
At the Docks
Royal Docks Summer Splash 2025
Update 30/07/2025 @ 08:31:
Due to ongoing water testing, swim and splash access at Royal Docks Summer Splash is currently closed. The sandpit and activity tent remain open as normal. We hope to reopen the water as soon as possible but please check back on this webpage and social media for event updates.
The Royal Docks Summer Splash returns for the At the Docks summer season of arts and culture, waterside activities and family-friendly events!
This free, family-friendly lido in the docks features lifeguard-supervised swimming, sandpits, deckchairs and sunsafe areas to relax in. There’s also swim safe sessions for children to learn how to stay safe in the water, as well as a packed programme of free family activities to enjoy.
Plan your trip below:
Wednesday 30 July
Arty Pants: Tickle Sticks & Bandana Bracelets. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in this family-friendly crafts workshop with Arty Pants. Craft a tickle stick wand and make a beautiful bracelet using funky bandanas and scrap material.
Friday 1 August
Arty Pants: Sun Printing & Sea-creatures. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in this family-friendly crafts workshop with Arty Pants. Learn the ancient art of sun-printing (cyanotype) and create your very own sea creatures from knotted wool.
Swim Safe session. 5pm. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Saturday 2 August
YLoW – Children and Young People’s Multi Sports Day. Drop-in from 11:00am to 16:00pm.
A day of sports, physical activities, and wellbeing activities for children aged 4+.
Swim Safe session. 10am. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Sunday 3 August
Crafted Corner. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00 pm. Sessions approximately every 30 minutes.
Create your own tote bag or t-shirt using plant-based natural dyes. For ages 8+.
Tuesday 5 August
Makendoo Activities. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Makendoo Activities.
Wednesday 6 August
Makendoo Activities. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Makendoo Activities.
Swim Safe session. 5pm. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Thursday 7 August
DLR Extension Consultation. Drop-in from 11:00am to 15:00pm.
Have your say on the DLR Extension with this in-person consultation event with TfL.
Disco Shed. Drop-in from 5pm onwards. Please note that the lido will be closed at this time.
Enjoy evening entertainment with live DJs at the Disco Shed.
Friday 8 August
Makendoo Activities. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Makendoo Activities.
Swim Safe session. 5pm. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Saturday 9 August
IROKO African Drumming Workshop. Workshops run at 12:00pm/13:30pm/15:00pm. (Each workshop is 45 minutes).
Join IROKO for a family-friendly drumming workshop filled with rhythm, movement, singing, and fun! Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Swim Safe session. 10am. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Sunday 10 August
Laika The Space Dog. 3 performances: 12:00pm/13:30pm/15:00pm. 2x30 min workshops: 12:30pm/14:00pm.
A lively family-friendly puppet show that retells the story of the first dog in space.
Swim Safe session. 10am. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Tuesday 12 August
Tootles and Nibs. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Tootles and Nibs.
Wednesday 13 August
Tootles and Nibs. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Tootles and Nibs.
Thursday 14 August
Disco Shed. Drop-in from 5pm onwards. Please note that the lido will be closed at this time.
Enjoy evening entertainment with live DJs at the Disco Shed.
Friday 15 August
Tootles and Nibs. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.
Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Tootles and Nibs.
Swim Safe session. 5pm. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Saturday 16 August
Map My Docks. Drop-in from 11:00am to 16:00pm.
Explore and celebrate the Royal Docks through this banner and badge making workshop.
Swim Safe session. 10am. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
Sunday 17 August
Dance for Everyone! Workshops between 11:00am – 16:00pm
Enjoy beginner-friendly street dance classes for kids, parent-child partner dancing, Latin Ladies, dance games, and a live DJ.
Swim Safe session. 10am. Register to attend.
Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.
For more information about the Royal Docks Summer Splash, please see our FAQ page.
For your visit
Food & Drink
Starbucks Coffee
Just off the walkway linking Custom House DLR with the ExCeL, this branch is a favourite quiet spot for students.
Attractions
City Hall
One of the world's most sustainable buildings is also a striking landmark.
Food & Drink
Al Masar
Hot and cold Lebanese mezze dishes on are on the menu here, alongside grilled meat. BYO, no cover charge.