Things to do for free in Ipswich this summer

Run Wild in Christchurch Park

A family favourite for good reason! Christchurch Park is just a short stroll from Ipswich bus station to the rear of Sailmakers Shopping Centre:

• The park offers a play area with climbing frames, swings and slides
• Shady paths that are perfect for a buggy or scooter adventure
• A Duck ponds, space to picnic, loads of squirrels and birds to spot

🎯 Top tip: Grab an ice cream while you’re there!

 

Get Creative at the Buttermarket

Not just for shopping! This summer, the Buttermarket Centre is running a number of free and low-cost kids’ workshops, including:

• Pottery painting
• LEGO-building zones
• Face painting and balloon animals on event days

🛍 While you’re there, grab a bite from one of the food venues (where lower cost child portions are available and summer special offers).

 

Drop Into Ipswich County Library and join the Summer Reading Challenge!

On Northgate Street, the library is packed with activities all summer:

• Summer Reading Challenge (with rewards!)
• Craft sessions, story time and baby bounce groups
• Child-sized reading corners with soft seating and free books to borrow

🕒 Check out the Suffolk Libraries events calendar for daily drop-ins and bookable workshops.

 

Use your mobile phone to follow the words AR or Hop to It trails

This year’s summer AR trail, “Journey of Words,” thanks to the Digital Ipswich project, is bringing storytelling to the streets of Ipswich. With only your phone, you can follow a playful path through key landmarks. Visit the Go Jaunty app and download the Journey of Words trail or St Elisabeth Hospice pop up trail HQ in the Buttermarket (former Superdry unit) for how to get started on the Hop to It trail around town!

 

Explore Christchurch Mansion (It’s Free!)

Step inside the beautifully preserved Tudor mansion, right in the heart of the park. It’s free to enter and full of fascinating objects—from old toys and furniture to huge paintings by Gainsborough and Constable.

🧒 Why kids love it:

• Dressing-up boxes in some rooms
• Hidden animal trails and activity sheets
• Quirky exhibits like the Victorian kitchen

 

Walk along the scenic Ipswich Waterfront

Can you find our friendly seal? There’s been a seal spotted enjoying Ipswich Waterfront so why not see if you can spot it! The water is a tranquil place to come, with lots of boats old and new to enjoy! If you spot Sailing Barge Victor opposite the Old Customs House make sure to say ‘hi’ to the crew, and take a look at the Ipswich Maritime Trust display board ‘All About Ipswich’ and its window of information about the historic waterfront – that was granted Heritage Harbour Status in 2024.

 

And finally, check out the events section of the All About Ipswich website!

With Cornhill takeovers by charity and community groups over the summer and several free events on the Sailing Barge Victor and at Fresh Start & Coffee in Carr Street and the Colour, Shape, Pattern exhibition inside Christchurch Mansion plus Anchors Away – Suffolk and the Sea at the Hold or Holywell’s Park Open Orchard days there’s lots of free events around the town.

Ipswich town centre is buzzing with family-friendly fun this summer — and you don’t need a car or a big budget to enjoy it. Whether your kids love parks, crafts, stories, or simply splashing in the fountains on the Cornhill or in Holywell’s Park on a hot day, there’s something for everyone, just check the All About Ipswich website events section and head into town.

www.allaboutipswich.com/whats-on/events