Summer holidays in London with kids: 61 things to do
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 2026
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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 61 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
Boleyn is Back at the Tower of London
This summer, the Tower of London, it’s all about the Tudors – and Boleyn is back, with the run-up to Anne Boley’s coronation.
The Tower will be embracing the Tudor period, and you can discover everything that needs to be done behind the scenes, with extra workers brought in to help… although some may be more hindrance as the pressure mounts and an inspection looms.
You can join in to help the workers get the Tower ready in time, as well as having the chance to meet the new Queen, who’ll be chatting to some of her loyal subjects on the South Lawn along with her two closest courtiers.
If you’re hoping to meet Queen Anne, she’ll be appearing daily at various points between 11:00 and 15:30 from July 25-August 14, while A Tudor To Do is running through the summer months until August 14.
Both are included in tickets. Plus you can eye up the Crown Jewels and enjoy some more royal history – get discounted tickets using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Visiting the Tower towards the end of the summer? Look out for Imagining Animals from August 19-31 (excluding August 25), with puppetry, music, and movement bringing to life some of the creatures which have links to the ancient palace fortress.
Jousting and Beano Havoc at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is reliving Henry VIII’s glory days from July 11-12 and 18-19, 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 kids will love to embrace some Beano Havoc – Dennis and friends have accidentally muddled up the timeline after their time machine go-kart has crash landed in the palace instead of whisking them to their school trip. Henry VIII is not amused…
Grab a comic strip story on arrival to spot the clues which will help you track down the missing pieces of the time machine to sort everything out – and watch out for real-life characters who’ve found themselves affected by the chaos. From July 25-August 23.
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.
Horrible Science at London Zoo
Step into a Horrible Science adventure this summer at London Zoo with a string of weird, wild and wonderful science-themed activities.
Follow a trail packed with some gruesome, grotty and genius moments, as well as finding out more about the wildlife pioneers from the past, and some of the clever, curious and courageous work during the two centuries of the Zoo’s own history.
Along with the zoo’s fabulous creatures, you could encounter time-travelling scientists along the way. If your kids love Horrible Histories, you can expect Horrible Science to be an equally big hit.
Save some time for the live sketch show taking place on the Main Lawns, where scientists from the zoo’s past are suddenly appearing thanks to an experiment gone wrong – and they want to bring an extinct animal back to life, with your help.
Included in zoo entry, runs from July 18-September 2. 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.
Sea Creature Rescue Squad at SeaLife London Aquarium
Become an Ocean Hero this summer in London with Sea Creature Rescue Squad at Sea Life London Aquarium this summer – runs from July 25-August 29.
The immersive trail helps younger visitors discover how to protect some of the ocean’s most incredible – and endangered – animals, as you take on a series of interactive challenges.
When you arrive, you’ll get a Rescue Squad Activity Trail with a series of missions, from finding out which shakrs need our help most to how to protect sea turtles and more.
Finish them all, and you’ll officially become part of the Rescue Squad, with a few prizes to take home.
Plus there’s the usual chances to marvel at one of the biggest collections in Europe, with over 500 species, 14 themed zones and more than 2 million litres of water in the aquarium.
Here’s what we thought of a visit to Sea Life London aquarium with kids
Jurassic Ocean: Monsters of the Deep at the Natural History Museum
Meet the goliaths of the prehistoric oceans at latest exhibition at the Natural History Museum, focused on some of the ancient monsters of the deep.
You’ll encounter the pliosaur – a gigantic, gnarly toothed creature – and the ichthyosaur, a majestic and speedy, dolphin-like predator alongside the fiercest hunter to ever rule the waves, the mighty mosasaur, called the T-Rex of the sea,
The Jurassic Ocean exhibition will feature fossils that are millions of years old, lots of bite-sized science and plenty of fun facts as you discover how marine reptiles evolved and decide who was the most ferocious, along with touching shark skin and even fossil poo.
Recommended for underwater adventurers aged 8+ but suitable for all ages. Runs to January 3, 2027.
Check out my review of Jurassic Oceans and what you can expect inside
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at the Young V&A
The latest exhibition at the Young V&A – Wallace & Gromit and Friends – takes you behind the scenes of stop-motion animation and explore how Aardman’s iconic characters and worlds are brought to life.
Celebrating Aardman’s 50th anniversary, you’ll meet everyone from Morph and Shaun the Sheep to Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw et al among in the 150 items on display, with everything from models to storyboards, some never seen before.
Along the way, you can see the whole process of how a film is made, from the initial sketches to how modelmakers build sets and puppets, and how animators work with directors and film crew to bring these miniature worlds to life.
Plus there are hint and tips about how to create your own stop-motion animation video, as well as changes to get hands on.
Prebooking is highly recommended. Tickets cost £11 for adults and children aged 4+, concessions available. Entry to the museum itself is free. Runs to November 15.
Check out my full review of the Aardman exhibition at the Young V&A
Bubble Explorers at the Science Museum
There’s a fun interactive show designed for younger kids at the Science Museum with the launch of Bubble Explorers in May.
Aimed at age 7 and under, the 30-minute show explores the world of bubbles with some exciting experiments, a few wow moments and a chance to practice your own science skills, including making your own bubble mixture at home.
You can even try to answer the biggest bubble question of all: can a person fit inside one? Tickets available for dates until late October, runs daily during school holidays.
The Big Dig at London Museum Docklands
Fancy yourself as an archaeologist? There’s a chance to get hands on at the London Museum Docklands this summer with the Big Dig.
With two thousand years of London history to discover, you’ll be unearthing real objects as you get hands on in your own trench, and learning more about what they are and the site you’ve found.
There’s the chance to find anything from the foundations of a Tudor home to evidence of life on this site before the city existed. Plus you’ll be working with genuine archaeologists, to get an idea of what the job really involves.
Tickets for the hour-long sessions go on sale at 10am on June 26, priced from £6.95 – numbers are limited so prebooking is very strongly recommended. Runs from July 22 to 31 August 31, and is recommended for age 5+.
Electric Pioneers at the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is making this summer electric, with a string of events and activities based around the electrical innovations that have powered the city’s public transport for more than 100 years.
Discover a few of London’s firsts, from the world’s first electric underground railway in 1890 to the 125th anniversary of electric trams in London, as well as how electric buses and other new technology is shaping the city today.
There are hands-on crafts, like making your own traffic light, as well as coding a mini railway, and taking an imaginary journey on the first electric railways alongside costumed characters.
Runs from July 21 until September 2, included in museum entry. Certain activities only take place on particular days of the week, so it’s worth checking if there’s something which particularly interests your kids.
Get a discount on entry to the London Transport Museum if you book via tiqets using my code, MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Summer fun and jousting at Eltham Palace and Gardens
Get ready for the Great British Summer at Eltham Palace in London this summer with kids, inspired by a few timeless traditions.
Enjoy everything from fairground activities to puppet antics, learn some new tricks at the circus skills staion or simply kick back in a deckchair with an ice cream. There’s also a souvenir passport for kids, with a chance to collect stamps as you enjoy your summer adventure from July 18 to September 6.
Or head to Eltham Palace on August 1-2 and you’ll be able to watch the legendary joust. All the sumer activities are free for members, while non-members can get discounted entry if you book online in advance – walk-up tickets may be available on the day as well though.
Summer at the National Maritime Museum
There are a string of fun free activities at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich this summer for kids, all themed around the wonders of the ocean.
With everything from storytelling to craft workshops and interactive fun, each day has a theme, from the seaside-inspied activities on the grass at Summer Play Tuesdays to music, craft and storytelling, plus character encounters on Saturdays.
Activities run daily between July 19 and August 30 (except Mondays) from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm each day, except for storytelling, which has 30-minute sessions at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm on the Ocean Map.
You can see the precise details of the individual activities on the museum website, and they’re suitable for all ages. Events are free and there’s no need to book in advance.
And with parts of the Royal Observatory site closed until spring 2028 for a major redevelopment project, you’ll also find astronomers at the museum throughout the summer.
Astronomers Take Over lets visitors meet astronomers, take part in science demonstrations and ask questions about space, as part of the hands-on fun. You could even try your hand at landing a Mars rover, use a starlight splitter and step inside an awe-inspiring ‘galaxy box’.
For more ideas of things to do in Greenwich with kids, check out my top picks
First Year at Hogwarts at the Harry Potter studio tour
Celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with the new First Year At Hogwarts event at the Warner Bros studio tour in Leavesden, on the outskirts of London.
Running until September 7, you’ll be able to see original props, like the Golden Snitch, alongside the Hogwarts Express as you relive iconic moments from the first film.
Even the Great Hall is set up displaying Gryffindor house banners and a flurry of floating hats suspended from the ceiling above the long tables, celebrating the moment when Gryffindor wins the House Cup during the first-year End of Term Feast.
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.
The Jolly Postman at the Postal Museum
Celebrate 40 years of the much-loved children’s book, The Jolly Postman, in a new interactive exhibition at the Postal Museum.
Step inside the story to meet the Jolly Postman, as he sets off on his rounds with letters for everyone from Goldilocks to the Big Bad Wolf. You’ll join the adventure as he wanders from the Three Bears’ Cottage to Cinderella at the royal palace, and inside the Wicked Witch’s gingerbread bungalow, with original artwork and notes to discover along the way.
Running until January 2027, there are also extra activities during the school holidays for the summer of storytelling, on selected dates from July 23 – August 29.
Included in the standard museum ticket – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Voyage to the Deep at the Horniman Museum
This exhibition at the Horniman Museum in south-east London takes you to the depths of the oceans this summer, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
As part of Voyage to the Deep, you’ll board the legendary ‘Nautilus’ submarine and embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure, exploring uncharted waters, encountering fantastic sea creatures, and discover hidden wonders of life beneath the waves.
This interactive adventure lets you take the helm of the Nautilus as you discover how submarines navigate, before decoding ancient secrets in Atlantis, coming face to face with a giant squid and plenty of other hands-on challenges.
Tickets cost from £9.80 for adults, £7 for kids and from £20.20 for a family ticket. Prebooking is advised. Runs to November 1.
The museum’s natural history gallery is temporarily closed but the aquarium, butterfly house and gardens are also open to explore.
Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman
There’s another fun challenge to discover at the museum, with a series of Octonauts mini missions to complete. As an Octocadet, you’ll help the Octonauts crew search for shells, mimic musical instruments and design your own underwater vehicle. Along the way, there are some fun facts to discover and a sticker to pick up at the end once your mission is complete.
As a bonus, there’s an extra adventure outside in the Sound Garden. And as an added bonus, the fun won’t cost a penny – both the trail and entry into the museum and gardens are completely free. Until November 1.
Fairy Tales at the British Library
Set off on a magical adventure at the British Library this summer, where you can explore enchanted lands, magical creatures and timeless tales. Just don’t wake the troll!
Aimed at kids aged 3-10, Fairy Tales uses books, theatre costumes, puppets, pop-ups, artwork and illustrations to whisk you from the deep dark forest to the royal palace and the three bears’ breakfast table, past genies and wicked witches.
As well as diving into the stories you love, there’s a chance to find some new favourites, from the three little wolves to the witch with a heart of gold and the princess who wouldn’t go to the ball. Don’t forget your glass slippers and magic beans.
Runs to August 23. Tickets cost from £11.50, must be prebooked.
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 London Fun day on July 23 with crafts and activities inspired by the city and its landmarks, or enjoy some Knights and Dragons on August 4 and 6 to learn just what it takes to become a knight of the real (and discover a few historic dames of the realm too).
The summer fun finishes with Sensational Science on August 18 and 20, where you can take part in experiments and learn more about scientists through history as you explore England’s oldest garden.
All events are free and take place in the College Garden between 10am and 1pm (or the Chapter House if the weather is bad), booking available from July 13 – it’s worth getting in early as these events always book up. The London Fun day is suitable for age 5+, the others for 3+.
Taking part in the Family Day events 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.
Summer aboard the Cutty Sark in Greenwich
Get set for the high seas with everything from craft workshops themed around exploration to tales of epic journeys aboard the Cutty Sark in Greenwich this summer.
From puppets and mosaics to designing your own bag or making your own music, there are a string of fun workshops and activities to enjoy – check out the full schedule for all the details of what’s on when.
Visit on the first weekend of every month and you can enjoy some sea shanties, or meet the historic characters which roam the ship every day too, as well as following the family trail.
All activities are drop-in sessions and included in entry, activities run from July 18 to August 30. Suitable for all ages.
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 track down the Coding Cats.
Often kept on board ships because of their talent for catching unwanted furry stowaways, these particular maritime moggies have taken a break from rodent control to send a message in Morse Code about another task they did on board.
Find all eight cats and decode their message to claim your reward. Runs from July 17-September 25, plus you can also make your own Morse Code transmitter to send your own message from July 18-September 25 – free, just turn up.
Plus don’t miss HMS Belfast’s We Were There 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 – suitable for age 5+.
Prebooking advised – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Family trails at Imperial War Museum
Follow the Beauty & Destruction trail at IWM London during the summer holidays in London, and see how the city changed during the Second World War through the eyes of artists.
There’s a child-friendly trail including stamps and activity sheet to encourage children to engage with the artworks by spotting details and asking questions. Runs until November 1.
Or head to the museum’s Clore Learning Centre on Level 1, to answer the question ‘What makes a home?’ from July 22 to August 23.
Designed to look at the meaning of home and shelter, especially if your own home isn’t safe during wartime, the activities include crafts like building and colouring paper houses which you can display at the museum or take home. Both included in entry, which is free.
Family activities at the Royal Mews
There are always some fun family activities at the Royal Mews during summer in London, inspired by the regal carriages and horses housed in the mews.
Watch out for the special interactive storytelling adventure Once Upon A Carriage, part of the celebration of the National Year of Reading on August 8 and 9, with a storyteller taking you around the Mews.
Suitable for families of all ages, it’s included with tickets. The 40-minute sessions run at 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
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 9 (until September 27).
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
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 The World Elsewhere this summer, rather than the usual Shakespeare plays, the sessions are aimed at age 5-8 and 9-11 on various dates from July 25-August 30.
Summer of sustainability at the Brunel Museum
There’s a fun trail for families 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 out how the museum cares for the planet, and get a chance to dive into history as you litsen for trains in the tunnel.
Return your trail to staff when you’ve finished, and you’ll get a free bag of bee-friendly wildflower seeds to take home and make a corner of your own home more sustainable. Runs until September.
Year of the Switch at Tower Bridge
Celebrate 50 years since Tower Bridge switched from steam power to electricity with a series of family drop-in activities throughout the summer.
Make a Tower Bridge postcard that lights up on July 21 and 28, learn about static electricty on August 4 and 8, discover why the bridge needs traffic lights on August 11 and 18, and make an electric motor on August 25.
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.
Children of all ages are welcome but it’s designed for age 7+, included with entry ticket. Prebooking tickets is recommended
For more things to do around Tower Bridge with kids, check out my top picks
Tom Gates Epic Adventure at Kew Gardens
Choose your own adventure this summer at Kew Gardens with a day of fun inspired by the bestselling Tom Gates book.
There’s everything from hands-on crafting to a giant interactive doodle wall, a live musical performance by Tom’s band DogZombies and a code-cracking tree trail woven through woodland paths.
Pick up your activity guide when you arrive, with a map of the locations on the trail and more crafty activities to take home and then head off for your very own epic summer day out. Runs from July 18 to August 31, included in entry.
For more tips for visiting Kew Gardens with kids, check out my post
Play in the Park at the Royal Parks
The usual discovery days at the Royal Parks have had a makeover this summer with the focus of their free activities on play.
Head to Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park for one of the August drop-in Play in the Park events and discover how nature can inspire playtime during the school summer holidays in London.
There are also Nature roadshows at seven royal parks on dates between July 29 and August 20 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 July 18-August 31.
There’s a chance to join the Dragonfly safari every day, as well as pond dipping, chalk art and mini beast hunting every day.
Included in entry – you’ll save 10% if you prebook tickets online although you can also get them on the door on the day.
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 28.
Or head to the Family Bees and Bugs Exploration on July 30 or try your hand at Family Soap Making on July 27 and 29, plus other activities including habitat making. Must be prebooked, ticket prices vary.
Spot the lions
There’s a new trail of 17 lions dotted across London’s Heritage Quarter this summer, set in a string of locations including Trafalgar Square, St, James’s Park and next to the Houses of Parliament.
The Pride in the Quarter trail, which runs to August 10, is designed to celebrate community, culture and creativity alongside the summer of international football, inspired by the three lions emblem.
It’s free to spot them all and most are outside, although you’ll have to go into a couple of hotels to tick off the lot. You can download a PDF map or view them on Google maps via the website.
There’s a second trail within easy reach of London too – Trunks Across the Thames runs in Windsor and Slough from July 13 to September 13, raising awareness of Thames Hospice – the larger colourful elephant sculptures will be joined by smaller ones decorated by local schools
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 July 24 until August 16.
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 family activities taking place at the Royal Docks over the school holidays, including some new art installations on The Line public art trail added since last summer. With so much going on, it’s a great destination for a fun family day out in London this summer.
The Kaleidoscope Festival & Upside Down London 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 11 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.
Or later in the summer, check out Upside Down London from August 1-9 as Pinhole London builds a new pop-up camera obscura at Alexandra Palace, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the first photograph.
As you step inside the immersive camera obscura, you can experience the people outside, Ally Pally park and panoramas of London live – and upside down.
The Kensington and Chelsea Festival, which normally runs during July and August, will not take place in 2026, while it doesn’t appear that the Inside Out Festival in Leicester Square will be back either
Family Days at the Serpentine Galleries
Head to the Serpentine in Kensington Gardens this summer and you could enjoy one of the series of fun Family Days at the Serpentine Galleries.
There’ll be hands-on workshops, creative activities and performances designed for ages 5-12, inspired by the Serpentine Pavilion, and exhibitions by David Hockney and Cecily Brown.
Plus you can to bring a picnic and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the lawn. The next events take place on July 19 and August 23, and it’s free to come along, with drop-in sessions from 11am-3pm (first come, first served).
Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold exhibition
If you’re fascinated by all things Ancient Egypt, the new Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold exhibition at Battersea Power Station is unmissable, with 180 treasures on display in the UK for the first – and only – time.
Containing 3,000-year-old artefacts from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the exhibition looks at Ramses II who ruled for nearly 70 years, reshaping the landscape of ancient Egypt and campaigning across continents. There’s a fun digital scavenger hunt for kids too.
Highlights include the pharaoh’s own coffin and other royal treasures, as well as immersive galleries that transport visitors more than 3,000 years into the past.
Takes place at Neon at Battersea Power Station, currently booking to end of August.
Vikings Immersive Experience
The Vikings are coming! With an alarmingly fun immersive experience marauding its way to London throughout the summer.
During the 90-minute Vikings experience, you can explore a life-size forest, board a Viking longship, and discover Viking legends along the way – there’s even the chance to wield a ceremonial Viking sword. If you can…
Takes place at Dock X in Canada Water. Currently booking to end of August.
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 September, with a string of extra events – details are still being announced, but there’s often outdoor cinema, pop-up bars and food.
However, The Scoop is currently closed for refurbishment, so there won’t be any entertainment taking place there this year – previously, there’s been outdoor theatre here among other family fun.
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 Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and Zog, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Horrible Histories: Barmy Brits, The Play that Goes Wrong, and Wicked among others Click to book.
For more ideas on saving money on days out in London with kids this summer, check out my top tips
Anansi the Spider at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre
A hit at London’s Unicorn Theatre, the classic West African and Caribbean folk tales about the mischievous spider who triumphs over larger foes are coming to the open-air theatre at Regent’s Park this summer.
Anansi The Spider is aimed at age 4+ and takes place on the theatre lawn, as you enjoy tales of the cleverest animal in the kingdom, the original trickster and the master spinner of yarns. From August 15-September 6.
Older kids will also love the adaptation of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Cats, from July 25-September 6
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.
Arthur brings the legendary king to life, with a new play featuring original songs and plenty of familiar legends. Aimed at age 6-12, it runs from June 20-August 9.
Or There’s a Tiger in the Garden is for littler theatregoers, a 45-minute adaptation of Lizzy Stewart’s Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winning book aimed at ages 3-7.
And there’s something for the littlest ones too, with an immersive sensory production for babies aged 6-18 months. Blub uses light, music, momvement and a coral reef that’s been crocheted and knitted from 500,000m of wool. Runs from August 13-23.
Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival
The Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival is back again this summer, running from July 28-August 30, 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.
You can check out the world premiere of a new marionette production The Sorcerer’s Apprentice for age 6+, but there are also options for age 2+, music and a panto with a twist, 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.
Theatre at Kew Gardens
You’ve got a choice of two family favourites at Kew Gardens this summer, with theatre performances in the heart of the botanic gardens.
The Wind in the Willows runs on select dates from July 18 until August 23, with songs, comedy and plenty of audience participation as you follow the story of Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter and, of course, Mr Toad, all with a backdrop of the lake.
Or enjoy Jack in the Beanstalk, transplanted from its usual winter panto home to the sunny Berberis Dell, with all the laughs of a panto and plenty of interactive fun.
Open-air theatre at Morden Hall Park
The Jungle Book is back in the rose garden at Morden Hall Park this year on July 21-22, with everyone’s favourite panther (and scary tiger) for a chance to relive the classic tales.
Or on July 25-26, you could lose yourself in the story of Pinocchio, followed by the Tale of Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit on August 7 and 8, aimed at age 3+.
Open-air theatre at Osterley Park
Head to Osterley Park this summer and the National Trust property has three separate productions to check out.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz whisks you along the Yellow Brick Road in a 60-minute adventure on August 8, while the following week sees The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny on August 14, perfect for fans of Beatrix Potter. Or stretch the summer out just a bit longer to see King Arthur and the Holy Fail on September 5, an Arthurian adventure with a side of medieval mayhem.
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 Midsummer Night’s Dream performed by just four actors on July 25.
As You Like It at Gunnersbury Park
Shakespeare gets a modern update at Gunnersbury Park this summer, with slapstick comedy, high energy musical numbers and audience participation in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Designed for all ages, there’s pre-show craft-making workshops for younger visitors and space for picnics before the show begins. Takes place July 9.
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) – look out for family favourites like Paddington and The Devil Wear Prada. From June 29 to August 16.
Vauxhall Summer Screen
Head to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens between July 7 and 28 for some family-friendly films, from Zootropolis and Cool Runnigs to Clueless and Mamma Mia: Here we go again, along with street food, drinks and popcorn to buy.
Rooftop Cinema Club
There are two locations for Rooftop Cinema Club including Stratford, with some family-friendly films showing during the summer holidays – there’s School of Rock on July 19 and Ratatouille on August 9.
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
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. Kids go free with a 24h river pass.
Check out the complete set of Thames cruises and experiences to book.
And Hamleys launched a new partnership with Thames Rockets speedboats in May, introducing a new story-led river adventure – Hamley Bear and the Secret Treasure Mission.
Alternatively, if you’re planning to take the Uber Boat, there are two fun new audio guides available to download at £2.50 telling the stories of everything from a polar bear fishing in the Thames to a pig flying over Battersea Power Station
Take a bus tour
If you get a sunny day, make the most of it on one of London’s open-top bus sightseeing tours to choose from, with different options depending which routes and times you want.
Tootbus (previously called The Original Tour) has a special 45-minute London Kids tour, as well as the London Discovery hop-on hop-off option.
Get 25% off using my code MUMMYTRAVELS25 if you book before the end of August 2026.
The hop-on hop-off route from London Big Bus Tours also takes you past most key landmarks, with some discounts online if you buy in advance.
And whether the weather is good or bad, the afternoon tea sightseeing bus tours from B-Bakery are a great option – you can choose the classic tour or a themed version, including Peppa Pig and Paddington.
Get 5% off standard seats on the B-Bakery afternoon tea bus tours when you book using my code MumTravels5 (minimum spend £115)
Escape from Prison Island
If your kids love escape rooms, the Escape from Prison Island immersive experience will tick all their boxes, with a mix of brain-teasing puzzles, physical challenges and tasks to test all their skills.
Located near Holloway Road tube station, the new experience is home to 32 cells, each containing a different type of challenge, with 90 minutes inside to take on as many as you can and score as many points as possible.
It’s huge fun (and guaranteed to bring out everyone’s competitive streak), whether you’re desperately trying to balance, are working out clues or trying to beat the clock.
Get 10% off until June 30, 2026 using my code MUMMYTRAVELS10
Crystal Maze
Whether you’ve got your own fond memories of the Crystal Maze or fancy something a bit unusual to do in London with kids, the Crystal Maze Live immersive experience on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End has a new addition, letting you try the exciting Ocean Zone.
Bringing the iconic TV show’s underwater world to life, you’ll get plunged into an adventure beneath the waves where Victorian-era submarine aesthetics meet fantastical deep-sea exploration. Descending through a submarine entry hatch onto the vessel’s command bridge, you’ll discover working navigation tools as you venture further in.
Beyond the submarine, parents will enjoy travelling back in time into the iconic 90s TV show, while kids will love running around the maze with the highly-enthusiastic Maze Masters, completing a series of silly themed challenges, from riding a giant buckaroo-ing spaceship to decoding riddles – it’s suitable for kids 13+.
Once you’ve finished all of the challenges, you’ll even get to head inside the Maze’s centrepiece, the Crystal Dome, where you’ll jump around and collect gold tokens that add points to your final score.
For more things to do around Leicester Square with kids, check out my top picks
Museum of Illusions
The new Museum of Illusions opened in May, just in time to boggle your brains this summer, joining other similar brain-teasing attractions like Twist Museum and Paradox Museum.
You’ll find interactive illusion rooms, installations designed to trick your perception, optical illusions and plenty of great photo opportunities if you want pictures of yourself apparently defying gravity, shrinking or cloning yourself.
Located on Tottenham Court Road, prebooking is recommended, although you can also get tickets on the door if it isn’t too busy (and there are no tickets currently available through third-party sellers).
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
Paradox Museum
There still chance to defy gravity and play with the boundaries of space at Paradox Museum London, with tickets currently available to the end of August.
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
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 August, 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
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
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.
There’s also a brand new experience featuring iconic portraits from the National Portrait Gallery this summer, and London’s first immersive art experience of a UK national collection. Features Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, William Shakespeare, Amy Winehouse and Malala Yousafzai. Included in standard entry, Stories – Brought to Life runs to September.
Mundo Pixar Experience, Wembley Park
The exciting new Mundo Pixar experience lets fans enter the universes of some of Pixar’s most iconic films at Wembley Park – and while it’s not the cheapest thing to do this summer in London with kids, there’s plenty for fans of all ages.
On show in the UK for the first time, after touring in Brazil, Mexico, Belgium and Spain, you can discover 14 Pixar universes including more than 25 sculptures, with favourites such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Cars, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Coco, Up and more.
Shrink to toy size in Andy’s room, explore the Scar Floor with Mike and Sully or soar through the skies with Carl from Up, as well as exploring the headquarters of Riley’s emotions along the way.
Beyond the immersive sets, there’s also a special Pixar Ball Treasure Hunt, searching for the yellow ball with a red star that’s hidden throughout the exhibition – a nod to the Easter Egg from many of the films. Runs to November.
Check out my full review of Mundo Pixar Experience in London
Monster Art Club at the Barbican Library
Budding artists of all ages can get creative at the Barbican Library every Saturday from 2 to 3.30pm – and it won’t cost a penny.
The free Monster Art Club event provides all the materials for drawing, colouring, and imaginative crafting too.
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 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.
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; 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/popcorn courtesy of Depositphotos; Alexandra Palace/Paddington statue via Picfair; all others copyright MummyTravels
