Play Cycles
A new pop-up play programme bringing free, family-friendly 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. Make sure to dress for mess.
Upcoming events
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.
Past events
Tue 6 Aug, Wed 14 Aug & Wed 21 Aug | Barbican Centre, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
This summer the Barbican are transforming The Curve into Our Street, an imaginary avenue full of playful games. We’ll be popping with a different Play Cycle each week bringing arts and crafts, games and loose parts play. For further details and to book tickets, please visit the Barbican Centre website.
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.
The Play Cycles will drop in to offer free play sessions with a mix of craft activities, storytelling and gallery trails.
Sat 13 & Sun 14 July | 12–6pm | Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8JL
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 was packed with live music, dance, family activities and surprises along the way.