Free things to do this summer

Looking to find fun things to do with friends and family? Well, you don’t need to spend any money at all to have a good time. Discover free activities to do in Redbridge this summer.

Take me to Visit the new exhibition at SPACE Studios Ilford ↘ Grab some food in Mercato Ilford ↘ Borrow a book from your local library ↘ Work out at one of Redbridge’s outdoor gyms ↘ Climb at Fairlop Waters Country Park ↘ Explore Ilford's Ice Age at the Mammoth Exhibition ↘ Experience Local Produce at Wanstead Farmers Market ↘ Challenge Yourself at Goodmayes Parkour Park ↘ Picnic in one of Redbridge’s Green Flag Award Parks ↘ Discover Redbridge’s Skate Parks ↘ Cycle and Get to Know the Historic Valentines Mansion and Gardens ↘ Enjoy Hainault Forest’s New Playground ↘ Meet the Animals at Fuxburrows Farm ↘ Build a Den at Hainault Forest ↘ Go for a Walk at Fairlop Waters Country Park ↘

Visit the new exhibition at SPACE Studios Ilford

The new exhibition called ‘A seat at our table’ at SPACE Studios Ilford features photographer Kenneth Lam, and invites audiences to explore the meals and memories of our cultural identities.

Through the exhibition, Kenneth has recreated a sense of heritage using the table as a powerful symbol of home – as somewhere where we connect and reflect, in addition to being a place of celebration and ceremony.

Grab some food in Mercato Ilford

Mercato Ilford recently opened its doors to a wave of anticipation, excitement, and the smell of good food.

Located in a transformed car park in the heart of the cultural quarter in Ilford, the new space provides local people and visitors to the borough with a stylish, vibrant, and buzzing destination where they can enjoy a range of different cuisines and dishes from around the globe, alongside a backdrop of entertainment and music.

Borrow a book from your local library

Make the most of the sunny weather and borrow a book from your library and take it to one of Redbridge’s beautiful parks.

There are thirteen libraries across the Redbridge area, all hosting a variety of exciting and educational events.

Work out at one of Redbridge’s outdoor gyms

Outdoor gyms are free and accessible to everyone. You get all the benefits of an indoor gym such as cardio and strength training to support health and wellbeing, plus you’re getting an extra dose of vitamin D.

There are eleven outdoor gyms across Redbridge. All are free and don't need to be booked.

Climb at Fairlop Waters Country Park

Come and try out Redbridge’s boulder park located beside the lake at Fairlop Waters Country Park. The Boulder Park consists of boulders from beginner to immediate levels, which are constructed of sprayed and carved concrete and vary in heights and shapes. They are all designed for solo climbing and are a great place to practice bouldering and traversing skills.

Explore Ilford's Ice Age at the Mammoth Exhibition

Redbridge Museum will be closed for redevelopment until late August.

Explore Ilford’s prehistoric past at Redbridge Museum’s Mammoth Exhibition. See fossilised bones of mammoths and other Ice Age animals that once roamed the area, alongside a life-size replica of a mammoth skull. Learn about the Victorian fossil hunters who made these discoveries and uncover why these majestic creatures went extinct.

Experience Local Produce at Wanstead Farmers Market

Visit Wanstead High Street on the first Sunday of each month to browse Wanstead Farmers Market. Enjoy locally sourced produce, free-range eggs, and handmade treats, all in a vibrant outdoor setting. Skip the supermarket and enjoy a unique shopping experience!

Challenge Yourself at Goodmayes Parkour Park

Discover the Parkour obstacle hub at Goodmayes Park and tackle the Combo Wall and Agility Unit. Challenge yourself by navigating the course with jumps, balance, and agility, putting your reflexes to the test in a dynamic outdoor environment.

Picnic in one of Redbridge’s Green Flag Award Parks

Enjoy a relaxing day outdoors by picnicking in one of Redbridge’s Green Flag Award parks. These award-winning green spaces offer beautifully maintained grounds, perfect for a leisurely meal with family and friends.

Discover Redbridge’s Skate Parks

Seven Kings Park and Forest Road Playing Fields in Hainault Recreation Ground offer purpose-built skate parks. With features like half-pipes, grind rails, and ramps, both parks provide the ideal space for skateboarding and rollerblading.

Cycle and Get to Know the Historic Valentines Mansion and Gardens

Cycle through Valentines Park and explore the historic Valentines Mansion, built in 1696. Enjoy the beautifully kept Old English and Victorian Rose Gardens. A quiet blend of nature and history.

The house is free to visit on Sundays and Mondays.

Enjoy Hainault Forest’s New Playground

Hainault Forest's new playground is now open, featuring natural wood play installations inspired by the area's history. Children can enjoy imaginative and physical play, including the tallest slide in Redbridge. The playground complements the storytelling experience found at the nearby indoor exhibition in the barns.

Meet the Animals at Fuxburrows Farm

Explore Fuxburrows Farm and enjoy a range of activities, from meeting friendly animals to discovering farm life. Experience hands-on fun with seasonal events, farm tours, and interactive exhibits that highlight rural life and agriculture. A great day out for all ages.

Build a Den at Hainault Forest

Visit Hainault Forest for a hands-on den-building experience. Use natural materials to construct your own shelters among the trees, fostering creativity and teamwork. This activity encourages outdoor exploration and imaginative play in a beautiful forest setting, perfect for families and groups looking to connect with nature.

Go for a Walk at Fairlop Waters Country Park

Stroll along accessible pathways and natural routes at Fairlop Waters Country Park this summer. Enjoy scenic walks and get closer to local wildlife in a beautiful setting. Relax and explore the park’s inviting green spaces and facilities.