CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
THE 2026 FINALISTS
After tens of thousands of votes from families across the UK, here are the finalists in the What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards 2026.
The only national awards for children's activities with categories voted for by families
See the 2026 finalists
SEE ALL 30 CATEGORIESOr jump straight to a section
Special Awards Regions Judged Awards Sport Music & Performing Arts Academic & Creative Baby|
30 categories |
20 years |
75,000 votes and nominations |
Congratulations to every finalist. Baby classes to performing arts to sports to coding and everything in between, these are the businesses and individuals that families across the UK told us make a real difference.
If a class, person or company you love is on this list, tell them. Hearing that what they do matters is worth more than you would think.
ROLL UP, ROLL UP
THE INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR
On Thursday 26th November the whole of our industry will be in one room at the Athena in Leicester, for our 20th anniversary ceremony and the biggest celebration this sector has.
Sponsored for a fourth year by The British Franchise Association
| The whole industry, in one room. Hundreds of activity providers, franchisors, suppliers, judges and sponsors - celebrating together! |
| A proper night out. Fizz and canapés, a three course dinner, breath-taking live entertainment, a live DJ and a bar until 1am. |
| Business gets done. Deals over dinner, partnerships at the bar. The conversation you have been meaning to have with someone, you can have on 26th November. |
Winners are announced on the night, but you do not need to be a finalist to be there. If you're in the children's activities sector this is the place to be!
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This is what you have in store, and more!
Tickets are on sale now for finalists, guests and the wider industry
BOOK YOUR TICKETSEarly bird prices until 30th September
Meet our 2026 judges
Our judged categories are assessed by an independent panel drawn from across the children's activities sector and beyond. They give their time freely, they read every submission, and they take it seriously.
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Our judging panel See who assessed the judged categories this year Meet the judges → |
Judging criteria How the judged categories are scored and evaluated View the criteria → |
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors, partners and supporters
These awards would not happen without them. Ceremony sponsor The British Franchise Association, Welcome Reception sponsor the Institute of Children's Activity Providers, Celebration After Party sponsor JMW Solicitors and Programme sponsor Big Design and Print.
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Interested in joining them for 2027? Talk to us about sponsorship
Because trust, credibility and impact matter more than ever
The What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards are the most prestigious and longest running awards in the sector. With a wide range of categories, both voted for and judged, spanning all activities and age groups, we also celebrate exceptional achievements with our special recognition awards.
Source: ICAP
A few moments from last year
▶  Watch the 2025 highlights
What our finalists and guests say
"The location, set-up, dinner and awards ceremony was very professional and it was a great opportunity to network and meet others in the industry"
"Lovely host, inspiring evening, and a lovely backdrop for some excellent networking"
"Always so well thought out. Everyone made to feel special and the service was brilliant"
"Well organised. Well attended. All EXCELLENT!"
"These are the crème de la crème of awards, have a great reputation and bring value to my business"
Awards VIP guest
75,000
votes and nominations received in 2026, a 25% increase on last year, as families throughout the UK showed their love and appreciation for their favourite class, club, leader, volunteer or venue.
How it works
Be part of the action in 2027
Sponsorship opportunities are available across all our award categories and packages. Get in touch to secure your favourite.
Talk to us about sponsorshipTHURSDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2026
Be in the room
Twenty years of this industry, celebrating together. The Athena, Leicester. Early bird prices until 30th September.
BOOK YOUR TICKETSAwards info
THE MOMENT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
30 categories. 221 finalists. Voted for by families across the UK and shortlisted by our judges.
Congratulations to every single one of them. Winners announced on Thursday 26th November.
Special Awards
Most Loved Indoor Play Centre or Venue
Sponsored by Association of Indoor Play
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Open to any venue, activity centre or play centre which offers exceptional facilities and activities for children.
Most Loved Charity or Not-for-Profit Community Group
Sponsored by ICAP
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Open to any not-for-profit children's activity running in the UK. Must be a registered Charity or Community Interest Company.
Most Loved Party Supplier, Provider or Entertainment
Sponsored by Teddy Mountain
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Volunteer
Sponsored by Caudwell Children
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Open to any individual activity leader providing children's activities anywhere in the UK on a volunteer basis.
Game Changing Supplier
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Open to any company who supplies products or services to children's activities companies and/or professionals.
Awards Across Different Regions
Most Loved Activity Leader or Business Manager in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Sponsored by The British Franchise Association
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Activity Leader or Business Manager in North England
Sponsored by The British Franchise Association
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Activity Leader or Business Manager in Wales, West and South West England
Sponsored by The British Franchise Association
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Activity Leader or Business Manager in East England
Sponsored by The British Franchise Association
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Activity Leader or Business Manager in South East England
Sponsored by The British Franchise Association
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Judged Awards
New! The Most Loved Grandparent-Friendly Activity
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
The Citation Diversity & Inclusion Champion
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
The Morton Michel Remarkable Achievement Award
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
The Steve Franks 'Shining Star' Award for Excellence and Innovation
Sponsored by The Children's Activities Association
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
In memory of Steve Franks who contributed so significantly to the children's activities sector. Steve sadly passed away in April 2020 from COVID-19 complications. Steve's legacy lives on through many initiatives to improve the lives of children across the UK and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues.
The ThinkSmart Software Outstanding Newcomer Award
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Open to any children's activity provider in the UK that started their business or franchise territory after 1st January 2024.
Sport and Physical Activity
Most Loved Sport or Physical Activity (Franchise or Licence Territory)
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Sport or Physical Activity (Franchisor or Independent with up to 11 Leaders Overall)
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Sport or Physical Activity (Franchisor or Independent with 12+ Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by The Recruitment Trainer
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Music, Dance and Performing Arts
Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity (Franchise or Licence Territory)
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity (Franchisor or Independent with up to 4 Leaders Overall)
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity (Franchisor or Independent with 5 to 14 Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by UK Franchise Guide
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity (Franchisor or Independent with 15+ Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by WOW World Group
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Academic and Creative
Most Loved Academic or Creative Activity (Franchise or Licence Territory)
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Academic or Creative Activity (Franchisor or Independent with up to 4 Leaders Overall)
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Academic or Creative Activity (Franchisor or Independent with 5 to 19 Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by Stagecoach Performing Arts
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Academic or Creative Activity (Franchisor or Independent with 20+ Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by Dot & Stripe
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Baby Activities
Most Loved Baby Activity (Franchise or Licence Territory)
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Baby Activity (Franchisor or Independent with up to 7 Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by Trustist
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Baby Activity (Franchisor or Independent with 8 to 34 Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by Daisy First Aid
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Most Loved Baby Activity (Franchisor or Independent with 35+ Leaders Overall)
Sponsored by Zooza
YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
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