Explore, learn and play this International Day of Play
On Thursday 11 June, Lewisham is celebrating the International Day of Play by encouraging children, families and communities to get outside, get creative and enjoy the benefits of play.
Play is essential to children’s development. It supports physical health, creativity and emotional wellbeing, helping children build confidence, develop social skills and understand the world around them. Creating safe, welcoming opportunities across the borough helps ensure every child can enjoy these benefits.
To mark the day, we’re highlighting play opportunities across Lewisham. Our Play Strategy sets out how we’re creating safe, inclusive places to play close to home, from parks and playgrounds to libraries, community venues and play streets. Families can enjoy both organised activities and play in local spaces, helping children build confidence and resilience.
Read the Play Strategy to see how we’re supporting play across Lewisham.
What’s on
There are lots of free activities on Thursday 11 June taking place across Lewisham for families to get involved in:
Richard MacVicar Adventure Playground, 3.30–6pm, New King St
Open access adventure playground session for young people as part of International Play Day.
Honor Oak Adventure Playground – Early Years Family Session, 2–3.15pm, Turnham Road
Family Hubs and Lewisham Youth are hosting an early years family session. Open access for young people from 3.30pm onwards.
Ladywell Adventure Playground, 3.30–6pm, Ladywell Fields, Malyons Rd
London Play Design will run activity stations and a building activity, with a community consultation on proposed changes to the playground.
Lewisham Portage Service– Sensory Play Day, 11am–2pm, Deptford Park, Scawen Road/Evelyn Street.
A sensory play day for families with messy play (sand, water, bubbles, play dough), singing, parachute games, and music making. Activities to take home included. Gazebo on site — no need to worry about the weather.
Downham Library– Bouncy Castle & Soft Play, 11am–2pm, Downham Library Free bouncy castle and soft play session following the baby read and sing session.
Downham Library– Story and Song Time, 10.30am, Downham Library
Free themed library event for International Day of Play.
Deptford Lounge – Baby Bounce, 2.15pm, Deptford Lounge
Free baby bounce session as part of International Day of Play library events.
Downham Library– Chess Club, 4pm, Downham Library
Free chess club session for International Day of Play.
Faulkner Play Street (Kender Primary School), from 2.30pm, Kender Street
Play Street open to the community from 2.30pm onwards.
Family Hubs – Ladywell Hub Sessions (booking required), Ladywell Hub, 30 Rushey Mead
Baby Messy Play (under 18 months): 10–11.30am | Rhythm & Rhyme (under 5s): 1.30–2.30pm Part of the International Day of Play week. Book via lewishamfamilyhubs.org.uk
Family Hubs– Downham Hub Sessions (booking required), Downham Hub at Downderry Primary School
Rhythm & Rhyme (under 5s): 9.30–10.30am Book via lewishamfamilyhubs.org.uk
Leisure Centres – Junior Activities, various times, across Lewisham Free or standard-access junior gym, swimming, soft play, and junior classes at Bellingham, Forest Hill Pools, Glass Mill, Alex Yee Ladywell Arena, and Wavelengths. Opening times: most centres 6.30am–10pm; Bellingham 9am–10pm.