Continue the summer of sport with these fun half term activities across the Lee Valley

If your youngster has been inspired by the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this year, then enroll them in one of the many fun introductory sporting sessions available across Lee Valley Regional Park this October Half Term. Where better to inspire the next generation of Olympic hero’s then the home of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Whether it’s riding the Olympic track at Lee Valley VeloPark or mastering track and field at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, there is something for every type of sporting fan.

If sport isn’t their thing, then don’t fear! Lee Valley Regional Park offers a selection of wonderful outdoor spaces, gardens and nature reserves where they’ll be a variety of events and activities including pumpkin carving and wildlife spotting throughout the school break. Find out more below:

BMX THRILLS AND MTB SKILLS (£28 per rider)

When: Thursday 28 October

What: Could you off-spring be the next Bethany Shriever or Kye Whyte? Then get them out enjoying the fresh air with this high octane day exploring Lee Valley VeloPark’s miles of mountain bike trails and BMX track. Aimed at children aged between 7 - 11 years old, this course teaches riders new techniques and skills to master these two exhilarating cycling disciplines.

Where: Lee Valley VeloPark, Abercrombie Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3AB

Book: visitleevalley.org.uk/velopark

TRACK ATTACK (£20 per rider)

When: Tuesday 26 October

What: This one day course allows teenagers aged between 12 – 16 years old to follow in the tyre tracks of Laura and Jason Kenny by riding the same Velodrome track made famous during the London 2012 Olympic Games. During the session, fully qualified coaches will teach them the skills and techniques required to ride a fixed wheel bike confidently on the infamous 42 degree banked track. An experience not to be missed!

Where: Lee Valley VeloPark, Abercrombie Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3AB

Book: visitleevalley.org.uk/velopark

STAR TRACK (£78 per child)

When: Tuesday 26 - Thursday 29 October

What: This fun, energetic athletics ‘camp’ is aimed at children aged six to 12 years old. Run over four days this course offers budding athletes the chance to receive expert tuition in a range of skills, from hurdles to high jump and sprinting to javelin!

Where: Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, Meridian Way, Edmonton, London, N9 0AR

Book: visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics

BOO-TANICAL TRAIL (Children £8, Adult £2)

When: Thursday 28 and Friday 29 October.

What: Dress up as your favourite Halloween character and join our ghoulish guides for a spooky tour of the gardens. Follow our spooktacular trail and discover the ghostly characters that lay in wait, including the Grumpy Gardener and the witches lurking in the kitchen garden.

Where: Myddelton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield EN2 9HG

Book: visitleevalley.org.uk/event-listings

PUMPKIN HUNT AND CARVING (Pumpkin hunt is FREE. Pumpkin carving £5 per pumpkin)

When: Monday 25 – Friday 29 October

What: Don your favorite spooky outfit and explore our Halloween trail on the hunt for our hidden pumpkins. Those who can find them all will win a prize. Afterwards, head down to our coach house for a fun pumpkin carving workshop.

Where: Myddelton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield EN2 9HG

Book: no booking required

FAMILY HAVE A GO SESSIONS (£26 per person)

When: Monday 25 – Friday 29 October

What: If you’re new to horse riding, why not try the ‘Family Have a Go’ sessions at the Lee Valley Riding Centre. Here children and adults alike can learn the basics of horse riding from mounting the horse to mastering the trot. Lee Valley Riding Centre has an indoor arena and two floodlit outdoor riding areas making it an ideal place for kids to start their horse riding journey.

Where: Lee Valley Riding Centre, 71 Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London, E10 7QL

Book: visitleevalley.org.uk/horse-riding

WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTRE (FREE)

When: Monday – Sunday 10.30 – 15:00

What: Come and visit our new Wildlife Discovery Centre in River Lee Country Park. Learn about the habitats and species around you as well as visiting birds in the discovery room. Or why not climb our tower and enjoy the amazing view over Seventy Acres Lake and the living roof which will be bursting with flora and fauna.

Where: Fisher Green at Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF

Book: No booking required

With so much to experience across Lee Valley Regional Park, head online and search visitleevalley.org.uk where you’ll find plenty of information on things to do and what to see, plus maps and guides to help you plan your visit.

ENDS

For more information, or hi-res images contact press@leevalleypark.org.uk