A family day by the reservoir

A family day on a waterside lawn is like a picnic with the whole company. Kites, picnic mats and open sky give children space to run and adults space to talk, without leaving the city.

Weather comes first

An open lawn has little natural shade, and showers can arrive quickly. Plan tentage, a sheltered fallback and a clear decision time if the weather turns. Share the plan with guests before the day.

Simple activities work best

Kite flying, picnic games, a treasure hunt and a craft table suit mixed age groups. Avoid activities that need a lot of equipment or long explanations.

Think about the guest journey

From arrival to departure, think about where guests park, where they register, where they eat and how they find the toilets. A smooth journey matters more than a packed programme.

See the wet weather notes for a Marina Barrage family day for a fuller fallback plan. Check current rules for organised events with PUB and the venue.