Free & Fun Summer Activities for Kids in Tooting, Streatham, Balham & Norbury

The warm weather is here, and the summer holidays are just around the corner. Keeping your children active and entertained need not be a stressful task, nor break the bank. 

Here’s our guide to free and budget-friendly outdoor activities for kids in South West London.

From nature trails, local parks, and playgrounds, to simple and creative outdoor activities and hidden gems.

Let’s start with local parks and green spaces for families in South West London. 

1. Tooting Bec Common

A firm favourite with families, and it’s easy to see why! 

This place has it all, from easy open access to a café, to picnic spots and plentiful space.

Relaxed and carefree ways to enjoy:- Duck-pond - Nature trails - Play equipment - Woods and wildlife areas 

Structured activities you can access:- All Star Tennis courts – book online to play- Athletics Track is open to all- Tooting Bec Lido (250 tickets released daily to Wandsworth residents – more info on council website)- 5th and 6th July – Country on the Common (music festival – ticketed event)

2. Streatham Common & The Rookery

Open to the public 24 hours a day, this large open area of land is a popular spot with walkers and runners. 

There’s also a café, meaning your refreshment needs will be met!

Relaxed and care free ways to enjoy: :- Nature walks and nature reserve- “The Rookery” – a Grade II Historic Formal Garden within the common. Join Friends of Streatham Common on 22nd June for Shakespeare in the Rookery- Children’s playground

Structured activities you can access:- Take swimwear and enjoy the paddling pool!

3. Wandsworth Common

A piece of countryside right in the city. 

Shaded with plenty of trees and open spaces for play, Wandsworth Common makes an ideal outdoor play area in South West London. 

This park is protected by legislation above other public parks. 

 Relaxed and carefree ways to enjoy:- Shaded woodland trails- Nature leaflets guide nature hunts- History trail for older children- Feed the ducks and swans- 4 playgrounds- Multiple cafes and pubs- Trim trail – nature blended exercise equipment

Structured activities you can access:- All Star Tennis courts – book online to play- Bowling Green – bookable online via All Star Tennis - Community education activities at NatureScope4. Norbury Park Nestled between Norbury Avenue and Green Lane is an ideal local park for families in South West London. 

Always open, this flat space is great for low-cost family days and picnic spots in Norbury.

Relaxed and carefree ways to enjoy:- Playground areas to enjoy - Playing fieldsStructured activities you can access:- Take scooters and bikes and make the most of the BMX track. Equipment and clothing are available through the local volunteer BMX club - Multi-game court

5. Biggin Wood (between Norbury and Streatham)Utterly beautiful in summer, this ancient woodland is a perfect shady haven. There are toilets and changing room facilities available at the park. Please note that the site is closed during the night.

Relaxed and carefree ways to enjoy:

- Marked walking route through woodland

Structured activities you can access:

-Tennis court can be booked via Croydon Parks Tennis

Keeping costs down – ways to enjoy for free in any green space

Thinking of free, imaginative and open-ended play that fosters a connection with nature can be kept quite simple. 

You can find more information on why play is so important in the early years in one of our latest blogs, The Power of Dramatic Play. 

With a toolkit of ideas, free outdoor activities for kids can be engaging and exciting.

Here are a few examples:

1. Nature hunt - Make a list of natural objects to find, and tick them off together (e.g. feathers, pebbles, flowers, various coloured items)

2. Den Building - Use what you can find to make a small, sheltered area – perfect for little people to hide and play inside. Then, use leaves and mosses to camouflage your den!

3. River Racing - Racing objects down a river brings endless hours of fun. Try leaves, sticks, or even make little boats!

4. Make art using nature - Leaves, twigs, and flowers allow children to create beautiful works without disrupting local ecology. 

5. Bird watching - Use binoculars, or even pretend binoculars, and search for birds in these beautiful areas. Apps which identify bird song and can help guide your search, too!

6. Bug hunting - With a magnifying glass or a small beaker, finding and identifying native creepy crawlies in parklands is a great way to ignite interest in the natural world. 

7. Look up! - Cloud gazing is a calming and mindful activity for all ages. What do you see when you look at the clouds?!

8. Pack and play - Extend your day out by packing some great activities that are better enjoyed in big spaces (e.g. kites, frisbees, balls for a kick-about, a picnic).

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Top family friendly parks in South West London to visit this summer

Playgrounds offer so much more than you might think at first glance. 

From building social skills, taking turns, sharing, listening and communication, to strengthening little muscles and encouraging physical activity. 

Parks are a great free summer activity for children. 

Here’s a list of local parks to Lucky Beans Childcare:

Tooting Triangle Natural Playspace (SW12 0PP)Great for 1-16-year-olds, this secure space provides an engaging environment for kids (climbing frames, a large sandpit, and a forest climbing space). 

Streatham Common Playground (SW16 3EN)Designed for toddlers and older children, this is a great wooden play. The Little Rook Kiosk at the site sells snacks and provides facilities. 

King George’s Park Playground (SW19 2GJ)A well-thought-out design offers separate playgrounds for toddlers and older kids. Soft underfoot, this playground is a true hidden gem. 

Norbury Park Playground (SW16 3LS)A relatively new, natural play area. It’s clean and well-designed, blending with its surroundings. And if rain stops play…? Head to Toby’s Adventure Club (SW16 1DA).An indoor park, brilliant for under 8s, with online bookings.

Whilst it’s not free, like outdoor parks, this is an alternative when the Great British Summer weather falters! With a buggy park, café, and step-free access to the play area.

Prices: under 6 months are free, £2 for 6-24 months, and £5 for 2-7 years. Adults go free. 

Events in the local community

Keep your eyes peeled for local events. 

Many libraries offer special summer pop-ups such as outdoor storytimes, or reading challenges during the summer holidays.  

A few local libraries to Lucky Beans Childcare include:

-        Norbury Library, Beatrice Avenue, London, SW16 4UW, 020 7884 5215, norburylibrary@croydon.gov.uk

-        Lou’s Little Library, 112 Pathfield Road, London, SW16 5NY *this is a free 24 hour library where individuals are encouraged to take a book for free or leave a book for the community. 

-        Tate Streatham Library, 63 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 1PN, 020 7926 6768

-        Balham Library Hall, 16 Ransden Road, London, SW12 8QY, 020 8673 1129

-        Tooting Library, 75 Mitcham Road, London, SW17 9PD, 020 8767 0543

Social media is a great way to find out about family-friendly days/events. Many are free or low-cost tickets.  

Become a mindful member of the community - look out for local groups offering child-friendly litter picking walks.

Top tips to reduce your stress when planning a day out

We’ve gathered a quick 5 top tips for fun outdoor activities:

1.     Bag packed with water, snacks, high-factor sun lotion, hats and changes of clothes

2.     A blanket for planned and impromptu picnics (meal deals to the rescue!)

3.     Swimwear, splash-nappies, and light towels allow for spontaneous water-play fun!

4.     Distractions and quick entertainers such as chalk, bubbles, and mini-toys help divert/keep attention

5.     Keep an eye on local notice boards, social media groups, libraries etc, for updated information on local events

There’s really no need to travel too far, or break the bank, to enjoy free summer activities for kids in Tooting, Streatham, Balham and Norbury. 

With a watchful eye on noticeboards and community pages, a ready-to-go bag of tricks, and a sense of creativity and adventure… you’re set to for a summer of happy memory-making together. 

Know of a hidden gem we’ve not mentioned? Why not comment below and share your favourite places to visit?

FAQs:

Q1: What are the best free parks in South London for kids?

Tooting Bec Common, Streatham Common,  Wandsworth Common, Norbury Park, and Biggin Wood are fantastic options for the family, providing plenty of space and good play facilities.

Q2: Are there any local events or activities over summer?

Yes. First port of call is to check your local council’s website, then head to Facebook parenting groups, and local libraries for free events and community fun days.

Q3: What should I bring for a day in the park with children?

Always pack water to ensure that everyone stays hydrated, as well as sun cream, easy snacks, and quick go-to toys such as a ball or cars, a picnic blanket, wet wipes for spillages and emergencies, and spare clothes.

Q4: How do I make outdoor time more engaging for my kids?

Try nature-based and open-ended games like scavenger hunts, bug/bird spotting, or cloud gazing. Don’t structure play too much, and follow children’s lead.

Q5: Can I use public park facilities for a picnic or birthday gathering?

Generally, small informal gatherings are fine. Always check with your local council if you’re planning anything larger or using barbecues.