World Car Free Day is Monday 22 September 2025 and in London most people will mark it over the weekend of Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September.
It’s a great opportunity to see what happens on your very own street when the traffic stops for a few hours. In many boroughs, councils are encouraging residents to get involved and apply to try out a play street or have a street party.
Swap your car for a spacehopper – have a proper knees up – or simply share a cuppa with your neighbours on your doorstep while the kids chalk on the road. Whatever you choose to do, witness the change when you open your street for play and community fun! In most boroughs it is easy and free – we can help (!).
London Play is sadly unable to offer free equipment this year – but on the positive side you can have a very successful event with very little in the way of ‘stuff’ in fact in some ways it makes it easier.
Check out our ‘Low Cost High Value Play’ tip sheet and other resources in the free resources zone.
The process varies from borough to borough (check our map for how it works where you are); but will usually involve consulting your neighbours and applying to the council well in advance of the day (at least four to six weeks ahead in most cases).
Our resources zone has step by step instructions, information, downloadable resources, advice and inspiration about how to make the magic happen on your street! Click below to sign up for free.
