Last updated on 25 July 2026
Looking for ideas for free and low-cost family friendly activities locally? It can be a challenge finding something suitable on a particular day close to home. To help, we have put together our Summer Activities guide. Those activities on our list are some of our favourites, but our guide is not an exhaustive list. We have focussed on activities for families, children and young people, but there’s lots happening for adults too – take a look at our Dates for your Diary page.
Here are a few of our top picks:
Summer fuel at Archway by Oxygen
Free summer holiday camp on Cambridge Road Estate
An experienced holiday club provider is delivering an exciting, inclusive summer program from the newly renovated Archway Hall. Operating from 11am to 3pm for ages 8 to 16, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the club offers a diverse schedule of multi-sports, team-building exercises, and creative arts. Designed as a safe and friendly environment for local youth, the program also includes full nutritional support, offering free breakfast, snacks, and a healthy lunch daily.
Seaside storytime
Keep the kids entertained this summer with Seaside Storytime! This interactive session brings the wonders of the deep blue sea to life through engaging, ocean-themed stories. To make it extra special, we will have bubble fun and star stickers to reward great listening. It is a wonderful way to spark your child’s imagination, whether you have beach plans this summer or not. Ideal for ages 5+, but siblings and families are completely welcome.
Tolworth Station community garden volunteering
The Community Brain announces the development of Tolworth Station Community Garden. Situated behind the Baking Ideas community hub, this environmental initiative aims to improve local biodiversity while providing residents with a secure outdoor social space. Future installations will include raised beds and community seating. Local residents are invited to participate in flexible, drop-in volunteering sessions encompassing planting, vegetable cultivation, harvesting, and general site maintenance.
Just drop in! Stay for an hour or hang out for the whole session.
Historic boardgames
Step back in time and challenge your mind with a unique collection of historic board games from around the world. Held every two weeks at Hook and Chessington Library, this free, drop-in activity introduces players to easy-to-learn, two-player abstract strategy games reconstructed from global history. It is a fantastic, screen-free summer activity for families, strategy fans, and anyone looking to try something new.
Suitability: Ages 8 and up (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Kingston 2026 active for all sport day
Looking for fun ways to stay active? Join our free community sports day at Chessington Sports Centre from 11am to 3pm. Bring the family, try exciting new activities, and discover accessible local clubs for all ages and abilities.
Stay and Play drop-in sessions
Elmbridge Borough Council is running a variety of fun activities, games, sports and crafts for kids. Catch them at Claygate Recreation Ground (just a few minutes from Chessington). No booking required.
Beat Books
Join us at Hook and Chessington Library for a special storytime inspired by this summer’s theme, ‘Read to the Beat’! We will be reading vibrant, rhythmic stories that will get everyone clapping and moving. Everyone is welcome! Parents/guardians must accompany children at all times.
Tolworth Station community garden volunteering
The Community Brain announces the development of Tolworth Station Community Garden. Situated behind the Baking Ideas community hub, this environmental initiative aims to improve local biodiversity while providing residents with a secure outdoor social space. Future installations will include raised beds and community seating. Local residents are invited to participate in flexible, drop-in volunteering sessions encompassing planting, vegetable cultivation, harvesting, and general site maintenance.
Just drop in! Stay for an hour or hang out for the whole session.
Imagination Station
Unleash your creativity at this fun session for children aged 5+. All materials provided. Parent/carer supervision required. No booking necessary, just turn up.
Lego freebuild
Calling all master builders! Bring your design ideas to life at our fortnightly Lego Freebuild sessions. This fun, self-directed workshop lets children build whatever they like—from towering skyscrapers and futuristic spaceships to historic castles. It is the perfect weekend activity to stretch creative muscles, improve cognitive skills, and meet other young builders in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Recommended for children aged 5 to 16. Booking not required.
Historic boardgames
Step back in time and challenge your mind with a unique collection of historic board games from around the world. Held every two weeks at Hook and Chessington Library, this free, drop-in activity introduces players to easy-to-learn, two-player abstract strategy games reconstructed from global history. It is a fantastic, screen-free summer activity for families, strategy fans, and anyone looking to try something new.
Suitability: Ages 8 and up (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Lego freebuild
Calling all master builders! Bring your design ideas to life at our fortnightly Lego Freebuild sessions. This fun, self-directed workshop lets children build whatever they like—from towering skyscrapers and futuristic spaceships to historic castles. It is the perfect weekend activity to stretch creative muscles, improve cognitive skills, and meet other young builders in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Recommended for children aged 5 to 16. Booking not required.
Shinnyo Lantern Festival
Shinnyo Lantern Floating began over 80 years ago as a ceremony of remembrance, held by Masters Shinjo and Tomoji Ito, the founders of the Shinnyo-en community. Join the Festival to learn more about lantern floating, visit the manor house and make your own lantern to float on the lake.
Imagination Station
Unleash your creativity at this fun session for children aged 5+. All materials provided. Parent/carer supervision required. No booking necessary, just turn up.