Making this summer count: a Richmond family’s guide.
One in six adults reportedly feels summer never quite lives up to expectations, but Richmond offers families more than enough to shift those odds. With the school holidays stretching ahead, your challenge is less about finding things to do and more about choosing which of the borough’s considerable resources to explore first.
Where to start with six weeks ahead
Richmond Park remains the borough’s greatest free resource for families.
The 2,500 acres offer space for children to run, cycle paths for all abilities, and the Pembroke Lodge playground with views across the Thames Valley. Isabella Plantation provides a quieter alternative when you need shade and calm, particularly on the hottest days when the woodland paths offer natural cooling. The Thames Path from Richmond Bridge to Ham House gives you a manageable walk with a destination, and the ferry crossing at Ham adds a small adventure that costs less than a coffee. Your local library holds a summer reading challenge that runs through August, giving structure to the weeks while keeping children engaged with books.
The best summer plans layer free resources with one or two paid outings, rather than trying to fill every day with expensive activities.
Frequently asked questions
What can families do for free in Richmond during summer?
Richmond Park offers free entry with playgrounds, walking trails, and cycling paths suitable for all ages. The Thames Path provides riverside walks, and local libraries run free summer reading programs throughout the holidays. Many community centers also host drop-in activities during August.
How do I keep children occupied during the six-week holiday?
Mix structured activities like library reading challenges or sports camps with unstructured time in Richmond Park or along the river. Having a loose weekly rhythm helps: one planned outing, one library visit, and several days of local exploring. Children often need less entertainment than parents assume.
Are Richmond’s outdoor spaces suitable for young children?
Yes. Pembroke Lodge playground in Richmond Park is enclosed and age-appropriate for younger children, while the Thames Path between Richmond and Twickenham offers flat, pushchair-friendly routes. Most cafes along the riverside are accustomed to families and offer changing and feeding facilities.
