Wandsworth
Welcome to our Year of Play! of
Get ready for a year full of fun and excitement! This year, we’re making play a big deal, and we want everyone to know about the fantastic play opportunities happening all over Wandsworth which are delivered by the council and our voluntary sector partners. Dive into this brochure to discover how you can find out about awesome events, cool activities, and loads of information designed to help you and your family find the best ways to play together within the community. Let’s make this summer unforgettable with endless adventures and moments!
Cllr Judi Gasser – Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Judi Gasser is proud to be Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services. A Tooting resident for over 23 years, she raised her three daughters in the borough, making the most of its parks, schools, and swimming pools.
Elected in 2018 to represent Furzedown, Judi has championed inclusive initiatives in her previous roles, including Access for All and the Wandsworth Moves Together strategy, which prioritises accessible play and activity for every young person.
Judi is passionate about making Wandsworth the best place for children to grow up and thrive and is excited to help launch the Year of Play as a celebration of childhood across the borough.
Use this dynamic on-line brochure for further information and updates
Importance of Play Why play matters
Did you know that play is super important for everyone? It’s not just about having fun (although that’s a big part of it!). Play helps us all grow, stay healthy, and build strong relationships. When kids play, they get to explore the world around them, solve problems, and let their creativity shine. It’s a time to be themselves, learn new things, and make awesome friends. Plus, playtime brings families and communities closer together, creating happy memories and strong bonds. But lately, we’ve had fewer chances to play. The pandemic made it hard for families to find places to play and hang out. And with the cost-of-living crisis, many families can’t afford to travel or pay for expensive activities.
That’s why we’re making play a top priority! We want Wandsworth to be the best place to grow up, where everyone knows how important play is for our children and young people. We’re working with our partners to make sure every child in the borough has access to fun and inclusive play opportunities right in their local area. In 2025, we’re celebrating the Year
Play all year round in Wandsworth
The Wandsworth Family Information Service provides free information and advice on council and voluntary sector services.
We help bring children, families and communities together throughout the year – offering a chance to be playful and have FUN!
Visit the Family Information Service website to browse the wide range of activities on offer across the borough including our SEND Local
Offer activities for children and young people aged 0-19yrs (or 25yrs if the child or young person has a special need of disability).
Cost: Most services and activities listed are free or low-cost. Specific details are available on the website.
Scan the QR or click the link below
Family Information Service Things to do
Places Leisure
Leisure and wellbeing services for all ages, with a range of inclusive activities promoting health, fitness, and family fun across Wandsworth.
Ready Steady Summer – A diverse set of summer activities running across several leisure centres in Wandsworth, catering to children and families with fun, fitness, and inclusive programming.
Activities Include:
• Junior Inflatable Sessions (8–15 yrs): Bounce, slide, and splash on pool inflatables.
• Family Fun Swim Sessions (0–15 yrs): Float-filled swim sessions for al the family.
• Junior Gym (11–15 yrs): Supervised gym workouts for teens.
Visit Places Leisure website Scan the QR or click HERE
• Big Sister Project (9–15 yrs): Girls-only confidence and fitness programme.
• Free Swim Courses (Children in Years 2-7): For Key Stage 2 children who can’t yet swim 25m.
• SEN Open Swim Sessions (All ages): Inclusive sessions for families with children with SEND.
• Access for All Memberships: Free or discounted access for eligible residents.
• Active Play and Bounce (Under 8s): Bouncy castle fun for toddlers and preschoolers.
Various dates and times throughout the summer holidays. Contact your local centre for individual session times.
Enable: Summer In…
The Big Play Out
Summer In… is part of a vibrant summer celebration taking place across Battersea Park and other local venues, bringing together families and the community for live performances, themed celebration days, and playful activities.
The Big Play Out is available for Access for All eligible families in Wandsworth. The programme features a variety of free outdoor events designed to promote fun, inclusion, and community spirit. Activities include live music, cultural celebrations, family fun days, and special events like the Battersea Park Dog Show and Wimbledon Finals screenings.
There are lots of fantastic events in Wandsworth run by Enable throughout the year from Fireworks to play weekends in Battersea Park.
Find out more by visiting their What’s On page at the link below.
Scan the QR or click the link below
Enable Leisure and Culture
Libraries: Year-Round Play Activities
It is great when children and young people come to libraries to read and study but there is so much more on offer.
Did you know that our libraries have all sorts of activities, from Lego Clubs to board games and Art Clubs to Story Time for younger children. Find out about what’s on at your local library by clicking on the link: Wandsworth Libraries Online Catalogue
Key Highlights
Story Garden: Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free initiative designed to keep children aged 4 to 11 engaged in reading throughout the summer holidays. This year’s theme is Story Garden, and children can take part in fun and creative ways either in-person at their local library or online.
• Open to children aged 4 – 11 years
• Runs from 5 July to 30 September
• Collect stickers and rewards for each book read
• Earn a medal and certificate upon completion
• Supports children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer break
You can join the challenge at any Wandsworth Library
Please visit your nearest library for sign-up, where you will receive a challenge pack and guidance from library staff.
Cost: Free
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
What is the HAF Programme?
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme supports families with children who are eligible for benefitrelated free school meals (Pupil Premium). It provides:
• Free, nutritious meals (hot meals and occasional snacks)
• Daily physical and enriching activities
• Taking part in fun and engaging activities that support their development and well-being
This initiative is designed to promote health, engagement, and wellbeing during school breaks.
Who Can Join?
• Children and young people from Reception to Year 11
• Inclusive of young people up to age 25 with SEND Cost: Free for eligible families.
Scan the QR or click the link below
Family Information Service SEND Local Offer
Wandsworth’s SEND Local Offer is a guide to services and support available for children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It includes information on education, health, care, activities, and advice services, helping families understand what’s available and how to access it.
We are very proud of our Local Offer, and the Wandsworth Play Strategy reflects our strong commitment to making play even more accessible for all children across the borough.
Family Hubs and Children Centres
Family Hubs are a great place to go to get a wide range of range of services and support for you and your family - all in one place. Services are offered to parents and children aged 0-19 years (25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).
Children’s Centres provide a welcoming space where you and your child aged 0 - 5 years old can have fun and learn.
You can find out all about our Children’s Centres on the Family Information website.
My Family Life
Delivered by the Family Information Service, Children’s Centres and Family Hubs.
What is My Family Life?
My Family Life offers a fun, engaging range of activities for children aged 0–11 and their families during the summer. Whether you’re looking for hands-on fun or helpful family support, there’s something for everyone.
A full timetable of daily activities is available on our websites.
Check back regularly for updates!
Find out more about Family Hubs Scan the QR or click HERE
Play is part of the culture in our communities. Check out the LBOC website to see the many great events for children and families.
Find out more Scan the QR or click
