Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) are excited to launch a dedicated ASN Holiday Programme designed to provide fun, inclusive, and engaging activities for children and young people with additional support needs across Aberdeenshire in October 2025, with their families. A child or young person may have additional support needs if they need extra help due to:
These needs can affect how a child or young person learns, communicates, interacts with others, or takes part in activities.
An allocation of funding from Scottish Government has allowed us to offer additional sessions at a reduced cost this year, and we have ensured sessions are available in all major towns in Aberdeenshire with a programme that offers a range of leisure experiences including instructor guided Swimming classes, Family Sport sessions, Cycling, Nordic Skiing, Gymnastics and Trampoline, Climbing and Family Activity sessions at Sir Arthur Grants Outdoor Centre.
We are unable to offer every session at every site – but all activities are open to anyone from across Aberdeenshire.
We are keen to use these sessions to support direct engagement with families who look for these opportunities across the holiday periods, to help us learn, inform our planning for the future, and continue to improve our offer.
Please review the information below which outlines what to expect at each of our sessions, booking requirements and how to sign up.
If you have any questions about our programme or accessibility requirements, please direct these to our Disabilities and Inclusion Officer, Jamie Czop – at jamie.czop@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
You must book a space for all children attending the session (we welcome siblings to take part in the sessions, therefore please book a space for them too). Adults are not required to book a space. Please note you will not be able to see available spaces for sessions when logged in with an adults account. For all sessions, an appropriate adult must remain at the session to support their child, as required. Our sessions focus on a whole family approach, so please feel free to take relatives and extended family if you wish.
Once you have booked a space, you will receive an email requesting completion of the consent form. Please complete this as soon as possible and prior to the session to allow us to ensure we can meet the needs of your child. Failure to do this may lead to delays as you arrive at the venue and could lead to a loss of activity time for you and your family.
Where
Aboyne, Banff, Banchory, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Peterhead, Portlethen, Stonehaven, Turriff, Westhill.
Description
An adult and child session during which the full pool will be available allowing both shallow and deep-water access to suit your confidence and ability. An instructor will be on hand to support and guide you and your child to build confidence in the water, develop skills and technique and work towards building independence in the water for your child.
Additional Booking Information for Swimming - Due to the nature of these sessions, every child signing up must be accompanied by an adult who should be ready to go into the water if the child’s ability requires this. We promote attending on a 1 adult:1 child basis.
If you are planning to take responsibility for more than one child in a session, you must be able to safely supervise all children you are taking with you. This may mean you have to use suitable swim aids which include arm bands and float vests. For more information on our admission policy – please refer to https://bit.ly/3N1Ctxi
Most venues are offering 2 consecutive days of classes for this programme, and we encourage anyone signing up to attend both dates, as this tends to lead to greater progress in swimming ability.
Where
Aboyne, Alford, Banff, Banchory, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Mearns, Peterhead, Portlethen, Stonehaven, Turriff.
Description
A family sports session which will take place within a sports hall. Activities on offer at each venue will be Soft Archery, Indoor Kurling, Boccia and Sportshall Athletics (run, jump and throw).
An instructor will be present and on hand to advise how to safely use the equipment, offer advice and support and provide mini-challenges and games for those interested. Alternatively, families can be left to rotate around the equipment at their own pace.
Where
Banff and Inverurie
Description
Take part in gymnastics and trampoline activities with instruction from qualified coaches. Children will take turns on the above floor level raised trampoline with the trampoline coach. Please note, children must be able to get on and off the trampoline on their own with the use of access steps – there is no hoist available. Multiple children cannot use the trampoline at the same time, due to the risk of double bouncing. Whilst waiting to be called for their turn on the trampoline, children can try gymnastics activities on the various equipment set ups.
All jewellery must be removed and hair tied up, as required, prior to attending/ taking part in gymnastics and trampoline activities. Children should wear comfortable clothing e.g. a t-shirt and shorts/ leggings for the session. Socks are essential for the trampoline. No hooded jumpers are to be worn for the session.
Additional Booking Information
All participants taking part in Gymnastics and Trampoline sessions must complete the safe participation in Gymnastics and Trampoline activities form. This must be completed by the child’s attending adult scanning a QR code to complete the form prior to starting the session.
Where
Ellon, Inverurie.
Description
Our Inverurie and Ellon based ASN Cycling sessions are for children 5-18 and aim to help them become more confident when riding their bike. A great preparation for getting ready for Bike ability at school or cycling with family/friends.
These sessions help riders to build confidence, develop skills, and make new friends with a focus on teaching balance and coordination techniques, bike handling, and braking (gradually progressing to more technical skills such as cornering and gears).
All bikes and helmets are provided, and the sessions are led by our qualified coaches from the Live Life Outdoors Cycle Base. We will contact customers by phone to discuss their child's needs for the session, which will allow us to ensure that the child has access to the correct equipment and coaching on the day. We work with Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies to access adaptive bikes where possible and required. A wide range of Frog Bikes will be available and where required we may use adaptive bikes.
Where
Inverurie
Description
An instructor led fun bouldering session (un-roped climbing) on the Inverurie Community Campus bouldering wall. Standing 4.5 metres high and stretching 15 metres in length, it offers a diverse range of climbing features including slabs, overhangs, vertical walls, aretes, and corners—all designed for un-roped climbing. Now an Olympic sport, bouldering is a thrilling combination of physical strength, technical skill, and mental strategy. It requires minimal equipment—just climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and chalk—making it accessible for all ages and abilities. It is also a fantastic full-body workout.
Lots of games and challenges on and away from the wall. Participants must be able to climb and support themselves unaided. Rock shoes will be provided. Please wear comfortable sports clothing, long hair should be tied back. Children must understand that they must stop before reaching the top of the wall as there is no additional barrier to stop them going over the top of the bouldering wall.
Additional Booking Information
All participants taking part in Bouldering Wall sessions will receive a safety briefing prior to commencing the session. A safe participation in Bouldering/ Climbing Wall activities form will need to be completed at the start of the session.
Where
Banff
Description
An instructor led session on the 8-metre-high climbing wall at the Deveron Community and Sports Centre. Participants will put on a harness and climb using an auto belay system. Participants must be able to climb and support themselves unaided. There are two climbing routes, with different holds allowing them to select different coloured routes to the top or make their own path.
When descending after a climb, participants must push themselves away from the wall with their feet and continue to do this until they approach the floor. This is to ensure their body does not contact the wall again on the descent.
Please wear comfortable sports clothing, long hair should be tied back.
Additional Booking Information
All participants taking part in Climbing Wall sessions will receive a safety briefing prior to commencing the session. A safe participation in Bouldering/ Climbing Wall activities form will need to be completed at the start of the session.
Where
Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre
Description
No snow? No problem! Roller skiing is the October's alternative to Nordic Skiing. Replicating the same technique and motion as on snow, this activity is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers. Enjoy learning a new skill which develops balance, strength, and a sense of freedom on wheels. For those requiring seated adaptations we offer roller skiing with a kneeling ski rig and mountain board. To use seated adapted equipment, participants need to be able to sit upright, unaided. Participants should expect fun focused, high-energy sessions delivered by experienced Nordic ski instructors ready to adapt the teaching to individual needs whilst learning how to move with control on the roller skis/mountain board during the course with the aim of increasing independence on skis on completion.
Suitable outdoor wear, knee supports (as needed), gloves and a helmet are required for these sessions. Helmets can be borrowed on the day from the centre. Please note: Participants must be able to propel themselves forward with their arms. Participants must also be able to transfer themselves onto equipment unaided. Please note that there is no hoist available at this facility.
Where
Alford Ski Centre, Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre
Description
Come along to our ski centres for a ski slope tubing session. Tubing is an all-weather sport so please dress appropriately for the weather. Gloves, long sleeves, and trousers are needed to prevent any scratching from the slope surface. All guests under 16 must wear a helmet on the slope. Bring your own cycle helmet if possible. Please note that full face helmets are not permitted on the slope. Younger ages are allowed to take part by siting on an adult's knee.
Participants must also be able to transfer themselves onto equipment unaided. Please note that there is no hoist available at the facilities. Alford Ski Centre has a Poma and Travelator, supporting participants access to the top of the ski slope. Please note this is not available at Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre. For further accessibility information for each of the facilities, please contact them directly.
Where
Monymusk - We are based at the Sir Arthur Grant Outdoor Centre, located between Kemnay and Monymusk, Postcode for Sat Nav: AB51 7JA, What3Words: ///mixing.internet.hugs
Description
Adventure awaits at the Sir Arthur Grant Outdoor Centre for an Activity Day! Get ready for a morning or afternoon packed with thrills, laughs, and unforgettable memories for the whole family! Whether you are scaling the heights on our high ropes, getting creative with woodland crafts, or teaming up for epic games and den building — there is something for everyone to enjoy! Led by our friendly, qualified activity leaders, you will be in safe hands while having a blast.
Outdoor Play and Adventure: Climbing frame, balance bars, hanging bars, basket swing, and a low-level bouldering wall for supervised free play.
High ropes activities: Gladiator climb (a vertical obstacle course), tree climb, climbing tower, and a low ropes course—all led by qualified instructors with safety gear, including full body harnesses and helmets, provided.
Games and Team Fun: Soft archery and team building games.
Indoor activities: Table Tennis, Kurling, Boccia, Giant Jenga and Dominoes, Arts and crafts and more.
Nature Exploration: Access to wild woodland (thanks to Monymusk Estate!) for den building, animal tracking, and other nature-based fun.
Campfire Treats: No visit is complete without enjoying s’mores in our cosy BBQ hut!
Note: Activities may vary depending on the weather, but we always have plenty of exciting options to ensure a fun-filled day!
Please ensure you have warm layers and waterproof jacket and trousers (we have spares if needed). Dress for cool, damp weather (layers are your friend!) You will also need wellies or sturdy outdoor shoes, plus a change of footwear for indoor activities.
We have a kitchen for making hot drinks—bring your own snacks and cold drinks. Parents/ Guardians/ Carers are welcome to relax in our kitchen/living area or
on the covered outdoor patio. We may ask for your help at times to make sure your child has the best possible experience.
So, grab your sense of adventure and come join the fun — we cannot wait to see you there!
Book your sessions using your child's account details. If you attempt to book while logged in as an adult, the session will appear to be full. Your child must be registered with our booking system to make a booking. New customers can register here: New Customer Registration.
Booking is easier with the Live Life Aberdeenshire App
Further information and a consent form will be sent by email, usually within 24 hours of booking. Please complete the consent form no later than the day before your first session.
You can also search for activities and book via our online booking system.