Southampton families and youngsters, get ready for an action-packed summer day in the heart of the city! On Friday 24 July 2026, the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens Play Day is taking over Hoglands Park (SO14 1JZ). Running from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this brilliant outdoor event offers completely free entry. Proudly sponsored by Utilita, the Play Day is packed with games, creative workshops, active sports, bouncy castles, and delicious food stalls, making it a fantastic, budget-friendly day out for children of all ages.
Play Day Schedule & Timings
The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens Play Day takes place on Friday 24 July 2026. Please note that outdoor play activities and bouncy castle availability are subject to weather conditions on the day:
- 11:00 AM: The event officially opens across Hoglands Park with sports equipment, inflatable bouncy castles, and arts & crafts stations ready for children.
- 1:00 PM: Peak afternoon activity time with face painting, sports games, and food stalls in full swing.
- 3:00 PM: The Play Day activities conclude.
Event Highlights & What to Expect
Organised by the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens and proudly sponsored by Utilita, this free event provides a fantastic mix of outdoor recreation and creative fun for families:
- Sports & Outdoor Games: Kids can participate in a variety of energetic sports, team challenges, and active games on the open grass.
- Bouncy Castles & Inflatables: High-energy fun with inflatable bouncy castles set up across the park ground.
- Arts & Crafts: Creative hands-on craft sessions where children can make, paint, and take home their own summer creations.
- Face Painting & Entertainment: Colorful face painting stands alongside various community stalls and family entertainment.
- Food & Refreshments: On-site food options and light refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the afternoon.
Ticket Prices
There are no tickets required for this event:
- Admission: FREE entry for all families and children.
- Activities: Main activities, games, and crafts are completely free of charge. We recommend bringing a small amount of pocket money or cash if you wish to purchase food or refreshments from stalls.
How to Get to Hoglands Park
Hoglands Park is situated right in the heart of Southampton city centre, making it exceptionally easy to reach via public transport or on foot:
- By Car: Head toward Palmerston Road or Hanover Buildings, Southampton (use postcode SO14 1JZ for satnav routing).
- By Train: The park is just a 10 to 12-minute walk from Southampton Central Railway Station via Above Bar Street and Westmarlands Road.
- By Bus: Almost all central city bus routes stop directly adjacent to the central parks at Above Bar Street, Vincent’s Walk, or Hanover Buildings (just a 2-minute walk to the grass).
Where to Park at Hoglands Park
While the park itself has no dedicated visitor car park, there are several convenient city council and private parking options within a few minutes’ walk:
- Westquay MSCP: Located just a 10-minute walk away, providing multi-storey covered parking close to the central parks.
- Eastgate Street Multi-Storey: Positioned conveniently on the opposite side of the parks near the main shopping precinct.
- On-Street Parking: Short-stay pay-and-display parking bays are available around Palmerston Road, Houndwell Place, and Queensway.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an entry fee for the Play Day at Hoglands Park?
- No, entry to the Play Day is completely free for all families and children.
- What times does the Play Day run?
- The event runs on Friday 24 July 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- What activities are available for children?
- Children can participate in various sports, active games, arts and crafts workshops, face painting, and play on inflatable bouncy castles.
- Who organises and sponsors this event?
- The Play Day is organised by the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens and is proudly sponsored by Utilita.
- Where is Hoglands Park located in Southampton?
- Hoglands Park is situated in central Southampton (SO14 1JZ), positioned right next to Palmerston Park and Houndwell Park, just a short walk from Above Bar Street.