London Summer Holiday Guide: 50+ Coolest Things to Do with Kids

 

 
There’s a heatwave coming and we’ve everything crossed for another hot summer in the city. Our London summer holiday guide is JAM-PACKED with family fun ideas from now through September. Check it out.

 

London Summer Holiday Guide: BABES CHOICE

 

 
The Moon at National Maritime Museum, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Don’t miss the UK’s biggest exhibition of the moon, celebrating 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing. Relive breathtaking moments from the original ’Space Race’ and see more than 180 objects including original pieces from the Apollo 11 mission. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm; adult £9-£10/child £4.50-£5 (Jul 19-Jan 5, 2020)

Ronnie Scott’s 60th Anniversary Street Party, 47 Frith St, W1D 4 (Leicester Square tube)
Come party with jazz legends Ronnie Scott’s at the 60th birthday of the iconic venue. Hear music from Pee Wee Ellis and his Funk Assembly, Nubya Garcia, Eliane & La Evolution and children’s band Kinetica Bloco. There’s face painting, balloon modelling, bubble show as well as street food and special bars for adults. All ages welcome. Anticipate crowds and a lively atmosphere. 12pm-6pm, FREE (Jul 20)

Buckingham Palace State Rooms Summer Opening, Westminster, SW1A 1AA (Victoria/Hyde Park/Green Park/St James Park/Charing Cross tube; Victoria/Charing Cross rail)
Get a rare peek behind the scenes at the Queen’s gaffe, wandering through 19 rooms where VIPs are hosted every year, including the Throne Room. And of course, you can ogle the Crown Jewels and other treasures, plus see an exhibition about Queen Victoria. Until Aug 31: 9.30am-7.30pm (last admission 5.15pm); until Sep 29: 9.30am-6.30pm(last admission 4.15pm); adult from £25/child from £14/family 2 adults + 3 kids £64/under 5s FREE (Jul 20-Sep 29)

Telling Tales at Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
Another fabulous line-up at this storytelling festival for families: Meet the creator of Hugless Douglas (Jul 26), Henry V workshop for ages 5-8 (Jul 27), Mouth Open, Story Jump Out (Jul 28), How to Hide a Lion live (Jul 28), a Midsummer Night’s Dream storytelling for ages 5-12 (Jul 28) and lots more. Various times and prices, range £7-£15 – ticket holders get free access to Bottom’s Dream Book Market (Jul 26-28)

The Golden Hinde Night Voyage (Family Sleepover), at The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Strett, SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube)
Make like an Elizabethan sailor and bed down on a historic ship. You’ll spend the evening immersed in history (and fighting off Spaniards) before lights off in your naval quarters. Next morning, there’s a Tudor breakfast to boost your energy before you return to the 21st century. For ages 6-11 (must have adult accompanying), bring own sleeping gear. 5pm (Sat)-9am (Sun); £45 per person, pre-booking essential (Aug 3 & Sep 14)

Dinosaurs in the Wild at West Parkside Junction of West Parkside/John Harrison Way, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0BE (North Greenwich)
Ride a time machine to the jurassic era and come nose to glass with Stegosaurus, T-Rex and other dinosaurs. Stop off at the TimeBase67 research station to learn about these ancient creatures, explore specimens and be prepared for giant surprises! All ages welcome, best for ages 5+. Open 10am-12.30pm & 2pm-5pm (Mon & Wed-Sun, closed Tues); adult £25 off peak, £29.50 peak, £33 door/child under 16 £22 off peak, £26 peak, £28.50 door/family of 2 adults + 2 kids £85 off peak-£99 door/ages 2 and under FREE (until Sep 2)

Summer at Southbank Centre Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
We love the Southbank Centre and every summer they put on the splashiest events, like
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms fountains (all summer, bring swimsuits/change of clothes for the kids). We’re especially buzzing about Zoo Nation’s new hip hop dance show, Tales of the Turntable (Aug 15-26, see Family Theatre below) and East London ravers Disco Loco hosting FREE Sunday parties on the Riverside Terrace (12pm-5pm, Jul 14-Aug 18) & Bank Holiday (Mon Aug 26). Also Peppa Pig My First Concert (Aug 24-26), street food market and Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden for chilling out. Various times & prices, many activities FREE (until Sep 8)

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 
Body Worlds London, The London Pavilion, 1 Piccadilly Circus, W1J 0DA (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Have you visited Body World London, the permanent exhibition of human bodies? This London summer holiday is the perfect time to pop in for their educational Junior Doctors programme (Suns at 10.30am & Weds at 2pm). Kids ages 8-12 can don coats and stethoscopes to investigate human anatomy, led by a real life doctor. For creative souls, Artist Days offer an opportunity to capture the museum’s exhibits in artistic form (kids under 16 apply ahead at artistday@bodyworlds.co.uk with examples of your work). 10am-7pm daily (10am-10pm Fri); adult from £22.50/child from £16/family from £70/ages 0-5 FREE (ongoing)

St Katharine Docks Floating Film Festival, Floating Event Pontoon, St Katharine Marina, 50 St Katharine’s Way, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 1LA (Tower Gateway DLR, Tower Hill tube)

Back for another summer, the floating film festival also offers craft beer, cocktails and snacks. Chill out on a beanbag or deck chair and watch big screen family movies (Jul 16-28))

More open-air cinema around London: travel with The Nomad; views from above at Rooftop Film Club; canal-side cinema with Floating Cinema; the brilliant Film 4 Summer Series at Somerset House; Kew the Movies at gorgeous Kew Gardens (Jul thru Sep, multiple dates)

Disney Summer Pop-Up: Aladdin and the Lion King, Mary Poppins and Frozen, 25 Long Acre, WC2E 9LY (Covent Garden)
Here’s another chance to visit The Lion King in a London pop-up, as well as say hello to Aladdin before his show leaves the West End. Explore the ‘Cave of Wonders’ and snap a pic with the magic lamp. You can also see sneak previews of new musical Mary Poppins and hear all about the stage version of Frozen (coming 2020). Watch performances from The shows, see masks, costumes and puppets, and take part in music and movement workshops. 10.30am-7pm (Mon-Sat) & 11am-5pm (Sun); FREE (Jul 23-Sep 1)

EO Railway Summer Events: PAW Patrol and The Gruffalo, Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
Have you ever been on a real steam or diesel train? Ride the Epping-Ongar Railway this summer, where you’ll encounter Jurassic fun with dinosaur guests (Jul 21); characters from PAW Patrol (Aug 3-4); a Family Fun Day weekend (Aug 17-18); and watch out, The Gruffalo’s about (Aug 25-26). All ages welcome. From 10.30am-3.30pm; adult from £15 adv-£16 day; child from £7 adv-£8 day; family of 2 adults and 3 kids from £38 adv-£41 day (Jul 21-Aug 26)

Smithfield Street Party: A Beastly Adventure (pictured), Smithfield Market, EC1A 9PS (Barbican/St Paul’s tube, Farringdon tube/rail)
Following on from the success of their 150th birthday last year, Smithfield is throwing a giant street party for August Bank Holiday. It’s a whole day of music, games, performances and workshops starring 10,000 human party animals (and some of their furry friends). Make magical masks and headdresses, watch aerial artists swinging, create your own winged and mythical creatures, hangout in the beastly den, spot mini-beasts, get your wiggle on in a dance session and more. Also look out for choirs, bands, crafts stalls, funfair rides and other entertainment throughout the day. All ages welcome. All day; FREE (Aug 25)

Summer by the River at London Bridge City, More London Riverside, SE1 2DB (London Bridge tube/rail)
It’s another summer of free family fun and films at Hay’s Galleria and The Scoop. Watch Much Ado About Nothing for all the family (Jul 24, 7pm); dance by the riverside with Cut a Shine, a child friendly hoedown (Jul 27, 1pm); take part in Saturday crafts and theatre workshops (11am); watch screenings of Hotel Transylvania 3 (Jul 23), Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (Jul 27), Coco (Aug 13), Black Panther (Aug 20), Mary Poppins Returns (Aug 27). Timings vary, all FREE (until Aug 31)

 

LONDON BEACHES, POOLS, FOUNTAINS AND WATER SPORTS

 

 
Brent Cross Beach (pictured), Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FP (Brent Cross/Hendon Central tube)

The beach is back for another hot summer in the Capital (fingers crossed). Take the whole family for a day out with giant paddling pool, splash pool (for bigger kids), acres of sand, funfair rides, Punch & Judy shows, circus skills and more. All ages welcome. 12pm-10pm daily; adult £3 entry, under 3s FREE/£1.20 ride tokens or £10 for 10 tokens (Jul 13-Sep 8)

You’ll also find urban beach entertainment with Kids Summer Splash at London’s Royal Docks (Jul 27-Aug 30); Neverland London in Fulham; Hampstead Beach at JW3 (until Sep 1); the Thames foreshore (all year) and the pop-up Beach at Southbank Centre (throughout summer) and the mini beach at Ruislip Lido (ongoing)

Beckenham Place Park: Swimming Lake, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 1SY (Beckenham rail junction)
Fancy a swim in the wild? Head to the stunning swimming lake at Beckenham Place Park, part of a £6.8million regeneration of the Georgian mansion and grounds. There’s also water sports including boating, paddle boarding and kayaking. Swimming is open to ages 8+ and costs £3 (book in advance). There’s also a splash zone for all ages (free), and a mini beach along with BMX track, playgrounds and wooded wetlands. 10am-7pm (Tue & Thu), and 7am-7pm (Wed-Sun) – closed on Mons; prices vary for activities, FREE entry (opens Jul 20-ongoing)

More outdoor swimming: east London families and hipsters line up for London Fields Lido (all-year heated pool); go south for Tooting Bec Lido or Brockwell Lido; south west to Hampton Pool in Bushy Park, Middlesex; in central London you’ll find Oasis Sports Centre pool or the Serpentine Lido; or north London for Parliament Hill Lido and Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds (ongoing). Check out this list of London lidos in your area.

Younger ones can have a splash in paddling pools at Clissold Park; Highbury Fields; Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground; V&A Museum; Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (ongoing)

Aqua Splash at London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 2ZQ (Stratford rail/tube/DLR/overground)

You and your family can swim in the Olympic sized pools here all year round. The Aqua Splash (ages 5+), Extreme Aqua Splash (ages 8+) and Ultimate Aqua Splash obstacle courses are hugely popular, so book early. Daily 6am-10.30pm, adult £4.95-£5.15, child £2.75-£3/Aqua Splash adult £7.50-£10, child £5-£7.50 (ongoing)

More family friendly indoor pools: Finchley Lido Leisure Centre, Park Road Leisure Centre in Hornsey, The Castle Centre in Elephant and Castle with kids pool; slides and inflatables at Leyton Leisure Lagoon, Aquaterra in Upper Holloway; Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich; see list of London indoor pools in your area.

Also look out for family swimming at hotel pools like: Park Plaza London Waterloo, Park Plaza London Riverbank and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (kids welcome 8am-8pm); children’s pool at London Marriott Hotel County Hall (kids welcome 9am-7pm); Novotel London Blackfriars or Novotel London Brentford; the Marylebone Hotel (ages 5+, 10am-12pm & 3.30pm-5.30pm); restricted hours at The Landmark London; Grange Hotel Holborn

Granary Square Fountains, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)

You can’t go wrong with a family day out around Granary Square, especially when it’s hot. Dash through the fountains, all the more spectacular lit up at night. There are lots of food stops nearby or you can picnic on the green, stop for Ruby Violet ice cream, walk along the Regent’s Canal, pick up a book from the Floating Bookstore, wander through Canopy Market (Fro-Sun), or hang out in swanky Coal Drops Yard. Further up the road there’s the London Canal Museum, with canal boat rides at various dates over summer (book ahead).

Splash through fountains at Lewis Cubitt Garden at King’s Cross; Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms at Southbank Centre; the V&A museum fountains; Somerset House fountains, Victoria Park Splash Playground at the Hub; Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park fountains (ongoing)

 

 
Liquid Leisure, Horton Rd, Berkshire SL3 9HY (Sunnymeads rail)
Drive an hour out of central London for the UK’s first Ninja Warrior UK Aqua Park with floating obstacle course. A great day out for competent swimmers (able to swim 50m with buoyancy aid) from age 6 (height restrictions apply). Also on offer: paddle boarding, wake boarding, wake surfing and open water swimming. There’s a bar and grill on site, and a sandy ‘beach’ for lounging. Ages 6+. 11am-8pm (Jul 20-31, Mon-Fri), 10am-8pm (Jul 21-31, Sat-Sun), 10am-8pm (Aug 1-12) & 10am-7pm (Aug 13-31); from £15 online/£20 gate per 50 min aqua park session (times and prices vary for activities, online discounts).

Water sports are all the rage at: Lee Valley White Water Centre, for kayaking, paddle boarding, hydro-speeding and inflatable obstacle course; teach kids to windsurf at Docklands Sailing and Water Sports Centre; try out wake boarding at Wake Up Docklands (for ages +); paddle sports and sailing at Royal Docks Adventure ; there’s power boating and raft building at Surrey Docks Water Sports Centre; kids can get into boating at Islington Boat Club or Camden’s The Pirate Castle; or learn to wake board and waterski (ages 6+) at Thorpe Lakes Water Sports in Surrey, where there’s an aqua park for ages 8+

We also like

Beach please! Take a day trip from London to the seaside, just 2 hours or less from central London (by road or train). Explore: Whitstable, Brighton, Margate, Broadstairs, Camber Sands, Ramsgate, West Wittering, Folkestone, Botany Bay, Eastbourne, Bournemouth, Hastings, Herne Bay and Dover.

 

 

 

HOLIDAY CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES

 

 
Alexandra Palace Summer Creativity Camps, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
There’s a range of fun activities planned for kids at Ally Pally this London summer holiday. Circus Week (Jul 24-26) offers aerial skills and choreographed movement with Scarabeus Theatre; learn to be a creative producer in Festival Week (Jul 29-Aug 2); discover the underground world of street art in From the Street (Aug 5-9); learn and apply new media skills in Record This (Aug 19-23); and explore the park with a forest school professional in Walk on the Wild Side (Aug 27-30). For ages 5 to 13 (check ahead per activity). Sessions run 9am-4pm; £75 for 4 days/concs £65 (Jul 24-Aug 30)

Kidzania Summer Camp, Westfield London (1st floor between M&S and Gap), Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
The indoor city for kids is hosting a London summer holiday camp again, offering kids a chance to try out job roles from real life. Enjoy exclusive access to the Summer Camp room, as well as scheduled activities and free play including WWE, Middlesex Cricket, foodie fun and more. Packed lunch or meal voucher recommended. Ages 6 to 12. 8.30am-6pm (weekdays only); from £67.50 per child (1 day) to £337.50 per child (5 days), discounts available e.g. save up to 25% by booking 5 days (Jul 29-Aug 15)

Unicorn Theatre Holiday Workshops, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Creative workshops running throughout the London summer holiday include the popular Play in a Week (9.30am-4.30pm, £425 per child/payable in instalments). Choose from Drama Week for ages 11-16 (Aug 5-9) and ages 7-11 (Aug 12-16). You can also book for 1 & 2-day workshops for ages 7-11 (Jul 29-Aug 9, 9.30am-4.30pm, £55/£110): choose from Aquatic Dance (Jul 29-30), World Dance (Jul 31-Aug 1), Dream, Design & Transform (Aug 6 or 7), or The Little People and the Dragon Puppetry Workshop (Aug 8-9). Age range 7-16, timings and prices vary (Jul 29-Aug 16)

V&A Museum of Childhood: Summer Art Camp, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green Tube)
The Summer Camp is back with two offerings this year. Secret DIY Museum Film Collective (ages 8-11, 3 days only) with Albert Potrony, develop film costumes, props, sound effects and characters. Or Adventure Making and Play (ages 5-10, 1-2 or 3 days) with Matthew Shaw, where kids can build from their imagination and turn the museum into their playground. 10am-3.30pm; £40 (1 day), £75 (2 days), £100 (3 days), siblings discount 10%. Booking essential (Jul 31-Aug 2)

We also like
London summer holiday workshops for kids at Super Camps (multiple locations); Royal Institution Summer Schools for ages 7-14 (selling out quickly, few dates available until Aug 30); holiday workshops in animation and filmmaking at BFI Southbank (Jul 23-Aug 27); look on your local Better listings for affordable youth sports camps throughout the holidays.

 

FAMILY THEATRE

 

 
Aesop’s Fables, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Unicorn invited 8 modern writers to retell the classic fables for a younger audience. The result was two entertaining, thought-provoking shows aimed at little ones 4-7 and slightly older kids 8-12. Choose your show or watch them both! Various dates and times at 10.30am, 11am & 1pm (ages 4-7, Jun 16-Aug-4, Tue-Sun); 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm & 5.30pm (ages 8-12, Jun 21-Aug 3, Tue-Sun); adult £10-£20/child £8-£14 (Jun 16-Aug 4)

The Illusionists at Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8DP (Leicester Square/Covent Garden tube)
The world’s greatest mind-benders, tricksters and escapologists assemble for a spectacular event. The line-up includes The Showman James More, The Unforgettable Enzo, The Manipulator Yu Ho-Jin, The Futurist Adam Trent, The Mentalist Chris Cox, The Trickster Paul Dabek and The Daredevil Jonathan Goodwin (ITV: Britain’s Got Talent). Magic, laughs and jaw-dropping family entertainment for ages 5+. 7pm (Wed & Fri), 2.30pm & 7pm (Thu & Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun), 7pm (Mon) – no Tue shows — please check website as timings vary; tickets £27-£125 (Jul 6-Sep 1)

The Falcon’s Malteser, The Vaults Theatre, Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD (Waterloo tube/rail)
Anthony Horowitz (Alex Rider series) created this popular YA tale about the world’s worst detective and New Old Friends have adapted it into a hilarious show for young and old alike. Meet PI Tim of Diamond Brothers Detective Agency as he tries to crack the case of mysterious box of Maltesers. Producer James Seabright (also of Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt) is part of the team bringing this story to life. For ages 8+. 7pm (Tue-Sun) & 3pm (Wed, Sat & Sun); £15-£35 (Jul 17-Aug 25)

Horrible Histories Live: Barmy Britain- Part Four! at Apollo Theatre, 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly Circus tube)
The most successful Horrible Histories live returns for another London summer holiday. Get shaken or stirred by Richard III, be reduced to rubble by ruthless Romans, or watch Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Educational fun, stories and rude gags for ages 4 to 104. 11am & 2pm (Mon & Tue), 2pm & 4pm (Thu & Fri), 11am (Wed & Sat); from £17 (Aug 1-31)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Troubadour White City Theatre, Wood Lane, W12 7TS
Eric Carle’s ravenous and leggy creature is in London again, with a menagerie of 75 puppets bringing the beloved picture book from page to stage. returns to the Ambassadors Theatre this Christmas, with its colourful menagerie of 75 puppets. Also features three more Carle stories: Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks and the Very Lonely Firefly. For ages 1+/babes-in-arms up to 18 months welcome for no extra charge. 10.15am & 12pm daily (no shows Aug 13-14 & Aug 21-28); £15-£25 (Aug 7-Sep 1)

Zoo Nation: Tales of the Turntable (pictured), Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The incredible ZooNation Youth Company are back with the World Premiere of Tales of the Turntable. Taking inspiration from Back to the Future and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, this show takes us on a musical journey through disco, funk, soul, rap and house with DJ Eric and his grandfather George (music mix by DJ Walde). Expect fly moves and a mood-boosting performance for ages 5+. 2pm & 7pm (Thu-Sat), 12pm & 4pm (Sun & Bank Holiday Mon) + shows only 11am & 2pm (Thu Aug 22) ; adult £25/child under 16 – 25% discount (Aug 15-26)

We also like
Come to a Family Fun Day of theatre and food at Lyric Fest, Hammersmith (Jul 20); National Theatre’s Peter Pan soars into Troubadour Theatre White City (Jul 20-Oct 27); accident-prone Mildred Hubble is at Vaudeville Theatre in The Worst Witch (Jul 24-Sep 8); there’s Jedi battles and a Ska soundtrack in I’ll Take You to Mrs Cole at Theatre Peckham (Jul 25-26, ages 7+); or catch the Puppet Barge Theatre in Richmond for the summer (Jul 20-Oct 6)

 

LIVE MUSIC, DANCING AND FESTIVALS

 

 
Family Dance Day at The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY UK (Euston/King’s Cross St Pancras tube, rail)
Visit The Place for another fun afternoon at their free Family Dance Day. There will be pop-up performances, creative workshops, storytelling with British Library and a fun photo booth. Ages 0 to 8 and families welcome. 11am-4pm, FREE (Jul 20)

Fun DMC Garage Special, Pitch Stratford, 2 Bridge Road, Stratford, E15 3FF (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
The daytime family block party created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders) hosts a garage tribute, with DJs Matt Jam Lamont and Russ Ryan. Come for good tunes, dance contests, ping pong and mini golf, graffiti train, hip hop colouring, stalls and food. Ages 0-10 and families. 12.30pm-3pm; adult £10, walking kid £8, family £32, non-walking babies FREE (Jul 27)

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave (pictured) at Horniman Museum Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
World famous, award-winning family ravers are bringing their DJ tunes and friendly moves to Horniman Museum and Gardens. Dance in the open air, surrounded by flowers, bubbles and explosions of colour. There’ll be food and drink, Captain Cookie crafts, and a vibrant ‘colour powder throw’ finale. Fancy dress theme is Festival Flower Power, so come in costume if you’re feeling it! 2pm-6pm; adult £15/child £12.50/pre-walking infant FREE (Jul 28)

Wake Up Gigs: Dextric + Cecil at the Ace Hotel, Shoreditch E1 6JQ (Shoreditch High St overground/Old St tube)
When was the last time you went to a live gig since having kids? Wake Up Gigs brings bands and baby makers together for an afternoon of music, dancing and play. Husband and wife founders Adam and Sarada present Dextric + Cecil at the Ace Hotel. Bring ear defenders (for little ones) and dancing shoes. Also on offer: soft play, crafts, baby changing, buggy space, licensed bar and food. All ages from babies upwards. All profits go to Barnardo’s. 12.30pm-2.30pm & 3pm-5pm; adult £7/child FREE (Jul 28)

River Stage Festival, National Theatre, SE1 (Embankment/Waterloo tube/rail)
Another year, another cracking line-up of free outdoor music, theatre and performance. Each weekend, a different company takes over the stage. Try an under 5s family dance workshop with Sadler’s Wells (Jul 20, 2.15pm), get folky with Ceilidh Liberation Front (Jul 22, 3.15pm & 4.15pm), embark on an adventure with The Star Seekers by Wardrobe Ensemble (Aug 11, 12.30pm) or rock out with the amazing Mrs H & the Singalong Band (Aug 11, 1.45pm). All ages (some events PG+). Varying times, FREE (until Aug 12)

Alexandra Palace: The Great Fete, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
The summer fete returns to Ally Pally with 3 live music stages, Silent Disco, outdoor cinema, street food, fun fair, ice skating, yoga, creative workshops, kids zone and more. Check the website for full line-up. All ages welcome. 12pm-10pm; entry FREE (paid tickets required for Silent Disco and Block Party) (Aug 17)

We also like
Enjoy Family Sunday sessions of world music and street culture at Cubitt Sessions Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross (Jul 24-Aug 4); party with your brood and Morning Gloryville (12pm-4pm) at Hackney Wicked festival (Jul 26); Disco Loco family rave (Aug 3, 1.30pm-3.45pm) joins the line-up at National Theatre’s free outdoor River Stage Festival (weekends until Aug 4); the legendary Nile Rodgers of Chic curates Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre (Aug 3-11)

Find family-friendly festivals in London and beyond in my summer festivals guide!

 

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

 

 
British Museum: Manga, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square/Holborn/Tottenham Court Rd/Goodge St tube)
It’s the world’s largest exhibition of manga outside Japan, celebrating the scope of this unique art form. From ancient scrolls to present day graphic novels, it’s an immersive, multi-media experience, that will show you manga’s influence on anime, cosplay and more. Before you leave, be sure to ‘mangafy’ your image in the interactive video booth. 10am-5.30pm daily (until 8.30pm Fri); adult £19.50/child FREE (until Aug 26)

Top Secret at Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Enter a secret world of ciphers and crime, and get ready to crack some codes. Discover 100 years of gadgets used to convey and decode top secret messages. Learn about the Enigma code in 1941 and 1960s Cold War spy craft, and try out the interactive puzzle zone. Top Secret coincides with the centenary of GCHQ, the UK’s Intelligence, Security and Cyber Agency. Various time slots 10am-5pm; FREE but booking required (Jul 10-Feb 23, 2020)

Museum of London: Family Events, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)

Walk with creatures from history at the epic Beasts of London exhibition (ongoing), or take part in summer holiday activities like a Roman London family walk or Great Fire of London family walk. Over at Museum of London Docklands, there’s more to do like build boats, make pirate pictures or explore the popular Mudlarks play space for toddlers. Varying times and prices, lots FREE (Jul 19-Sep 1)

Horniman Museum: Summer Programme, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)

You can’t go wrong with Horniman for a London summer holiday plan. Over the summer break, you can see Brick Wonders LEGO exhibition, rave with Big Fish Little Fish (Jul 28), pop into the aquarium, play Plonk Crazy Golf in the Horniman Gardens, watch South London Music Sessions (select Thursdays through summer), and take part in various workshops. Dates and times vary; entry to Horniman is FREE (small fees for aquarium and some activities) (Jul 19-Sep 2)

Royal Academy Holiday Workshops, John Madejski Fine Rooms, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)

Browse and buy from 1500 works at the annual Summer Exhibition, then dip in for a holiday workshop. Create works of art inspired by the latest gallery shows. Best for ages 7+ (NB: There are also FREE Family Studios on select Sundays throughout the year, open to all ages). Holiday workshops 11am-12.30pm (Wed & Fri): £18 (Jul 24-Aug 19)

Olafur Eliasson: The Cubic Structural Evolution Project at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
It’s a mouthful to say but it’s basically building with white LEGO bricks, drawing inspiration from the Tate’s major exhibition of playful visionary. Visit the exhibition Olafur Eliasson: In Real Life (until Jan 5, 2020, charges apply), then sit at a large table in the Turbine Hall and help modify (or take apart) a giant construction along with fellow visitors. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-10pm (Fri-Sat); FREE (Jul 26-Aug 18)

Summer Fun at the Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Celebrate the Great British Summer at the Postal Museum with outdoor games and beach-themed fun. Sit on deckchairs in the garden and enjoy live music, planting, games and a delicious BBQ (Jul 20). Explore the galleries indoors or drop the little ones into Sorted! play space (ages 0-8). For something quirky, hop on Mail Rail to ride through London’s secret subterranean tunnels. Open daily 10am-5pm; adult online from £16/child under 16 from £9/child with Sorted! from £11/under 3s FREE (until Aug 31)

V&A Museum Family Events Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)

The vibrant London summer holiday programme at V&A is a mix of pop-up performances, design workshops, digital games and Imagination Station creative sessions. Dates and times vary for activities, all FREE (until Sep 29)

We also like
Be part of a daring Tower Escape at Tower of London (Jul 13-Aug 31); join the Create and Make workshops at Design Museum (Jul 29-Aug 30); train with an Army instructor and get fighting fit with your whole brood (ages 8+) at National Army Museum Family Bootcamp (Aug 19-23); wander through 50 years of Black British creative culture in the brilliant Get Up, Stand Up at Somerset House (until Sep 15)

 

ACTION AND ADVENTURE

 

 
The Monster (Kids Days), Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
The massive bouncy castle experience takes over Ally Pally again this London summer holiday! This year there are special Kids Days just for younger ones (it’s adults only otherwise). Hurtle over 42 crazy obstacles on the world’s biggest inflatable assault course, with NERF blasters into the mix! Ages 7-15. 9.30am-7pm daily; from £16-£20/spectator £5 (Aug 27-28)

Zip Now London, Archbishop’s Park, Carlisle Lane, SE1 7LE (Lambeth North tube/Waterloo tube/rail)
Zoom from 35m above ground (taller than 9 double deckers) at breakneck speed along the world’s biggest and fastest city zip wire. You’ll travel at up to 50km an hour while taking in the sights of the capital. Suitable for ages 8+ (minimum height 1.2m). All kids must be accompanied by adult. 11.30am-7.30pm (Mon-Fri), 9.30am-7.30pm (Sat), 9.30am-5.30pm (Sun); £30 single ride, £27 limited early bird, £25 groups of 5 or more, £70 Zip & Zoom (includes Thames Rockets adventure) (until Sep 15)

Go Ape Battersea Treetop Adventure, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ (Battersea Park/Queenstown Rd rail, Sloane Square tube then bus 137/452)
Swing through trees, fly down a 50m zip wire or climb to soaring heights. Younger ones (with accompanying parents) can cross the Button Bridge, Stepping Stones, Log Bridge or try a 34.5m zip wire. All ages welcome (height restrictions apply). Open daily 9am-5.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8.30am-6pm (Sat), 8.30am-5.30pm (Sun) – NB times vary seasonally, check website before visit; all ages £21 (Treetop Junior); child 15 and under £28, ages 16+ £36 (Treetop Adventure) (ongoing)

We also like

Aerial workshops for kids with Flying Fantastic (multiple dates from July); leap around on a trampoline at Oxygen Freejumping in Acton, West London, Flip Out Trampoline Park in Earlsfield, south London, or Better Extreme Trampoline Park at Sobell Centre, N1 (ongoing); brave the world’s longest slide ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (ongoing)

 

NATURE AND OUTDOORS

 

 
London National Park City Week, multiple locations
Celebrate London becoming a National Park City with this week-long festival, taking place across green spaces around town. More than 100 events include boat trips and water sports, bike rides, rooftop gatherings, family workshops, outdoor theatre and more. Various dates, times and activities; many FREE (Jul 19-28)

Lambeth Country Show, Lambeth Country Show, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, SE24 0NG (Brixton tube/Herne Hill rail)
London’s biggest free family festival turns 45 this year. Brockwell Park will be rammed with partygoers enjoying live music stages, street theatre, petting zoo, jousting knights, birds of prey displays, street food and more. 12pm-8pm; FREE (Jul 20-21)

London Zoo: Zoo it Yourself at ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Come and mark the opening of the Animal Adventure playground (from Jul 31) this London summer holiday. Play with a ride on digger, help the gardening team, make health checks on soft toy animals, and of course visit real creatures around the zoo. Ages 4-10. 11am-5pm daily; included in regular zoo admission (online discount prices) adult from £27/child 3-15 from £17.55/under 3s FREE – book online 2 days in advance for discount prices, otherwise regular gate fees apply (Jul 24-Sep 1)

A Day Out at Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
Spend a day in the great outdoors at these beautiful wetlands, doing anything from angling to bird watching. Climb the viewing platform at the Grade II-listed Coppermill Tower for sweeping views of London. Family friendly workshops take place all year and through the holidays. Open daily 9.30am-4pm; FREE entry (ongoing)

We also like
Delve into wild workshops and hands-on experiments in Kew Science Festival at Kew Gardens (Jul 20-21); there’s always good stuff going on at Wetland Explorers at WWT London Wetlands, Barnes (Jul 20-Sep 1)

 

FAMILY FOOD & DRINK

 

 
We love the sound of this Mary Poppins afternoon tea, to promote the brand new West End show (opens August)

Go on an Ice Cream Crawl around London at our best ice cream, gelato and sorbet spots.

Who loves pizza? Grab a slice from our pick of London pizzerias.

Do you like dim sum? Here’s our choice of dumplings and more around London.

Find family friendly restaurants and foodie guides in our Eat London with Kids section.

 
 
What are your plans for the London summer holiday? Let me know in the comments below. Here’s wishing you all a fantastic London summer holiday!