Summer is here and what better way to enjoy it than taking part in the many activities happening across the borough?

There are 14 leisure centres in the borough, many of which will be providing a variety of fun activities to keep the whole family fit and healthy.

If you’re keen to develop your front crawl but are short on time, swimming crash courses are available at Everyone Active Acton Centre, Dormers Wells Leisure Centre and Northolt Leisure Centre from 29 July to 31 August.

For any budding golfers out there Brent Valley Golf Course is running a golf camp on 6 and 8 August for children aged 8-15. Learn from a golfing pro how to putt, chip, and deliver long shots. All abilities are welcome, from complete beginners to juniors who have played some golf before. For more information, call Brent Valley Golf Club on 0208 567 0489 or email brentgolfdm@everyoneactive.com.

Get your youngster into the summer Olympics spirit and sign up to the athletics holiday camp at Perivale Park Athletics track. They can learn all the track and field events, play fun games, and compete in a mini competition at the end of the week.

And, if you have recently been inspired by Wimbledon and want to strengthen that backhand, book a free session at one of the council’s 8 tennis courts.

More information on sports activities in the borough is available on the Everyone Active website.

Enjoy your natural environment

For the nature-lovers and gardeners out there, you can get involved in a host of groups and activities across the borough:
•Dean Gardens community garden sessions,10am-1pm every Tuesday – a chance to learn hands on gardening skills and meet with other local enthusiasts
• Clean up River Brent group (CURB) – a group of volunteer local residents taking action in Ealing to “Clean Up the River Brent”. To get involved, contact cleanuptheriverbrent@gmail.com.
• Horsenden Hill walk – a 1.1mile circular walk which takes you to a summit with spectacular views of London. Contact friends@horsenden.org.
• Ealing Wildlife group – a community of volunteer wildlife enthusiasts protecting, encouraging and celebrating nature in the borough through education, collaboration and conservation. This month’s events include a bird walk and survey in Walpole Park, and volunteering at Costons Lane Nature Reserve
• LAGER Can – a community action group of volunteers that aim to make the borough’s open spaces cleaner and greener. To take part, contact outreach.lagercan2020@gmail.com.
• Walpole Park walled garden – a twice-weekly meet up in Walpole Park where volunteers get together to mulch, sow, weed, water and harvest crops in the garden that once grew produce for Sir John Soane’s kitchen at Pitzhanger Manor. Meet ups occur between 10am and midday on Wednesdays and Thursdays. To find out more, come along to one of the sessions.

Embrace your culture

If you like to express yourself through arts, music film or theatre, check out the council’s dedicated culture website where you can find upcoming events, activities, and opportunities.

On 24 July, the New Gen Festival is back, showcasing the next generation of talent in the borough, featuring emerging artists, live music acts, dance, spoken word and a chance to take part in creative activities.

If you enjoy exhibitions, check out Axia Blue’s Jigsaw Heritage – a multimedia textile collection, which explores Axia’s relationship with her grandmother who is battling dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Activities for older residents

Everyone Active run a wide variety of activities for older adults of all abilities. With more 100 Staying Active sessions which include swimming, body conditioning, indoor bowls, circuits, gym sessions, group cycling, pilates/yoga and table tennis, there’s something for everyone.

Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub offers a range of fitness activities including badminton, walking cricket, walking tennis, pickleball, and basic fitness classes. Sessions are only £2.50 unless included in the Better Senior membership which offers access to the rest of the facility. Sessions take place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and can booked at reception or pre-booked online.

Cutting the cost of summer

If you’re worried about the cost of keeping the family entertained, we’ve compiled a useful list of budget-friendly activities.

Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “This year’s programme promises a summer packed with fun and exciting activities that will keep whole family entertained.

“Many activities are free, making them accessible to families feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis. I am delighted to see so much on offer, and I hope families across the borough will take the opportunity to get involved.”