Summer is here… or is it? The British weather is keeping us on our toes as usual. I’m wearing sandals with socks and never leaving the house without a coat and scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, neck fan and an umbrella. Good times. The Big Fish Little Fish Horniman Rave is postponed until September because of crazy winds expected on Saturday, but don’t let that blow down your summertime plans. My London Family Summer Holiday Guide comes to the rescue, stacked with parties and festivals, outdoor theatre, nature activities, creative workshops, free fun and more.
If in doubt, head to the Southbank Centre or to King’s Cross where for the first 2 weeks of summer Ruby Violet is giving out 99p ice cream cones that actually cost 99p. Hurry though — first come, first served.
Have a brilliant summer, whatever you do or wherever you go. Don’t forget to keep up with me on social media @Babesabouttown!
London Family Summer Holiday Guide: 40+ Cool Things to do with Kids
BABES CHOICE
Planet Summer at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
If you’re having a London family summer holiday, there’s no better place to hang out with your babes than the Southbank Centre. Highlights include REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground (Jul 8-Sep 3) where kids and grownups can play side by side; The SpongeBob Musical (Jul 26-Aug 27); and Zoe’s Peculiar Journey Through Time (Sep 1-3). We also like Cerys Matthews performing Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood (Jul 22); the Marvellous Myth Hunter Ceilidh (Aug 20); and a Bird Rave (Aug 6)! Also watch street theatre, run through Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms fountains (pack swimmers and towels) and munch global flavours at the Southbank Centre Food Market. Various dates, times and prices for events —some activities are FREE. (Jun 21-Sep 3)
School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground)
I’m so glad I finally made it to see this Broadway hit, written by Jocelyn Bio. Monique Touko directs a fantastic cast featuring Heather Agyepong, Bola Akeju, Deborah Alli, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and Jadesola Odunjo. The drama happens in 1986 Ghana where Queen Bee Paulina and her friends are priming themselves for the Miss Ghana pageant. Until new transfer student Ericka throws them a curve ball. Who will be crowned beauty queen and at what cost? This is a funny and provocative take on female friendships, race, colourism, beauty and family. You can enjoy themed cocktails or a Ghanaian menu before the show — trust me, it was yummy! Ages 12+ (some spicy language). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat); £15-£42 (extended until Jul 22)
Alice in Wonderland at Kew Gardens, Berberis Dell, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Enter the rabbit hole with a cast of curiouser and curiouser characters, as Alice finds herself in a topsy-turvy universe filled with Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and more. A talented group of actor-musicians bring Lewis Carroll’s famous tale to life in gorgeous Kew Gardens. All ages welcome (best for ages 5+). Tickets include free garden entry. 11am & 2pm (Tue-Sun); adult £23, child £16/under 2s go FREE (Jul 22-Aug 28)
Power Up at Science Museum (Basement Gallery, Level -1), Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Back by popular demand, this gaming festival immerses visitors in 5 decades of gaming history with 160 consoles to try out. Get to grips with everything from the latest Xbox and PlayStation controllers to Atari 2600, Nintendo Switch, VR headsets and classics like Mario Kart, Pac Man and Pong. Ages 5+ (all ages welcome). Look out for grown-ups only Power Up sessions and other special activities throughout the event’s run. Best for ages 5+. Daily 10.15-4.30PM; day passes from £10/annual £15/under 4s FREE (Jul 27-Sep 3)
Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
The famous puppet theatre hosts their first ever Children’s Puppet Festival across both Little Angel venues. It’s a vibrant showcase of puppetry from some of the most innovative UK and international companies with a mix of performances, workshops for families, community events and fun days for kids. Multibuy offer: get 10% off for 2 shows or 20% off for 3 or more shows. Various times, dates and prices; check age guidance for performances (Aug 6-Sep 3)
Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube/Cambridge Heath overground)
Make this the summer that you visit Young V&A, once known as the Museum of Childhood. This colourful new space for children, young people and families offers untold opportunities to make, play and learn. And it’s all free! All ages welcome. 10am-5.45pm (daily), 10am-10pm (Fri); FREE (ongoing)
POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 9
Big Fish Little Fish Flower Power Family Rave at Horniman Museum Gardens, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
I’m thrilled to be heading back to Horniman Museum for another family rave with the world-famous, award-winning Big Fish Little Fish. Last year’s event was my first book stall with BFLF and it was a beauty. Gather in the gardens for arts and crafts, Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz, food stalls, bars, face painting, parachute dance and of course, DJs including the legendary Benga making a welcome return to the decks. I’ll be reading from my picture book A World for Me and You as well as signing copies of Bringing Up Race and my brand new book Raising Boys Who Do Better. Come say hi! 2pm-6pm; adult £15/child £12.50/pre-walkers FREE (Sep 9)
SPECIAL EVENTS + ATTRACTIONS
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening, Westminster, SW1A 1AA (Victoria/Hyde Park/Green Park/St James Park/Charing Cross tube; Victoria/Charing Cross rail)
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Throne Room, the Crown Jewels, and the Coronation Display exhibition. And how about having discussions with your kids about how all this wealth and power was acquired in the first place? On Aug 28, there’s a Family Festival (11am-3pm, free with standard admission) with story-telling in the Family Pavilion and arts and crafts in the Palace Garden. All ages welcome. 9.30am-7.30pm (Jul-Aug, last admission 5.15pm) & 9.30am-6.30pm (Sep-Oct, last admission 4.15pm); adult from £30/child from £16.50/under 5s FREE (Jul 14-Sep 24)
Monster Jam at London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Marshgate Lane, Stratford E20 2ST (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Back for another year of thrilling motorsport action, the Monster Jam sees trucks kitted out as Black Panther, Thor, Spider-Man, Iron Man and more battling it out. Expect high-flying stunts and freestyle motocross demos. NB: Pit Party is SOLD OUT. Ages 2+ (no babes in arms allowed). Show from 3pm; tickets from adult £55/child under 16 from £38.50 (Jul 15)
Bring Your Baby Guided Walks, various London locations
From the ‘mummy brain’ of Lucy Madison, founder of award-winning Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz, these inspiring walks around London offer new mums and dads a chance to get out and mingle with like-minded families. Upcoming walks this summer: Life Death & Beyond in East Bloomsbury (Jul 21), Secrets of Islington Squares (Jul 28), Women from Hackney’s History (Aug 11, 25 & 31), and The Great Fire of London (Sep 5). Includes stops for lunch and baby changing. Child-free guests welcome too! 11am-2pm (times may vary, confirm); adult from £22.38/child FREE (Jul 21-Sep 5/ongoing)
Genesis: A Breathtaking Spectacle of Light and Colour at The Swiss Church, 79 Endell St, WC2H 9DY (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
Immerse yourself in a 360 degree spectacle of music, light and colours. This audiovisual experience sold more than 100,000 tickets in Marseille and launches in summer at the Swiss Church. Telling the origin story of our planet as we know it, Genesis is set to dazzle London audiences. 5.30pm-8.30pm (Mon-Fri), 1.30pm-8.15pm (Sat), 1.30pm-6.45pm (Sun); adult £17/child 12 and under £12 (from Jul 28)
Summer in the Courtyard at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Temple/Covent Garden tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Don’t miss an opportunity for the kids to run through the magnificent fountains this London family summer holiday, open and free for all through select dates in August. There will be food and drink pop-ups throughout the week too. At weekends, look out for a series of inclusive live events such as the Queer Family Picnic (Aug 11), Black Girl Fest (Aug 5-6) and My Runway Group Pop Up Shop featuring 200 Black-owned businesses (Aug 1-Sep 24). Various times and prices – some FREE (Aug 1-28)
The Luna Cinema, multiple locations
Watch films at striking venues like Warwick Castle, Ascot Racecourse and Chester Zoo as the outdoor cinema series returns. London venues include: Chiswick House, Clapham Common (Jul 19-23), Dulwich Park (Jul 12-15), Hampton Court Palace (Aug 3-6), Kensington Palace (Aug 9-13), Kenwood House (Jul 12-16), Kew Gardens (Aug 30-Sep 3), Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (Aug 20 & Sep 10), Westminster Abbey (Jul 25-30) and Wimbledon Park (Sep 22-24). All ages welcome – check individual films for age guidance. Various show times; adult tickets from £18.50/child from £13.50 (until Sep 24)
FAMILY PARTIES + FESTIVALS
Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY (Wood Green tube)
It’s another big day out at Ally Pally with this all-day festival that features Hot Chip headlining, Fabio & Grooverider, Wookie, George Fitzgerald, Nina Conti and many more acts. There’s also street food, interactive family activities. e.g. Albion Pirate Ship, Chickenshed Theatre, bubbles and African acrobatics. All ages (under 16s must be accompanied by adults). 1pm-10.30pm; adult £67/95/child 5-15 £34.95/child under 5 £10.75 (Jul 15)
Mums That Rave Summer Party at indigo at the O2, Millennium Way, Peninsula Square, SE10 0AX (North Greenwich tube/DLR)
Put on your glad rags and strut your stuff to new and old school tunes with a friendly crowd. The brainchild of DJ, producer and creative Nikki Beatnik, this popular rave and event series features panel talks, cocktails, stalls, and of course dancing. Shake off the school year and remember what mama’s made of. Grown ups only. 2pm-6pm; £24.90 (Jul 15)
Islander Festival at Orchard Dry Dock, Goodluck Hope, E14 0JU (Canning Town tube)
Get the crew together for an all-day waterfront event in celebration of the family-friendly community on Leamouth Peninsula. There are lots of events including games, workshops, craft market, street food, live music and more. I like the sound of the Meet the Maker and Film Screening with Tim Allen, animator of Fantastic Mr Fox (Wes Anderson) at 4pm (£5). All ages welcome. 12pm-9pm; FREE entry, some activities are ticketed (Jul 22)
Just Vibez and ZooNation: Hip Hop 50th Birthday Party at Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
It’s a milestone moment for the art form that changed the world. Join DJ Shortee Blitz and host Trinigladiata for a day of MCs, DJs, beatboxers, dance workshops, steel band and more. ZooNation will lead dance sessions followed by a jam. All ages welcome, but best for grownups after 9pm. From 2pm; FREE (Aug 12)
All Points East Festival, Victoria Park (Crown Gate), Grove Road, Bow, E3 5TB (Mile End/Bethnal Green tube)
The East London festival is back with another jaw-dropping lineup with headline acts ranging from Stormzy (Aug 18) to Field Day featuring Aphex Twin and Bonobo (Aug 19), The Strokes supported by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Aug 25), Erykah Badu (Aug 26), Dermot Kennedy (Aug 27) and Haim (Aug 28). Also visit All Points East In the NBHD for free family fun (details tbc). All ages, restrictions for some shows (check ahead), under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 12pm-late (last entry 8.30pm) – various ticket prices (Aug 18-19 & Aug 25-28)
Notting Hill Carnival, Notting Hill and surrounding areas (Westbourne Park tube exit only, see TFL web site closer to date for transport advice)
Jump and whine! The biggest street party in Europe returns for two days of carnival floats, costumes, street food, sound systems, steel bands and dancing. A cultural mish-mash that’s rooted in Caribbean traditions and open to all. Traditionally, Sunday is Children’s Day and a bit more chill for families. All ages. From around 9.30am daily, FREE (Aug 27-28)
FAMILY FRIENDLY THEATRE
Mog the Forgetful Cat at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo tube/rail)
Do you know Mog? She’s a rather forgetful cat. She’s already forgotten that she’s had supper or that she has a cat flap. But sometimes Mog’s forgetfulness turns out to be quite useful… See the Wardrobe Ensemble’s adaptation of one of Judith Kerr’s best-loved tales, filled with lively songs and a menageries of creatures. Best for ages 3+. 10.30am & 1pm (Mon/Tue/Fri), 10.30am (Thu), 10am (Wed & Sat); adult £18/child £12 (Jul 11-29)
Zog at Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL (Kingston/Surbiton rail)
Zog is a large and eager dragon who very much wants to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school. But after burning, roaring and bumping his way through his first three years, perhaps he’s trying too hard. Until Princess Pearl gets him ready for his greatest challenge yet: a duel with Sir Gadabout the Great! Another magical show from Freckle Productions (the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors and Stick Man) based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book. Best for ages 3+, all ages welcome 10.30am & 1pm (Thu), 10.30am ,1pm & 4.30pm (Fri), 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm (Sat-Sun); £15-£20/babies 18 months+ require a ticket (Jul 12-16)
The Revel Puck Circus: The Wing Scuffle Spectacular at Leyton Jubilee Park, The Revel Puck Circus Big Top, E10 7BL
Discover a brand new chapter of the The Wing Scuffle Spectacular, the dazzling show by Revel Puck Circus. They’re the UK’s only contemporary big-top circus that showcases large-scale disciplines like teeterboard, cloud swing and tightwire. All ages welcome. 7pm (Tue-Sat), 1pm (Wed/Fri/Sat), 12pm & 4pm (Sun); from adult £19/child from £15/group from £14 pp (Jul 13-29)
La Bamba! at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street,Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Para bailar La Bamba! This brand newmusical stars Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev, The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran and rising star Inês Fernandez as Sofia. Blending Latin, R&B and classic rock/pop, it’s a feel-good tale about a young girl with a big voice, big dreams and an even bigger heart. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £18 (Aug 22-Sep 2)
What’s On at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Catch two sweet family shows, The Everywhere Bear for ages 3-7 (until Aug 13) and Hairy for ages 5-12 (until Aug 20). On Aug 12, there’s a Family Fun Day (9.30am-5pm) filled with eco-friendly activities. The last production of the summer is tooB (Aug 19-27), a wordless show aimed at babies ages 6-24 months. Various times, dates and prices, check box office for availability (until Aug 27)
Family Events at Shakespeare’s Globe at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Southwark tube)
This summer, it’s time for families to take part in more performances, storytelling and workshops for different ages (under 5s, 3-5, 5-8, 5-12, 9-12 and 12+). Join in activities related to plays like The Tempest, Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry V and A Winter’s Tale. You can also watch Midsummer Mechanicals (Jul 22-Aug 26), a show for ages 5-105. Various dates, times and prices; some activities are FREE (until Aug 27)
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2023, Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
The London family summer holiday rolls on at this popular outdoor theatre. Catch Robin Hood: The Legend Re-Written, but for ages 10+/under 4s not admitted (until Jul 22); The Tempest Reimagined for Everyone Aged Six and Over (until Jul 22); musical comedy La Cage Aux Folles, best for ages 12+ (Jul 29-Sep 16); and Dinosaur World Live, best for ages 3+ but all ages welcome (Aug 19-Sep 3). Various times and prices. (until Sep 3)
CREATIVE CAMPS AND WORKSHOPS
Family Festival: Mark Makers at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD (West Dulwich tube/rail, North Dulwich rail/overground)
We can ALL be artists. That’s the message at this workshop exploring radical art making techniques, inspired by the trailblazing Impressionist Berthe Morisot (currently exhibited in the gallery). Paint outdoors, discover the joys of colour and light and capturing the everyday. 11am-4pm; adult £15/concs £12/kids go FREE (Jul 22)
UNIQLO Tate Play: Rasheed Araeen, Zero To Infinity at Tate Modern, (Turbine Hall), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Blackfriars rail, London Bridge tube/rail)
See the Turbine Hall transformed by Rasheed Araeen’s groundbreaking work Zero to Infinity and become an intrinsic part of the work. The artist invites audiences big and small to touch, move, break and reconfigure a symmetrical arrangement of 400 latticed cubes. Explore your creativity and learn more about the creator of this endlessly changing sculpture. All ages welcome. Relaxed Sessions for neurodivergent children and adults, and any other visitors with sensory needs are held every Tue (Jul 25-Aug 22) from 10.30am-11.30am. General sessions are 10am-6pm daily; FREE (Jul 22-Aug 27)
Make It: Sculpture (Family Workshop) at V&A Museum (Art Studio, Learning Centre), Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Come and try your hands at making life-like sculptures at this workshop with artist Rayvenn Shaleigha D’Clark. You’ll learn to sculpt the human form and face, experiment with familiar and unfamiliar materials, learn the basics of 3D printing and leave with a sculpture of your own. Plus your feedback can help Rayvenn with research for her new public artworks! For ages 5-7 (10.30am), ages 8-10 (1pm) and ages 11-13 (3pm) 10.30am-4.30pm; £12 (Jul 29)
Circus Camp at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
The sell-out programme returns, offering young people a chance to develop personal skills alongside their circus tricks. Pro circus artists lead sessions that focus on collaboration, patience and practice. Kids will learn juggling, acrobatics, diabolo, rolla bola and more. The camp ends with a showcase for parents and guardians. For ages 8-14. 10am-4pm; £165pp (Jul 31-Aug 2)
MATT+FIONA: Build & Play Summer Residency at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Dive into the headspace of architecture educators MATT+FIONA at these London family summer holiday workshops. Every Tuesday in August, families can drop in for a day of designing and building your own pieces of an interactive play structure, part of a project in partnership with a local primary school. After the holidays, the play structure you helped to create will have a permanent home in the museum. All ages welcome. 10am-4pm (Tues); FREE (Aug 1/8/15/22/29)
MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS
Family Night Voyage on The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, Borough SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail)
Ready for a special family night out? How about a takeover of this replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship. Gather your crew for an evening aboard the Golden Hinde, imagining life as a 16th century mariner with hands-on activities and immersive role play. 5pm-9am; adult/child £45pp (Jul 22 & Aug 27)
Summer of Invention at Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Visit the Postal Museum for 5 weeks of STEAM-related fun, celebrating postal inventions. Get the smallest engineers excited about everything from stamps and sorting machines to mini railways and robot technology. Children aged 8 and under will enjoy the Sorted! play room (separate fee) and all ages can ride the underground Mail Rail. Various dates and times, limited capacity for some activities. Open 10am-5pm; adult from £16/child ages 3-15 from £9/child museum entry with Sorted! from £11/Sorted! entry £4-£5/under 3s FREE (Jul 27-Aug 26)
Family Fun Weekend at Cutty Sark, Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Get on the historic tea clipper for another weekend of family fun during your London family summer holiday. Every first weekend of the month, ship-hardy visitors can get involved in crafting, games, meeting characters from the past and singing along to sea shanties. 11am-4pm; included in Cutty Sark admission: adult from £16-£18/child 4-15 £8-£9/under 4s FREE (Aug 5-6)
Over A Barrel: Windrush Children, Tragedy and Triumph, Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton SW2 1EF (Brixton tube)
Follow the incredible stories of the kids who were left behind in the Caribbean when their parents left on the Empire Windrush. This interactive experience delves into the emotional and cultural impact of separation and reunion. Co-curated by cultural researcher Jasmine Pierre and award-winning journalist Nadine White whose film Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind was released earlier this year to wide acclaim. 10pm-6pm (Thu-Sat), 12pm-5pm (Sun); £5/concs £3 (until Sep 10)
A World In Common: Contemporary African Photography at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Blackfriars rail, London Bridge tube/rail)
Some of the most exciting artists and photographers from the Diaspora are pulled into focus in this collection of photography film, audio and more. Explore themes of identity, spirituality, urbanism and climate change through the works of George Osodi, Zina Saro-Wiwa, Khadija Saye, Sabelo Mlangeni and others. 10am-4.30pm (daily); adult £17/child £5/under 12s FREE (until Jan 14)
NATURE AND OUTDOORS
Heritage Rides on the Epping Ongar Railway, from Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
Have you been on the EO Railway yet? It’s a fun ride on a heritage steam or diesel train through Epping Forest. You might also see some special guests this summer e.g. Dinosaurs (Jul 16), Bluey (Jul 30 & Aug 20) and Paw Patrol (Aug 13). All ages welcome. Trains depart at various times Fris/Sats/Suns and Bank Holidays in August from 9.40am; adult standard £19/child £9.50 (Jul 16-Aug 20)
London Zoo’s BIG Summer of Fun, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Bring the kids to see the UK’s biggest penguin pool, London’s largest living rainforest, 14,000 animals and more . Also over the London family summer holiday, take on the Really wild Challenge which puts a twist on family games e.g. Animal Tail Hoopla, Hook-a-duck and Poo-dunnit? (!). Also opening this summer is the Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians (Aug 1-Dec 31), housing 26 different species and 8 habitats. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm (closes 6pm); adult tickets range from £31 standard- £38 flexi/child £21.70 standard-£28 flexi/under 3s FREE (Jul 22-Sep 3/ongoing)
Hobbledown Hullabaloo, Hobbledown Heath, Staines Road, Hounslow, TW14 0HH (Hounslow Central rail)
Have you been to Hobbledown Heath? Boasting one of London’s largest play arenas with 4 themed villages, acres of woodland and meadow, towers, tunnels, farm animals and more. This summer, they’re throwing a Hullaballoo! Expect bubble blowing, paint throwing and dancing, science experiments and water games. Best for ages 2-13. 9am-6pm; from £13-£20pp (from Jul 24-Sep 3)
Festival of Fairytales at the Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB (Vauxhall/Lambeth North/Westminster tube)
See the Garden Museum transformed into a wonderland of magic, storytelling, circus and pop-up performances. The Festival of Fairytales offers highlights such as the Ugly Bug Ball, Professor Slug’s House of Bugs and the Beetectives: The Case of the Vanishing Bees. Take part in gardening, cooking and craft workshops and enjoy live music in the serene setting. Best for ages 4-10, all ages welcome. 10am-4pm; adult £12/child £5/under 4s FREE (Aug 13)
Family Swim at London Fields Lido, London Fields West Side, Hackney E8 3EU (London Fields rail/Hackney Central overground)
Dip into one of London’s coolest outdoor pool scenes. Make sure you book ahead as it gets super busy in the heat. Enjoy year-round heated pool, sun deck and sunbathing area, cafe on site. All ages welcome. 6.30am-9pm; adult £5/child £2.95, discounts for members (ongoing)
FREE FUN FOR ALL AGES
Watch Wimbledon on a Big Screen in London (multiple locations)
Big Screen Tennis at the Piazza in Wimbledon (Jul 3-16); Wimbledon Live at Hackney Bridge (Jul 3-16); Wimbledon at Lyric Square, Hammersmith (Jul 3-16); Wimbledon on Summer of Sport at Vinegar Yard, SE1 (Jul 3-16); Wimbledon at One New Change, EC4 (Jul 11-15); Summer in the Square at Portman Square Gardens, Baker St (Jul 11-16); Wimbledon Finals at Hawley Wharf, Camden Market (Jul 14-16); Strawberries & Screen at Duke of York Square, Chelsea (Jul 14-16); Everyman Presents: Screen on the Canal at Granary Square, King’s Cross (until Jul 16); Wimbledon at Eccleston Yards in Belgravia (until Jul 16); Summer Screens at Canary Wharf (until Jul 16); Summer by the River at The Scoop, London Bridge City (until Jul 16); Wimbledon at St Katharine Docks (until Jul 16); Wimbledon in Covent Garden Piazza (until Jul 16)
Whitecross Street Party, Whitecross St and Fortune St, EC1Y 8QJ (Barbican/Old St Tube)
Take the family to this annual two-day festival that’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Enjoy live music, spoken word, street art, family activities and crafting, food stalls and more at this non-conformist event for all ages. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Jul 15-16)
Royal Docks Summer Splash at Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AG (Royal Victoria Dock DLR)
Feeling hot hot hot? Dive into the huge lido that’s been built out onto Royal Victoria Dock once again for the London family summer holiday. It’s got a shallow end for younger children (kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult), as well as sandpits for building, deckchairs for chilling and more. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm; FREE (Jul 31-Aug 20)
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, multiple locations
It’s the capital’s leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts and it’s back! Expect two more brilliant weeks of live performance, street theatre, art, dance and circus and don’t miss the whole day of family fun at Greenwich Fair (Aug 26). All ages unless otherwise stated (check ahead). Various times and performances, FREE (Aug 25-Sep 10)
Everyman Presents: Screen on the Canal at Canal Side Steps, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
See some of your favourite new and classic movies as canal boats drift past the screen. This buzzy venue is a great spot to hang out, catch up with friends, let the kids splash through Granary Square fountains, enjoy food and drink on site and make the most of a London family summer holiday. Various screenings at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7.30pm. Daily, FREE – just turn up, but do get there early to avoid disappointment! (until Aug 6)
All Points East in the Neighbourhood, Victoria Park (Crown Gate), Grove Road, Bow, E3 5TB (Mile End/Bethnal Green tube)
Head to Vicky Park for another three days of family friendly enjoyment, as part of the East London music festival All Points East. Experience live music, theatre, kids’ entertainment, pop-up tennis, food stalls, film screenings and more. All ages welcome. 12pm-9.30pm (Tue) & 10.30am-9.30pm (Wed & Thu); FREE (Aug 20-23)
Roman London Family Quest, London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, 12 Walbrook, EC4N 8AA (Bank/Mansion House tube)
Travel back in time to Roman Londinium on this unique family quest. Linking two Roman City sites – London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE and London’s Roman Amphitheatre – the journey will take you on a historic tour of the city using a fun bespoke map highlighting Roman points of interest. Each site will also offer special activities to complete on location. In partnership with Museum of London. All ages welcome, best for ages 5-11. 10am-3pm; FREE but book ahead (Aug 25-26)
We also like
- visit Walthamstow on Sea at Big Penny Social for deckchairs, kids play sessions and fish & chips on the urban beach (from Jul 18)
- anime lovers and fans of all things Japan can visit the UK’s biggest J-culture festival, Hyper Japan at Olympia London (Jul 21-23)
- school’s out for summer and it’s time to Play at London Museum of Water and Steam (Jul 22-Aug 28)
- you’ve tried Horrible Histories on the Thames. Now join Horrible Histories: Up In the Air at RAF Museum (Jul 22-Sep 3)
- get crafty with the kids at Foundling Museum’s Summer Holiday Family Workshops (Jul 25-28)
- family raving, theatre, arts and crafts, food and more at Festival 14 in Canary Wharf (Jul 26-30)
- see 1000 floating ducks at the Rubber Duck Race (for COSMIC charity) from Merchant Square, Paddington (Jul 27)
- play boules for free at Club Pétanque in King’s Cross’ Lewis Cubitt Square (until Aug 31)
- The Beach is back at Brent Cross, offering paddling pool, sandy beach area, fairground rides and puppet shows (until Sep 3)
- book a ticket to step inside Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms at Tate Modern (until Sep 30)
- see the Moat in Bloom at the Tower of London as the famous moat is filled with wildflowers again (through September)
- get Starstruck at the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s live planetarium show for ages 7+ (ongoing)
- need for speed? Try Capital Karts in Canary Wharf, go-karting for ages 14+ (ongoing)
- swim outdoors in south London at Tooting Bec Lido; south west at Hampton Pool in Bushy Park or scope this list of London lidos.
- take your bunnies to a city farm: try Freightliners Farm in N1, Spitalfields City Farm, Kentish Town City Farm, Vauxhall City Farm or Mudchute Farm in E14
- wander the wilds of Walthamstow Wetlands or WWT London Wetlands in Barnes
Want More?!
Do an Ice Cream Crawl around these London gelato spots
Get 11 ideas for what to do when it’s blazing hot
Read a 15 year old’s guide to London for teenagers
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
My brand new book Raising Boys Who Do Better is OUT NOW! Get your copies on Amazon, Waterstones, Bookshop.org and all good bookshops or request it at your local bookstore or library. Thanks so much for your support!
Where to Buy My Other Books
A World for Me and You: Amazon | Waterstones | Bookshop | Book Depository (worldwide delivery)
Bringing Up Race: Amazon (UK) | Waterstones | Bookshop (UK) | Afrori Books | Amazon (US) | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (US) | Roving Heights (Nigeria) | Word on the Water (North America/Europe) | Book Depository (Worldwide Delivery)
Check out My Bookshop for recommendations for both kids and grownups.
London Kids Weekend Scoop (July 6-9, 2023)
