Play Cycles Are Go!
A free and fun pop-up play programme that is cycling across London during the summer holidays!
Coming soon
For:
Adults, families, under 5s, visitors with additional needs
Entry type:
Play Cycles is a new pop-up play programme bringing free, drop-in family-friendly play and art activities for all ages to parks, street fairs and community spaces near you.
Our family of pedal-powered play units, designed by NOOMA Studio, hit the road this summer to reimagine London’s streets as radical places for joy, creativity, and gathering. The three Play Cycles – the Broadcaster, the Explorer and the Companion – will be out and about across the City and Islington over the summer, with lots of free fun things to do.
Activities include loose parts play, arts and crafts activities, music making, storytelling, or the chance to relax with a cup of tea and make friends over a board game or craft session. Dress for mess!
Play Cycles are created by Museum of London and City of London Corporation, designed by NOOMA Studio. Play Cycles are supported by the City of London Corporation and with public funding by Arts Council England.
Part of London Festival of Architecture 2024
Come and find us
Play Cycles Are Go: Launch Party!
Fri 28 Jun | 4–8pm
The launch party is open to all and will take place in the Smithfield Rotunda Garden, close to the site of the new London Museum, due to open in 2026. Come and see the Play Cycles in action, hear from the designers at NOOMA Studio, and enjoy free play, arts activities and performances for all ages. Pay bar and refreshments will be available.
Free, but advanced booking required
Play Cycles Are Go: Family Play Day!
Sat 29 Jun | 11am – 4pm
The Play Day will take place in the Smithfield Rotunda Garden, close to the site of the new London Museum, due to open in 2026, and will be jam-packed full of free activities, performances, food and soft drinks. Come and see our Play Cycles in action and get creative with loose parts play, arts and crafts, games and more. There will be activities for all ages and we recommend dressing for mess.
Free drop-in
Play Cycles is an outdoor play programme, and we recommend you check ahead and dress appropriately for the weather. Children must be supervised by an adult and not left unattended at any time. Some venues may have limited capacity. Events may be cancelled at short notice due to adverse weather conditions and you are recommended to check the website for updates.
Upcoming events
Whitecross Street Party
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 July | 12–6pm | Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8JL
Come and find the Play Cycles at Whitecross Street Party, an annual family-friendly street festival where everyone is welcome to enjoy a creative mix of street arts, performances and community connection. Alongside the Play Cycles, the day will be packed with live music, dance, family activities and surprises along the way.
Free drop-in event
Guildhall Second Saturdays
Sat 10 Aug | 11am – 4pm | Guildhall Art Gallery, EC2V 5AE
The Play Cycles are joining the Guildhall Second Saturdays family event in August. Second Saturdays are themed monthly family events at Guildhall Art Gallery, and the Play Cycles will drop-in to offer free play sessions alongside a mix of craft activities, storytelling, and gallery trails.
Advance booking recommended via Eventbrite
Open House at the London Museum Site
Sat 21 Sep | 11am – 4pm | General Market, West Smithfield, EC1A 9LH
Come and enjoy a family day out inside a construction site. Join us to find out more about our journey to create a new museum for London, opening in 2026. Come along to meet the architects, join a special tour of the construction site (advance ticketholders only) and take part in free family-friendly drop-in activities. Put on your hard hat to clamber on a tipper truck, take part in Play Cycles craft and play activities and explore old market objects and materials salvaged during the project. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the building works currently taking place, this area has limited accessibility for wheelchair users.
Free drop-in
And more events to be announced!
Keep an eye on this page for updated information about all our upcoming events. If you would like the Play Cycles to be a part of your own event, then please get in touch with [email protected]