Families in Oxford have just two weeks left to enjoy a series of free pop-up play events designed for children aged five and under.
Held across central Oxford throughout the summer, these popular sessions have already attracted over a thousand visitors, offering fun, interactive experiences for young children and their families.
They have been led by Oxfordshire County Council with support from Oxfordshire Play Association and Oxford City Council, and proved so popular that an extra date was added at the car park outside County Hall on Thursday, 10 July.
The final two events will take place on Wednesday, 16 July, in Leiden Square in the Westgate Centre and on Tuesday, 22 July, in the Castle Quarter, from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “These well-attended events have not only brought smiles and laughter to the city centre but have also sparked conversations about how we design our streets and public spaces.
“They have been a real success so far and offer a fresh, community-focused way of reimagining how we use urban space, particularly in the heart of the city. They are helping to redefine how city centre spaces can be used, making them more accessible, playful, and community-oriented.
“Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for more permanent opportunities for play.”
The pop-up play events, which have also taken place in Broad Street, have been designed to create a welcoming, supportive environment for families, with opportunities to connect with other parents and access useful resources.
Activities include sensory play, creative workshops, and story sessions from partners like the Ashmolean Museum, Story Museum, History of Science Museum, Museum of Oxford and Weston Library.
Councillor Mark Lygo, Chair of Oxfordshire County Council and a former trustee of Oxfordshire Play Association, has attended all nine events so far.
He said, “I’ve really enjoyed seeing families come together, relax, and play in places where you wouldn’t normally see it. People can just turn up and enjoy, there’s no need to book.
“It’s been a real success, and our ambition is to keep it going in the future and even look at more locations.”
