Watch the Olympics for nothing!
If you want to watch some Olympic action, but you don’t have tickets, don’t worry – there are some events anyone can go and see for free. They include road cycling, race walking, triathlon, marathon and swimming marathon, as well as the Paralympic marathon competition. Check the dates for each competition in advance so you get the best spot!
If you can’t get to London, you can still join in the fun by watching on a giant screen – you can find them in locations up and down the country.
Or, if you prefer taking part to watching, check out these great tips on getting into sport.
Top 10 Olympic facts
1. The ancient Olympic games were held for over a thousand years, until the end of the 4th century AD. Only men were allowed to take part.
2. Events in the ancient Olympics included sprinting, wrestling, and running in armour. The biggest prize was for the winner in pankration, a kind of martial art where almost anything was allowed!
3. The first modern Summer Olympic Games were held in 1896, in Athens. They’ve been held every four years since, except for 1916, 1940 and 1944, when they were cancelled because of World Wars.
4. The official distance for a marathon race is 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 km). The extra 385 yards were added at the 1908 Olympics in London, so that the Royal Family would get a better view of the finish!
5. The oldest person ever to compete in the Olympics was Oscar Swahn of Sweden. He took part in the shooting competition at the 1920 Olympics when he was 72!
6. Abebe Bikila from Ethiopia won the Olympic marathon competition in 1960 – running barefoot!
7. At the last Olympic Games, in 2008, China won 51 gold medals – more than any other country. But until 1984, the Chinese hadn’t won a single Olympic medal!
8. New sports are sometimes added to the line-up for the Summer Olympics. In 2012 women's boxing will be included for the first time.
9. Sports that used to be part of the Summer Games but aren't any more include cricket, polo, tug-of-war and speedboat racing.
10. London is the only city to have hosted the modern Olympic Games three times – in 1908, 1948 and 2012.