Enjoy the long summer days in Royal Greenwich with a little help from our what’s on guide, including free events at libraries and leisure centres, festivals, holiday meals, parks, paddling pools and much more.
See what’s on and start planning your summer day out!
Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Leisure, said “Our programme of free events and festivals is all about celebrating the incredible diversity and creativity which make up our borough. From live music and performances to family-friendly activities, as well as opportunities to get active through leisure and sports, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Cllr Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Post-16 Futures, said: “We know that the summer holidays can be an expensive time for families, so it’s important that there are plenty of free and low-cost activities for children and young people to enjoy. These events are all about making sure every family can get out, have fun and create great memories without worrying about the cost.”.
Cllr Asli Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-operatives, said: “There’s so much happening in our town centres this summer. Woolwich Summer Streets for example is all about celebrating our local high streets – from delicious food to unique shops. Don’t forget to use your Greenwich One Card while you’re out and about for discounts at local businesses. It’s a win-win for residents and our local economy.”
What's on
More Ways to Play at Better Leisure Centres
Discover a world of fun for all ages this summer at Better Leisure Centres across the borough. From waterslides and splash zones to soft play and climbing walls, keep the kids active, entertained and burn off some of that energy this summer.
Sundays, 9am, free
Eltham Park South, SE9 1AN
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for 4-to-14 year olds.
Another incredible summer of free art, culture and events funded by the council is taking over Royal Greenwich – and it’s set to be better than ever.
From art installations to the spirit of carnival, we’re bringing you over 40 free, diverse, accessible, family friendly events and activities across the whole borough from now until September, supported by the Mayor of London and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. And we’ll be announcing even more exciting events very soon.
There will be loads to do in Woolwich thanks to Mayor of London’s Summer Streets funding. You can expect more outdoor seating, evening food markets, outdoor entertainment and live sports coverage. We will be showing England pre match content and the Wimbledon finals. The party will finish in style with the Woolwich Carnival on 12 September.
Make a splash at our paddling pools in Hornfair Park and Winns Park, open from Monday 20 July to Monday 31 August.
If your child is aged 4 to 16, and eligible for or receiving free school meals, they can get a free holiday club space. Expect fun activities, from sports and arts to music and outdoor adventures. All clubs will be providing a healthy lunch every day too.
Any child can receive a free healthy meal at libraries and leisure centres across the borough.
If you’re aged 9 to 18, you can become a member of Young Greenwich for free and get access to a variety of great activities, meet friends, learn new skills and go on fantastic trips this summer.
Clockhouse & New Charlton Community festival
Saturday 18 July, 12noon to 5pm, free
Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard, SE18 5QL
Come along for a family-friendly community event including a bouncy castle, face painting, food stalls, live music, kids disco, dance groups and much more!
Thamesmead Festival
Saturday 8 August, 12noon to 7:30pm, free
Southmere Park, 21 Hartslock Drive, London, SE2 9UR
Family-friendly event featuring an exciting blend of music, handpicked by local people, alongside dance, comedy, art, local crafts, street food, and community activities, including the popular Thamesmead Dog Show.
SEND Family Fun and Info Day
Saturday 8 August, 10am to 12:30pm, free
Woolwich Works, SE18 6HD
A fun-filled day designed for families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Meet Greenwich SEND Voice, council SEND services, and a range of support organisations, while enjoying activities like a bouncy castle, giant games, face painting, and much more.
Saturday 22 August, 12pm to 5pm, free
Horn Park Primary School, SE12 9BT
Join us for a fun-filled day for the whole community! There will be free food, music and entertainment, dance performances, face painting, community stalls, games and sports, activities for all ages, a fruit and veg competition and free health checks.
Explore our parks and green spaces
Enjoy picnics, outdoor games and more fun in our playgrounds or at one of our parks and green spaces. The trees also offer plenty of shady spots to cool down during heatwaves!
What’s on at our children’s centres for children aged 0 to five
The council funds Family Hubs and Children’s Centres which are a one stop shop for families and run a huge range of free and low-cost activities including stay and play, sensory sessions and more...
What’s on at the Brookhill Children's Centre
What’s on at the Charlton Family Centre
What’s on at the Eglinton Children's Centre
What’s on at the Eltham Children's Centre
What’s on at the Mulberry Park Children's Centre
What’s on at the Quaggy Children's Centre
What’s on at the Slade Children's Centre
What’s on at the Storkway Children's Centre
What’s on at the Vista Field Children's Centre
What’s on at the Waterways Children's Centre
Cheaper family days out this summer
Pay less for a day out this summer with money off children’s meals in restaurants, kids’ tickets to cinemas and theatres, and a wide range of attractions thanks to the government's Great British Summer Savings. From 25 June to 1 September, VAT will be slashed on eligible activities - check Visit Greenwich for things to do on your doorstep.
You can support local businesses while keeping your family entertained and enjoy special discounts with your Greenwich One Card.
There are various offers going, including escape rooms, theatre, music lessons, restaurants, cafes and juice bars.
Discover more events and activities
From community get-togethers, theatre and music to events in our museums and parks, there’s so much more happening in Royal Greenwich over summer. Check out our Events listings or Enjoy Local to plan your days out.
Take care during hot weather
Remember to take extra care during periods of hot weather and heatwaves. High temperatures can affect your health, especially for young children, older people, and those with existing health conditions. Read our advice on staying safe during hot weather.
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