendar include “Science with Colour” on 3 July, a “Stem Morning” with popsicle sticks on 6 July, and even a pizza-making session on 16 July. Bookings for these can be made with Lize on 076 140 3437 or Yvonne on 083 975 2374.
Since many of these sessions have limited space and age-specific requirements, I would suggest calling your nearest branch as soon as possible to secure a spot for your kids.
