49 things to do at May half-term in London with kids
With summer on the horizon and (hopefully) some sun, you’re always spoiled for choice with things to do at May half-term in London with kids – and this year is no exception. UPDATED 2026
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In London, half-term runs from May 23-31, including the bank holiday Monday on May 25 – expect the city to be busy on the first weekend in particular.
But from the big museums to places to get outdoors, special events and exhibitions, I’ve picked some of the best days out at May half-term in London with kids.
Create something wild at London Zoo
There’s the chance to be part of a massive collaborative artwork at London Zoo this May half-term, which aims to smash the official Guinness World Records title.
Part of the celebrations marking ZSL’s 200th anniversary this year, every visitor is being invited to paint a single individual piece of the artwork, which will be grow into a large-scale installation – and you don’t need to be an expert with a brush, everyone is welcome to contribute.
The artwork will draw inspiration from the natural world’s colours and patterns, as well as including 200 animals – plus there’ll be other activities to enjoy, from face painting to pop-up drawing classes, fun challenges and more.
Included in zoo entry, runs from May 23-31. 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.
Duke and Disorderly at the Tower of London
History Riot is bringing some chaos to the Tower of London this spring. Taking visitors back to 1826, the Duke of Wellington has just been made Constable of the Tower, which is closer to an untamed town than the ordered site you can see today.
He’s got plenty of plans, including shutting down the Royal Menagerie, the taverns operating in the tower, and even draining the smelly moat – but not all his plans are popular with those living inside.
As you explore, you can meet some of the people connected to the Tower in the 19th century, and learn about their weird and wonderful jobs. Then decide whether you want to help the Iron Duke end the mayhem, or if you prefer a bit of disorder.
Included in entry, costumed performances take place around the Tower throughout the day. Runs until May 30, taking place every day (weather permitting) from 11am-4pm. Prebooking ticket to the Tower is advised during school holidays.
Tickets with free cancellation are available from Tiqets, with a discount if you book through this link using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6
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 toothedcreature – 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. Opens May 22, prebooking strongly advised during half-term.
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.
long 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.
Check out my full review of the Aardman exhibition at the Young V&A
Victorian fun at the London Museum Docklands
Leave modern London behind and whisk yourself back to the past and some Victorian entertainment at the London Museum Docklands.
There are some special screen-free activities running during May half-term, including a chance to craft a paper theatre, enjoy some music hall melodies and practice a few puns.
Make your own thaumatrope, a Victorian toy that creates an optical illusion before getting hands on with some Victorian toys, make your own peg character to play with, or craft a paper theatre for your cast to perform in.
There’s even a chance to learn the rule of comedy and try out your own jokes, or for the littlest ones, enjoy some music hall melodies at Baby Broadway.
Activities run at various times from May 23-31, some must be prebooked, others are drop-in sessions. Entry to all activities and the museum itself is free.
Bubble Explorers at the Science Museum
There’s a fun new interactive show designed for younger kids at the Science Museum with the launch of Bubble Explorers.
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? Shows run from May 23, with tickets available from early May.
Caribbean Connections at the London Transport Museum
Celebrate Caribbean history and culture at the London Transport Museum this May, as the museum marks 70 years since London Transport began recruiting employees in the Caribbean.
Back in 1956, London Transport launched a recruitment campaign there, inviting people to work on buses, stations, canteens and track maintenance, with their contributions helping to shape the city today.
Enjoy arts and crafts inspired by Caribbean heritage, meet costumed characters to hear their individual tales, and check out the exhibition, Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce.
Runs from May 23-31, the drop-in sessions are free with admission. Some activities are only running on particular days, or at particular times, so do check in advance if there’s something you’re particularly interested in.
Plus there’s also the usual opportunity to climb aboard vintage tube trains, learn how to drive a modern Elizabeth line train, head to the All Aboard play zone, and check out more about London’s transport history.
Get a discount on entry to the London Transport Museum if you book via tiqets using my code, MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Mystery mission at Eltham Palace
Can you save the day at Eltham Palace and Gardens this May half-term? A top-secret message has gone missing, and your challenge is to find it before it falls into the wrong hands.
Simply follow the trail, find the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message – and watch out for the mysterious secret agent who’ll be roaming around, and might be able to land a hand.
Runs from May 23-31, save 15% on entry if you prebook tickets. Free for English Heritage members.
There’s plenty more of the usual attractions at Eltham Palace too – try on some 1930s clothes inside Virginia Courtauld’s wardrobe, take shelter in the wartime bunker in the basement, and learn more about the owners pet lemur. There’s also the wooden outdoor play area and the grounds of the lavish house explore.
The Big Bahooey at Hampton Court Palace
With events, workshops, entertainment and a promise of ‘oodles of silliness’, The Big Bahooey is the perfect day out at Hampton Court Palace this May bank holiday weekend.
Watch the amazing aerial cabaret and enjoy some world-class street theatre before learning from the professionals in the circus workshops.
You can also get dancing at pop-up discos, enjoy some very silly games, get crafty, watch falcons fly and listen to comedy, music and beatboxing.
Runs from May 23-25, included in palace entrance (free for members) – prebooking tickets advised.
If you’re visiting later during half-term, you can also step into the historic kitchens to find out more about how the Tudors kept things clean.
Discover some unexpected ways of washing, drying, starching and folding Tudor table linen, how to make your napkins look decorative, getting rid of creases before the invention of the iron, and just how much hard work it all was.
May half-term at the National Maritime Museum
There are a string of fun free activities at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich for May half-term, inspired by the stars and planets.
Find out more about the tools sailors used to explore the world in centuries gone by, and design your own version, or create some starry prints inspired by the Milky Way or the shifting constellations.
You can also trick your eyes by making a Victorian thaumatrope and watch two images become one, design a moving solar system or star-shaped sunglasses, and even use it to inspire your own stories.
Activities take place between 11am-1pm and 2-4pm on specific days, so it’s worth checking in advance if there’s something you’d particularly like to try.
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 half-term.
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
Heroes of the Air at the Royal Air Force Museum
The RAF Museum in north London is celebrating the people, ideas and aircraft that changed the skies throughout May half-term.
And there are plenty of chances to get hands on as part of the Heroes of the Air activities, with young explorers ables to build, test and fly their own designs.
There are three ticketed activities to try, each priced from £3-10; use Lego to create your craft in Junior Jet Builders, take control of a radio-controlled helicopter, or see if you can make the paper plane which flies furthest.
Entry to the museum is free, and Aeroplay, the new indoor soft play for kids aged six months-8 years is now open with tickets from £2. Prebooking for the 90-minute sessions is recommended, and there is a separate toddler area for under-threes.
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 half-term, 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.
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, including arts and crafts drop-in sessions from May 23-29 (first come, first served).
Included in the standard museum ticket – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
Imagineering at the Museum of Water & Steam
Engineering and imagination combine this May half-term at London’s Museum of Water & Steam in Brentford, with their Imagineering activities from May 25-29.
Challenge yourself to build the tallest tower possible in the splash zone, or take on some of the different engineering challenges in the steam hall, surrounded by the museum’s fantastic steam engines. There’s also crafting and blueprint drawing to try.
Tower building runs from 11am-12pm, the engineering challenges from 2-3pm, crafting and blueprint drawing run all day. Drop-in, included in admission.
Plus the gigantic engines will be set in motion at Steam Up weekend from May 30-31, and there’s the new Wildplay garden to explore.
Family workshops at the Foundling Museum
There are some great creative family workshops at the Foundling Museum this half-term, with a string of fun clay-based crafts.
All the workshops are aimed at kids aged 5-12 and led by professional artists, priced £12 for an adult and child (£5 for each additional child or £7 per adult) including entry to the museum. Booking is essential with limited numbers and two sessions per day, from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.
The workshops include Felted Veggies on May 26, making your own creation inspired by the Foundling Hospital’s veggie garden, followed by Fabric Friends on May 27, creating a fabric doll, then Scented Stories on May 28 making your own personalised soap and Musical Toys on May 29.
Data bracelets at the Florence Nightingale Museum
You might know Florence Nightingale as the mother of modern medicine but did you know she was also a pioneer of statistics?
Head to the Florence Nightingale Museum this half-term, and there’s a chance to learn more, including finding out what statistics is by creating colourful bracelets and recording data to find out the most popular colours of the day.
The drop-in sessions are included in admission, from May 23-31. There will also be two interactive family trails to choose from to help you explore the museum and its collection, and a full day of Meet Miss Nightingale Performances on May 28 at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 6.30pm, also included in admission.
Family activities at the Royal Mews
There’s some extra fun the Royal Mews this May half-term, with crafts activities for families to enjoy during durung their visit, and the May Mews Discovery trail running all week.
As well as seeing some of the historic carriages used by the Royal Family, not least 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.
Along the way, you can join in the family crafts on May 23-24, and May 31, from 10.30am-3pm. Available on a drop-in basis and are included in the price of admission. Get discounted tickets 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 May half-term.
You could come across everyone from the ship’s cook to dockworkers and the suffragist who helped save the Cutty Sark, 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.
From May 26-28, there are more special activities inspired by the stars, which will see you creating a kaleidoscope, crown or mobile – head to the Dry Berth to join in.
There’s a discount on tickets for the Cutty Sark if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Discovery Day at Hyde Park
Get outside with the family and connect with nature this May half-term at the Royal Park’s Royal Discovery Days – this year, themed around Time Travellers.
Head to Hyde Park between May 26-28 for the sessions taking place between 11am and 3pm, with a variety of activities to try.
You can meet Queen Victoria, design your own park of the future, try your hand at calligraphy or create a plant print. Free, spaces can be reserved online.
There are also Nature roadshows at Kensington Gardens and Regent’s Park on May 26 and 27 with scavenger trails and free activities from 11am to 3pm
Gozzle at WWT London Wetland Centre
Drop by the WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes for a whole series of outdoor adventures, special activities, storytelling sessions and more inspired by Gozzle the gosling.
Follow the star of Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s freshly hatched picture book on an interactive trail to see what it takes for the fuzzy gosling to become a grown-up goose, from her first nibble and splash to her first migration.
Strike some animal poses and hop along stepping stones as you look out for the 15 mini Gozzles hiding along the route. There’s also an activity pack to buy for £4 (either at the visitor centre or when booking tickets online).
Runs until May 31, included in entry (apart from the activity pack), plus there are the usual indoor and outdoor play areas too to keep everyone entertained.
Check out some of our adventures at WWT Barnes, the London Wetland Centre with kids
Chelsea in Bloom
With so much taking place in London during May, it would be easy to overlook Chelsea In Bloom, celebrating its 21st anniversary this May.
Free to visit and overlapping with the start of half-term, you can catch the very end of this festival of flowers on May 23 and 24, with the shops, restaurants and hotels in Chelsea all breaking out the blooms to compete in the floral art show.
This year’s Chelsea in Bloom theme is Out of this World, with spectacular floral displays inspired by the allure of space travel, astrology and spiritual symbolism.
Family workshops at Chelsea Physic Garden
The popular family chocolate workshop is back at Chelsea Physic Garden this May half-term, as well as two other fun family activities.
Suitable for children 5+, the workshop on May 28 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.
Or head to the Paint and Plants workshops on May 25 or try your hand at Family Soap Making on May 26. Must be prebooked, ticket prices vary.
Super Nature at King’s Cross
There’s a fun new programme of free family experiences inspired by the natural world at King’s Cross this May, with Super Nature running until May 31.
Follow the Super Nature Trail, which taks you through Regent’s Canal, Coal Drops Yard and a string of other green spaces, with prompts and QR codes to help you discover hidden urban wildlife along the way. Pick up a recycled trail map from Lightroom.
From April 18, there’ll be an interactive, immersive Earth Day art installation – Dandelions Always Return is a woven house in Granary Square prompting all ages to think about nature in the city.
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 May half-term 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. They’re the perfect way to introduce little ones to one of the world’s most iconic playwrights.
With multiple plays to choose from – including The Tempest, Twelfth Night and a Midsummer Night’s Dream – and options for different age groups (5-8 and 9-11), it’s easy to tailor to your kids. Must be pre-booked, dates vary with workshop tickets priced £13.
Family workshops at the V&A
Head to one of the workshops at the V&A in South Kensington this May half-term, where you can get inspired by fashion and art.
Invent your own character and design how they look, using items from the current Schiaparelli exhibition. Suitable for aged 5+, the Draw It, Move It! drop-in sessions are free and take place from May 25-29 between 11am and 4pm.
Or enjoy the drop-in design sessions – choose from fungi fashion or making a nature-inspired tarot card, with some pop-up performances taking place during half-term too.
Family activities at the National Gallery
The National Gallery has a whole string of free events for families this May half-term, including ways to explore the collection as well as getting creative.
Decoding Pictures unveils some of the secrets behind the paintings in the gallery on May 26-28, while you could experiment with light as well as painting and printing in the Roden Centre over the same dates.
The sessions are all free, but first-come first-served, so it’s a good plan to arrive early.
Time Travel Club at the National Archives
A perfect day out for kids who love history, the Time Travel Club at the National Archives in Kew has some fun craft workshops running during half-term.
Priced £3, the sessions take place May 26 and 28 in the cafe. Prebooking strongly advised. The other regular family activities will also be running.
Fairy Tales at the British Library
Set off on a magical adventure at the British Library this May half-term, 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.
Free, runs to August 23. Tickets cost from £11.50, must be prebooked.
Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade
Look out for the special illustrations created by Sir Quentin Blake as part of the the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Pying tribute to some of the legends who have performed on stage, they also honour the Londoners who appear on the riverfront every day. Expect everyone from skaters, parkour athletes and dub poets to rock stars, authors and more.
There’ll be a procession of characters outside the Royal Festival Hall from May, as well as various other illustrations in place throughout the indoor spaces on the South Bank until November.
Save time to check out REPLAY: A limitless recycled playground, which is part installation, part adventure play area, built entirely out of repurposed waste materials. The space is designed to be moved, changed, worn and re-imaginged any way you fancy as you play (to July 5, Royal Festival Hall).
Seek the seahorse at HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast has some great nautical fun again over May half-term with their usual string of family activities.
Families are invited to discover the origin of the ship’s crest by seeking out the hidden seahorses around the HMS Belfast, all hidden with a code to crack which will unlock the one true (and correctly coloured) Belfast Seahorse.
You can also paint and keep your own plaster crest or seahorse in the activity room, as a souvenir of your visit. Takes place from 10-4pm every day during school holidays.
Cures, Cloves & Curious Remedies on the Golden Hinde
Climb aboard the Golden Hinde, a replica of the ship with Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world, where there’s a chance to learn more about Tudor medicine.
Led by the ship’s Botanist, you’ll venture into the atmospheric hold as part of the interactive talk, to explore how sailors stayed healthy at sea.
Discover the herbs, spices and “curious” remedies used to treat illness and injury, alongside the practical realities of life on long voyages. Takes place from May 23-31 at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Shadow Puppets at Tower Bridge
Explore light and dark as you learn some fascinating stories about Tower Bridge with their half-term family session on May 26, Shadow Puppets.
You’ll discover some of the unusual objects which have gone over and through the bridge over the years, before recreating the stories with your own shadow puppets.
Aimed at ages 6-10, it’s free and no separate booking required, just drop in at the Learning Centre in the South Tower from 10am-4pm – Prebooking tickets for Tower Bridge itself is recommended during school holidays though.
For more things to do around Tower Bridge with kids, check out my top picks
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 at May half-term 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.
Check out my full review of Mundo Pixar Experience in London
Vikings Immersive Experience
The Vikings are coming! With an alarmingly fun immersive experience marauding its way to London throughout May half-term.
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, 2026.
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 July 12.
Want more Egyptian-themed days out? Cleopatra: The Experience is also running until July 12 at Immerse LDN at Excel, an immersive retelling of the story of her reign, power, love, lifestyle and legacy
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 from May 7-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.
The Vanishing Forest at the Polka Theatre
There are some great shows coming to the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon over May half-term, both aimed at younger theatre-goers.
The Rapping Princess runs from May 16, telling the story of the little princess who loves music… but can’t sing. For age 3-6.
Or Tortoise and the Hare is for aged 3-7, with puppets and music helping to retell the classic tale.
Children’s theatre at Finchley Arts Depot
Head to Finchley Arts Depot in north London for some very fun children’s theatre performances this May half-term.
Tales from Acorn Wood, based on the Julia Donaldson tales, is on at the Pentland Theatre from May 22-26. Aimed at age 1+, expect puppets, music and much-loved stories brought to life.
Or There’s a Monster in your Show transfers Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures from page to stage, with comedy, chaos and lots of chances to join in. For age 2+, from May 27-30.
Children’s Theatre at Little Angel Theatre & Studios
Head to Islington for some of London’s loveliest children’s theatre at the Little Angel Theatre and nearby Little Angel Studio.
The bath toys are heading off on a magical adventure in The Flying Bath, bringing another Julia Donaldson favourite to the stage from May 2-July 12. Aimed at aged 2-5.
Or Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape runs from May 17-July 19, telling the story of Toto – a cat who’s almost completely blind but with incredible ninja skills, and who might be the only one to save the day when a King Cobra escapes onto the streets of London. For age 5+.
More May half-term days out with kids in London
Take a bus tour
If you get a sunny spring 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.
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 co
Cruise along the Thames
See some of the biggest sights in London from the water, with City Cruises boat tours including sightseeing tours and themed cruises.
And this half-term, up to three children can travel free with every 24-hour Family Pass. Check out the complete set of Thames cruises and experiences to book.
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
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.
Twist Museum of Illusions
The illusions at Twist Museum are perfect for a rainy day during May half-term 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 June.
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 May half-term, at Bubble Planet.
In the immersive experience, now booking to the end of June, 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
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.
There’s also plenty more to entertain kids during May half-term in London at the usual family attractions – check out my pick of the best things to do in London with kids including everything from Shrek’s Adventure and the Sea Life aquarium to HMS Belfast, the Sky Garden to the London Dungeon as well as ideas for a rainy day in London and free things to do in London,
*Updated 2026*
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Main image/National Maritime Museum/The Globe/South Bank/HMS Belfast/Battersea Power Station/bus courtesy of Depositphotos, Postal Museum artwork © Janet and Allan Ahlberg, Foundling Museum courtesy of the museum, City Cruises courtesy City Cruises, Treasure Map courtesy of Treasure Map Trails, all others copyright MummyTravels
