London Kids Weekend Scoop (July 2-5, 2026)

Hello July. The weather’s cooled down a little but it’s heating up again at the weekend so make sure you have your sunscreen, shades and parasols if necessary. I’ve got 14 fantastic family days out in London this weekend all lined up, from a beach in Walthamstow to outdoor movies by the Regent’s Canal. Stay cool, have a good one.

14 Fantastic Family Days Out in London this Weekend

Thu-Sat: Last Goal Wins, Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU (Catford/Catford Bridge rail)
Politics, identity, belonging and the beautiful game take centre stage in Justice Ezi’s drama. Footballing friends Victory and Youssef compete for a spot on Nigeria’s team ahead of the World Cup when a last-minute recruit threatens everything. Handpicked for the Ryan Calais Cameron Season by the award-winning playwright of Retrograde and For Black Boys, Last Goal Wins is directed by award-winner Kalungi Ssebandeke. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Wed-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed-Sat + Sun Jul 12); £12-£15 (Jul 1-12) 

Thu-Sun: Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace SW1Y 5AG (Piccadilly Circus tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Uncover the mysteries of lightning, shrink to microscopic size and venture into the Microbe Zoo, walk in the footsteps of elephants, face up to spiders, investigate quantum technologies, see Attenborough at 100 documentaries, and learn with Frank the Robot. This popular STEM event hosts top researchers and experts with hands-on exhibits, talks and panels, performances, film screenings, kids’ zone and more. Buggy parking and child-friendly menu available. 10am-4pm (Thu), 10am-4pm & 6pm-8pm (Fri), 10am-6pm (Sat), 10.30am-6pm (Sun), 9.30am-10.30am (Sun quiet hours – book ahead), 11am-1pm (Sun BSL tour); FREE (until Jul 5)

Sat-Sun: For Miss La La at Croydon High Street, opposite Grants, in Croydon Town Centre, CR0 1GT (East Croydon/South Croydon rail)
Upswing Circus, the UK’s top Black-led circus company led by Vicki Dela Amedume MBE presents a breathtaking free outdoor performance. This show honours Afro-German 19th century aerialist Anna Albertine Olga Brown (1858-1945) AKA MIss La La. Immortalised in a painting by Degas (currently seen in The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep programme), Miss La La was famed for her strength and skills. See Croydon’s high street transformed into a showcase of acrobatics, tightwire, juggling, rollerskating + DJs, workshops, circus skills and more. 1pm-6pm (Sat) & 12pm-5pm (Sun); FREE (Jul 4-5)

Thu-Sun: Watch Wimbledon on a Big Screen in London (multiple locations)
Wimbledon is back. Grab a picnic blanket (or a deck chair, if available) and watch the tennis via a public screen:

Wimbledon in Covent Garden Piazza (until Jul 12)
Big Screen Tennis at the Piazza in Wimbledon (until Jul 12)
Wimbledon at Lyric Square, Hammersmith (until Jul 12)
Wimbledon at One New Change, St Paul’s EC4 (until Jul 12)
Summer in the Square at Portman Square Gardens, Baker St (Jul 7-12)
Wimbledon at Hawley Wharf, Camden Market (until Jul 12)
Strawberries & Screen at Duke of York Square, Chelsea (Jul 10-12)
Everyman Presents: Screen on the Canal at Granary Square, King’s Cross (until Jul 12)
Wimbledon in the Yards at Eccleston Yards, Belgravia (until Jul 12)
Summer Screens at Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf (until Jul 12)
Summer by the River at The Scoop, London Bridge City (until Jul 12)

Thu-Sun: Everyman on the Canal at Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Back for another brilliant summer at King’s Cross, this outdoor screening festival serves up hit movies along with ice creams, frozen margaritas and popcorn, strawberries with chocolate or cream, and the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Catch favourites like Grease, Some Like it Hot, Paddington in Peru and Dune: Part One as you sit by the canal. All ages welcome (check films for age guidance). 12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm & 7.30pm daily; screenings are FREE but bookings/early arrivals advised (until Aug 16)

Fri: Romeo & Juliet at Brixton Windmill, Windmill Gardens, Blenheim Gardens, SW2 5DA (Brixton tube)
The Dot Collective and Open Bar Theatre celebrate 10 years of open-air shows with Shakespeare’s most treasured love story, played against the dramatic backdrop of Brixton Windmill. Anticipate bold colours, immersive staging, and a chance to become part of the experience. Pack a picnic or grab refreshments from the cafe and enjoy with family and friends. Ages 5+. 7pm; adult £14/concs £12/child £10 (Jul 3)

Fri-Sun: Romeo and Juliet at Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ES (Greenwich rail)
If one day of Romeo and Juliet in Brixton isn’t enough, you can join the star-crossed lovers at this sparkling production in Greenwich. See how “two houses, both alike in dignity” can create soul-wrenching tragedy through division and distrust. Expect romance, music and theatrical magic. No age guidance but probably suitable for ages 12+. 7pm (Tue-Sat), 2pm (Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun) – times may vary, confirm at booking; £11.50-£32.50 (Jul 3-25)

Fri-Sun: London Children’s Ballet: Anne of Green Gables at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
I adored this book as a kid and it must be an exciting staging of the classic novel by LM Montgomery. By popular demand, London’s Children’s Ballet return with their charming production following the adventures of a spirited 11-year-old orphan. LCB ballets are a lovely way to introduce youngers to ballet and classical music, featuring dancers aged 9-16. Ages 3+ (younger ones not admitted). 7pm (Fri), 12.30pm & 4pm (Sat-Sun); from £18 (Jul 3-5)

Fri-Sun: Whatever the Weather at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Stuck for what to do with the little ones? Take them to this immersive playscape experience where they can get closer to nature and uncover the wonders of everyday weather. Inspired by local kids, this artist-designed interactive space is open come rain, snow or sunshine. Ages 0-7 and their grownups. Separate play sessions available for under 3s (check at purchase). Various start times from 10am (Tue-Sun); from £5.50-£9.50 (Jul 3-Aug 16)

Fri-Sun: Big Penny Beach Club at Big Penny Social, 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL (Blackhorse Rd overground)
The Beach Club is back for another summer with a fresh look, retro feel, fish and chips and BBQ days, beach huts (extra charge), pop-up volleyball, lifeguard hut with DJs, and a packed events roster. Two hour slots at 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm; £5pp (until Aug 30)

Sat: Pride in London, from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place, WC2 (Hyde Park Corner tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Celebrate unity, visibility and equality with the LGBTQ+ community at this annual extravaganza. The UK’s largest and most diverse Pride parade launches from Hyde Park Corner, travelling towards Whitehall Place. You’ll also find music stages and themed areas at Trafalgar Square, Soho Square, Leicester Square, Dean St and Golden Square. Families can head to Victoria Embankment Gardens for face painting, activities and LEGO. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Jul 4)

Sat: Celebrate the Fourth of July in London
It’s America’s 250th birthday and if you’re not just spending the day with BBQ and fireworks in someone’s garden, here are some London family friendly ways to enjoy Fourth of July. Take in a popular American musical like High Society, Hamilton (sold out, book ahead) or Beetlejuice; go see Marilyn Monroe at NPG or catch the likes of Basquiat and Warhol at MOCO Museum; watch the brand new Supergirl movie (out Fri). Bring Your Baby hosts a buggy-friendly Americans in the City guided walk. Grab last minute tickets for Maroon 5 at BST Hyde Park. Learn about African American influences in Britain at Handel Hendrix House or Black Cultural Archives. Join a romping stomping all ages barn dance party at Big Belly Bar in SE1. 

Sun: The Magic Painting at Museum of the Home (The Hive), 36 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Let stories leap off the page in this playful workshop led by award-winning illustrator Jeet Zdũng, Experiment with characters and symbols, materials and techniques, inspired by Echoing Whispers: A Treasury of Vietnamese Folk Tales. Ages 6–13 (parents/guardians welcome), all experience levels. 11am-2pm; FREE (donations welcome) but booking essential (Jul 5)

Sun: The Cally Festival, along Caledonian Rd, N1 (King’s Cross St Pancras/Caledonian Rd tube, Caledonian Rd & Barnsbury overground)
Caledonian Road welcomes one and all to another huge street party celebrating the neighbourhood. Come for the live music stage, kids and adults storytelling, family craft zones, the popular Bus Stop Dance Floor and workshops, urban gym and boxing, rides, stalls, and of course some tasty street food. All ages. 12-6pm, FREE (Jul 5)

World Cup 2026: Where to Watch the Football

NB: Most World Cup matches are on late for the 2026 US/Mexico/Canada tournament so majority of venues are 18+ only! Kids might be welcome up to a certain time for pre-game buzz, do check ahead. 

• Tuck into street food, drinks and 4 screens at Pop Brixton
• You can see all England fixtures at Boxpark venues, book ahead (Shoreditch, Wembley, Camden and Croydon)
• It’s game on at Bounce for ping pong, pizza and football screenings (Battersea Power Station)
• Watch all the England games with pre-match build-up at Clapham Grand
• Kick back at Rae’s Summer Sports Lounge in SE1
• Head to TOCA Social at the O2 for shootout games and full match screenings (North Greenwich, Westfield London)
• Enjoy foosball, food and drinks and screenings at Bar Kick on Shoreditch High St. Also check Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market (Shoreditch/Islington)
• Browse the food hall and view England matches at Market Halls (Victoria, Canary Wharf, Oxford St, Paddington)
• Big Penny Social hosts World Cup screenings for the England group stages and more (Walthamstow)
• Visit Between the Bridges for a mix of fun but best to pre-book for World Cup games (South Bank)
• Experience the knockout stages along with delicious street food and top vibes at Hackney Bridge (Hackney Wick)
• Football paired with drinks and tasty jerk wings sounds like a plan at KERB Sports Bar (Old Spitalfields Market)
• Get in the zone at one of 3 Kick Off Club destinations for World Cup screenings (Soho, Brixton, Hackney Wick)

We also like
The free outdoor fun continues with concerts, screenings, games and more at BST Hyde Park Open House in Hyde Park, W2 (Thu-Sun, until Jul 8); the Revel Puck Circus dazzles audiences at Leyton Jubilee Park (Thu-Sun); enjoy a family friendly day at Leighton House, marking the ancient Iranian festival of Tirgan (Sat); celebrate Korean culture in New Malden at the London Hallyu Festival (Sat-Sun); roll up, roll up for the Hampstead Big Fair with stalls, funfair, circus school and more (Sun)

Booking Ahead

• BFLF Greenwich Woolwich Start of Summer Outdoor Family Rave at Shrewsbury House Gardens (Jul 12)
• Alice in Wonderland at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith W6 (Jul 16-Aug 2)
• The Gruffalo Live on Stage at Lyric Theatre, W1 (Jul 17-Sep 6)
• Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom, King’s Cross (Jul 18-Sep 1)
• School’s Out Beach Party at Big Penny Social, E17 (Jul 22)
• I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical at Troubadour Wembley Park (Jul 22-Sep 27)
• Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival, N1 (Jul 28-Aug 30)
• Dog Man the Musical UK tour hits London at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Jul 29-Aug 16)
• Tots at the Docks at London Museum Docklands, E14 (Jul 29, Aug 26)
• Death Note: The Musical at Barbican Theatre, EC2 (Jul 30-Sep 12)
• The Little Mermaid at Greenwich Theatre, SE10 (Jul 31-Aug 23)
• Legendary Joust at Eltham Palace and Gardens, Greenwich SE9 (Aug 1-2)
• Fly-Kid Family Rave at Kerb Spitalfields, E1 (Aug 3)
• Baby Broadway’s Family Sing & Play Day at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden (Aug 14)
• Maya & Marley Storytelling with Laura Henry Allain at Horniman Museum & Gardens, SE23 (Aug 17)

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**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!**