School’s out and the London Summer Holiday Guide 2024 is packed with 40+ Cool Things to Do with Kids. I’ve handpicked some fantastic activities for all ages including street parties, wildlife adventures, museum play, outdoor ideas, indoor escapes, FREE fun and more. Boredom, be gone! Have a wonderful summer.
London Summer Holiday Guide Giveaway:
Win a Family Ticket to Uptown Festival!
Fancy an amazing day out on Blackheath Common with your whole crew? Uptown Festival has kindly offered 1 lucky Babes About Town reader a FAMILY TICKET to their upcoming festival on Sunday July 28. Who’s playing? The lineup includes Madness, Lightning Seeds, David Rodigan, Aswad, Norman Jay, The Zutons, Dawn Penn and many more. You can also throw shapes with our favourite family ravers Big Fish Little Fish. Uptown Festival is a one day festival so that means no camping, just oodles of fun (don’t you love the word oodles)? Uptown Festival runs from 12pm-10pm at Blackheath Common, Dartmouth Field, Blackheath, Goffers Road, London, SE3 0UA (Greenwich rail)
To enter this fantastic giveaway, simply email info@babesabouttown.com with your full name and who you’re most excited to see at the festival. Best of luck! (closing date 11.59pm 25/7/24). Find out more about Uptown Festival at https://london.uptownfestival.co.uk/ (see Babes About Town competition T&Cs).
BABES CHOICE
(photo credit: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum London)
Dinosaur Gardens at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Enter the reimagined gardens at NHM to see a brand new bronze cast of Diplodocus (the museum’s much-loved former dino) and wander 5 acres of green space. See how life on earth has evolved from the dinosaurs to present day through a trail of ancient fossils, ancestral footprints, wetland and woodland habitats. Throughout summer, there are hands on family activities (11am-4.30pm), from pond dipping to garden trails. Open daily 10am-5pm (and select late openings); FREE (from Jul 18)
Brainiac Live at Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, NW1 6XT (Baker St/Marylebone tube)
Liquid nitrogen, exploding hydrogen balloons, spinning CO2 chairs… the world’s most fast paced, exciting and combustible science show is back live on stage. Thrilling family audience since 2008, the Brainiac team hold nothing back. Just don’t try this at home! Best for ages 6+. 11am & 1.15pm; £26.50-£32 (Jul 30-Aug 24)
Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere at Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Discover stunning collages, neon works, sculptures, installations and more at this highly rated exhibition. From a 14m long Black Star Liner on the flooded roof of Hayward Gallery to human figures made of glass, Strachan’s work celebrates unsung explorers and cultural pioneers. Bold, brilliant and offering plenty to talk about. While you’re here, explore more of the Southank Centre’s summer programme You Are Here, roam by the riverside and eat yummy food at the Southbank Centre Food Market. Tavares Strachan exhibition is open 10am-6pm (Tue-Fri & Sun) and 10am-8pm (Sat); adult £18/child 12-16 £12/under 12s and members FREE (until Sep 1)
Barbie at Design Museum at 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Celebrate Barbie at this blockbuster show marking her 65th anniversary. Dive into her California archives, fashion, cars, accessories and more. All ages. 10am-5pm (6pm Fri-Sun, 8pm select Fris); adult from £14.38/child 6-15 from £7.19/concs & students £10.77/under 6s & members FREE (until Feb 23, 2025)
The Paddington Bear Experience at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB (Waterloo/Charing Cross tube/rail, Westminster tube)
Follow the popular Peruvian bear on an immersive journey from the Brown’s residence to a Marmalade Day Festival. A mix of video, live acts and multi-sensory experiences including train carriage rides, a trip to Peru, marmalade sandwiches, gift shop, and photo ops! Best for ages 4+ and families. Entry times 10am-3.30pm (Mon-Fri & Sun), 10am-4.45pm (Sat); adult £39-£49/child £29-£39/under 2s FREE (ongoing)
Power Up at Science Museum (Basement Gallery, Level -1), Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Gamers assemble. This hugely popular activity offers 160 consoles from 5 decades of gaming history to have a go on. From Pac Man and Pong to Xbox and PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and VR headsets, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 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 10am-5.30pm; day passes from £12/annual £18/family discounts available/under 4s FREE (ongoing)
SPECIAL EVENTS + ATTRACTIONS
Hyper Japan Festival at Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia tube/overground)
Go on an imagination roundtrip to Japan at the biggest UK festival of Japanese culture. It’s an unforgettable three days of food, tech, gaming, fashion, live music, celebrities, gaming, and of course manga and anime. All ages welcome. 12pm-8pm (Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat) & 10am-5pm (Sun); general day tickets £25.44-£38.16, 3 day ticket £73.14/carers and children under 11 FREE (Jul 19-21)
Henry VIII’s Joust at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Watch a thrilling historical joust at the famous home of Henry VIII where knights of the realm ride on horseback and you might even see the King himself taking part. Also look out for falconry displays and wander the Maze and the Magic Garden for kids. Jousts 11am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm, falconry 12.30pm & 3pm (Sat-Sun); adult ages 16+ from £27.20/child 5-15 £13.60/under 5s & members FREE. (Jul 20-21)
Official Team GB Fanzone at Lewis Cubitt Square, 11 Stable Street, N1C 4DR (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Ready for the biggest sporting event of the year? Come to the official Team GB Fanzone at King’s Cross and watch live coverage, alongside Olympic-themed activities, onstage entertainment, and live DJ sets. There’ll also be Q&As and medal celebrations with Team GB’s returning athletes! All ages welcome. 12pm-10pm daily; FREE (Jul 26-Aug 11)
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening, Westminster, SW1A 1AA (Victoria/Hyde Park/Green Park/St James Park/Charing Cross tube; Victoria/Charing Cross rail)
Take a tour of the State Rooms and open up important conversations with your kids about power, wealth, empire, colonialism and the monarchy while you’re at it! On Mondays, you can combine a State Rooms visit with a family-friendly guided tour of the Buckingham Palace Garden with an expert Warden. All ages welcome. Summer Opening tours 9.30am-7.30pm (Jul-Aug, last admission 5.15pm) & 9.30am-6.30pm (Sep-Oct, last admission 4.15pm); adult from £32/youth 18-24 £20.50/child 5-17 £16/under 5s FREE. Family Garden tour 10am-1pm (Mons Jul 29-Aug 26); adult from £47-£50/child from £23.50-£25/under 5s FREE (Jul 11-Sep 29)
Family Night Voyage on The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, Borough SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail)
Climb aboard the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship for a night to remember. You and your shipmates can spend an evening learning about life as a 16th century mariner, with hands-on activities and immersive role play. Then spend the night on the ship! Best for ages 5-10 and adult (no kids without adults or vice versa). 5pm-9am; adult/child £45pp (Aug 3)
MUSEUMS + ART PLAY
UNIQLO Tate Play: Oscar Murillo, The Flooded Garden at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall entrance), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
See the Turbine Hall transformed into an enormous painting garden where families can pick up a brush and make their marks. Create waves on the giant canvas inspired by Claude Monet’s paintings of his flower garden and Oscar’s own series of Surge works. This is messy play so dress appropriately! All ages welcome. 10.30am-6pm daily (last entry 5.15pm), relaxed hours Tue 10.30am-11.30am; FREE (Jul 20-Aug 26)
Messy Goes to the Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s
Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Join Messy Monster and friends for a summer of fun at Postal Museum, in partnership with OKIDO. Explore a discovery trail and try family crafts Kids ages 8 and under can enter the Sorted! play room (separate fee) and all ages can ride the underground 100-year-old Mail Rail. Open 10am-5pm; adult from £17/youth ages 16-24 from £12.50/child ages 3-15 from £10/Sorted! entry £4.50/under 3s FREE (Jul 23-Sep 1)
Family Celebration Day: A Museum Takeover at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
It’s the launch weekend of the new Rooms Through Times and families are taking over! Opening with a magical Kora performance, the family takeover features play trails, sensory den and playroom, pop-up food stalls, den-building, lottery ticket heirloom crafting, music, storytelling, bubbles and recording your own story of home. All ages welcome. 11am-4pm; FREE (Jul 28)
Family Fun Days at London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Visit London Canal Museum for a day out with a difference. Kids will enjoy a canal boat ride from the museum to St Pancras Lock and back. Also complete themed crafts workshops and follow an interactive trail including the brand new ice cream role play parlour! Boat rides 10.15am-3pm (3.15pm Aug 14), museum 10am-4.30pm; adult 15+ £9/child 0-14 £4 (Aug 7/14/21)
Family Festival: Generations of Play at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD (West Dulwich tube/rail, North Dulwich rail/overground)
Head to a family festival inspired by the exhibition, Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking. Explore myths and legends, take part in workshops from Glitterbox face painting to origami sculptures and manga postcards, and munch on Roy’s Authentic Jerk Chicken. 11am-4pm; adult £17/child FREE (Aug 10)
FAMILY THEATRE + CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
The Gruffalo at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (Piccadilly Circus tube)
What happened when a little mouse entered a wood and encountered a hairy, scary monster? It became one of the UK’s most popular tales and Tall Stories are back in the West End with their hugely entertaining version. Watch Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture book brought to life with music and interaction. For ages 3+ (children ages 18 months+ require a ticket). 11am & 2pm (Tue-Fri), 10am & 12pm (Sat-Sun); from £10-£25 + fees/family ticket from £80-£85 available on weekends (Jul 17-Sep 8)
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World at The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA (Victoria tube)
Adapted from Kate Pankhurst’s award winning book, this ‘kickass-pirational pop musical’ dramatises the lives of some historical heroines from Marie Curie to Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo and other luminaries. Fab feelgood fun and educational too! Best for ages 7+ (NB: flashing lights and stobe effects). Various shows incl. 2pm (Tue-Sat), 7pm (Thu & Sat), 12pm & 4pm (Sun); from £15 (Jul 20-Sep 8)
Rough Magic + Family Activities at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Southwark tube)
Come for a family romp at the historic Globe Theatre and watch Rough Magic (Jul 20-Aug 24), a play set in the world of Shakespeare’s three witches, not too long after the ‘Macbeth incident’. Alongside this show, there’s a wide range of activities for families including sword fighting demos, tours, live storytelling and interactive workshops around Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest and Macbeth. Ages 5-8 and ages 9-12. Rough Magic runs from Jul 20-Aug 4, various showings at 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm (Tue-Sat); previews £15-£25, general tickets £15-£30. Summer Holiday family activities run at various times, dates and prices, some FREE (Jul 20-Nov 3)
Summer Flying Theatre: Trailblazers at RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL (Colindale tube)
Summer’s off to a flying start with these airborne performances that re-imagine the tales of flying heroes like Amelia Earhart and lesser known pioneers like Bessie Coleman. Highly Sprung Performance features storytellers soaring through the air, live in the museum! Best for ages 4+. 11am & 2pm (Wed-Sun/regular museum hours 10am-5pm); adult £12.50-£17.50/child £10-£15/family £40-£55/disabled access £12.50 + 1 carer FREE (Jul 25-Sep 1)
Fiddler on the Roof at Open Air Theatre, Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
Travel to 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka where Jewish milkman Tevye is hoping to find a suitable match for his 5 daughters. But as each girl presents new challenges can Tevye adapt to a changing world while still holding onto his roots? Hear classic songs like ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘If I Were a Rich Man’ in the glorious setting of Regent’s Park. Best for ages 12+, under 4s not admitted. 7.45pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.15pm (Thu & Sat) (Jul 27-Sep 21)
Circus Camp at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Learn from pro circus artists at these creative workshops. The all day camps focus on practice, patience and collaboration with kids picking up 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 30-1 & Aug 6-8)
The Wizard of Oz at Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, Holborn, WC2B 5PW (Holborn tube)
There’s no place like home for Dorothy, Toto and pals in this lavish musical with songs and music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Back by popular demand for 4 weeks only, this magical tale stars JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West. Best for ages 6+, under 4s not admitted. Various times incl. 2pm & 7pm (Tue-Fri), 1pm & 5pm (Sat-Sun); from £20 (Aug 15-Sep 8)
Mr Punch at the Opera at Arcola Theatre, 4 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL (Dalston Kingsland/Dalston Junction overground)
Enjoy a family spin on Pergolesi’s Renaissance opera La Serva Padrona at this panto-style adaptation by the Opera Makers. Join Mr Punch and friends Judy, The Crocodile, a Cheeky Monkey and a band of singing Policemen. Twists, turns, comedy and stunning vocals to introduce younger ones to opera. Ages 3+. 4.30pm (Wed-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); adult £15-£20/child £8-£15/babies under 1 FREE on lap (Aug 21-24)
NATURE + OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Theatre on Kew at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Against the wonderful backdrop of Kew Gardens, you can watch 2 daytime shows, the Wind in the Willows (11am Wed-Sun & 2.30pm Thu-Sat), or The Dream Fairies: Adventure to Bubble Land (10.30am Tue-Sun & 2pm Fri-Sat). And for theatre under the stars, try a cheeky production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (7.30pm Tue-Sun). All ages, tickets include entry to Kew Gardens too! Daytime shows on select dates: adult from £18.90-£23.75/child £13.90-£17.90. Evening shows on select dates: adult £31.50-£47/child £15-£17(Jul 19-Sep 1)
Poo at the Zoo at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Have a poo-tastic summer at London Zoo. You’ll learn about the world of wildlife waste, how droppings help us understand animal diets, habitats, and health. There are poo-themed games, stage shows, zookeeper talks and live storytelling with Poo in the Zoo author Steve Smallman. All ages. 10am-6pm daily (last entry 5pm until Sep 1); adult £27-£33/child 3-15 £18.90-£23.10/under 3s FREE (Jul 25-Sep 1)
Summer Postcard Trail at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube and overground)
Pelican Postie has dropped their postbag and all the mail is scattered across the wetland centre. Look out for the lost postcards and figure out who wrote them and where the animals are enjoying their summer holidays. This new adventure trail features giant postcards, designed by children’s illustrator Ella Beech, with personal messages from 9 animals in wetland habitats around the world. All ages welcome. 10am-5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm); adult from £16.54/child 4-17 from £10.72/family from £46.22/carers and under 4s FREE (Jul 25-Sep 1)
The Wind in the Willows: A Theatrical Adventure into the Wild Wood at Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS (Sloane Square tube)
Visit the popular garden for a family show inspired by the beloved children’s story. Spring is in the air and Mole is out for a summer feast with Ratty, an onion hunt with Badger and madcap fun with Mr Toad of Toad Hall. Storytelling, live theatre and audience interaction for all ages. Bookings in 20 minutes slots between 10am-11.40am, shows last 1 hour (Mon-Fri & Sun); adult £25/child £18/babies 18 months and under FREE (Aug 12-18)
Family Swim at London Fields Lido, London Fields West Side, Hackney E8 3EU (London Fields rail/Hackney Central overground)
Dive into the pool at one of London’s hippest lidos. Book ahead as it gets super packed when the sun’s out. Experience the year-round heated pool, sun deck and sunbathing area, cafe on site. All ages welcome. 6.30am-9pm (until 1pm Sat-Sun); adult £6/child £3.50, discounts for members (ongoing)
FAMILY FESTIVALS + STREET PARTIES
Wimbledon Children’s Festival at New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, SW19 1QG (Wimbledon tube)
The Wombles would be leaping for Wimbledon’s first ever family festival. This sprawling event offers author talks and signings (e.g. Piers Torday, Lydia Monks and Jennifer Bell), live theatre, baby opera and a host of fun. All ages. Sign up here for ticket sales info. (Jul 30-Aug 11)
Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
Visit the acclaimed puppet theatre for their second Children’s Puppet Festival, running across both Little Angel venues. You’ll get to see some of the most creative and emotive performances by puppeteers from the UK and internationally, alongside family workshops, fun days and community events. 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 2-Sep 1)
Festival of Fairytales at the Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB (Vauxhall/Lambeth North/Westminster tube)
Once more, the museum becomes a treasure trove of family fun, including pop-up shows, circus acts, live music, storytelling and a sprinkling of magic. Kids and grownups can try their hands at everything from crafting to cooking and gardening workshops. Best for ages 4-10, all ages welcome. 10am-4pm; adult £12/child £5/under 4s FREE (Aug 11)
All Points East Festival, Victoria Park (Crown Gate), Grove Road, Bow, E3 5TB (Mile End/Bethnal Green tube)
Another jammed lineup takes over Vicky Park for East London’s hottest music festival. This year, live acts include: Kaytranada, Mitski, Nas, Andre 3000, Tems, Arlo Park, Lianne La Havas, LCD Soundsystem and dozens more! For free family activities, check out the daytime All Points East In the NBHD (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 16-25)
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, multiple locations
London’s major festival of free outdoor arts and theatre returns for another exciting two weeks. The highlight is Greenwich Fair but there are tons of unmissable performances, installations, trails, workshops and more. Find the updated programme HERE. All ages unless otherwise stated (check ahead). Various times and performances, FREE (Aug 23-Sep 8)
Notting Hill Carnival, Notting Hill and surrounding areas (Westbourne Park tube exit only, see TFL web site closer to date for transport advice)
Follow the leader, leader, leader. Europe’s largest street bash is back! Come for two days of dancing, steel bands, floats, costumes, sound systems and street food. Sunday is Children’s Day and better for folks with young kids. All ages. From around 9.30am daily, FREE (Aug 25-26)
MORE FREE FAMILY FUN
Royal Docks Summer Splash at Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AG (Royal Victoria Dock DLR)
Once again, Royal Docks Summer Splash brings the seaside to east London. Take a dip in the giant lido (shallow end for young ones), or relax on the sand with deckchairs and entertainment, plus live DJs and drinks on Thursday evenings. All ages, kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-6pm daily & 5pm-9pm Thus; FREE (Jul 27-Aug 18)
Costa Del Croydon at Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centre, Centrale Multi-storey Car Park, 21 North End, Croydon CR0 1XT (East Croydon/West Croydon rail)
Not to be outdone on the urban beach front, Croydon now has its own seaside escape on the top floor of Centrale’s multi-storey car park. Throughout August, feel the sand between your toes, build sandcastles, lounge on beach hut seats, play beach games, or cool off in the water splash zone.There are traditional pier side treats and street food on offer too. 11.30am-3pm & 3.30pm-7.30pm daily; FREE, walk-ins and pre-booking available (Aug 1-28)
Hip Hop Games + Breaking Olympic Watch Parties at Stratford Waterfront & Riverside East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
In the run up for the debut of Breaking at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, hip hop street dance fans can watch crews battle it out in Stratford. Sadler’s Wells and Breakin’ Convention are bringing the Hip Hop Games (2pm-7pm, Sat Aug 3) to Stratford Waterfront, so cheer on your favourites and stick around for BBC 1Xtra DJ sets. Next weekend, come to Riverside East (1.30pm-10pm, Fri Aug 9-Sat 10) for live watch parties of the Breaking finals at the Olympics, kicking off with panel talks and special appearances. All ages, FREE entry for both events (Aug 3, 9 & 10)
Everyman Screen on the Canal at Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Watch movies by the canal as the boats drift past. Catch modern and classic movies for all ages (first come, first served). There are lots of food and drink spots in the area and Granary Square fountains to splash through when it’s hot. Screenings at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7.30pm. Daily, FREE – just turn up, arrive early to avoid disappointment! (until Aug 18)
All Points East in the Neighbourhood, Victoria Park (Crown Gate), Grove Road, Bow, E3 5TB (Mile End/Bethnal Green tube)
Held in tandem with the music festival All Points East, this free series of activities happens every year in Victoria Park. There’s 4 days of live theatre, music on stage, family entertainment, tennis, film and sports screenings, food stalls and much more. All ages welcome. 12pm-9.30pm (Tue) & 10.30am-9.30pm (Wed & Thu); FREE (Aug 19-22)
We also like
- Get in a Carnival mood with Just Vibez: The Friday Fete at Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Jul 19)
- Enjoy traditional games, food and more at the annual Soho Village Fete (Jul 21)
- Catch family screenings, fun days and activities at BFI Southbank (from Jul 21)
- Islington kids can book up to 10 activities via the annual Summerversity programme for ages 13-19 (Jul 22-Aug 23)
- Get handy with family arts and crafts workshops at Foundling Museum (Jul 24-Aug 10)
- Go on a FREE Roman London Family Quest at London’s Roman Amphitheatre, EC4 (Jul 26-27)
- Explore the free display and Taylor Swift Songbook Trail at V&A Museum (Jul 27)
- Take a day trip to Carshalton Lavender for a Pick Your Own Lavender harvest (Jul 27-28)
- Disney fans can join a singalong with Encanto at Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith (Jul 30)
- Sign up for an On Air Radio Bootcamp or Make a Stop Motion Film in a Day, for ages 11-14 at Camden’s Roundhouse (Aug 13-14 & 21)
- Roll up, roll up. Zippo’s Circus is open at Bounds Green, N22 (Aug 21-26)
- Kinetica Bloco showcase steel pan, brass, woodwinds and drumming at Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre (Aug 23)
- Watch a family film in the open air with various screenings at Rooftop Film Club in Peckham or Stratford (until Aug 31)
- Play boules for free at Club Pétanque in King’s Cross’ Lewis Cubitt Square (until Sep 1)
- Marvel at the exciting, immersive performance of Fuerza Bruta: AVEN at Roundhouse in Camden (until Sep 1)
- Let your toddlers out for Blippi: the Wonderful World Tour in SW1 (until Sep 7)
- head east to Walthamstow on Sea urban beach at Big Penny Social with deckchairs, kids play and fish & chips (until Sep 8)
- You’ll be Starstruck at the Royal Observatory Greenwich planetarium show for ages 7+ (ongoing)
- Race your mates at Capital Karts in Canary Wharf for ages 14+ (ongoing)
- Go swimming at Tooting Bec Lido; south west at Hampton Pool in Bushy Park or explore more London lidos.
- Hop along to a city farm: try Freightliners Farm in N1, Spitalfields City Farm, Kentish Town City Farm, Vauxhall City Farm or Mudchute Farm in E14 (ongoing)
- Wander free and wild at Walthamstow Wetlands (ongoing)
- Little ones will love CBeebies Rainbow Adventure, an immersive theatrical experience at Westfield London (ongoing)
- Immerse yourself in a topsy turvy world at the newly opened Paradox Museum in SW3 (ongoing)
Want More?!
Follow our Ice Cream Crawl for the best London gelato
Here are 11 ideas for a heatwave in the city
Check out Ezra’s guide to London for teenagers
Check out Jed’s guide to free attractions in London
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
lovely prize
Good luck!
I especially love the mix of outdoor adventures, museum fun, and creative workshops! The Dinosaur Garden at the Natural History Museum and the Barbie exhibition sound like must-sees. Thanks for sharing these fantastic ideas
You’re most welcome, let me know if you check out any of the activities!