New for Summer 2026, young visitors can take on 'Choose Your Tudor', an interactive trail based around professions from the Tudor era.
A fun and exciting way to learn about the Tudors whilst exploring the house and gardens.
This brand-new exhibition celebrates our borough’s footballing legacy and features objects on loan from the National Football Museum and the world's largest private football collection.
Splashy Land in Barking Park brings together three major experiences: London’s biggest splash park, the UK’s only Unicorn Boating Lake, and Bounsea, a giant inflatable obstacle course.
The perfect place for families searching for outdoor activities!
Free tickets available for B&D residents. Competition closes on Sunday 16 August.
This series of writing workshops, led by Preetha Leela Chockalingam, focuses on decolonising thinking, letting go of inherited beliefs linked to colonialism, while using South Asian history as a starting point.
Participants will be encouraged to turn their thoughts and feelings into writing such as poetry, short stories, scripts, or the beginnings of a novel.
Online through Pen to Print
Create a scratch‑art portrait of someone important to you. Scratch away the surface to reveal bright colours and patterns underneath, and share your story through art.
Suitable for all ages.
Collect a map or activity pack from the Discovery Centre, and get ready meet Arty and his many friends along the way!
Come along to a family-friendly ‘Teddy bears picnic’ and nature fun-day! Enjoy a range of activities, including a storyteller in the woods, face-painting and more! No need to book.
Bring your littlest Vikings along for a gentle, sensory introduction to the world of the North. Museum Minis sessions are designed to spark wonder through storytelling and singing.
Suitable for under 5s.
From bug hunts and mini‑beast spotting and scavenger trails to picnics and outdoor story moments, pack a snack, grab your hats and suncream, and come and explore!
Suitable for ages 0 – 4 years old.
Get ready for an evening of music, dancing, and summer vibes at Ab Phab’s annual Summer Disco. Enjoy raffle prizes, tombola, fun photo props and more!
£3 entry.
RSVP to Info@abphabyouthclub.org.uk
The Valence House Summer Market is back! Pick up special treats and gifts for all the family, while supporting over 20 local community stallholders.
We will also be joined by the Fun Football Factory, with fun inflatables including an inflatable goal and a darts board! (£3 per wristband).
Barking’s Street Food Market is coming to Short Blue Place, bringing a fantastic selection of global flavours alongside a vibrant programme of live performances, creating a lively destination for food, music and entertainment.
More dates to be added!
Explore the Fanshawe family portraits and discover how artists capture identity, expression, and character. Then create your own self‑portrait!
A fun, confidence‑building workshop that celebrates every child as an icon in their own right Book online, suitable for ages 5+.
£5 per child
Explore the Fanshawe family portraits and discover how artists capture identity, expression, and character. Then create your own self‑portrait!
A fun, confidence‑building workshop that celebrates every child as an icon in their own right Book online, suitable for ages 5+.
£5 per child
Bring your littlest Vikings along for a gentle, sensory introduction to the world of the North. Museum Minis sessions are designed to spark wonder through storytelling and singing.
Suitable for under 5s.
From bug hunts and mini‑beast spotting and scavenger trails to picnics and outdoor story moments, pack a snack, grab your hats and suncream, and come and explore!
Suitable for ages 0 – 4 years old.
Come along for an afternoon of art and well-being workshops, cooking and eating together, communal hop-picking, tours of the garden, singing and games, and delicious seasonal drinks!