'So who says that there is nothing to do now?'

I hear folk say that there is little for youngsters to do in the Bay, so I thought that I would try to disband this myth and look at activities for our younger population within my area of the Bay (my colleagues have done the same in their areas).

Galmpton has a popular Friday Stay and Play  group from 9.30 in the Barn Chapel for babies upwards, while Goodrington Methodist Church holds a parent and toddler group between 10 – 11.30am on Monday and Thursday. The YMCA in Goodrington offers a Wriggles and Giggles group on a Thursday from 9.30 – 11am, and Churston Library offers half an hour of Bounce and Rhyme on Tuesdays from 10 – 10.30am, (also available online).  

On Facebook, I found Seaside Adventurers, which meets on a Tuesday at Goodrington Beach, and Orchard Forest School at Lupton House, which offers mini explorer sessions and intergenerational activities. You may also find other suggestions on the Facebook pages: Torbay Mums, and Torbay Parent & Baby/Toddlers - Whats On.

Torbay Leisure Centre hosts swimming, cycling, football, martial arts, and netball clubs, whilst out in our community, there are lessons at Churston Tennis Club,  craft, stories, forest fun and holiday events at both the Leisure Centre, Forest School and Churston Library (who also offer a Saturday Lego Club). Also, locally,  there are opportunities for rowing, sailing, and kayaking along with Scouts, Boys Brigade, and the Girls Brigade, which also have boxing, triathlon, table tennis, and athletics.

(Torbay Leisure Centre)

Focussing on wellbeing, the YMCA at Goodrington  hosts Buddy Base Youth Club for years 6-8 and coordinates the Nightstop service, where local hosts offer young people a safe space to stay when they would otherwise be on the streets. Reach Outdoors at Goodrington provides a plethora of outdoor activities,  and have a Young Climbers Club at Parkfield  for 6-11 years and 11-16 year olds.

If your children fancy trying a triathlon, Sportiva Events run a monthly Swim/Bike/Run event at Torbay Velo Park (and there is the Saturday Park Run at 9am, as well as a Junior Parkrun on a Sunday for 4-14 year olds).