Family Events in London

What's on in London for families. Shows, exhibitions, workshops and more.

Tickets in advance via totteridgefireworks.co.uk

Totteridge Fireworks Night 2026 at TMCC

One of North London's biggest and best firework nights returns to Totteridge Millhillians Cricket Club — for 2026 the club is fundraising for Rays of Sunshine, the charity that grants wishes to seriously ill children.

Totteridge Millhillians Cricket Club
Free
1 Jan – 31 Dec 2026

Natural History Museum — Free Entry

World-famous museum with dinosaurs, wildlife and gems. Free general admission year-round.

Central London
Free
1 May – 31 May 2026

Super Nature King's Cross

A playful urban art and nature installation transforming King's Cross with interactive experiences. Running May through early June, this free outdoor space invites all ages to reconnect with nature across parks and canals.

King's Cross
Free
1 May – 28 Sep 2026

Underbelly Festival Southbank

London's longest-running outdoor festival returns to the South Bank with circus, comedy, theatre and live music under the iconic purple cow. Free to enter with ticketed shows available.

Underbelly Festival
Free
1 May – 28 Aug 2026

V&A Friday Lates

The Victoria and Albert Museum opens late every Friday with themed evenings featuring live performances, DJ sets, talks and access to special exhibitions. A brilliant grown-up night out in a world-class setting.

Victoria and Albert Museum
From £8
1 May – 4 May 2026

Grand Designs Live

Explore cutting-edge home and garden design ideas with interactive exhibitions and expert advice. Children under 16 enter free making this a perfect family day out to spark creative inspiration.

ExCeL London
Free
2 May – 4 May 2026

Canalway Cavalcade Free Festival

A vibrant free family festival in Little Venice with dozens of canal boats, live music, children's activities and an illuminated boat parade. Perfect for exploring the waterways and enjoying street entertainment.

Little Venice
From £15
2 May – 6 Jun 2026

Sherlock Holmes - Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Experience a thrilling Victorian mystery under the stars! A fast-paced adventure featuring Joshua James as the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in an atmospheric outdoor production perfect for family nights out.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
From £21
2 May – 4 May 2026

London Zoo Big Birthday Bash

Celebrate 200 years of London Zoo with bunting, games and family fun! Enjoy themed activities, zoo-robics with animal yoga, Guinness World Records attempts, birthday cake and treats all included with zoo entry.

London Zoo
Free
3 May – 24 May 2026

Wimbledon Common Windmill Open Day

Explore Wimbledon's historic 1817 windmill and museum for free! Guided tours reveal how the mill worked, with activities for children and stunning views across the common.

Wimbledon Common Windmill
Free
3 May – 30 Aug 2026

Dulwich Picture Gallery Family Sundays

Free family art activities every Sunday at the world's first purpose-built public art gallery. Creative workshops inspired by the collection help children engage with great masterworks.

Dulwich Picture Gallery
From £13
3 May – 12 Jul 2026

Flying Bath - Little Angel Theatre

A magical production featuring bath toys going on adventures, designed for the youngest theatre-goers. This 45-minute show brings toys to life with music and imagination for ages 2-5.

Little Angel Theatre
Free
10 May – 27 Sep 2026

Brick Lane Market

East London's legendary Sunday market stretches the length of Brick Lane with vintage fashion, street food, crafts and live music. An essential London experience buzzing with culture and creativity.

Brick Lane
Free
10 May – 27 Sep 2026

Hackney Flea Market

East London's most eclectic outdoor market with vintage clothing, furniture, records and curiosities. A brilliant browse for dads and kids alike with street food and live music on Sundays.

Hackney Downs
Free
10 May 2026

Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival

A beloved joyful gathering with puppet performances, grand procession, Mr Punch appearances and family workshops. The country's longest-running puppet festival with artists from around the world.

St Paul's Church Covent Garden
From £35 online
16 May – 1 Nov 2026

Chessington World of Adventures: Summer Season

Chessington World of Adventures opens its summer season with new rides, the brilliant zoo and safari sections, and all-day family thrills. Best visited on a weekday to avoid peak queues — book online in advance for the best prices. One of London's most complete family days out for mixed-age groups.

Chessington World of Adventures
£18 adults, £10 children
16 May – 31 Oct 2026

Shakespeare's Globe: Family Tour

Bring Shakespeare to life for the whole family with a guided tour of the world-famous Globe Theatre on the South Bank. Children can try on costumes, learn about Elizabethan theatre, and discover what it was really like to watch a play 400 years ago. Tours run daily — check the website for times.

Shakespeare's Globe
£7.50 per person
16 May – 5 Jul 2026

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Built entirely out of waste materials, this one-hour play wonderland at the Southbank Centre is pure magic for little ones. Children can move, combine, wear and reimagine materials across different coloured zones while their grown-ups play right alongside them. Book in advance as sessions fill up fast — split by age group for a perfectly tailored experience.

Royal Festival Hall – Southbank Centre
£12.50 per person (under 4 free)
16 May – 15 Nov 2026

Young V&A: Inside Aardman – Wallace & Gromit and Friends

Step behind the scenes of Britain's most beloved animation studio in this jaw-dropping exhibition at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green! Try your hand at stop-motion animation, see original models and sets from Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run, and discover the craft behind these iconic characters.

Young V&A
Free
16 May – 31 Dec 2026

Dads & Kids Parkrun Junior — Finsbury Park

Free weekly 2km fun run for kids aged 4-14. Dads, this is your Saturday morning sorted.

North London
Free
16 May – 17 May 2026

Vauxhall City Farm May Fair

Experience countryside magic in south London with live sheep shearing, sheep-to-table activities and farm games! A free weekend celebration of rural life in the heart of the city.

Vauxhall City Farm
Free
16 May – 31 Aug 2026

Battersea Power Station: Free Family Trail

Explore the incredible transformation of one of London's most iconic buildings with a free self-guided family trail at Battersea Power Station. The trail takes children through the art, architecture and history of this legendary landmark — great for curious kids who love big spaces and big stories.

Battersea Power Station
Free
17 May – 25 Oct 2026

British Museum: Family Sunday Workshops

The British Museum runs free family workshops every Sunday, offering hands-on activities inspired by its world-class collections from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and beyond. Drop in without booking — a brilliant free cultural activity for curious children aged 5–12 and their parents.

British Museum
Free
17 May – 30 Aug 2026

Herne Hill Velodrome Family Cycling Days

Get on your bike at the historic Herne Hill Velodrome! Free family cycling sessions on the iconic track, bike maintenance workshops and cycling activities for all abilities throughout the summer.

Herne Hill Velodrome
Free
17 May 2026

Primrose Hill Kite Festival

Fill the skies above Primrose Hill with colourful kites at this beloved community festival. Free to attend with kite-making workshops, music and stunning views across London.

Primrose Hill
Free
17 May – 31 Dec 2026

Hackney Marshes Parkrun Junior

Get the kids running with Junior Parkrun at Hackney Marshes — a free, friendly 2km timed run for children aged 4–14 every Sunday morning. Completely free to register and run, it's one of the best weekly habits you can build with your children. Register once at parkrun.org.uk and you can run anywhere in the world.

Hackney Marshes
Free
17 May – 31 Aug 2026

Tate Modern: Shape of Light Family Tour

A free family-friendly guided tour through Tate Modern's permanent collection, exploring how artists use light, colour and shape. Perfect for curious kids aged 5–12 who want to look at art differently. Tours run on selected weekends — check the website for dates and booking.

Tate Modern
Free
18 May – 24 May 2026

Chelsea in Bloom

Watch Chelsea transform into an intergalactic wonderland with over 140 stunning floral displays! This free flower festival features giant UFOs and cosmic art installations perfect for families to explore.

King's Road & Sloane Square
£77-133
19 May – 23 May 2026

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The world's most prestigious botanical event transforms Chelsea into a breathtaking display of garden design and floral artistry. Over 5 hours to explore extraordinary gardens and exclusive shopping.

Royal Hospital Chelsea
£12 per session
20 May – 30 Jul 2026

Dad & Baby Yoga — Islington

Yoga class designed specifically for dads and their babies (0-12 months). No experience needed.

North London
Free
23 May – 31 May 2026

Greenwich Park Family Fitness Trail

Take on the free family fitness trail through the stunning grounds of Greenwich Park this half term. The trail takes in the Royal Observatory, the meridian line and the best views in London — with fun physical challenges along the way. Perfect for burning off energy and making memories.

Greenwich Park
£4.50 (under 2 free)
23 May – 23 Oct 2026

Science Museum: Bubble Explorers

An enchanting live show all about the magical science of bubbles — designed especially for young children aged 7 and under. Kids can explore bubble experiments with moments of wow and hands-on scientific fun in this lively 30-minute performance. Tickets are just £4.50 and under-2s go free.

Science Museum
Free
23 May – 25 May 2026

Rathayatra Hindu Festival

A colourful parade of wooden chariots carrying Hindu deities from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square. Enjoy free vegetarian food and celebrate this joyful spiritual festival with the whole family.

Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park Corner
£15 adults (children free)
23 May – 25 May 2026

Foodies Festival at Syon Park

Three days of delicious food family fun! Watch celebrity chefs cook live, enjoy kids' cookery school, fairground rides and explore the brand new Dog Zone and Wellness Village.

Syon Park
Free
23 May – 24 May 2026

StrEATlife Festival at Alexandra Palace

Join North London's biggest free street food festival with over 20 top traders serving global cuisine! Live DJs and craft beer make this a fun May bank holiday for all ages.

Alexandra Palace
From £5 (in addition to zoo admission)
23 May – 31 Aug 2026

London Zoo: Wild Vet Experience

Get up close to the amazing work of London Zoo's veterinary team in this special behind-the-scenes experience for families. Learn how vets care for exotic animals, what it takes to be a wildlife vet, and see the medical facilities that keep the animals healthy. A fascinating add-on to a zoo visit for older children.

ZSL London Zoo
Free–£15
23 May – 31 May 2026

Southbank Centre: Imagine Children's Festival

The Southbank Centre's legendary Imagine Children's Festival returns with a packed programme of theatre, music, dance, storytelling and art for babies to teenagers. Many events are free or low cost, making this one of the best-value family weekends in London's cultural calendar.

Southbank Centre
Free
23 May – 31 May 2026

RAF Museum London: Half Term Family Days

The RAF Museum in Colindale is completely free to enter and this half term it's packed with special activities, interactive workshops and flying-themed fun for families. With over 100 aircraft on display across vast hangars, it's one of London's most impressive and underrated free days out.

RAF Museum London
Free
23 May – 31 May 2026

Museum of London: City Under Your Feet

Explore 2,000 years of London's history through the brilliant free galleries of the Museum of London. This half term, pick up a free family activity trail and discover the city that lies beneath your feet — from Roman Londinium to the Great Fire. An essential London experience, completely free.

Museum of London
Free
23 May 2026

Michael Rosen 80th Birthday Drop-In Celebration

Join the Southbank Centre for a free drop-in party celebrating children's author Michael Rosen's 80th birthday. Expect stories, songs and a joyful celebration for ages 5 and up in one of London's most iconic cultural spaces. No ticket needed — just show up and enjoy.

Southbank Centre
From £8
23 May – 31 May 2026

Discover Children's Story Centre: Half Term Shows

Stratford's wonderful Discover Children's Story Centre bursts into life this half term with imaginative shows, storytelling sessions and creative workshops for children aged 0–11. This much-loved East London gem consistently delivers brilliant, affordable family experiences with real creative depth.

Discover Children's Story Centre
£14.80 adults, £6.80 children
23 May – 31 May 2026

Tower Bridge: Half Term Family Experience

Walk across the glass floor high above the Thames and discover the history of one of London's most iconic structures this half term. Tower Bridge's special half-term activities bring Victorian engineering to life for children — plus the Engine Rooms are utterly fascinating for kids who love how things work.

Tower Bridge
£18 adults, £9 children (under 4 free)
23 May – 31 May 2026

Cutty Sark: Half Term Family Activities

Climb aboard the world's last surviving tea clipper this half term for special family activities inspired by the ship's extraordinary Victorian voyages. Children can dress as sailors, complete activity trails and explore the ship's fascinating history in one of Greenwich's most unmissable attractions.

Cutty Sark
Free workshop; Jurassic Oceans exhibition from £15
23 May – 31 May 2026

Natural History Museum: Jurassic Jaws Half Term Workshop

Become a palaeo-detective at the Natural History Museum this half term! The free Jurassic Jaws family workshop challenges children to solve an underwater prehistoric crime scene and identify mystery shark species using real marine palaeontology techniques. It runs alongside the spectacular Jurassic Oceans exhibition.

Natural History Museum
Free
23 May – 31 May 2026

National Maritime Museum: May Half Term Stars

A free and starry adventure for families at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich this half term! Discover how sailors navigated the seas using the night sky, make your own constellation viewer, and explore the mystical world of ocean deities in hands-on workshops. The museum is free to enter and the activities are included.

National Maritime Museum
Family Cycling Day — Olympic Park
Free
24 May 2026

Family Cycling Day — Olympic Park

Free guided family cycling routes through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Bikes available to hire.

East London
£15–£18
24 May 2026

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Family Day

A genuinely special outdoor family day out in the heart of Regent's Park! The programme includes The Marvellous Myth Hunter family show, a Bach to Baby harp concert, a raving good time with Fly-Kid's family rave, and interactive puppet games. A unique blend of outdoor culture and entertainment.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Free
24 May – 31 May 2026

Horniman Museum: Nature Base Half Term

The Horniman Museum's brilliant outdoor Nature Base comes alive this half term with free drop-in activities, bug hunts, pond dipping and nature crafts for children of all ages. Set in beautiful South London gardens, the museum itself is free to enter — one of London's most underrated family destinations.

Horniman Museum and Gardens
Free
24 May – 31 May 2026

V&A South Kensington: Family Studio Sessions

Drop into the V&A's brilliant free Family Studio this half term for hands-on creative workshops inspired by the museum's incredible collections. Sessions run throughout the day — no booking required — and are designed for children aged 5–12 with their grown-ups. A wonderful free creative activity in one of the world's great museums.

Victoria and Albert Museum
From £93.45
25 May 2026

City Splash Caribbean and African Music Festival

London's biggest festival celebrating African and Caribbean music and culture lands at Brockwell Park on the May bank holiday! Reggae, dancehall, afrobeats and amapiano fill the air alongside 80+ black-owned food traders, wellness workshops and an all-ages vibe. A genuine community celebration with an incredible line-up.

Brockwell Park
Varies by show
28 May – 27 Sep 2026

Underbelly Festival Southbank 2026

London's favourite outdoor arts festival is back on the Southbank! Underbelly Festival brings circus, comedy, cabaret and family shows to the banks of the Thames all summer long. With dedicated family shows, interactive experiences and a buzzing festival atmosphere, it's a brilliant day out for dads and kids of all ages.

Underbelly Festival Southbank
See website for pricing
29 May 2026

Claytime at Woolwich Works

Award-winning interactive theatre meets hands-on clay play in this unique show for ages 3 to 6 at Woolwich Works in South East London! Children transform natural clay into their own worlds, characters and stories guided by the brilliant performers of Indefinite Articles. A wonderfully creative, gloriously muddy afternoon.

Woolwich Works
Included with museum admission
29 May 2026

Foundling Museum: Fabric Friends Family Workshop

Create your very own fabric creature to take home at this charming half-term workshop at the historic Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury! Led by artist Christina Rose Brown, children stitch and assemble their own soft characters in a museum dedicated to London's most famous children's charity.

Foundling Museum
Free
1 Jun – 31 Aug 2026

Hyde Park Summer Festival

A celebration of music, food and outdoor fun in one of London's most iconic parks. Families can enjoy picnics, live performances and activities throughout the summer season.

Hyde Park
Free
1 Jun – 6 Sep 2026

Southbank Summer Festival

The South Bank transforms into London's ultimate outdoor destination with free music, art installations, street food and family activities stretching along the Thames.

Southbank Centre
Free
1 Jun – 31 Oct 2026

Wellcome Collection Summer Exhibition

A fascinating and thought-provoking free exhibition exploring the intersection of science, medicine and art. The Wellcome Collection consistently delivers some of London's most memorable museum experiences.

Wellcome Collection
Free
1 Jun – 31 Aug 2026

Battersea Power Station Summer Festival

A summer of outdoor cinema, live music, markets and family entertainment at the iconic Battersea Power Station. Free events across the riverside development throughout the season.

Battersea Power Station
Free
4 Jun – 1 Sep 2026

Canary Wharf Summer Screens

Free outdoor film festival running June-September with family-friendly screenings at the iconic Canary Wharf venue. Bring a picnic and enjoy cinema under the stars with the whole family.

Canary Wharf
Free
4 Jun – 14 Jun 2026

Hackney Art Week

A free art festival spreading across Hackney with 60 artists and 50 venues from Dalston to Hackney Wick. Families can enjoy markets, workshops, street parties and an art treasure hunt. A brilliant, low-cost way to explore the borough's creative side.

Various venues across Hackney
Free
4 Jun – 1 Sep 2026

Summer Screens Family Films at Canada Square Park

Canary Wharf's open-air cinema returns with a line-up of free family-friendly films on a giant screen in Canada Square Park. Bring a blanket, grab a spot on the grass and enjoy a relaxed afternoon under the sky. No booking required and plenty of food nearby.

Canada Square Park
Free
4 Jun – 27 Sep 2026

Free Minigolf at Canary Wharf

A colourful free 9-hole minigolf course designed by artists, set in the heart of Canary Wharf. Just turn up, collect your clubs from the stewards and play, with selected SEND-friendly sessions too. Suitable for all ages and a perfect relaxed family outing.

Montgomery Square
Free
4 Jun – 14 Jun 2026

Hackney Art Week 2026

Ten days of free art, culture and creativity across Hackney — families are absolutely welcome! Explore workshops, open studios, street parties and an art treasure hunt with over 60 artists at 50 venues. A wonderful way to introduce children to contemporary art in a relaxed, community-spirited atmosphere.

Various venues across Hackney
£20 for 25 tokens
5 Jun – 14 Jun 2026

Clapham Common Summer Family Funfair

Classic fairground fun with white-knuckle rides and traditional carousel! Over 150 years of tradition. Buy tokens online for discounts and enjoy two weeks of summer excitement.

Clapham Common
Free
5 Jun 2026

Natural History Museum Lates

Explore the Natural History Museum after dark with special late-night programming including talks, cocktails and exclusive access to exhibits. A grown-up twist on one of London's favourite family attractions.

Natural History Museum
Free
6 Jun 2026

Mitcham Fire Station Open Day

A free, fun-packed open day where children can meet real firefighters and clamber around fire engines. There are live demonstrations, face painting, food stalls and an ice cream van to keep everyone happy. A great hands-on, educational morning out in South London.

Mitcham Fire Station
Free
6 Jun – 7 Jun 2026

Great Exhibition Road Festival 2026

A brilliant free weekend of science and arts for the whole family! The Family Fun Zone in Kensington Gardens is packed with hands-on activities for under-12s, including storytelling, interactive science shows, music and crafts. A dedicated relaxed session is also available for neurodivergent families — don't miss it!

Kensington Gardens / Exhibition Road
Free
7 Jun 2026

Young Founders House Children's Market

A brand new monthly market in Twickenham where children aged 7 to 12 design, make and sell their own products. It is a fun, inspiring outing that celebrates young creativity and entrepreneurship. Free to browse and a lovely way to support budding founders.

Young Founders House
Free
7 Jun – 26 Jul 2026

Clapham Common Bandstand Summer Concerts

Free weekend concerts at London's largest bandstand on Clapham Common, funded by Lambeth Council. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music in the open air every weekend through the summer. A relaxed, free way to spend a sunny afternoon with the family.

Clapham Common Bandstand
Free
12 Jun 2026

Tate Modern Late — Family Edition

A special family-friendly evening at Tate Modern with art activities, live performances and exploration of the galleries after hours. A uniquely magical experience in one of London's greatest cultural spaces.

Tate Modern
Free
13 Jun 2026

Barking Fire Station Open Day

Kids can meet local firefighters, learn about fire safety and even climb inside a real fire engine at this free community open day. It is interactive, friendly and perfect for curious little ones. A lovely free afternoon out in East London.

Barking Fire Station
Check website for tickets
13 Jun 2026

Riverside Festival at The Lensbury 2026

A joyful day out by the Thames in Twickenham! The Riverside Festival features live music, dazzling Circus Calamitous performances, a toddler corner, face painting, carnival rides, a silent disco and free watersports tasters. There is also a Creative Family Fun Zone for children of all ages — a brilliant community day for London families.

The Lensbury
Free
14 Jun 2026

Crystal Palace Park Festival

A community festival celebrating the history and beauty of Crystal Palace Park with live music, art, food and family entertainment. Visit the famous dinosaurs and enjoy a great day out.

Crystal Palace Park
Free
15 Jun – 28 Aug 2026

Barclays Summer Sounds at St James's Park

Free lunchtime and evening concerts in the beautiful setting of St James's Park throughout the summer. Enjoy classical music, jazz and pop performances steps from Buckingham Palace.

St James's Park
From £15
18 Jun – 21 Jun 2026

Adventure Cinema Kew Gardens

Enjoy family-friendly films under the stars at beautiful Kew Gardens including Wicked: For Good, Dirty Dancing, Jurassic Park and Encanto sing-a-long. Summer cinema in a magical botanical setting.

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Free
20 Jun 2026

Kew Midsummer Fete

A timeless British fete with vintage fairground rides, carousel and helter skelter! Over 100 craft stalls, local talent on stage and family fun from 11am-6pm on the banks of the Thames.

Kew Green
Free
20 Jun – 21 Jun 2026

West End Live 2026

The biggest free musical theatre extravaganza in London returns to Trafalgar Square! Stars from over 50 West End shows — Hamilton, The Lion King, Mamma Mia and more — take to the open-air stage for a show-stopping weekend. No tickets needed, just turn up and enjoy world-class performances in the heart of the city.

Trafalgar Square
From £25
20 Jun 2026

Red Bull Soapbox Race 2026

Watch gravity-powered chaos unfold at Alexandra Palace! Brave teams race wildly creative homemade carts down Ally Pally's iconic hill in a spectacle of engineering, comedy and pure fun. With a festival atmosphere, live music and thousands of cheering spectators, this is a genuinely hilarious family day out in North London.

Alexandra Palace
Check website for tickets
20 Jun 2026

Discover Children's Story Centre Reopening 2026

After a major refurbishment, Stratford's beloved story centre reopens on 20 June with exciting new Story Worlds, a reimagined Story Garden and a brand-new sensory play space for babies and toddlers. Opening events include big-name authors and early years activities — perfect for little story lovers in East London.

Discover Children's Story Centre
From £20
20 Jun – 18 Jul 2026

A Midsummer Night's Dream — Open Air Theatre 2026

Shakespeare's most magical comedy comes to life under the open sky in beautiful Regent's Park! This fresh and accessible new adaptation is wonderful for families with older children ready to experience live theatre, with a story full of love, mischief and meddling fairies. The outdoor setting makes for a truly unforgettable summer evening.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Ticketed
20 Jun – 18 Jul 2026

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Shakespeare's most magical comedy comes to life under the stars at the beautiful Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Full of fairies, mischief and laughter, it is a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare for older children. A classic summer night out for families.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Free
21 Jun – 31 Aug 2026

Kensington + Chelsea Festival

A summer-long borough-wide festival with theatre, circus, dance, music and free outdoor family shows. Many pop-up performances and activities are free and perfect for children. A great excuse to explore Notting Hill and the wider borough all season.

Various venues across the borough
Free
21 Jun 2026

Hampstead Summer Festival Art Fair

A relaxed open-air art fair in the beautiful garden of Keats House, with paintings, sculptures and a prize-giving. There are art activities for children plus a wine bar and food for the grown-ups. A gentle, creative day out in leafy Hampstead.

Keats House Garden
Free
21 Jun 2026

Hampstead Summer Festival - Art Fair

Discover original paintings and sculptures by local artists at this free art fair in the beautiful Keats House Garden! Enjoy art activities for kids, wine bar and community atmosphere.

Keats House Garden
Free - £50
22 Jun – 11 Jul 2026

City of London Festival

A rich programme of classical music, jazz, talks and visual arts taking place in iconic City venues including churches, livery halls and public spaces. Many free events suitable for families.

Various City of London venues
Ticketed
26 Jun 2026

The Jolly Postman at the Postal Museum

Follow the Jolly Postman on his delivery round through the woods to the Three Bears' cottage, Cinderella's palace and the Wicked Witch's gingerbread bungalow. An interactive exhibition bringing Janet and Allan Ahlberg's classic book to life.

The Postal Museum
Free
26 Jun – 1 Nov 2026

Octonauts Adventure Trail at the Horniman

A free, self-guided trail through the Horniman museum and gardens with mini-missions like searching for shells and designing an underwater vehicle. Pick up your trail guide at the ticket desk and dive in.

Horniman Museum and Gardens
Ticketed
26 Jun 2026

Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep

Meet the giant marine reptiles that once ruled the seas through fossils, hands-on objects and interactive displays at the Natural History Museum. Touch a mosasaur tooth and feel a replica shark's skin in this bite-sized science adventure.

Natural History Museum
Free
26 Jun – 4 Jul 2026

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

One of London's biggest free outdoor arts festivals bringing spectacular performance, circus and street theatre to Greenwich and Docklands. World-class artists in stunning outdoor locations.

Various Greenwich venues
Free
26 Jun – 12 Jul 2026

The Space Show at the Science Museum

A free, awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos in the Science Museum's revamped space galleries. Perfect for budding astronauts of any age, and entry to the museum is free.

Science Museum
Free
26 Jun – 15 Nov 2026

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit at Young V&A

Celebrate 50 years of stop-motion magic with this cracking exhibition dedicated to Wallace & Gromit and friends. Free entry at the Young V&A, a museum designed especially for younger visitors.

Young V&A
Free
27 Jun 2026

Horniman Museum 125th Birthday Party

The much-loved Horniman celebrates its 125th birthday with a huge free family day across the museum and gardens. Expect live performances, hands-on activities and plenty of space for little ones to explore indoors and out. A brilliant free day out in leafy South London.

Horniman Museum and Gardens
Tickets vary (some free)
27 Jun – 28 Jun 2026

Barnes Children's Literature Festival

The UK's largest dedicated children's literature festival returns to Barnes with more than 100 events, workshops and performances. Young book fans can meet authors and illustrators and dive into a weekend of storytelling. A treat for families who love to read together.

Barnes
Free
28 Jun – 31 Aug 2026

JW3 Beach Indoor Sand Play

JW3 Beach brings real sand and seaside fun indoors, so children can build sandcastles whatever the weather. Set under a retractable roof at the JW3 Centre, it is a safe, relaxed spot for little ones to play. Free to enter with food and drink available on site.

JW3
Free
28 Jun 2026

Hampstead Summer Festival Family Garden Party

A lovely afternoon in the gardens of Keats House with birds of prey, ballet shows, art activities and face painting. A relaxed, free family treat as part of the Hampstead Summer Festival.

Keats House Garden
Free
30 Jun – 5 Jul 2026

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2026

Six days of completely free hands-on science at one of London's grandest addresses! Explore 13 interactive exhibits from cutting-edge UK researchers, plus over 60 talks, panels and demos throughout the week. Curious children aged 5 and up will be absolutely in their element — register for a free priority entry ticket online to avoid queues.

The Royal Society
From £30
1 Jul – 31 Aug 2026

Chessington World of Adventures Summer

The ultimate family theme park experience with thrilling rides, a zoo and splash zones. Summer brings special events, live entertainment and extended opening hours for maximum family fun.

Chessington World of Adventures
Free
3 Jul – 31 Aug 2026

Natural History Museum Gardens and Family Galleries

Meet the animatronic T-rex, explore the family favourites galleries and roam the museum's new dinosaur gardens, all free to visit. A classic, crowd-pleasing day out for dinosaur-mad children in West London.

Natural History Museum
Ticketed
3 Jul – 23 Aug 2026

British Library: Fairy Tales Exhibition

An interactive exhibition where you can sit at the Three Bears' breakfast table and step inside beloved magical stories. A charming, imaginative outing for storytelling-loving families before it closes in August.

The British Library
Free
3 Jul – 28 Aug 2026

Astronomy LEGO Brick Club at the National Maritime Museum

A free drop-in LEGO club for under-12s every Friday through the summer, with all the bricks provided and a space-and-astronomy theme. A brilliant free activity to pair with a day exploring Greenwich.

National Maritime Museum
Free
3 Jul – 1 Nov 2026

Octonauts Adventure at the Horniman

Follow a free Octonauts-themed trail around the Horniman's galleries and famous gardens, with spectacular views across London. A free, easygoing outing that younger fans of the show will adore.

Horniman Museum and Gardens
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