Tag Archives: free events for kids

Free Events and Fun for All The Family

One of the brilliant things about Thames Tidefest is the atmosphere that is generated around Kew Bridge and Strand On The Green during the event. It’s absolutely joyful ! Plus you don’t have to spend a penny to enjoy the event as there are loads of free attractions and stalls.

River Dipping

Find out for yourself some of the amazing creatures that live in the river with our fantastic river dipping sessions run by Thames 21

This is always a hugely popular activity is suitable for both adults and families with children.  These will be walk up sessions from 11am till 4.00pm. No need to book and boots are supplied. Just come on down and get dipping !

What’s In The River ?

If you don’t fancy grabbing a net yourself then…..

The Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) will be giving demonstrations of seine netting and displays of their catches from the slipway adjacent to Kew Bridge and Strand on the Green from around 11.30am onwards. A small stand with fish tanks and educational material will be in the Thames 21 marquee from 11am to 5pm Come along and find out what is living in the Thames Tideway.

RNLI stall and lifeboat

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute will be on site all day engaging with families to tell them about their work. The day will include family-oriented safety message, small quizzes surrounding water safety, education of the work of the RNLI on both The Thames and Coastal Areas, Fundraising and Retail (souvenirs).

A visit from the Chiswick Lifeboat is planned if operations allow

Sailing Race

For those who prefer their boats with sails the Strand on the Green Sailing Club will be racing for the Thames Tideway Cup starting at 3.20pm. Spectators Welcome  The club races every Sunday from March till November and is keen to attract new members

Fishing Competition

Angling Competition Weigh-in from 3.30pm

Come and see the amazing range of fish that live in the tidal Thames. 40 top anglers will be competing in this year’s Thames Tidefest Angling Championship. You can watch them weigh in their catches from 3.30pm on the foreshore at Strand on the Green

Draw: 7.30am Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge, Strand on the Green, W4 3RE

Tides: High – 8.35am – 6.2m.  Low – 3.49pm – 1.4m  

Fishing: Five hours from 10.30am – 3.30pm (depending on tide height)

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Thames Water activities stall

Run by Thames Water these will be free walk up sessions running throughout the day for both children and adults

Circus Skills Workshop

Will be running children’s sessions throughout the day at no charge

Free Events

It’s absolutely Free to come along to Strand On The Green and enjoy the day by the river at Thames Tidefest 2019. There will be music from four different acts throughout the day, a huge variety of stalls, lots of kids activities and above all a chance to enjoy our beautiful river !

Here is a taste of what will be on offer

Foreshore and River Exploration.

Come along and try river dipping with Thames 21. They’ll also be water testing and counting the micro plastics in a sample from the river.

Alongside this will be seine netting supervised by the Institute of Fisheries management to show what is living in the Thames. Their catches will be on display before being released back into the Thames.

Meanwhile on the stalls The Environment Agency and ZSL will have a fish tank displaying live fish from the river.

A whole range of free, family-friendly activities and displays will be available at the Strand-on-the-Green. Marquees on the riverside embankment will host displays, children’s activities and games, stalls run by river and environmental groups. Play the safety game with the PLA or make clay seed bombs to take home with the Thames Water group.

MUSIC !! Duffy and Bird will be hosting an expanded programme of live music featuring at least 4 different bands throughout the day.

FREE Events at Kempton Nature Reserve

Guided Bird & Nature Walks Around Kempton Nature Reserve

Kempton Nature Reserve is a 50 acre wetland site, and used to be an operational reservoir. It is now a site of Special Scientific interest for wetland birds such as gadwall and shoveler. Walk the circular paths and uncover the wildlife gems with local wildlife experts. In spring and summer the reserve’s main lake, meadows, ponds and woodlands comes alive with butterflies and dragonflies. You might see swifts, a common sandpiper, little grebe or if you are lucky a kingfisher or a sparrowhaw. The walks will last 1.5hrs and you will be guided by local experts. Walks will start at 9.30am and 11.30am. To book please email jane.clarke@thameswater.co.uk

Family Nature Trail at Kempton Nature Reserve

find the answers to the wildlife quiz, and use a magnifying glass to uncover wonderful mini-beasts. Follow the circular path through the reserve’s beautiful habitats to find the answers to the nature quiz. The Trial will be open between 1pm and 5pm and admission is free but booking is required. To book please email jane.clarke@thameswater.co.uk

Thames Wildlife Walk with London Wildlife Trust:

Walk the foreshore and surrounding green spaces,hear about the animals that share the river with Londoners. Learn to identify some of the colourful dragonflies and interesting plant species. This wildlife walk will be led by one of the Trust’s dragonfly experts, and will reflect on a variety of plant and animal species that can be regularly seen on the Thames, as well as some of the rarer or secretive ones. Tickets are Free but must be applied for using the link below where you will also find full details.