Do not miss the free awards webinar on 25th February 2026 12-1pm PLUS chance to win an award registration.  Find out more here

Recognising and rewarding the most loved children's activities and businesses in the UK since 2006!


The biggest annual celebration of the children's activities sector is back!

For 20 years, we’ve celebrated the very best in children’s activities. 
Now it’s time to nominate the clubs, classes and leaders 
who make a real difference to your family. 

Show some love and nominate them today 
❤️


Be part of our 20th-anniversary year of excellence

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, the event also celebrates exceptional achievements with our special recognition awards.

We are delighted The British Franchise Association are joining us as Ceremony Sponsor for a 4th year!

Our dazzling ceremony will take place on Thursday 26th November at the Athena in Leicester!


Because trust, credibility and impact matter more than ever

Be part of the action in 2026!  Sponsorship opportunities are now available and it's extra special because it's our 20th anniversary.  Get in touch to secure your favourite award category or package!





What would being part of the 'What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards' mean to you? 


"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"

"Well organised. Well attended. All EXCELLENT! "

"Lovely host, inspiring evening, and a lovely backdrop for some excellent networking"

"It was a great experience"

"Always so well thought out. Everyone made to feel special and the service was brilliant"

Awards can also bring huge benefits to both bigger and growing businesses.


63% increased turnover in comparison to businesses without awards

88% more motivation from team members

77% higher sales in comparison to businesses without awards**

**Source ICAP 





In 2025 we received nearly 75,000 votes and nominations with a 25% increase in votes as parents and carers from throughout the UK showed their love and appreciation for their favourite class, club, leader, volunteer or venue.   

422 businesses went through to the voting or judged stages and 220 finalists were invited to attend our prestigious live Awards Celebration Event, alongside other VIPs and special guests at Athena Leicester.


So what are you waiting for - be part of the action and join us in 2026!  

"These are the crème de la crème of awards, have a great reputation and bring value to my business" ***

***Awards VIP guest






How it works


2026 Sponsors, Partners and Supporters Showcase

Thank you to all these organisations that make the What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards possible.




The Award Categories for 2026 are...

Special Awards

Most Loved Indoor Play Centre
or Venue
~

Sponsored by Association of Indoor Play


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
~

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

 Open to any party supplier, provider or entertainment company

Most Loved Volunteer
~

Sponsored by Caudwell Children

Open to any individual activity leader providing children's activities anywhere in the UK on a volunteer basis.

Game Changing Supplier
~



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

North England

~

Sponsored by The British Franchise Association

Wales, West and South West England
~

Sponsored by The British Franchise Association

East England
~

Sponsored by The British Franchise Association

South East England
~

Sponsored by The British Franchise Association





Open to any individual activity leader, teacher or coach providing structured children's activities operating anywhere in the UK or business manager of a children's activities business or organisation operating anywhere in the UK.  A map of the regions can be found here.

Judged Awards

New! The Most Loved Grandparent-Friendly Activity


Please see judging criteria and evaluation.

The Citation Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Please see judging criteria and evaluation.

The Morton Michel Remarkable Achievement Award


Please see judging criteria and evaluation.

The Steve Franks 'Shining Star' Award for Excellence and Innovation

Sponsored by The Children's Activities Association


Please see judging criteria and evaluation.
 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


Open to any children's activity provider in the UK that started their business or franchise territory after 1st January 2024.

Please see judging criteria and evaluation.

Awards for All Activities by Type

Most Loved
Sport or Physical
Activity
FRANCHISE or LICENSE TERRITORY
~

Most Loved
Sport or Physical
Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with up to 14 Leaders Overall
~

Most Loved
Sport or Physical Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with 15+ Leaders
Overall
~

Including archery, athletics, baseball, basketball, canoeing, cheerleading, circus skills, climbing, cricket, cycling, fencing, fitness, football, goalball, golf, gymnastics, hockey, horseriding, ice skating, judo, karate, karting, kayaking, kickboxing, laser tag/quest, mayorettes, martial arts, motor sports, movement, netball, active play, rugby, sailing, scuba diving, skate parks, skating, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, swimming, sword fencing, table tennis, tampoline, tennis, water sports, yoga.

Open to any company or organisation with a significant part of their programme based on physical activity operating in any part of the UK.
Leaders refers to activity leaders, teachers or coaches delivering one or more of the activity programmes across the whole of the UK.

Most Loved
Music, Dance
or Performing Arts Activity
FRANCHISE or LICENSE TERRITORY
~

Most Loved
Music, Dance
or Performing Arts Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with up to 4 Leaders Overall
~

Most Loved
Music, Dance
or Performing Arts Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with 5 to 14 Leaders Overall
~

Most Loved
Music, Dance
or Performing Arts Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with 15+ Leaders Overall
~

Including choir, dance, drama, film making, music, music and movement, music lessons, performing arts, role play, singing.

Open to any company or organisation with a significant part of their programme based on music and/or the performing arts operating in any part of the UK.

Leaders refers to activity leaders, teachers or coaches delivering one or more of the activity programmes across the whole of the UK.

Most Loved Academic
or Creative Activity
FRANCHISE or LICENSE TERRITORY
~

Most Loved Academic
or Creative Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with up to 4 Leaders Overall
~

Most Loved Academic
or Creative Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with 5 to 19 Leaders Overall
~

Most Loved Academic
or Creative Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with 20+ Leaders Overall
~

Sponsored by Dot & Stripe

Including arts and crafts, messy play, pottery painting, languages, academic classes, science, computing, photography, reading, storytelling, gardening

Open to any company or organisation with a significant part of their programme based on academic or creative activities in any part of the UK.

Leaders refers to activity leaders, teachers or coaches delivering one or more of the activity programmes across the whole of the UK.

Most Loved
Baby Activity
FRANCHISE or LICENSE TERRITORY
~

Most Loved
Baby Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with up to 10 Leaders Overall
~

Sponsored by Trustist

Most Loved
Baby Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with 11 to 34 Leaders Overall
~

Most Loved
Baby Activity
FRANCHISOR or INDEPENDENT
with 35+ Leaders Overall
~

Sponsored by Zooza

Open to any company or organisation with a separate programme specifically for children under 18 months old operating in any part of the UK.

Leaders refers to activity leaders, teachers or coaches delivering one or more of the activity programmes across the whole of the UK.

Awards Info

How it works






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