Whether you live in the capital or are visiting the city for a family holiday, there are some fantastic activities to enjoy during the summer holidays in London with kids this year. UPDATED FOR 2025
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From free summer days out in London with kids to festivals, exhibitions, activities, theatre performances, chances to get outdoors and reasons to tempt you into museums and galleries, you’ll be spoiled for choice, whatever your budget and however old your kids.
Many need prebooking, but there are options if you’re feeling spontaneous and just want to drop in, as well as ideas to take you from early July right to the end of the school summer holidays in London in early September. Read on for my top picks, with more than 60 family days out.
For more places to cool down on hot days in London with kids, including attractions with air conditioning and London summer splash pads, check out my top picks
Duke and disorderly at the Tower of London
This summer, the Tower of London is taking you back to the early 19th century, when the Duke of Wellington has just been made Constable of the Tower.
It’s his job to bring some order to the Tower, somewhere which is closer to a ramshackle town in 1826 but not everyone’s happy with his plans, which include shutting down the Royal Menagerie, closing the taverns and even draining the smelly moat.
As you explore, you can meet some of the most memorable characters connected to the Tower, and learn more about their weird and wonderful jobs – and decide whether you’re on the side of the Iron Duke or prefer a little mayhem in the Tower.
Running from July 7-August 31, it’s included in tickets. Plus you can eye up the Crown Jewels and enjoy some more royal history – get discounted tickets using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Jousting and Peter Rabbit at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is reliving Henry VIII’s glory days from July 12-13 and 19-20, with a real Tudor joust at the king’s former home.
Famously a keen jouster himself – keep an eye out to see if the much-married monarch decides to take part – you’ll see the pomp, ceremony and splendour up close.
Pick your favourite knight, cheer him on to victory, jeer at his opponents and then brace yourself for the shattering moment when the lances collide to see who’ll be supreme. Between jousting there will also be some spectacular falconry displays, as well as a chance to get close to the birds.
Or younger kids will love the chance to follow Peter Rabbit through the palace gardens, solving puzzles and meeting other Beatrix Potter characters along the way.
There are plenty of opportunities to get hands on, whether you want to help Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle with her washing, or mend the Tailor of Gloucester’s coat, as well as trying to solve Squirrel Nutkin’s riddles (all while watching out for Mr McGregor). From July 25-September 7.
Both included in entry, along with the usual attractions from the Great Hall and historic apartments to the Tudor kitchens, the maze and the Magic Garden playground.
Join the Zoo Crew at London Zoo
Join the Zoo Crew this summer at London Zoo with a string of activities to introduce young animal-lovers to what working at the zoo involves.
There’s everything from roleplay to dress-up activities, as kids learn about everything which goes into looking after the animals, including feeding them, caring for their health and helping to protect them in the wild.
Each activity station has basic and more advanced challenges, so there’s something to appeal to all ages. And if you complete the role of Zookeeper, Field Conservationist and Scientists, you can graduate as one of the Zoo Crew.
Included in zoo entry, runs from July 23-September 1. Tickets may be available on the gate on the day, subject to availability, but you’ll get a discount if you book online in advance.
Space: Could Life Exist beyond Earth at the Natural History Museum
Could there be life on Mars? Or anywhere else in the universe? That’s what the latest exhibition at the Natural History Museum sets off to answer.
Space: Could Life Exist beyond Earth lets visitors touch a fragment of the Moon, handle a piece of Mars and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite, which – at 4.567 billion years old – is even older than Earth!
With growing amounts of evidence to suggest there is life beyond earth, you’ll travel out into space, visiting asteroids, planets, the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn and even head beyond our solar system. Along the way you can design your own space mission and see what scientists think could be out there.
Recommended for life forms aged 8+ but suitable for all ages. Runs to February 2026, prebooking advised during school holidays.
Making Egypt at the Young V&A
The latest exhibition at the Young V&A – Making Egypt – takes visitors on a trip through Egyptian history, and is still running throughout the summer.
Looking at the ways Egypt influences art, design and popular culture today, the exhibition takes you from ancient Egypt to the modern day.
Featuring items spanning more than 5,500 years, you can see everything from the fully painted inner sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt alongside contemporary comics, games and film, including Lego, minecraft and The Mummy movie.
There’s also a chance to decipher hieroglypics, design your own amulet and gets hands on to give kids a chance to understand what ancient Egyptians might have used to make their own creative works.
Prebooking is recommended. Tickets cost £10 for adults and children aged 4+, concessions available.
Check out my review of Making Egypt to find out more about what’s
Secrets of the Thames, London Museum Docklands
The first major exhibition on mudlarking introduces you to the world of treasure hunting along the Thames, at the London Museum Docklands.
Packed with fascinating finds from the Thames foreshore, where thousands of years of London’s history is still being uncovered, the displays include a Tudor knitted wool hat, as well as a medieval gold ring, a decorated Viking-era dagger and even a pair of 18th century false teeth.
There are some more great activities taking place at the London Museum Docklands this summer holidays for kids, including the Big Dig – perfect for budding archaeologists – and the Great Fire of London family show. Various dates from July 20-August 31, prebooking recommended (some free, or a small fee for some activities)
There are stories of London’s long history, told through the items found, as well as a fascinating glimpse into the world of mudlarking – now much more strictly controlled. You can even see how good you are at spotting items hidden in a replica of the Thames foreshore (look but don’t touch!)
Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London’s lost treasures runs until March 1, 2026. Tickets cost from £16, museum entry free.
Check out my full review of a visit to Secrets of the Thames at the London Museum Docklands
Rail adventures at the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is celebrating 200 years of railways this summer, with a string of family activities to help mark the anniversary.
From the first underground railway to the opening of the Elizabeth Line, there’s a chance to find out more about some of the key milestones in London’s railway’s history as well as learning the stories of people who have made them possible.
You’ll find family-friendly workshops, crafts and storytelling sessions at the museum this summer in London for kids, as well as the usual transport attractions. Runs daily from July 23 until August 31, included in museum entry.
Get a discount on entry to the London Transport Museum if you book via tiqets using my code, MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Taskmaster and jousting at Eltham Palace and Gardens
If you’re fans of TV’s Taskmaster, don’t miss a visit to Eltham Palace in London this summer with kids, with a series of silly challenges for families to enjoy from July 19 to August 31.
Once you’ve collected your Taskmaster score card and completed the tasks (keeping an eye out for a rubber duck or two along the way), you can collect a reward and celebrate your silliness with some selfies in the finishing zone.
In case you’re hoping for the full TV experience, Alex and the Taskmaster team won’t be doing the tasks alongside you, but that does leave you in charge. Exciting.
There’s also a chance to use your imagination to build your own play structure in Eltham Palace’s beautiful gardens, as well as watching the legendary joust on August 2-3
Free for members or non-members can get discounted entry if you book online in advance – walk-up tickets may be available on the day as well though.
Pirates at the National Maritime Museum
Discover the truth behind pirate life at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich with its latest exhibition Pirates.
Recommended for ages 10+, it looks at the changing depictions of pirates through the ages, from comical characters like Captain Pugwash and Captain Hook to anti-heroes like Long John Silver and Captain Jack Sparrow – as well as the brutal reality behind the fiction.
Far from swashbuckling scoundrels, the real history is far more complex… but continues to fascinate us to this day. The exhibition follows the global history of piracy across the world, with a focus on some real-life pirates and how modern piracy is an issue for seafarers today.
Runs to January 4, 2026, priced £7.50 for children, £15 for adults.
For more ideas of things to do in Greenwich with kids, check out my top picks
South Asia Heritage Month at the V&A
As part of South Asia Heritage Month, there’s a free workshop on July 30-31 at the V&A in South Kensington this summer.
Aimed at kids aged 5+, there’s a brief introduction to printmaking, showing families how to create vibrant artworks using hand-carved woodblocks. Free, drop-in sessions between 11am and 4pm, although numbers are limited so arriving early is a good plan – as is wearing clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit inky.
Or check out the Make It: Party Accessories workshops on July 12 and August 9 , using ribbons and balloons to make jewellery and accessories – tickets cost £20 for one adult and one child pair, with workshops at 10.30 recommended for ages 5-7, at 1pm for ages 8-10 and 5pm for ages 11-13.
Summer Family Festival at the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery has its Summer Family Festival events running during August, with a week of creative activities and family fun.
There are a string of workshops taking place throughout the Gallery and Learning Centre where you can take on anything from collage and 3D paper sculpting to painting, drawing, zine making and photography to create your own unique artworks to take home.
Running from August 4-8, the drop-in sessions are free and suitable for ages 3+ – limited numbers, first-come first-served.
As a bonus, it’s one of the London attractions with air conditioning if you need to cool down
Triwizard Tournament at Warner Bros Studio tour
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, with the Triwizard Tournament taking centre stage at the Warner Bros Studio tour.
There’s a chance to discover how filmmakers brought the action-packed scenes from the Triwizard Tournament to life, as well as discover new behind-the-scenes secrets.
Runs until September 8, along with the usual attractions, from riding broomsticks to drinking butterbeer, spotting the Hogwarts Express, walking into the Forbidden Forest, watching a dragon rampage through Gringotts bank and meeting other magical creatures.
Get more tips for visiting Harry Potter studio tour with kids including how to find last-minute tickets, while you can also book tickets with a coach transfer here or direct via Golden Tours.
Jurassic World: The Experience
Who wants to come fact to face with dinosaurs this summer? The brand new Jurassic World: The Experience lets you step inside the world of the movie franchise to encounter lifesize brachiosaurus and velociraptors, as well as Tyrannosaurus rex.
Along the way, you can learn more about the different species which inhabit Jurassic World, meet baby dinosaurs in the Creation Lab and come face to face with a velociraptor.
Whether your kids are fans of the films or just fans of dinosaurs, the hour-long experience is a fearsomely good day out. Find it at NEON at Battersea Power Station.
Want more dinosaurs? Head to The Lost World in Beddington Park, Sutton, where you can see more than 50 animatronic dinosaurs
Voices of Resistance: Slavery and Post in the Caribbean at the Postal Museum
There’s another chance to see the new exhibition at the Postal Museum, Voices of Resistance: Slavery and Post in the Caribbean.
The exhibition looks at the stories of enslaved people who enabled 19th century postal ships to carry mail between the UK and Caribbean, with original letters sent between plantation owners and managers from the museum’s archive.
Helping to shine a light on the lives of enslaved people in the Caribbean, as well as some of their acts of resistance, and a special look at those living on the island of St Thomas, a refuelling stop on the route, this is something to get kids thinking.
Included in the standard museum ticket – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Summer of fun ‘n’ flight at the Royal Air Force Museum
The RAF Museum in north London has six weeks of creative challenges and hands on fun as part of its Summer of fun ‘n’ flight this summer in London.
Running on selected dates from July 23 until August 31, you can try everything from piloting remote-control helicopters to joining Lego builds and Top Trumps battles during the summer.
Activities cost between £5 and £7.50, with options suitable for ages 4+ (a couple are only recommended for ages 6+). Must be prebooked – check the museum schedule for more information, dates and how to book tickets.
The Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum
The new exhibition at the Horniman Museum in south east London focuses on the mechanisms which give animals some amazing abilities.
Looking at everything from how chameleons change colour to how bats see at night and how grasshoppers can leap so high, the Robot Zoo exhibition includes creatures recreated using machine parts and gadgets to let visitors understand animals’ incredible abilities.
Add in plenty of interactive fun too, including the chance to try jet-propelled squid racing and shooting a chameleon’s ‘tongue gun’ so there’s plenty to entertain younger children in London during May half-term.
Runs to November 5, additional tickets are required and prebooking is strongly recommended. Prices start from £9.75 for adults, £6.50 for kids, with family tickets also available.
The museum’s natural history gallery is temporarily closed but the aquarium, butterfly house and gardens are also open to explore.
Story Explorers at the British Library
Set off on a journey through imaginary worlds at the British Library this summer, where you can dicsover there’s more than just books – not least a giant furry octopus!
Story Explorers is aimed at kids aged 2-9, with a chance to discover three imaginary worlds which look at some of the Library’s weirdest and most wonderful items up close, and hear their stories.
Free but must be prebooked, with visitor numbers capped at 30 – you’ll have 90 minutes to explore the gallery (arrive/leave any time during that slot), as you explore the worlds of space, the jungle and dive under the ocean. There’s also an activity trail and some fun interactive elements.
Plus, naturally, a book corner if you want to sit and relax. Runs until January 18, 2026.
Craft workshops at the Foundling Museum
There are some great creative family workshops at the Foundling Museum this half-term, with a string of fun crafts helping kids learn more about how Foundling children played compared to how we play now.
All the workshops are aimed at kids aged 5-12, with many led by professional artists, priced £10 for an adult and child (£5 for each additional child or adults) including entry to the museum. Booking is essential with limited numbers and two sessions per day, from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.
The workshops including Felted Dreams on July 29, making a felt scene inspired by the park nearby, followed by Animate Playtime on July 30, bringing stories to life in stop-motion animation, then Fabric Friends on July 31 creating a rag doll or simply toy, and Game Workers on Auguts 1, designing your own board game.
Family events at Westminster Abbey
Step inside one of London’s most famous landmarks this summer with family tours and activities at Westminster Abbey.
Join the Stars and Planets days on July 29 and 31 to uncover the fascinating links between Westminster Abbey and the universe, including the stories of scientists buried in the Abbey who’ve helped reveal the secrets of space and the stars.
Or join the Covert & Classified days on August 12 and 14 to learn more about spies, and attempt to crack clues as well as discovering the stories of historic spies.
The summer fun finishes with Wild Westminster on August 26-28, where you’ll explore the plants and creatures of the abbey’s walled garden, where wildlife has flourished for over 900 years.
All events are free and take place in the College Garden between 10am and 1pm, booking available from July 9
Does not include entry to the Abbey itself – tickets can be prebooked here.including a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Meet the characters at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich
Families can meet colourful character actors from the iconic Cutty Sark’s past in Greenwich this summer.
You could come across everyone from the ship’s builder to its cook, the witch who inspired the Cutty Sark’s name and the mother of one of the apprentices on board, with roaming encounters from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm, and some static performances in the Dry Berth at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
There’s a discount on tickets for the Cutty Sark if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Family activities at HMS Belfast
For more nautical fun this summer, head to the HMS Belfast for a whole host of family activities, including a chance to spot the Morse Mice who are after the crew’s jobs.
Once you’ve found each one dotted around the ship, can you complete the naval badge for each job they have got their paws on?
Plus don’t miss HMS Belfast’s dedicated family days every Friday in August. These events welcome some special guests who will draw upon their personal experiences at sea to fascinate little one with their amazing stories.
Prebooking advised – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Family trails at Imperial War Museum
Follow the Story Seekers trail at IWM London during the summer holidays in London, and discover a few of the real-life stories behind the exhibits in the museum
From survival at sea to astonishing acts of bravery, learn about the people behind the objects and the extraordinary circumstances they found themselves in.
Then add your own mark by folding a decorative origami dove or crane from paper in the Clore Learning Centre (July 26-August 25) to add to the display marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, available to view from August 27-September 2.
Or from July 26 to September 2, there’s a ‘Crack the Code’ trail, helping Second World War veteran Bernard to make his way home, with a chance to find out more about VE Day and VJ Day, as well as rationing.
Included in entry, which is free – prebooking free museum entry is recommended, as you may have to queue otherwise at busy times.
Hooves and Horses at the Royal Mews
There are some fun family activities at the Royal Mews this summer in London, inspired by the horses and carriages housed in the mews.
Extra crafts sessions take place from 10.30am to 3pm on July 26, on a drop-in basis and are included in the price of admission, with watercolour painting as one option this summer.
Plus you can also see some of the historic carriages used by the Royal Family, including the 260-year-old Gold State Coach, which took the King and Queen back to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey after the Coronation, kids can sit in a replica carriage, tack up a wooden pony and dress up in livery.
State rooms at Buckingham Palace
If you’re fascinated by the royal family, where else should you start than the monarch’s own official residence? While you can get a glimpse of the exterior of Buckingham Palace year-round, you can only venture indoors for a 10-week period with the State Rooms opening on July 10 (until September 28).
As well as seeing the Ballroom and White Drawing Room, you can visit the Throne Room – although the chances are, the king won’t be in residence (to check, take a peek at the flagpole before you go in: if it’s flying the Royal Standard, Charles III is at home but if it’s the Union Flag, he’s currently elsewhere).
The Palace gardens are also open during the summer months, while the King’s Gallery is also open year-round (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) – prebook tickets here.
Check out my tips for visiting Buckingham Palace with kids
Pictograms at Japan House
Where would we be without pictograms? We use them every day – emoji is even a Japanese word – and they’ve made travel easier, used on everything from street signs to toilet doors.
With pictograms used for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, this particular style of Japanese design has become part of everyday life. And the new exhibition at Japan House looks at everything from how their design has evolved, to other societies such as the ancient Egyptians who communicated in pictures.
There’s also a chance to create your own symbol and move amongst giant pictograms – standing under a 2.5-metre torii shrine gate, sizing up to a sumo wrestler or even taking the controls of a Japanese train – as well as seeing how young people in the UK chose to represent their London in graphic form. Runs from July 30, free but booking recommended.
Shakespeare’s Globe Family Workshops
For an interactive and educational way to get your kids interested in the works of William Shakespeare, join the Globe’s Family Workshops this summer holidays in London.
Led by some of the theatre’s talented actors, teachers, and directors, these practical workshops will explore the language, characters, and themes of the plays in a variety of engaging activities and games.
And with activities such as family sword-fighting demonstrations on the bill too, they’re the perfect way to introduce kids to one of the world’s most iconic playwrights.
Focused around Macbeth this summer, there are options for two different age groups (5-8 and 9-11), so it’s easy to tailor to your kids.
Summer of sustainability at the Brunel Museum
There’s a brand new trail this summer at the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe, as part of the Summer of Sustainability activities.
Designed to help visitors explore the museum and its surroundings, you’ll find fascinating stories from the past and learn how simply actions can help protect the planet.
If you return your trail to a member of staff when you’ve finished, you’ll also get a free bag of wildflower seeds.
Discovery days at the Royal Parks
The ever-popular discovery days return to the Royal Parks this summer for some of the best free activities during the school summer holidays in London.
Head to Hyde Park for Meadow Madness at the Learning Centre on August 5-7, to learn more about the minibeasts living in the park’s meadow, test out different types of seed dispersal and smash plants to create a print from their natural dyes.
Or on August 12-14, the activities are themed around Peter Pan – take on a pirate orienteering challenge, make your own nest boat and experiment with catapults.
There’s also Wild about Water on August 17-19, including pond dipping and some frog and toad origami. Drop-in sessions for all three weeks run from 11am and 3pm, places can be reserved online for free.
There are also Nature roadshows at seven royal parks on dates between July 30 and August 21 with scavenger trails, crafts and free activities from 11am to 3pm
Dragonfly Festival at WWT London
Join the Dragonfly Festival at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes this summer, with events and family activities running from June 21 until September 22.
There’s a chance to join the Dragonfly foot safari every day, as well as checking out the Macro photography exhibition, plus pond dipping, chalk art and mini beast hunting at weekends.
During the school holidays, there are also a string of other fun events, including storytelling sessions, dragonfly-themed creative workshops, dragonfly mobile making, finishing with dragonfly stilt walkers and performances from the Insect Circus on August bank holiday weekeend.
Included in entry – tickets can be prebooked online but it’s not essential.
The new Splash Pad is also due to open in time for summer, along with the existing play areas
Horrible Histories trail at Osterley House and Park
The Gorgeous Georgians are still to be found at Osterley House and Park in west London, with the family-friendly interactive trail around the house, graden and parklands.
Discover more about the quirks and scandals of Georgian history while exploring the elegant Georgian manor house, with games, activities and the usual gruesomely entertaining facts along the way – look out for posh potties and horrible highwaymen along the way.
Runs to August 31, included with admission to the National Trust property (free for members).
Family workshops at Chelsea Physic Garden
The popular family chocolate workshop is back at Chelsea Physic Garden this summer in London, as well as a string of other fun family activities.
Suitable for children 5+, the workshop will teach them how cacao beans grow and how they are made into chocolate, as well as letting kids design their own chocolate treats with a selection of herbs, flavourings, and spices. Runs on July 22 and 31, plus August 19, 21 and 28.
Or head to the Family Bees and Bugs Exploration on July 12 or try your hand at Family Soap Making on August 5, plus other activities including painting and pond dipping. Must be prebooked, ticket prices vary.
Summer Splash at Royal Docks
Head to the beach without leaving the capital this summer with Summer Splash at Royal Docks in east London from June to September.
The event sees the Royal Docks kitted out with large sandpits, deck chairs, pop-up cafes and bars, and dedicated swimming areas. Grab your swimwear and a bucket and spade, and spend a fun family day out swimming in the lido and building sandcastles right in the heart of the city.
You’ll also find a series of other events taking place at the Royal Docks over the school holidays, including a new art installations on The Line public art trail. With so much going on, it’s a great destination for a fun family day out in London this summer.
The Kaleidoscope Festival at Ally Pally
The famed summer festivals at Alexandra Palace are always perfect for the entire family – and this year, there’s plenty to tempt you out to north London.
The Kaleidoscope Festival takes place on Saturday July 12 and features a packed schedule of live bands, DJs, comedians, and more.
For families, you’ll find plenty of fun activities and mini-parties for the little ones too, including magicians, games, arts and crafts, and silly science shows too.
The Kensington and Chelsea Festival, which normally runs during July and August, will not take place in 2025
Sculpture in the City
The annual Sculpture in the City festival is back on July 16, with artworks by Ai Weiwei, Andrew Sabin, and Jane and Louise Wilson among those going on display in the City of London, turning the streets into an open-air gallery.
This year’s additions will join six works from previous years, along with two permanent acquisitions. Previous years have also featured family trails, along with interactive artworks and others linked to the local surroundings. This year’s details still to be announced.
LEGO playtime at the Serpentine Galleries Play Pavilion
Head to the Serpentine in Kensington Gardens before August 10 and you’ll find a fun new public art project at Play Pavilion by Serpentine South,
Designed to allow children and families to build and imagine, there’s a string of hands-on workshops and play sessions which are free to attend. It’s not just for younger kids either, with a chance to design brick-based album covers and abstract artowkr, alongside building challenges.
There’s a free Family Day taking place on July 19 too. Some events need to be booked but you can also turn up and start building (numbers permitting).
Summer by the River at London Bridge City
Head down to the riverside between London Bridge and Tower Bridge to check out some of the summer events taking place as part of London’s biggest free outdoor festival.
Summer by the River runs until August 31, with a string of extra events, from outdoor cinema including Despicable Me 4 and Moana 2, to a chance to see some of the summer’s best sport showing at The Scoop.
Look out for pop-up bars and food during the summer months too, plus an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland also taking place at The Scoop on July 24.
Kids week theatre deals
If you needed any extra excuse to visit the theatre during the school holidays in London with kids, the special Kids Week discounts are the perfect temptation to book.
No longer covering just a week, Kids Week includes a whole month of theatre deals where kids can see some of London’s top shows and family-friendly performances for free.
As well as one child under 17 getting in free per paying adult, two more kids can also get half-price rates – and while many of the best tickets get snapped up as soon as they go on sale in June, there are still deals available throughout July and August itself.
This year, shows include Back to The Future, Julia Donaldson’s The Baddies, Clueless, Come Alive, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Horrible Histories: Barmy Brits, Six and Wicked among others Click to book and to check out the kids eat free discounts also available in August.
For more ideas on saving money on days out in London with kids this summer, check out my top tips
The Enormous Crocodile at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre
Roald Dahl’s tale of The Enormous Crocodile is back at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre as a mischievous musical, telling the story of the beastly, greedy crocodile who fancies a nice juicy little child for lunch.
Can the other jungle creatures foil his secret plans and clever tricky? Expect puppet, catchy tunes and plenty of laughs along the way. From August 15-September 7.
Older kids will also love the adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses, a story of teenage love in a divided world, which runs until July 26
Family theatre at the Polka Theatre
There are several lovely child-friendly shows at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon this summer, including options for the littlest theatregoers.
I want my hat back is aimed at age 3-8, combining the trilogy of books by Jon Klassen about the bear who has lost his hat (or has he?), the fish who steals a hat and the two turtles who find a hat… but can’t decide who gets it. The 40-minute show runs from July 9 – August 10.
Meanwhile Counting Sheeps is for ages 0-3 – a musical adventure filled with sensory play about two sheep who think they’re experts about sleep… but are wide awake tonight. The 45-minute show runs from August 13-24.
And for slightly older kids, The Boy with Wings is for age 7-12. When Tunde sprouts wings and discovers his father is a ferocious alien warrior, he’s all that stands between the galaxy and total destruction – and he’s still got homework to do. Runs from June 21 to August 16.
Family theatre at the Arts Depot
There are more great family performances at the Arts Depot in North London, including a lovely production for younger theatre-goers this summer holidays in London.
Spot’s Birthday Party is aimed at kids aged 2+, with songs, dancing, party games and integrated Makaton. The show lasts for 50 minutes and runs from July 29-31 – some prepared for a very fun party!
Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival
The Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival is back again this summer, running from August 8-August 31, with shows for different age groups including preschoolers and primary school age kids.
The festival in Islington, north London is designed to showcase a whole range of different puppetry styles, as well as some extra workshops and family events.
Check out Hickory Dickory Dock, aimed at age 3-8 – dubbed a slapstick glove puppet adventure with some great music. Meanwhile, Make You LOL, for age 5-11 promises puppets, clowning, alien attacks, toilet-paper guns and the most disgusting pair of pants you’ve ever seen in a bid to have you crying with laughter.
But there are also options for age 2+, musicals, and magical stories to name just a few! Check out the complete line-up.
Open-air theatre during the summer holidays in London
As well as the West End productions, summer always sees a string of classic and modern children’s tales adapted for the stage and performed out in the open air – a great way to introduce younger kids to the theatre.
The Wizard of Oz at Chelsea Physic Garden
Get ready to tumble down the yellow brick road, as part of an interactive outdoor adventure from the Wild Immersive Theatre Company with The Wizard of Oz at the Chelsea Physic Garden.
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion as the venture through the gardens on their quest to meet the Wizard. Takes place on August 13, 15 and 17 with one-hour performances every 20 minutes between 10am and 11.40am. Must be prebooked.
Alice in Wonderland at Kew Gardens
This family favourite has singalong songs, dance and plenty of audience participation as you fall down the rabbit hole with Alice at Kew Gardens.
Meet some of your favourite characters from the eternally late White Rabbit to the Dodo, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter at his tea party. Takes place at Tulip Tree Avenue, not far from the lake, on select dates from July 19 to August 31, with performances at 11am and 2.30pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday, at 11am only on Thursdays and Sundays. Includes garden entry.
You can also see The Dream Fairies – Adventures to Bubble Land which brings together Tinkerbell and the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the audience encouraged to dress up as they help the fairies find Tinkerbell’s lost wing. Selected dates from July 18-August 31
Open-air theatre at Morden Hall Park
There’s not one but two family-friendly open-air theatre performances on at Morden Hall Park this year (where we previously watched a fantastic production of the Jungle Book).
This summer’s shows include Wind in the Willows for younger theatregoers on July 26-27, as well as Alice Through the Looking Glass on August 1 and 5.
Alfresco Arts at Canary Wharf
There are a string of events and performances this summer as part of Alfresco Arts at Canary Wharf, including a 30-minute version of The Wind in the Willows on July 12 at Eden Dock.
Catch an open-air movie
Swap indoors for outdoors with a string of family films on show at London’s open-air cinemas this summer.
Everyman on the canal
One of the most fun locations in London, with seats on grassy steps by the banks of Regent’s Canal near Granary Square, King’s Cross. Even better, the Everyman Cinema festival is free to watch (but unticketed, so make sure you arrive early) – this year’s movies are tbc but there are usually some fun family favourites. From June 30 to August 17.
Vauxhall Summer Screen
Head to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens between July 8 and 29 for some family-friendly films, from Aladdin and Jumanji to Mean Girls, along with street food, drinks and popcorn to buy.
Summer Beach Club at Westfield
Who needs the seaside when Westfield is bringing the beach to you this summer, with the Summer Beach Club from July 31-August 13at both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford.
There’ll be immersive games and interactive zones, as well as plenty of laid-back beach club vibes, not to mention some surprise pop-ups promised along the way.
More summer days out in London with kids: ongoing
There are some great activities and exhibitions running throughout the summer holidays, including experiences due to end in September – so seize your last opportunity now.
For more ideas of the best things to do in London with kids, check out my top picks, as well as the best places to keep cool in London over summer
Some are still to be unveiled in September, while a couple of previous artworks have stayed for this summer as well.
Cruise along the Thames
See some of the biggest sights in London from the water, with a great deal on City Cruises boat tours including sightseeing tours and themed cruises.
Check out the complete set of Thames cruises and experiences to book.
Terrible Thames boat tour
What do you get when you cross the creators of Horrible Histories with 2,000 years of drama along London’s riverbanks? The Terrible Thames cruise, which is running throughout the summer.
With tales of revolution, beheadings and pirates (and the stomach-turning reason why Queen Victoria’s pleasure cruise lasted only minutes), you sail from Tower Bridge to Westminster and back via Execution Dock, while prizewinning school-child Billy (or Billie) and their teacher perform and provide the commentary.
Check out what we thought of the Horrible Histories boat tour
Titanic: Echoes from the Past
If the sinking of the Titanic fascinates you, there’s a chance to experience it almost first-hand with the next VR immersive exhibition, Titanic: Echoes from the Past in Camden.
The experience mixes storytelling sharing the human stories behind the tragedy, reconstructions and historical fact to take you on a journey through the history of the famous ship.
With your VR headset on, you’ll dive 3,800m to the Atlantic ocean floor to witness the wreck, recover the lost film reels shot on the voyage by the Titanic’s official filmmaker, allowing you to experience key moments and spaces aboard ship – the closest you can possibly get to wandering the boat deck or stepping onto the ship’s Grand Staircase.
Suitable for kids aged 8+, the experience lasts 45 minutes.
Can’t get enough Titanic? The Legend of the TITANIC: The Immersive Exhibition takes you on a two-hour journey through 13 expansive rooms to bring the doomed ship to life at Canada Water
Minecraft Experience
If your kids are Minecraft fans, there’s finally a chance to experience it in the real world, with the new immersive adventure in London.
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue lets you practice your Minecrafting skills as well as exploring seven Minecraft rooms, then take on different challenges in your quest to save villagers from a zombie attack.
Plus, of course, plenty of opportunity to pick up lots of Minecraft merch. Currently booking until the end of August, at Corner Corner in Surrey Quays.
Moco Museum
Discover the world of modern and contemporary art at Moco Museum near Marble Arch, with collections featuring everyone from Picasso and Warhol to Banksy, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and plenty more.
Packed with colourful and thought-provoking pieces, there’s also plenty of information to introduce kids (and adults!) to some of the biggest names in the art world over the past five decades. Best for tweens and teens.
Check out my full review of a visit to Moco Museum with kids
The Paddington Bear Experience
Paddington fans should pack their marmalade sandwiches as they head to the Paddington Bear Experience in the County Hall building on London’s South Bank.
The immersive experience opened travels through London to help Paddington and the Browns prepare for the Marmalade Day festival. Visiting Paddington Station, Windsor Gardens and even Darkest Peru, there’ll be lots of interactive fun for kids.
The experience lasts around 70 minutes, with extra time to enjoy the Marmalade Day celebrations, as well as visiting Mr Gruber’s shop – or a variation on it! – to pick up some souvenirs.
Escape from the Golden Hinde
Head aboard The Golden Hinde – the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship on the Thames near London Bridge – for an escape room with a difference.
Escape from The Golden Hinde introduces you to the two histories of the ship – the original one which sailed in 1577, and the reconstruction built in the 1970s. Players have an hour to solve the puzzles, with half-term sessions on May 24 and 29. Aimed at kids aged 10+ although younger ages can also take part.
Check out my review of Escape from the Golden Hinde
Bubble Planet
Head to Wembley for one of the most fun activities in London this summer holidays, at Bubble Planet.
In the immersive experience, now extended to the end of July, you’ll pass through themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even try a hot air balloon flight simulator, as well as using VR technology to take you to another planet – with all 10 rooms having the common theme of bubbles.
For more things to do at Wembley Park with kids, check out my top picks
Twist Museum of Illusions
There are some new exhibits joining the illusions at Twist Museum – perfect for a rainy day during the summer holidays in London with kids (or a sunny one for that matter).
With over 60 exhibits showing different illusions and displays to trick all your different senses, the interactive experience is fun for all ages.
Check out our review of a visit to Twist Museum London with kids
Frameless
The UK’s largest, permanent digital art exhibition in Marble Arch, Frameless lets kids – and big kids – experience artworks like never before.
Set within a 30,000 square foot space, with four separate galleries, visitors can discover key moments in art history, with state-of-the-art projection and motion sensor technology to bring to life work from artists including Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.
Paradox Museum
There still chance to defy gravity and play with the boundaries of space at Paradox Museum London, with tickets currently available to September.
The museum promises to take you into an inexplicable and extraordinary world, where nothing seems logical – expect everything from optical illusions to challenging paradoxes.
Perfect for kids who are curious about the world – and a lot of fun for the whole family. Visits last around 90 minutes, and Paradox Museum is based at 90 Brompton Road. Free for kids under four.
For ideas of more things to do nearby in South Kensington, check out my top picks
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
One of the newest family-friendly attractions around Leicester Square is the exhilarating Crystal Maze LIVE Experience.
While parents reminisce about the famous 90s TV show, kids over the age of 9 will enjoy running around the different themed zones with an amusing host, solving mysteries and facing a series of mental and physical challenges to win the coveted crystals.
Once all of the challenges are complete, your family will head inside the iconic Crystal Dome itself to grab tokens that are being whooshed around your head by strong fans. The ultimate fun family-bonding experience?
For more things to do around Leicester Square with kids, check out my top picks
The Tower Bridge Cat book trail
The Tower Bridge cat interactive trail through the Tower Bridge exhibition will be running daily during May half-term, letting you wander in the pawprints of Tower Bridge Cat Bella.
There’s also the chance to walk on the famous glass floor of the upper level as you soak up the views, and head into the engine room of London’s most famous bridge. Keep an eye out for the special family craft sessions which often take place during school holidays too.
Prebooking tickets is recommended, and you can also buy all the Tower Bridge Cat books here, including an ABC adventure that’s perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers and stories for primary school age kids to enjoy.
For more things to do around Tower Bridge with kids, check out my top picks
Follow a Treasure Map Trail
These lovely colourful treasure hunt-style maps include three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you use the code MUMMYTRAVELS.
A fun way to explore London with kids, the hunts challenge you to spot all kinds of quirky sights, from signs and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a fun fantasy design to transform the real life streets.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission – and paid promotion. All opinions remain my own.
Images: City Cruises courtesy City Experiences; Foundling Museum courtesy of the Foundling Museum; London City Hall courtesy London Bridge City; Puppet show courtesy Little Angel Theatre; Westminster Abbey/HMS Belfast/Eltham Palace/Globe Theatre/ Theatre sign/Tower Bridge/Buckingham Palace/beach scene courtesy of Depositphotos; Alexandra Palace via Picfair; all others copyright MummyTravels
