Wimbledon: A Quintessential British Summer Tradition

Every summer, all our eyes turn to the vibrant green courts of the All England Club to witness the Wimbledon Championships. These famous tennis tournaments aren’t just a showcase of top-tier athleticism, it is also a celebration of British culture and tradition.

Traditions Surrounding Wimbledon

Strawberries and Cream

One of the moved loved and iconic traditions is the nation’s loves for strawberries and cream. This tasty duo has played a key role in tournaments since the late 1800s.

Fun fact: Each year, over 28,000 kilograms of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream are enjoyed by spectators… offering a true taste of summer in Britain!

Outdoor Viewing Parties

In the lead up to Wimbledon, the UK transforms into a nation of Tennis fans. Many cities set up large screens in public spaces such as fountains, parks, and squares to bring people together to watch the matches and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

These wonderful communal gatherings typical offer opportunities to set up a picnic with classic British treats such as cream tea, scones, clotted cream, and jam. This was the whole family can enjoy and take part in the festivities!

Why is Tennis a Great Sport for Children?

Not only is tennis great to watch, but it can also be a fantastic activity for kids.

In terms of development, tennis helps with physical fitness and wellbeing, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. These are all skills that are beneficial for both young and older audiences. Tennis is a sport children can grow with and cherish into adulthood, offering them a fun and healthy activity that has several benefits.

5 Fun Activities for Children During Wimbledon  

1. Join a Tennis Club  

Enjoy a summer of sports and join a club to spark a love for a new activity. The are plenty of tennis clubs that offer beginner tennis classes for children and summer camps designed for kids, providing a supportive and fun environment for children to get active while learning the rules and skills behind the game.  

2. Play Tennis at Home  

Set up your own make-believe green courts just in your backyard and enjoy taking part in your own mini-Wimbledon with some tennis toys. Have fun getting active with the kids and creating memories in the comfort of your own home; these toys and games are perfect for aspiring players!  

3. Enjoy Some Swingball Fun  

For an engaging twist of British traditions, try Swingball. This active game is wonderful for children of all ages and enhances key skills such as hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and agility. Swingball is a terrific way for children to enjoy tennis-style playtime with minimal space needed.  

4. Family Sports Day  

Host a family sports day in the garden! Combine tennis with other outdoors toys and garden games. Enjoy setting up relay races, badminton, bowling, and other fun activities to keep everyone active and entertained while everyone feels included. For more inspiration read our blogs ’15 Traditional Garden Games for Kids’ or ‘Planning the Perfect Garden Party’.  

5. Attending Wimbledon Events  

Being able to experience a Wimbledon event live, whether at Wimbledon, or a local viewing event, can be an incredible experience for young fans. Not only do they get to see the excitement of such an event first-hand, but they also get to feel involved within their community. Many events offer interactive play zones for children where they can try out tennis for themselves! Make a fun day out of it and enjoy a live viewing with the family.  

Wimbledon is a wonderful mix of world-class tennis and beloved British culture… It is the perfect time to get the kids active and introduce them to a summer of sports and active play. Encourage them to enjoy the outdoors whether through playing Swingball, Tennis, or just simply watching a match together.  

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