Holiday activities
"This is such a great provision for kids who struggle with friendships and social interactions. It’s a chance for them to be allowed to be themselves without fear of being judged." - Parent
We run activities in the Easter and Summer school holidays. Our activities are a fun and safe place for young people to be themselves, meet similar young people, socialize with a suitable and friendly peer group, make friends, and maybe try something new!  
Who are holiday activities for?
Our holiday activities are specifically for young people who are autistic without a Learning Disability because there are few opportunities for these young people to find a suitable peer group. If this does not suit your child please see the Other groups section at the end of the page.
Our holiday activities are available to young people who are:
-
aged 8-18 years, and
-
have a diagnosis of autism/autism spectrum or are awaiting an autism assessment, and 
-
do not have a Learning Disability, and  
-
live in Oxfordshire or surrounding areas. [If an activity is overbooked, we reserve the right to prioritise families living in Oxfordshire].
-
can safely attend a social group with a staff:child ratio of 1:4 (do not typically require 1:1 support) 
About
Our activities focus on the young people feeling more comfortable in a social setting, socialising with peers, and participating in group games and activities. We actively encourage and support young people to interact with each other, participate in group activities and discussions, and make friends.
Previous activities include laser tag, gaming, board games, Lego days, Minecraft days, go-karting, bowling, axe throwing, archery, horse riding and meals out.
​
Bookings for Easter 2026 will open in 2026.
Costs
There is a charge to attend each activity, usually between £20 to £35 depending on the activity.
​
If you are on low income and in receipt of benefits, we can apply for funding from Oxfordshire County Council to cover up to 90% of the cost.
Other Groups
If our holiday activities do not suit your child please see Oxfordshire’s Family Service Information Directory for details of other organisations.
FAQs
I can’t afford tickets. Are there any options to help?
If you are on low income and in receipt of benefits, we can apply for funding from Oxfordshire County Council on your behalf to cover up to 90% of the cost. Please email activities@afso.org.uk with a list of activities you’re interested in for further information.
Can I attend the activity with my child?
In order to build confidence and independence, we don’t allow parents/carers to join. However, if you have a particularly nervous child, you can help settle them in at the start of a session. Please get in touch with activities@afso.org.uk to discuss.
What do I need to bring?
You will receive an email in advance letting you know what you need to bring and if your child needs to wear any particular type of clothing (e.g. closed toe shoes).
Can I collect my child early?
Yes. If you are collecting your child early, please let us know in advance, including if someone else is picking them up. If you send someone else to collect your child, please note we will ask for confirmation from you and we will ask the person collecting for ID (driving license/passport).
If your child wants to be picked up early because they aren’t enjoying the activity, we will contact you to arrange pick up.
Do I need to let you know if someone else is picking up my child?
If you send someone else to collect your child, please note we will ask for confirmation from you and we will ask the person collecting for ID (driving licence/passport). This is to ensure that we are releasing the young person to a trusted adult.
Do I have to be there to drop my child off / pick them up?
All children (under 18s) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and the parent/guardian must remain with the child until the child has been signed in on our register. If the participant is aged 18 and can travel to/from the activity unaccompanied this is fine, but we require advance notice from the parent/guardian. We will assume that the parent/guardian has made the decision that the young people is safe to independently travel and we are not responsible for the young people while they are not in our care.  
​
​Please email activities@afso.org.uk to let us know.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, for any fully-booked sessions there will be an option to join the waitlist. We will be in touch if a space becomes available.