The Wandle Valley Festival hits Wandsworth with a promise of two days of fun and educational events for children of all ages.

Activities, which are mostly free and take place in parks or along the river, include arts and crafts, heritage and nature discovery activities, archaeology digs, historical displays and talks and river clean-ups.

A spokeswoman for the festival, which takes place on Saturday June 6 and Sunday, June 7, said the Wandle was “one of south London's best kept secrets”.

She said: “The festival provides an opportunity to have fun finding out about the Wandle past and what it has to offer today during a weekend full of activities all along the river for all ages.”

On Saturday in Wandsworth residents can join guided walks along all or part of the river or take part in a family cycle ride.

There will also be free tennis coaching, family swimming and gym sessions.

Children can also take part in a climbing competition, which needs to be booked in advance and costs £5, at the Aspire Centre, Southfields Community College.

On Sunday, in King George’s Park, festival-goers can find out what life was like along the Wandle as far back as Roman times, through archaeology digs and history activities.

Residents will be asked to help create a Wandle mural and make their own crafts as well as drawing and painting.

Children can also check out the local wildlife using underwater cameras and have their bicycles checked.

The Wandle was once one of the best trout rivers in England and by the 1800s was home to some 40 mills (some of which still exist and are open to visit) producing gunpowder, leather, snuff, and tobacco.

It was also the base for art production by William Morris and textiles by Liberty’s.

Today the Wandle Valley is a chain of green spaces where wildlife is returning in abundance.

For more information on the events visit wandlevalleyfestival.org.uk.

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk