The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Ready to make this May half term legendary for your kids and teens? London’s bursting with activities to keep everyone buzzing with excitement. We’ve got the lowdown on museum exhibitions, epic attractions, West End shows, stadium tours, adrenaline-pumping activities, blockbuster movies, concerts, and some quirky free activities. So grab a coffee and read on!
Embark on extraordinary May half-term adventure with our partners at Merlin. Click on the links for the very best prices and offers.
Take to the skies on the iconic London Eye. Go under the ocean at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Capture the ultimate superstar selfie at the original Madame Tussauds, or step back in time to the bad old days in the London Dungeon.
Then there’s Shrek’s Adventure, a brilliantly bonkers interactive and immersive walk-through experience. Plus Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and Thorpe Park where there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
And don’t forget the LEGO Festival that’s currently taking place at Legoland Windsor.
Finally for those who want to travel further afield – check out Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, Cadbury World and Blackpool Tower.
What It Is: From 23 May 2025, Jurassic World: The Experience the ultimate immersive adventure arrives at Battersea Power Station. Based on the iconic films, visitors will be able to visit 10 thrilling zones filled with raptors, T. rex, and even baby dinos.
Why Kids Will Love It: because they all love dinosaurs. And this blends movie magic with interactivity and the chance to walk with prehistoric legends.
KidRated Tip: Book early and don’t forget your camera!
What It Is: An exhilarating boat tour on the Thames by the Horrible Histories team, blending immersive theatre with hilarious historical facts.
Why Kids Love It: Kids are thrilled by the funny and gruesome tales of treachery, tyranny, and triumph, making history come alive in the most entertaining way.
KidRated Tip: Don’t miss the sea shanties—you’ll love singing along as you learn about the river’s murky past!
Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford boasts a packed programme of events, storytelling sessions, crafts, immersive adventures and guest appearances.So your little ones can cuddle up to classics like Hairy Maclary, meet rainbow legend Elmer, dive into the Monster Funfair and catch Paddington in Peru on the big screen. Plus special author events, interactive installations, and age-specific sessions that keep babies, toddlers, and school-aged kids thoroughly entertained.
Fancy some fun on the Thames? See London and Canary Wharf from the water as you and your family barbecue your food? Of course you do! And if you hire a Skuna Boat – you can!
Perfect for kids and teens.
Shakespeare’s Globe is always a win for families – a bit of culture and a lot of fun.
Thames Rocket – London’s Ultimate Speeding Adventure
Book now and SAVE £10 until the end of May! Perfect for May half term, Bank Holiday Monday and epic weekend adventures.
If you’re looking for a fantastic family day out that’ll keep your kids and teens entertained, take a trip down the Thames to Greenwich.
There’s a new wave of entertainment venues where the games come first – think Social Sixes, Swingers, Putt Shack… and our favourite Bat & Ball. These game-filled bars are open and often pretty quiet in the afternoons, making them perfect for kids, teens, and birthday parties. Think ping pong, karaoke, pool, and pizza – all under one buzzing roof!
Book your West End theatre tickets via us here at KidRated to guarantee the Best Prices and see our TWO guides to a) Best Shows Teens for Under 10s and b) For Teenagers…..
What It Is: A high-energy, fun-filled adventure as two trainee engineers tackle transport challenges from london’s past, present and future.
Why Kids Love It: It’s at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. One of the city’s most interactive venues at one of the city’s most exciting destinations.
KidRated Tip: Make a day of it and sneak into the Royal Opera House and find their wonderful Terrace Bar.
This May, the Lyric is serving up two brilliant family shows so your kids can choose to hang out with pirates or magical creatures. Maybe they’ll do both!
Grooving with Pirates (ages 3–7) is a musical treasure hunt packed with live music, monsters, mermaids, and dance-offs. It’s part gig, part theatre – and all fun.
Four Seasons(ages 2+) takes them on a journey through nature, told with puppets, clowning, and Vivaldi’s iconic music -with surprises, giggles, and a sprinkle of magic.
Why Kids Love It: Whether they’re bouncing to a Blue Note beat or giggling at garden gnomes, kids will love these shows for their energy, humour, and interactive magic. Grown-ups might find themselves tapping along too…
KidRated Tip: Book both if you’ve got siblings of different ages – they complement each other perfectly. And don’t forget to let the kids dress up as pirates or flower fairies – the cast won’t mind, promise!
For more free things to do visit our Best free things to do for kids and teens in London guide…
Book of Mormon
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
