May Half Term 2025 School Holiday Guide

The May half term is here with our second Bank Holiday of the month this weekend. I’ve stacked the school holiday guide with festival fun, free activities, family workshops, theatre, raving and all that good stuff. My youngest is officially on study leave and has returned with his school shirt signed by his classmates. I can’t believe how quickly these milestones are coming and, just like that, he’ll be in 6th form before we know it. Make the most of the time you have with your children, no matter their age. Enjoy the break!

BABES CHOICE

Moomin 80: The Door is Always Open at Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Celebrate 80 years of the beloved Moomins with this specially commissioned building project on Riverside Terrace, led by Counterpoint Arts and Moomin Characters Ltd. As part of Refugee Week, this installation is inspired by Tove Jansson’s inclusive series, from the very first book The Moomins and the Great Flood. Book into a Play, Make, Dream session to help chop wood and hammer nails for the Moominhouse. And on Jun 1, there’s a party in Clore Ballroom (see Special Events)! All ages. 2pm-5pm daily; FREE (May 23-Jun 1)

Jurassic World: The Experience at NEON at Battersea Power Station, 2 Circus Road East, SW11 8DQ (Battersea Power Station tube)
Come face to face with some of the fiercest creatures that ever walked the earth at this brand new experience across 10 immersive zones. Board a ferry to Isla Nobler, through the towering gates, to discover Velociraptors, Gyrospheres, Brachiosauri, and of course the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. A thrilling adventure for all ages. 10am-8pm (Fri-Sat & half term/holidays), 10am-5pm (Mon-Thu), 10am-6pm (Sun); adult from £32.95/child £25.95/under 3s FREE (May 23-Sep 30)

UNIQLO Tate Play Holiday Make Studio: Joy of Togetherness at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall entrance), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Letters, symbols and shapes come to life in this hands-on family workshop, inspired by The Shape of Words exhibition. Mix and match colours and textures with paints, calligraphy, stamps and collages. Make your own zine or folded book for the studio library or your own home. All ages. 10.30am-6.30pm daily (Relaxed hour 11.30am May 27); FREE entry (May 24-Jun 1)

Big Fish Little Fish Free Family Rave at Brockwell Bounce, Brockwell Park, Brockwell Park Gardens, SE24 0NG (Herne Hill rail, Brixton tube)
What’s this we hear? A FREE family rave with the legendary Big Fish Little Fish? That’s right, our favourite family party-makers are throwing down on their home turf as part of the free festival in Rockwell Park. DJ Ben Archbold and BFLF invite you to ‘dance, laugh and be daft’. Brockwell Bounce also offers arts and crafts, funfair, street food and more. Festival from 12pm-6pm, family rave times tbc; FREE (May 28)

V&A Families Festival at V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Disney’s The Lion King puppet Zazu meet and greet, Anansi and the Lost Sun by Swallow’s Wings Puppetry, Digital Kids clay creations, Radio Platform broadcasting and workshops… Just some of what’s on the menu at this jamboree of crafting, music and dance, storytelling and performance. All ages, best for 0-12. 11am-4pm; FREE (May 31)

We also like
Bat Out of Hell: The Musical for ages 13+ is on at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre (May 23-Jun 7); the Big Bahooey Festival promises a day of ‘serious nonsense’ at Hampton Court Palace (May 24-26); don’t miss the Family Takeover Day of festivities at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (May 25);  take part in family workshops and storytelling at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (May 25-31); dive into music, puppetry, storytelling and outdoor activities with Spring Family Fun at Southbank Centre (until Jun 1)

SPECIAL EVENTS

I See You Like This exhibition at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Ever wondered how your child see’s you? Australian artist Jessica Wilson and Unicorn’s Creative Hub flipped the camera around to let kids take portraits of their significant adults. The images captured by photographer Daisy Gaston are on exhibition, and alongside the show I See You Like This: Create Your Own invites Unicorn visitors to make their own canvas portraits. Ages 3+. 10am-3pm; FREE (May 24-Jul 31)

Fly-Kid Rave: May Bank Holiday Rave at Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ (Brixton tube)
Every second Sunday of the month, the Fly-Kid ravers are at Pop Brixton with BBC1xtra’s Emily Rawson (Supa Dupa Fly) and co mixing hip hop, R&B, pop and soul tunes. This family mixer includes games, street dance lessons and battles, confetti, face painting (optional) and props. Food and drink on offer. Tables available for groups of 10+ (book ahead: email flykid@supadupaflylove.com). Open to families with kids and babies of all ages. 11am-3pm; adult from £11/child from £6/family from £29/babies under 1 FREE (May 26)

Black Culture Market, The Department Store (Downstairs), 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton SW9 8FR (Brixton tube)
Visit the Windrush Market edition of the Black Culture Market who aims to close the wealth gap by promoting emerging Black businesses. Check out a vibrant mix of stalls with male grooming, natural hair and skincare, gifts, interiors, fashion, books, prints, jewellery and more.  All ages welcome. Register for a FREE ticket! 11am-5pm; FREE (May 31-Jun 1)

Moomin 80: Everybody is Welcome at Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The Moomins are 80! Come and party at Clore Ballroom to mark 80 years of Moomin adventures. These loveable creatures have lived in the imaginations of millions for decades thanks to author/illustrator Tove Jansson. This family friendly event promises music, storytelling and fun fit for Moominvalley. Best for ages 4-11. 12pm-5pm; FREE (Jun 1) 

We also like
Have a fun-filled half term at Eltham Palace and Gardens (May 24-Jun 1); make and build and play at the LEGO Replay workshops at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (May 27 & 28); the Triwizard Tournament is live at WB Studio Tour (until Sep 8); the Minecraft Experience at Corner Corner, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre has been extended (until Sep 28)

FAMILY THEATRE

Jasmin Vardimon Company: Alice at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Enter a bonkers world imagined by the award-winning choreographer and his company, turning Lewis Carroll’s topsy turvy tale into a visually dazzling performance. Alice comes hot on the heels of Jasmin Vardimon’s globally acclaimed version of Pinocchio. Ages 7+.  7.30pm; from £15 (May 23-24)

This Is My Family at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, 1 Dante Place SE11 4RX (Elephant & Castle tube)
What happens when your dream holiday turns into a total nightmare? Nicky enters a competition to win a holiday, all she has to do is describe her family. When she wins, she takes them camping, back to where her parents met a thousand years ago. This uplifting and comical tale of a disastrous family trip that brings everyone together is perfect for all ages. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); adult £20/concs from £16/previews £18 (May 23-Jul 12)

The Vanishing Forest at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Puck, Cassie and Mylas are on a quest to find Oberon and Titania, restore earth’s magic, and stop trees from being chopped down. Can they save the forest? This continuation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream blends puppetry, opera, mystical flowers and Shakespearean spells to teach kids about deforestation. Ages 7-12. 11am & 2pm (Wed-Sat); from £10 (May 24-Jun 1)

Fiddler on the Roof at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Matchmaker matchmaker… Hot off the success of its Open Air Theatre run in 2024, this nostalgic musical sees Jewish milkman Tevye doing his utmost to find a match for his strong-willed daughters. Will tradition win over love? Best for ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (May 24-Jul 19)

Grooving with Pirates at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground)
Ooh aargh baby! Find your swashbuckling groove with 3 pirate friends on a mission to dig up some treasure. This live-action, animated, magical, nautical adventure is jam-packed with music (from electro jungle to Blue Note soul jazz), monsters and mermaids. Ages 3-7 and families (all kids ages 18 months require a ticket). 11am & 1pm; £10(May 27-28)

We also like
The Smeds & the Smoos, Elmer and Wifi Wars are on at Arts Depot (May 23-Jun 1); LAST CHANCE to see Dear England at National Theatre, exploring Gareth Southgate’s last hurrah as England manager (until May 24); the annual Flamenco Festival kicks up a storm over the half term at Sadler’s Wells Theatre (May 27-Jun 8); follow a tiny acorn’s journey through the forest with puppetry and drum & bass in Breathe at Woolwich Works (May 27-28); catch musical romp The Most Perilous Comedy of Elizabth I by touring troupe Three Inch Fools at Old Royal Naval College (May 28); Let’s Build at Polka Theatre is interactive fun for ages 2-5 (until Jun 29)

MUSEUMS AND WORKSHOPS

Let’s Get Creative: Birds and Painting at Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham TW1 3BL (Richmond tube/rail/overground; St Margarets rail, Twickenham rail)
Artist Jane Plowright leads a session for families to create an original painting on canvas. If the weather allows, you’ll be painting in the woodlands, drawing inspiration from birds and trying out a range of drawing and painting techniques. All ages welcome, best for ages 4-11. 11am-3pm; FREE (May 26)

May Family Day at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Enjoy a day of family friendly collaboration, while discovering the microscopic networks that connect us to plant and animal life. Try woodworking and weaving or printmaking with natural dye inks from the garden. Kids can also enjoy the museum’s Mini Playhouse, sensory den, playroom, family trails and sensory explorer bags. 10.30am-3.30pm; FREE – suggested donation £5 (May 28)

Family Workshops at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
Foundling Museum has another series of half term family fun workshops. This time it’s all about clay with pottery making, figure modelling, clay sculpting and building imaginary worlds. All workshops are led by professional artists, and children can take their creations home with them. Ages 5-12. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; adult £5/child £5/concs FREE – all tickets include free entry to the museum. (May 27-30)

Tim Burton at Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Last chance to get in the head of Tim Burton (Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands) via his art, photos, sketchbooks and costumes. Enjoy the exhibition and maybe pair it with his latest release, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (now streaming). 10am-5pm (6pm Fri-Sun, 9pm Sat); adult from £19.69/child from £9.85/under 6s and members FREE (until May 26)

Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Open your eyes and your mind at this blockbuster show exploring what (and who) else might be out there in the universe. Feel a morsel from Mars, snap a selfie with the 4.567 billion year old Allende meteorite and take a bite of the Moon. All ages, best for life forms aged 8+. 10am-4.30pm daily; adult from £14-£16.50/child 4-17 £7-£8.25/under 4s FREE (until Feb 22, 2026)

We also like
The Robot Zoo is still drawing crowds at Horniman Museum (until Nov 2); feast your eyes on Dress Codes at Kensington Palace (until Nov 30); Reduce, Reuse and Recycle with your family at London Museum Docklands (May 27-30)

NATURE AND OUTDOORS

Come and See Bluey on the Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
Ride a vintage steam train and meet Bluey! Over the late May Bank Holiday, Bluey will be popping up along the North Weald to Ongar railway line to say hi. There will also be a storybook, gingerbread train biscuit, railway activity sheet and juice carton for every little passenger! Trains depart 9.15am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 3.15pm; adult £22.50/child £12.50/babies under 6 months FREE (May 24-26)

Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
Go on a raucous ride along the world’s most notorious river and hear roaring stories about the likes of Julius Caesar, Jack the Ripper, Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII. All ages welcome. 45 minutes tours starting from 10.45am (check times and availability online); adult ages 15+ £25/child 3-15 £20/family £70-£80/under 3s FREE on parent/carer’s lap (May 24-31) 

Feeding Time at the Zoo at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Come to the zoo for family games and stories, with pop-up animal kitchens, a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, a birthday cake for Priscilla the Galapagos tortoise, BBQ with vegan options and more. All ages. 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm until Sep 1); adult entry tickets from £29.70 (off peak)-£36.30 (weekend/peak)/child £20.80 (off peak)-£23.90 (weekend/peak)/under 3s FREE  (May 24-Jun 1)

Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube and overground)
Follow this exciting Aardman trail with tour guide Dart the dragonfly to help Lloyd the fly and friends find their way to the bug hotel. Explore the minibeasts and ‘shrink down’ to see the wetlands through bug eyes through Aardman’s augmented reality app. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £16.29-£17.95/junior from £10.58-£11.65/family from £45.81-£50.40/under 3s FREE (until Jun 1)

The King’s Cross Dinosaur Trail, Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Have you heard? Dinosaurs have been spotted in King’s Cross! Pick up a map from Lightroom and follow clues around the neighbourhood for a jurassic surprise. The Dinosaur Trail is part of the buzz-building for upcoming exhibition Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs (opens Jul 9). There’s lots for families to do in the area over half term too, from Granary Square fountains to Camley St Natural Park. All ages. 10am-5.30pm (Sun-Wed), 10am-7.30pm (Thu-Sat); FREE (until Sep 30)

We also like
Summer Screens is back for open-air films and sports screenings in Canary Wharf (May 29-Sep 27); discover The Power of Trees, a show of botanical illustrations at Kew Gardens (until Sep 14) 

**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!**