The heart of Ealing Broadway will be given over to free family activity for the school holidays as Sportropolis opens in Town Square. The programme runs from Thursday 16 July until Friday 4 September, providing a mix of informal play and sport taster sessions aimed at children and families across the borough.
What to expect in Town Square
Over the six-week run, the central square outside the shopping centre will host a temporary beach area alongside a rolling schedule of sports-themed attractions. The beach will include a large sandpit, equipment for building sandcastles and a photo deckchair. On other days and weekends, there will be participatory challenges, coaching sessions and club-led activities.
- Sportropolis Beach (whole programme): giant sandpit and family photo area;
- Jump Serve and Sub Soccer Tables (selected dates): free family football challenges testing heading and accuracy;
- Club sessions: rugby training sessions with local club Ealing Trailfinders and weekly Saturday Sports Club activities;
- Offerings for a range of ages and abilities: activities aimed at young children through to older juniors.
“Families are always looking for new and affordable ways to keep children entertained during the school holidays, and Sportropolis has been designed to offer just that,”
The comment from the centre director highlights the aim of creating an accessible space where families can try new activities without the cost of paid programmes.
Practical details
The events are free to attend and take place across Town Square. While most activities are drop-in, some sports sessions may be timed or have limited capacity on busier days, so arriving early is advisable for popular slots. The scheme is intended to be inclusive, with sessions suitable for varying abilities to encourage participation rather than competition.
| Feature | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sportropolis Beach | 16 July – 4 September | Open throughout the summer; free play space |
| Jump Serve & Sub Soccer Tables | 25 July – 29 August | Family football challenges; drop-in |
| Rugby & Saturday Sports Club | Selected dates across the programme | Sessions led by local clubs including Ealing Trailfinders |
For families in Ealing looking for low-cost ways to fill the long summer break, Sportropolis promises a nearby option for fresh-air activity and casual sport. The event also provides a chance for parents to see which sports their children enjoy before committing to paid lessons or club memberships in the autumn.
Town Square’s conversion into a community play zone follows a trend across London of using public spaces for family-friendly, free-to-access programmes during school holidays. For local traders and the shopping centre, the initiative is also a way of bringing footfall back to the high street during the summer months.
Check Ealing Broadway’s website or social channels for the latest daily schedules and any changes to timings. Visitors are advised to bring sun protection for beach sessions and to allow extra time on busy weekends.
