Summer of Play: The Dunstable Downs Sports Village
This summer, enjoy a family day out with free activities, games, and play throughout the holidays.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Join us for a summer of football, hockey, tennis and much more, as our Summer of Play returns on Monday 20 July-31 August.
Get the kids outside for some fresh air, to burn off some energy, to learn a new skill and simply, have fun.
We'll be transforming the fields around Dunstable Downs into a natural, green Sports Village again this summer. We'll have lots of free, outdoor activities to try including football, cricket, hockey, tennis and table tennis, athletics, soft archery, and frisbee golf.
Activities will run on all weekdays and weekends throughout the summer holidays (excluding the weekend of 1st and 2nd August when we'll be hosting our annual Kites Connect Festival and celebration).
We'll have plenty of self-led activities with equipment which you can pick up from our team at the Sports Village Welcome Area - no need to book.
Alternatively, join a coaching session delivered by one of our local partners below. Keep your eyes peeled as we'll be announcing more soon. *Pepperstock Archers soft archery sessions: 26 July, 12.00pm-4.00pm 22 August, 12.00pm-4.00pm
*Let’s Get Going nature-based games: Every Thursday 10am-12pm
Please note, on busy days you may need to wait, as these are drop-in sessions.
Car parking charges apply for non National Trust members. Free for National Trust members.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Children very welcome.
- Meeting point
Meet our Summer of Play team at the Sports Village Welcome Area. Follow signs from our main courtyard and visitor welcome hub and you'll find us in the field just across from the main visitor centre.
- What to bring and wear
This event is outdoors so please bring weather and activity-appropriate clothes and footwear and hats and plenty of water for hot days.
- Accessibility
Summer of Play activities are held just past our kite field which is accessible using our new multi-user pathway.
Upcoming events
Nature Day for Great Big Green Week
Join us for Nature Day at Dunstable Downs (14th June). A free, family-friendly celebration of wildlife, wildflowers, and this special landscape, as well as the ongoing work to conserve it.
Nature Day: Wildflower, Orchid & Wildlife Walk
A summer highlight every year, our wildflowers and orchids always steal the show. Share in their wonder and take part in a gentle guided stroll this June for Nature Day.
Festival of Archaeology - Pottery making and artefact show and tell
Callings all mini archaeologists'! Join us for a weekend of ancient craft making and artefact show and tell with a real-life archaeologist.
Kites Connect Festival: a celebration of culture and kites
Following last years success, Kites Connect Festival returns for 2026! With a commitment to serving our community, we celebrate unity and access in our local green spaces.