The Summer Holidays are just around the corner and with the cost of living crisis we know that every penny counts. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of low-cost and free things for children and teens to do this summer in London, Hertfordshire and Essex.
Take a look at just some of what’s on offer in your local area. If you can’t find anything that you fancy or the dates aren’t suitable, you can search for free local events on Eventbrite and Google. Just stick into the search the type of thing you are looking for, and everything that’s on offer will come up.
Another great tip is to take a look at the social media or website of any local community centres!
Things for children and teens to do in London
Free Boxing Sessions
Learn how to box in a fun, safe and professional environment. These sessions are for all young people aged 7-19. Children aged 7-13: classes at 17.30-18.30 and Youth aged 14-19: classes at 18.30-19.30. Parents are welcome and refreshments will be provided.
- Date: Every Tuesday in July & August
- Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm and 6.30pm – 7.30pm
- Location: The Granville, 140 Carlton Vale, London NW6 5HE
- Cost: Free
- Booking and more info: www.thegranville.org/event-details/free-boxing-sessions-2023-06-27-17-30
Children’s Festival of Fun – Tales Big Day Out
Tales Big Day Out takes over Chickenshed’s inside and outside spaces. Two hours full of fun – with song, dance and action, performances and workshops. For ages 0-7yrs.
- Dates & Times: Sunday 30 July at 10am & 1pm and Sunday 13th August at 11am & 2pm
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Location: Chickenshed, 290 Chase Side, Southgate, London, N14 4PE
- Cost: £10, Free to babies under 12 months
- Booking and more info: www.chickenshed.org.uk/Event/tales-big-day-out-aug23
Build with Wren
Meet Sir Christopher Wren! An outdoor building session with large building blocks, supervised by an actor dressed as Sir Christopher Wren. Suitable for all ages.
- Date: Every Wednesday in August
- Time: 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm
- Location: Old Royal Naval College, London, SE10 9NN
- Cost: Free
- Booking: No need to book in advance, just show up on the day.
- Get more info: www.ornc.org/whats-on/fun-in-gwrenwich/
Biscuit Decorating
A free event at Halifax’s flagship branch on New Oxford Street for you and your family. An enjoyable morning of some relaxed biscuit decorating hosted in their coffee shop run by Social Enterprise Change Please. Treat yourself to a barista made coffee whilst your children have the chance to create some edible treats. Please be aware that all children must be accompanied by an adult. There’ll be no agenda for this event. Simply drop in and have fun!
- Date: Wednesday 23rd August
- Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
- Location: Halifax Flagship Branch, 118-132 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1HL
- Cost: Free
- Booking and more info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/summer-holiday-fun-biscuit-decorating-tickets-642091491937
Things for children and teens to do in Hertfordshire
Movies in The Park- Borehamwood
Movies in The Park will be in 3 local parks, bring a blanket, bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy some family favourites on the big screen 15:00 Screening- TBC & 18:00 Screening- TBC. Includes Licensed bar, Mini Fun fair and Food stalls. More information will be announced soon, like and follow their Facebook page @ParkEventsHerts for all updates regarding their events.
- Date: Friday 28th July
- Time: From 3pm
- Location: Meadow Park, Meadow Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1TL
- Cost: Free
- Booking: Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/movies-in-the-park-borehamwood-tickets-571408938517
- Get more info: www.facebook.com/parkeventsherts
Movies in The Park – Potters Bar
Movies in The Park will be in 3 local parks, bring a blanket, bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy some family favourites on the big screen 15:00 Screening- TBC & 18:00 Screening- TBC. Includes Licensed bar, Mini Fun fair and Food stalls. More information will be announced soon, like and follow their Facebook page @ParkEventsHerts for all updates regarding their events.
- Date: Saturday 29th July
- Time: From 3pm
- Location: Oakmere Park, 82 Highview Gardens, Potters Bar, EN6 5PJ
- Cost: Free
- Booking: Register for free at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/movies-in-the-park-potters-bar-tickets-571413883307
- Get more info: www.facebook.com/parkeventsherts
Fun in the Park- Potters Bar
Fun in The Park will be in 3 local parks, a day of FREE inflatables and games. Suitable for children aged 2+. More information will be announced soon, like and follow their Facebook page @ParkEventsHerts for all updates regarding their events.
- Date: Monday 21st August
- Time: 12pm – 4pm
- Location: Oakmere Park, 82 Highview Gardens, Potters Bar, EN6 5PJ
- Cost: Free
- Booking: Register for free at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fun-in-the-park-potters-bar-tickets-571400453137
- Get more info: www.facebook.com/parkeventsherts
Fun in the Park- Borehamwood
Fun in The Park will be in 3 local parks, a day of FREE inflatables and games. Suitable for children aged 2+. More information will be announced soon, like and follow their Facebook page @ParkEventsHerts for all updates regarding their events.
- Date: Tuesday 22nd August
- Time: 12pm – 4pm
- Location: Meadow Park, Meadow Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1TL
- Cost: Free
- Booking: Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fun-in-the-park-borehamwood-tickets-571393141267
- Get more info: www.facebook.com/parkeventsherts
Things for children and teens to do in Essex
Summer Youth Day Retreat
Step out of the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. This Outdoor Escape Camp offers a refreshing break from screens and technology, inviting you to rediscover the joy of the great outdoors. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature enthusiast, this is the perfect getaway designed with you in mind. It’s also about building lasting connections with like-minded individuals, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of young people from various backgrounds who share a passion for God and Forge new friendships as you tackle challenges together, share stories around a crackling campfire, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Date: Saturday 29th July
- Time: 10:30am – 17:30pm
- Location: Pilgrims Hall, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch, CM15 9SA
- Cost: Free
- Booking & more info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/summer-youth-day-retreat-2023-tickets-651085362847
Community Fun Day
Summer Fun Day with lots of family fun games and activities, BBQ, cakes & refreshments.
- Date: Saturday 5th August
- Time: 11am – 3pm
- Location: Chelmsford Community Church, Trent Road, Chelmsford CM1 2LQ
- Cost: Free
- Booking: No need to book in advance, just show up on the day.
- Get more info: www.chelmsfordcommunitychurch.co.uk/calendar/month.aspx
Family Fun Weekend
Children’s Funfair Rides, Soft Play, Mega Inflatable Slide, Bungee Trampolines, Live Performances, Children’s Entertainer, Arts & Crafts (not included in admission fee), and so much more!
- Date: Saturday 26th & 27th August
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Location: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ
- Cost: Tickets range from £0 up to £10pp
- Booking & more info: www.hopefield.org.uk/events/family-fun-weekend/
Whatever you end up doing, we hope you have a safe and wonderful summer!