Your ultimate local guide to free days out, family events, and rainy-day ideas โ all close to home!
๐ Summer Holiday Ideas for Families in Woodford, Chingford & Highams Park
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this summer without breaking the bank? Whether you're in Woodford, Chingford, or Highams Park, there's no shortage of exciting activities โ many of them free or low-cost.
๐ณ Outdoor Adventures
๐ The Hive in the Forest โ Highams Park
Weekly outdoor events for ages 1โ8, like:
โMad About Minibeastsโ (30 July)
โHungry Caterpillarโ storytime (13 August)
Be Wild Saturday Club (1st & 3rd Saturdays, ages 4โ11)
๐ฐ Some sessions are free, others ยฃ12โยฃ18
๐ฒ Epping Forest & Queen Elizabethโs Hunting Lodge โ Chingford
Ancient woodland with miles of trails, wildlife, and cycle paths.
Queen Elizabethโs Hunting Lodge: free entry, historic Tudor hunting lodge.
๐ณ Highams Park Lake & The Avenue Playground
Perfect for picnics, feeding ducks, and playing by the lake.
Free and easy access from The Avenue.
๐ฆ Field Studies Council (FSC) โ Epping Forest Centre
Free โDiscovery Daysโ for families and themed sessions like:
Eco Explorers (30 July)
Bat Walks (late August)
๐จ Free Council-Run Activities
๐ Waltham Forest: Discover Your Summer
Free outdoor play sessions, art workshops, theatre and community events.
Especially good for 5โ11-year-olds.
๐ Download the full Summer Family Session Booklet (PDF):
๐ HAF Programme (Holiday Activities & Food) โ FREE for FSM Families
Children on benefit-related Free School Meals can join sports, crafts, and more (with lunch included!).
๐ Active Clubs & Local Fun
โฝ Barracudas Activity Camp โ Woodford & Chigwell
Multi-activity day camps (ages 4ยฝโ14) with sports, arts, drama, and STEM.
๐ฐ Fee-based but flexible (single days or full weeks).
๐ถ Toddler & Baby Classes โ Highams Park
Classes running through summer include:
Songs & Smiles, Baby Sensory, Little Kickers
๐ช Family Events & Day Trips
๐ท Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park
Mini farm, play areas, and toddler-friendly festivals.
๐ฐ From ยฃ10.99 โ book in advance during holidays.
๐
More Events Nearby
Search Eventbrite for nearby family fun like:
Forest school taster days
Nature crafts
Wildlife walks
๐ง Rainy Day Ideas โ Indoor Fun
Sometimes the weather just doesnโt cooperate. Here are some great indoor options nearby:
๐ณ Hollywood Bowl โ Walthamstow
Bowling, arcades, family meal deals
๐ฅ Cinemas with Kids Clubs
Vue Wood Green or Cineworld South Woodford offer ยฃ2.49 family films every weekend and during holidays.
๐งฑ LEGOLAND Discovery Centre โ Westfield Stratford
Indoor LEGO paradise โ soft play, mini rides, and building zones.
๐ฐ Entry from ยฃ17 online (under 3s go free).
๐งฉ Puzzle + Craft Cafรฉs
Tea Time Collective โ Chingford: puzzle cafรฉ with board games and kids activities.
Creative Biscuit โ South Woodford: pottery painting cafรฉ for kids aged 3+.
๐ช Final Tips for Parents
Pack a picnic to save on food costs during day trips.
Bring sunscreen and waterproofs โ British summer can swing both ways!
Book free sessions early โ they often have limited places.
Keep a few rainy day backups (indoor activities or cinema deals) in your back pocket.