Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX
10am - 11pm daily (venues vary)
Nearest Tube: Waterloo, Embankment, Waterloo East, Charing Cross
1 - 4 hours
All
https://www.euansguide.com/venues/southbank-centre-london-169
FREE (events vary)
Based on 16 reviews
The south bank is such a fun and interesting place! Especially for kids.Theres always something going on there, great places to eat,skating and lots more.Its right next to the Thames so it’s very scenic!
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About the Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre is a riverside hub of arts, fun and food—perfect for families. With kids’ concerts, festivals, creative workshops, hands-on installations and space to scoot or picnic, it’s welcoming, accessible and packed with energy. Add in street food, river views and free fun, and you’ve got a cultural day out everyone enjoys.
Top tip from the KidRated Team:
Check out the “Imagine Children’s Festival” in February or “Summer at Southbank” – both packed with family-friendly activities. And follow Southbank Centre on social media – they often post about free pop-up performances.
Quick Inspiration
Yes, from toddlers to teens, there’s loads to explore. Think art installations, family concerts, creative workshops and open spaces to roam.
Yes. Most of the outdoor spaces, exhibitions and installations are free. Some performances or events do require paid tickets.
Weekday mornings are quieter, but weekends and school holidays offer the most family-focused activities. Check the events calendar before heading out.
Yes for general access, riverside strolls, the playground, and food stalls. For ticketed performances or festivals, book ahead online.
Yes, indoor concerts, exhibitions and workshops run all year. Pop into the Royal Festival Hall or Hayward Gallery for dry, cultural fun.
Totally – there are step-free entrances, lifts, accessible toilets, and wide open walkways both inside and out.
Absolutely. There’s an on-site café, plus loads of riverside options and a top-notch street food market next door.
Yes, there’s plenty of seating outside and grassy spots nearby for picnics. The views are free and fab.
Yes. There’s plenty of seating, level access throughout, cultural programming for all ages, and it’s easy to navigate.
You’re minutes from the London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, SEA LIFE, Shrek’s Adventure, National Theatre and the BFI. A family day out jackpot!
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We were looking for an afternoon of free fun and decided to head down to the Southbank. We started at the book and poster market under the shadow of the South Bank Centre. We spent ages sifting through the prints and posters and my son came away with a really cheap star wars print. Next we wandered over to the skate park... kids loved watching the skaters and bmx riders. The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering along the southbank towards Tower Bridge. Popping into shops and looking for things on the small river beaches we passed. We ended our walk at the Tate Modern.... a fun afternoon out.