The Babes About Town London May Half Term 2026 guide is here with stacks of ideas to keep you and your family engaged. Immersive experiences, pop-up festivals, family discos, museums, theatre, outdoor fun and more.
At Babes HQ, we are buzzing for Arsenal’s Champions League win, the last Premier League game, the Champions League final, and of course, the London parade. We are living the dream right now and I have to send huge congrats to ever Arsenal fan. COYG! Have a wonderful half term break all.
30 Cool Things to Do in the London May Half Term 2026
BABES CHOICE
High Society at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Enjoy the dreaminess of Cole Porter’s songbook in a fabulous musical featuring a 28-strong cast. Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) stars as bride-to-be Tracy Lord, caught between old and new lovers and a tabloid reporter with a nose for trouble. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Mon & Wed-Sat) & 2.30pm (Tue, Thu & Sat); £35-£150 (May 19-Jun 11)
Beetlejuice the Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton St, W1D 4HS (Leicester Square tube)
London are you ready? Tim Burton’s iconic ghostly comedy lands in the West End, for a limited haunting only. Teen Lydia, a pair of newly-deads and the mischief-making Beetlejuice are set to bring the house down. This head-turning show has been called ‘screamingly good fun’. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 3pm (Fri & Sat); from £20 (May 20-Apr 17, 2027)
Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Following the success of the exhibition Titanosaur, the museum launches its blockbuster summer exhibition. Here you can come up close with the prehistoric legends including millions-of-years-old fossils (touch a mosasaur tooth), bite-sized science, expert chats and more jurassic fun. A hands-on experience for dinosaur lovers and underwater adventures ages 8+. 10am-4.30pm daily; adult £15 off peak-£17.50/child £7.50-£8.75/under 4s FREE/concs available (May 22-Jan 3)
Michael Rosen’s Birthday at Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, Southbank Centre SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Come and celebrate the 80th birthday of the UK’s former Children’s Laureate. Southbank Centre throws him a birthday bash featuring Michael Rosen with live illustration from Chris Riddell and Hannah Robinson; poetry workshop with Joshua Seigal; MC Grammar and Michael Rosen rhyming together; birthday tributes and a dance party finale! Ages 5+. 11am-3.30pm approx; FREE (May 23)
War Horse at National Theatre (Olivier Theatre), South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Back at the Olivier Theatre, the landmark production of Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning novel is set to enchant audiences again. War horse tells the heart-stopping tale of Albert and his daring mission to rescue his horse Joey during WW1. Breathtaking life-sized puppets and emotive storytelling for ages 10+. 2.15pm (Sat) & 7.30pm (Mon-Sat, no Thu shows over May half term), from £61/child half-price – Hurry, selling fast! (until Jul 30)
We also like
Pop idols, shrines and icons are the focus of Holy Pop at Somerset House (May 21-Aug 9); In Other Worlds is an exciting new immersive exhibition at Barbican Centre (May 21-Sep 6); beam up for Star Trek at 60 at Science Museum (until Sep 8); My Neighbour Totoro continues to enchant West End fans (until Jan 2027); the multi-award scooping Paddington the Musical tickles audiences at Savoy Theatre (ongoing)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Exploring Black British Literature Live with Malorie Blackman at British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Tune in for an exclusive session with author Malorie Blackman with students who’ve taken part in the library’s school programme. They will make a case for the Black British author who has made the most profound cultural impact, with the audience casting their votes before Malorie shares her own literary heroes and reader identity. 1pm; FREE but booking essential (May 22)
Family Day at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
Bring your favourites along for the Family Day at the Open Air Theatre. Experience food, fun and entertainment in the lush surroundings of Regent’s Park. Tickets include The Marvellous Myth Hunter along with access to Harp in the Park, Bach to Baby Family Concert, Fly-Kid family rave and other events. Don’t forget your sunscreen! All ages. 9.30am & 2pm sessions; adult £18/child £15 + £2.50 booking fees (May 24)
Family Film Club at Riverside Market, Fulham Pier, Stevenage Rd, Fulham, SW6 6HH (Putney Bridge tube, Putney rail)
Settle in for a relaxed family film where the kids are welcome to talk, roam around and engage with the film however they like! It will be a lovely way to bond with your little ones, catch a beloved family movie (to be revealed when the lights go down), without being shushed by your neighbours. 11.30am-1pm; FREE (May 25 & 26)
Pop-Kid Family Rave at SetList, Somerset House (Charing Cross tube/rail) and Pop Brixton (Brixton tube)
Party with your Michael Jackson, Swifties and Madonna loving minis as the Supa Dupa Fly collective bring their pop-tastic party back to SetList at Somerset House. You’ll dance to classic 80s tunes all the way to modern pop spun by live DJs. Fancy dress welcome and there’s free face painting, glow sticks, props, dance prizes and more. Open to families with kids and babies of all ages. 12pm-3pm; adult from £12/child from £7/family from £29.90/babies under 1 FREE (May 31)
Love Ssega: The Elementals at Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, Southbank Centre SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Southbank Centre Associate Artist Love Ssega launches his picture book The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail, illustrated by Erika Meza. You’ll meet Wanz and friends whose magical powers connect to the 4 elements (earth, water, fire and air). They need to keep their island home safe, but Wanzu still hasn’t discovered his own power… Storytelling, activism, illustration and live music for ages 5+. 11am; FREE (May 31)
We also like
Gamers and comic lovers descend on Comic Con at ExCel London (May 22-24); StrEAT Life food and craft beer festival is back at Ally Pally (May 23-24); The Big Bahooey festival is a day of serious nonsense at Hampton Court Palace (May 23-25); hang out at a FREE Family Day Party at Fox & Firkin in Lewisham (May 25); book to see time-travelling animation Arco at Barbican Family Film Club (May 30)
FAMILY THEATRE
Ballet Black at 25 at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black marks 25 years of bold, exciting ballet with a double bill: Ingoma (2019), Mthuthuzeli November’s Olivier and Black British Theatre Award-winning debut; and a new creation by Alvin Ailey queen Hope Boykin (2-time Bessie Award winner) in her UK choreographic debut. Ages 7+. 7.30pm; from £27-£42 + fees/concs available (May 21-23)
Planet Omar at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
This award-winning show (adapted by Asif Khan and director Sameena Hussain from the popular books by Zanib Mian) introduces 8yo Omar to the stage. Arriving in a new neighbourhood, Omar has to overcome a whirlwind of challenges in this show that tackles bullying with a focus on empathy, resilience, identity, humour and imagination. Ages 7+. Various shows 11am, 2pm & 3pm (Tue-Sun); from £10-£18.50 + fees (May 21-Jun 7)
The Great Big Bug Show at Stanley Arts, 12 South Norwood Hill, SE25 6AB (Norwood Junction overground)
Families and kids can bug out with poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko at this creepy crawly show taking inspiration from Simon’s picture book. Dive in and learn all about bottom-blasting beetles, eight-legged predators, mini beasts and massive beats. Poetry, rhymes, songs and rap for ages 4-11. 11am & 2pm; £11 (May 27)
The Rapping Princess at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Shiloh is a teeny princess with a big ambition to rule the musical stage – except she can’t sing. Then Shiloh discovers a special talent that lets her use her voice. Author Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan’s funky fairytale is adapted for the stage for ages 3-6. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Wed-Sun); from £13.50 (until Jun 21)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind at Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, W1D 3BG (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
William Kamkwamba is just 13 years old but he knows how to save his village from a drought — except nobody believes him! Catch this riveting and heartfelt true-life tale of a Malawian boy who transformed his community with the help of some old machinery and a handful of library books. Musical adaptations from the autobiography and from the 2019 film by Chiwetel Ejiofor (Executive Producer of the stage play). Ages 11+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu-Sat); from £25 (until Jul 18)
We also like
Take part in family workshops and storytelling at Shakespeare’s Globe (May 22-31); There’s a Monster in Your Show at Arts Depot, North Finchley (May 27-30); laugh yourself silly with James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks at Museum of Comedy (May 30-Jun 28); catch The Ugly Duckling on the floating Puppet Theatre Barge in Little Venice (until May 31); Sherlock Holmes is on the case at Open Air Theatre (until Jun 6)
MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS
Inside Aardman: Friendship at Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
Visit the popular youth museum over the London May half term break for free, drop-in activities inspired by the exhibition, Inside Aardman: Wallace Gromit and Friends. Take part in sessions around the theme of friendship including their first Animation Lab! All ages. 10am-4.30pm daily; FREE (May 23 & 28-31)
Family Day: Family Portraits Remixed at National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
Create a unique family photo, family album and more with backdrops, costumes and poses inspired by the exhibition Catherine Opie: To Be Seen. Represent your home and community with provided art materials and don’t miss the book signing of The Story of Art Without Men: An illustrated Guide for ages 8+ with author Katy Hessel in the Main Gallery shop (11.30am–12.30pm). Art activities ages 3+, book signing open to all ages. 11am-4pm; FREE (May 26)
Family Day: Design and Worldbuilding at Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Get your imaginations working at a day of design and creativity inspired by current exhibition Wes Anderson: The Archives (book separately) and the Mini Designers series published by Thames & Hudson. Author/illustrator team Joséphine Seblon and Robert Sae-Heng will facilitate the workshops for ages 5-11 (all ages welcome). 10.15pm, 11.30pm, 1.45pm & 3pm; adult/child £5 (May 29)
Caribbean Connections at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza (south east corner), WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
Find out how Britain’s Caribbean community has kept London moving over 70 years. Come for a week of family activities e.g. storytelling, Caribbean art and crafts, cookery, toddlers play space, and the exhibition, Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce. All day, museum opening hours 10am-6pm; activities included in regular entry: adult annual pass £27/concs £25/child 17 and under FREE (May 23-28)
Tracey Emin: A Second Life at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Blackfriars rail, London Bridge tube/rail)
This sweeping exhibition of Tracey Emin, one of Britain’s mavericks, has earned rave reviews. artists. See how Tracey amplifies personal power, pleasure and pain through 40+ years of painting, textiles, neon, sculpture, installations, writing, video and confessionals. PG (see content warnings). 10am-6pm daily, 9pm Fri (last entry 5.30pm/8.30pm Fri); from £20/child 12-18 £5/under 12s and members FREE (until Aug 31)
We also like
Tots at the Docks is a free monthly play session for under 5s at London Museum Docklands (May 27); delve into the Cleopatra Experience at ExCel London (until Jul 12); marvel at Ramses and the Pharoah’s Gold Exhibition at Neon, Battersea Power Station (until Jul 12); immerse yourself in a beary fun world at the Paddington Bear Experience (ongoing); discover The Jolly Postman and more at Postal Museum in Bloomsbury (ongoing)
NATURE & OUTDOORS
Create Something Wild at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
There’s a Guinness World Record attempt at the zoo over the London May half term break and you can take part! Come and help smash the record for the biggest paint-by-numbers ever. This event and artwork celebrates 200 years of London Zoo and its inhabitants. 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm until Sep 1); adult entry tickets from £27.70 (online/weekday/off peak)-£40 (at gate/weekend/peak)/child from £19.40 (online/weekday/off peak)-£28(at gate/weekend/peak)/family discounts available/under 3s FREE (May 23-31)
Mystery Mission at Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE (Mottingham rail)
Go on a top-secret mission at around the historic grounds and palace. Follow the trail, crack the codes and uncover a secret message before it gets into the wrong hands! A mysterious secret agent roams the site and might help you complete your assignment. Indoors, you can check out the stunning Art Deco furnishings and features and see the home of Mah-Jong, the Courtauld’s pet lemur. 10am-5pm; online tickets adult from £18.10/child from £9/family of 4 from £45.40/under 5s FREE – other discounts available (May 23-31)
Canal Museum Family Day, London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Kids can visit the museum over the London May half term to discover the joys of canal life, heritage and habitats. Take part in a themed workshop led by a museum facilitator. And you can ride a canal boat from the museum to St Pancras lock and back again. Kids will get a wildlife spotter’s bag on the trip to help them identify wildlife along the canal. Museum hours: 10am-4pm; boat rides every 45 minutes from 10.30am-3.30pm; adult age 16+ £10.50/child £5.50 (May 26 + Jul 24, Aug 4, 11, 18 & 25, & Oct 27)
Prancer the Dancer’s DanceDanceDiscoPartyFun at Riverside Terrace, Belvedere Rd, Southbank Centre SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Tiny dancers, little leapers and grownup moves and groovers are invited for a fab night out (but in the daytime) Join special guests from cabaret and circus to learn dance routines together with ribbons, glitter and sparkly tunes. Ages 2+. 11.30am & 2.30pm; FREE (May 30)
Henry Moore Family Trail at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Make the most of your trip to see the new exhibition Henry Moore: Monumental Nature by following a family trail packed with sensory delights. Let your kid lead the way to discover 10 of Moore’s biggest and best-known sculptures, sketch artworks, get touchy-feely with textures that inspired Moore, play games, heart soundscapes and more. Trail included with Kew ticket and starts from Victoria Gate. Ages 5-12, all ages encouraged. 10am-7pm (last entry 6pm); adult tickets from £16-£27 (£10-£11 after 4pm)/child 4-15yrs from £5-£9/family tickets from £23-£63/under 4s FREE (until Jan 31, 2027)
We also like
No tix for Chelsea Flower Show? Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom, both gorgeous and FREE (May 18-24); ride a steam or diesel train on a Family Adventure on Epping-Ongar Railway (May 23-31); WWT London Wetland Centre hosts Gozzle storytelling, pond dipping and more (May 23-31); enjoy fun at the farm at Spitalfields City Farm, Vauxhall City Farm, Kentish Town City Farm or Mudchute Farm in the Isle of Dogs (ongoing)
**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!**
Spring 2026 Occasionwear Trends Every Guest Needs to Know
