London’s Best Summer Experiences for Families, Kids and Teens

Chillie Kids Club

Started by fashion insiders Natalie Hartley and Lydia McNeill – who’ve worked at places like ELLE, Glamour and Sunday Times Style – Chillie London is a brilliantly creative kids’ club teaching children aged 5+ how to turn old clothes into something cool instead of chucking them away.

Based around Portobello Road, kids sew, cut, glue and customise using vintage fabrics and haberdashery bits. Think fashion design meets organised chaos – in a good way.

https://youtu.be/NdUYNV4gKlY?si=T-9-FOwqb5YqUasP

Age: 5+
Date: Every weekend & School Holidays
Venues: Portobello, Clapton, The Strand, Walthamstow, Peckham & Leyton
Price: from £20. See website for full details.

Sparks Film School

Got a child who is constantly making videos, directing their siblings, creating stories or dreaming of being the next Spielberg? Sparks Film School could be right up their street.

Their summer filmmaking camps give children and teenagers the chance to make their own movies from scratch — writing scripts, acting, directing, filming and editing alongside other young creatives. It’s all wonderfully hands-on, with real cameras, real film-making techniques and industry professionals helping bring their ideas to life. Along the way they’ll build confidence, learn teamwork, develop storytelling skills and, most importantly, have a lot of fun creating something they’re genuinely proud of.

For kids who prefer animation to live action, Sparks also runs specialist animation courses where young creators can experiment with different animation styles and produce their own original films. No experience is needed — just imagination, enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a go.

Best Age: 5–18 years, with activities tailored to different age groups and experience levels.

Age: 5 – 18 years
Date: Various throughout school holidays
Venues: Various across London
Price: from £350. See website for full details.

Discover Story Centre

Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford boasts a packed programme of events, storytelling sessions, crafts, immersive adventures and guest appearances.  Plus special author events, interactive installations, and age-specific sessions that keep babies, toddlers, and school-aged kids thoroughly entertained.

What it is: A brilliant story-themed play centre with interactive exhibitions.

Why kids love it: Because they’ll get to meet their favourite characters, make things, hear magical tales, and have a run-around while they’re at it!

KidRated tip: Book ahead for special events and buy an Annual Ticket to keep costs down.

Age: 0 – 8 years
Date: from 20 June
Venue: 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ
Price: from £11 or buy an Annual Ticket for £19

For Active Kids

Swingers West End – Crazy Golf

Swingers West End turns family-friendly every day before 6pm, and honestly, it’s a very easy win if you’ve got kids aged 7+ who like a bit of competition and a lot of noise.

Inside, it’s all neon lights, fairground energy, crazy golf chaos and people getting far too competitive over tiny balls and impossible obstacles. There are two brilliantly bonkers 9-hole courses, plenty of chances for parents to embarrass themselves, and enough laughs to keep tweens, teens and adults happy for a couple of hours.

The street food is genuinely decent too – proper crowd-pleasers rather than sad “kids menu” beige – plus sweet treats and mocktails for younger players.

If you’re planning a birthday, the kids’ party packages are great: golf, food, drinks, medals and a dedicated party space all sorted for you.

Ideal for rainy afternoons, birthday treats, or those weekends when everyone’s bored of the same old soft play and cinema routine.

Ages: 7+
Venue: 5 John Prince’s Street, London W1G 0AB
Prices: See website for details

The Place Presents Family Dance Day

London’s most exciting family dance event takes over Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury for a day of free outdoor performances, workshops and activities

With lively dance performances, craft activities and workshops, The Place’s Family Dance Day returns to Coram’s Fields on Saturday 18th July 2026! For one day only, children and their grown-ups can have a day filled with fun with a new lineup of FREE events. Rain or shine. Family Dance Day will be there all day long.

Age: under 12
Date: 11am – 4pm, 18th July 2026
Venue: Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN
Tickets are FREE.

Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School 

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly through the air with the greatest of ease? Well, head to Regent’s Park or Kensington Gardens and let Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School solve that mystery.

Now in its 18th year, this is one of those brilliantly unique and memorable experiences that could easily see you go back again and again. Under the guidance of their patient and friendly instructors kids, teens (and parents) will learn the art of trapeze in a fun and supportive environment.

Age: 8+
Date: Regents Park: April 3rd – September 27th | Kensington Gardens: 23rd May – September 6th 
Price: from £45. Family tickets available.

Up at the O2

Part sightseeing, part giant climbing adventure, Up at The O2 is one of those London experiences that makes kids feel like they’re starring in their own action film.
After getting harnessed up and clipped in by the climbing team, you’ll walk – yes, actually walk – across the roof of the famous O2 dome, high above London. It’s safe, fully guided and surprisingly exhilarating, especially when you realise you’re standing on top of one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Kids aged 8+ absolutely love the whole mission-feel of it. The helmets, the climbing suits, the steep walkway and the “we’re really doing this” moment halfway up all make it feel properly epic for tweens and teens who are a bit bored of ordinary tourist attractions.
The views at the top are ridiculous on a clear day too – Canary Wharf, the Thames, Greenwich and beyond.

Age: 8+
Venue: The O2, Greenwich
Price: from £37
Prices: See website for details

Lee Valley White Water

Built for the London Olympics and still one of the coolest places in the capital for active kids, the Lee Valley White Water Centre is basically an outdoor adventure playground with actual rapids.
There’s white water rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding and the brilliantly chaotic Water Wipeout inflatable course, which is essentially a giant floating assault course where somebody in your family will almost certainly fall in. Repeatedly.
Kids and teens love it because it feels properly wild and adventurous without tipping into scary. One minute they’re bouncing across inflatables trying not to wipe out, the next they’re hurtling through white water rapids feeling like Olympic athletes. The instructors are excellent too, so even nervous parents can relax a bit.
And if your family still has energy left afterwards (unlikely), the wider Lee Valley site also has the VeloPark, Ice Centre, Riding Centre, Hockey and Tennis Centre, plus athletics facilities nearby.
KidRated tip: The group discounts are genuinely good value for birthdays, school mates or big family days out. Book ahead, wear old trainers or water shoes, and absolutely bring dry clothes unless you fancy the soggy car journey home.ards.

Age: 8+
Venue: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Rd EN9 1AB
Price: see website for details

Tuff Nutterz – The UK’s largest bouncy castle obstacle course

If your kids have endless energy, Tuff Nutterz is pretty much guaranteed to be a hit. This giant 300-metre inflatable obstacle course is packed with slides, climbing walls, balance balls, hanging rails and plenty of opportunities for children to bounce, climb and scramble their way around.

Coming to Tooting, Wimbledon and Haringey this summer, it’s a brilliant way to burn off some holiday energy — and brave parents can join in too. There’s even a huge 6-metre Tuff Slide for anyone who thinks the rest of the course isn’t quite exciting enough.

KidRated Tip: Book online in advance if you can, as popular sessions often sell out during school holidays.

Ages: All Ages – Under 5’s require an accompanying adult and their ticket comes with a free parent/carer ticket,
Date: 9 – 12 July (Wimbledon), 24 – 27 July (Tooting), 31 July – 3 August (Harringey)
Venue: Dundonald Rec Ground, Wimbledon; Tooting Bec Lido; Priory Park, Harringey
Price: from £15

VRXtra Kingston – Virtual Fun for Real-World Families

Strap in for full-throttle fun at VRXtra Kingston’s epic 2000 sq ft virtual reality arena! With 60+ games, VR escape rooms, and experiences for ages 7+, it’s the ultimate rainy-day win.

Battle zombies, cook in space, or explore art in a headset – no experience needed. Great for birthdays, bonding, and impressing your hard-to-please tween. Not just for gamers – there’s something for everyone. Book ahead to dodge disappointment and dive into a world you won’t forget.

Ages: 7+
Date: Daily
Venue: Bentalls Shopping Centre KT1 1TP
Prices: From £20. See website for details

 

Immersive Experiences

Float around Canary Wharf in a Skuna Boat

Fancy floating down the Thames while cooking burgers and waving at confused tourists on the riverbank? Then yes, Skuna Boats are probably your kind of family day out.

These quirky little self-drive boats let you cruise around Canary Wharf while grilling your own food onboard. It’s part boat trip, part barbecue, part “how is this actually legal?” – and kids absolutely love the novelty of it.

The boats are easy to steer, the pace is nice and relaxed, and the whole thing feels a bit like hiring your own tiny floating picnic spot in the middle of London. Tweens and teens especially love it because it feels unusual, slightly chaotic and very Instagram-worthy without parents trying too hard to be “fun”.

There’s music, skyline views, loads of photo opportunities and enough time onboard to properly chill out together without anybody staring at a screen for five minutes.

Perfect for birthdays, family get-togethers, summer holidays or just one of those “shall we do something a bit different?” weekends. And life jackets are supplied!

Age: 5+
Date: Daily
Venue: West India Quay
Prices: See website for details

London Transport Museum Hidden London Family Tour

If your kids love mysteries, hidden places and anything that feels like stepping into a real-life adventure film, the London Transport Museum’s Family Tour of Aldwych Station is an absolute gem.

This special family version of the famous Aldwych tour takes you behind the locked doors of one of London’s abandoned Tube stations, closed to passengers for more than 30 years. Along the way, families solve clues, crack puzzles and tackle challenges while exploring forgotten platforms, old lifts and wartime shelters. It’s part history lesson, part escape room and part secret underground adventure — which is probably why it tends to be a huge hit with tweens and teens.

Age: 10+
Date: 16 – 19, 22 & 24 July 2026
Venue: Main entrance of Aldwych Station, Surrey Street WC2R 2N
Prices: £46.50 adults, £43.50 concessions & children, plus half price one-day entry to the Museum –  kids go free

Toy Story 5 Experience – Bonnie’s Playtime, Westfield

If your kids have ever shouted “To infinity and beyond!” at full volume in a shopping centre, then this free Toy Story 5 experience at Westfield is likely to be a very popular stop this summer.

Families can step into Bonnie’s Playtime, an interactive adventure where kids help Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang rescue Bonnie’s missing toys through puzzles, challenges and missions. Along the way there are immersive play zones, LEGO and Mattel activity areas, Toy Story crafts, Disney Store pop-ups and plenty of photo opportunities. Best of all, it’s completely free, making it a great way to break up a shopping trip or fill a few hours during the school holidays.

Age: 4 – 12 years
Date: Westfield London 23 July – 9 August; Westfield Stratford 21 – 31 August Mon-Sat 12pm – 8pm, Sun 12pm – 6pm
Venues: Westfield London – The Atrium; Wesfield Stratford – The Arena
Price: FREE no booking required

Play Make Do, Barbican Centre

The Barbican’s Play Make Do festival is one of those wonderfully creative events where children are encouraged to make things, move around, use their imaginations and get properly stuck in. Taking over the Barbican for three days in August, it combines storytelling, books, crafts, dance and hands-on workshops designed to inspire curious young minds.

Kids can learn hip hop or salsa moves, create wearable Carnival art, try finger knitting and braiding, make cyanotype prints and dive into imaginative storytelling adventures. It’s colourful, creative and refreshingly screen-free — ideal for families with children who love making, building, dancing and inventing their own worlds.

Age: 4 – 12 years
Date: 14 – 16 August 2026
Venues: Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Price: From free, but varies according to activity

The Paddington Bear Experience

No matter your age, chances are you’ve read or watched Paddington. Now, you can walk right into his world with a new immersive experience at County Hall. Join Paddington and the Browns as they prepare for the biggest party Windsor Gardens has ever seen – to celebrate Marmalade Day.

Start your adventure at Paddington Station, journey past London’s iconic sights, explore the Browns’ house room by room, and even venture into the jungle of Peru. Wrap it all up with a celebration at Windsor Gardens, but don’t forget to swing by Mr. Gruber’s antique shop before you leave.

It’s the ultimate day out for Paddington fans of all ages!
You may also like our guide to Paddington’s London.

Age: 3+
Venue: County Hall, Southbank
Price: Adults from £34, Kids (2-15) from £24.

Twist Museum

Right in the heart of London, Twist Museum is packed with mind-bending illusions that mess with how we see, hear and think. TWIST stands for The Way I See Things, and this family-friendly spot explores exactly that.

With 60+ interactive exhibits blending science, art and philosophy, expect endless corridors, vanishing colours, and plenty of “wait… what?!” moments. It’s fun, smart, and gets everyone talking about how we all see the world differently.

Great for curious kids, playful parents, and anyone up for a brainy day out.

Age: all ages
Venue: 248, Oxford Street, Oxford Circus
Price: Adults from £28, Kids from £22, Kids under 3 go free! Family tickets available.

Monopoly Lifesized

Ever wondered what would happen if Monopoly became an escape room? Monopoly Lifesized turns the classic board game into a giant live-action adventure where families become the playing pieces on a huge game board in the middle of London.

Working in teams, you’ll race around the board solving puzzles, cracking codes, completing challenges and collecting money as you move between full-sized Monopoly properties. There are houses to build, jail to avoid and plenty of opportunities for competitive family members to reveal their true colours.

With four different game versions to choose from, it’s fast-paced, brilliantly bonkers and especially popular with tweens, teens and adults who take board games far too seriously. Expect teamwork, lots of laughs and a very high chance somebody gets blamed for losing.

Age: 9+
Dates: Daily
Venue: 213 – 215 Tottenham Court Road
Price: from £54, Family tickets available Sunday-Friday for groups of 6+

Shrek’s Adventure! London

Discover a brilliantly bonkers, interactive and immersive walkthrough experience situated in the County Hall building down at Southbank, which the whole family enjoy this summer.

See, hear, touch and smell Shrek’s Adventure! by exploring 10 fairy tale themed live shows, from a magical 4D flying bus experience, interacting with characters including Princess Fiona and Donkey to collecting the special ingredients you’ll need in order to find Shrek and make it home safely.

As you’re down on Southbank you can make a day of it by visiting the London Eye, Aquarium or Dungeons which are all situated next door!

Age: 4 – 12 years
Date: All Summer
Venue: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB
Price: From £24 BOOK HERE

Woolwich Works Family Events

If you’ve never discovered Woolwich Works, this creative riverside venue is well worth having on your family radar. Housed inside a collection of beautifully restored historic buildings, it regularly puts on some of the most imaginative family events in London — often at prices that won’t make your eyes water.

This summer, little ones can join the wonderfully named Boppin’ Bunnies, an interactive music session featuring live folk musicians, harp, violin, cello and plenty of instruments for children (and parents) to join in with. Meanwhile, The Bubble Show brings bubble volcanoes, fire tornadoes, giant bubbles and plenty of “how on earth did they do that?” moments from a Guinness World Record-holding bubble expert. Fun, interactive and delightfully bonkers — exactly the sort of thing younger children love.

Age: Boppin’ Bunnies (0–5 years) • The Bubble Show (3+ years)
Date: Boppin’ Bunnies: 13 June and 29 August, Bubble Show 14 June
Venues: Boppin’ Bunnies – Ropekeepers Studio, Bubble Show – Fireworks Factory
Price: Bopping Bunnies: Child £12 | Additional Child £6 | Adults £6
Bubble Show: Standard: £16.50

Theatre & Cinema

Rooftop Cinema Club

Rooftop Cinema Club returns this summer with some great family screenings at its Peckham and Stratford venues. It’s a great night out with comfy deckchairs, wireless headphones and city views. And what’s more it won’t break the bank with adult tickets starting from £14 and kids from £8.

Families should save the date for a special screening of WALL-E on 20 June in Stratford, where kids can enjoy a fun science-themed event with Science Boffins before the film. Plus there’s a Lilo & Stitch Hula Party on 24th May featuring limbo, beach games and Hawaiian dancing aimed at kids aged roughly 3–10.

The wider programme is packed with crowd-pleasers too – from Finding Nemo and Zootropolis 2 to singalong favourites like Mamma Mia!. Food-wise, there’s pizza, burgers, loaded fries and cocktails for the grown-ups, all delivered straight to your seat. Stratford is brilliant for East London families, while Peckham’s Bussey Building rooftop is definitely one of London’s coolest summer spots. Book now!

Age: All ages
Date: until 19th September 2026
Venues: Peckham & Stratford
Price: From £8pp

Grease – The Immersive Movie Musical

If you’ve got teenagers who think traditional theatre is a bit boring, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical might just change their minds. This hugely popular experience drops audiences right into the world of Rydell High, where you can wander through iconic locations from the film, join in with the action and belt out every word of Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and You’re The One That I Want.

Part musical, part immersive adventure and part giant singalong, it’s a brilliantly fun night out for families with older kids and teens. Expect live performances, 1950s diner vibes, plenty of dancing and enough nostalgia to keep parents very happy too. Just be warned: you’ll probably be singing the soundtrack all the way home.

Best Age: 10+ years, especially musical fans, teens and parents who grew up loving Grease.

Age: All ages
Date: 22 July – 13 September 2026, Tues – Sun 7:30pm (Sun 5:30pm) Sat 2:30pm, Sun 12:30pm
Venues: Evolution London in Battersea Park
Price: General Admission (Standing Ticket) from £39, Roam & Return (Seated Ticket) from £59 

Family Events at Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is one of those rare London attractions that manages to feel educational without kids realising they’re learning anything.

Set right on the Thames, beside the original-style open-air Globe Theatre, this place is far more hands-on and lively than many parents expect. The Family Globe Theatre Tours run throughout the year and are brilliantly geared towards younger visitors, while the storytelling sessions use actors, live readings and loads of energy to bring Shakespeare’s characters properly to life rather than making them feel dusty and intimidating.

One of the smartest things they do is split activities into age groups — usually 5–8 and 9–12 — so older kids and tweens don’t feel like they’ve accidentally wandered into a nursery singalong with their little brother.

There’s also an interactive exhibition, loads of costume and theatre history bits to explore, and surprisingly decent food at Swan at the Globe, including a proper children’s menu.

KidRated tip: If you can, book tickets for A Midsummer Night’s Dream before 29th August or A World Elsewhere at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse from 25th July – 30th August. A World Elsewhere is a family show about imagination, friendship and the power of storytelling.

Age: 5+
Date: Midsummer Night’s Dream until 29 August. A World Elsewhere 25 July – 30 August
Venue: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Prices: A Family Tour from £28 adult, £21 child, A Midsummer Night’s Dream from £10 (standing), A World Elsewhere from £18

ZOG, Cadogan Halls

If your children know every Julia Donaldson book by heart (and let’s be honest, many parents probably do too), then Zog is a lovely summer theatre treat.

Returning to Cadogan Hall this August, this stage adaptation of the much-loved story brings the accident-prone dragon to life with catchy songs, colourful puppets, plenty of laughs and all the warmth and charm of the original book. It’s bright, funny, engaging and just the right length for younger attention spans – making it a great first theatre trip for little ones and a surprisingly enjoyable outing for grown-ups too.

Age: 3 – 8 years
Date: 2 – 23 August 2026
Venue: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ
Prices: from £19.50

Dog Man, Southbank Centre

If your child is one of the millions who can’t get enough of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man books, this stage version at the Southbank Centre is likely to be a very popular ticket this summer.

Bringing Dog Man, Li’l Petey and 80-HD from page to stage, the show combines the series’ trademark silliness, action and laugh-out-loud humour with the surprisingly big-hearted themes that have made the books such a hit. Expect plenty of chaos, larger-than-life characters and superhero antics, but also a lovely message about kindness, friendship, compassion and trying to do the right thing — even when you don’t always get it right the first time.

Age: 5+
Date: 29 July – 16 August 2026
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
Prices: from £33.00 BOOK HERE

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits!

If your kids love gross facts, terrible jobs, rotten kings and history’s nastiest moments, Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits! is pretty much guaranteed to be a hit. This special anniversary show brings together the funniest, foulest and most outrageous moments from British history, from Guy Fawkes and King John to the plague and the infamous Burke and Hare.

Fast, funny and packed with laugh-out-loud moments, it’s one of those rare theatre trips where the kids are entertained and accidentally learn something too. Perfect for ages 5+, especially reluctant readers, budding historians and children who enjoy anything a bit disgusting.

Age: 5 – 12 (but parents & grandparents will be laughing out loud)
Date: 30 July – 31 August 2026
Venue: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Prices: from £20.00 BOOK HERE

Brainiac Live

If your children are the sort who constantly ask “what happens if…?” and then immediately try something they definitely shouldn’t, Brainiac Live could be the perfect theatre trip this summer.

Fresh from winning the Olivier Award for Best Family Show, this gloriously chaotic science spectacular is packed with explosions, giant smoke rings, liquid nitrogen, flying balloons and experiments that are far too messy, noisy and dangerous to try at home. It’s fast, funny, slightly bonkers and manages to sneak a surprising amount of science into 90 minutes of pure entertainment. Expect wide eyes, open mouths and plenty of “WOW!” moments from both kids and grown-ups.

Age: 5+
Date: 26 July – 30 August 2026
Venue: Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH
Prices: from £24.00 BOOK HERE

Bluey’s Big Play

If Bluey is on in your house every single day and you can recite half the episodes from memory, Bluey’s Big Play is probably going to be one of the hottest family tickets of the summer.

Returning to London after a hugely successful run, this live stage show brings Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life with brilliantly crafted puppets, original voices from the TV series and a brand-new story packed with games, music and plenty of laughs. When Dad just wants a quiet afternoon on his bean bag, Bluey and Bingo have other ideas, and chaos, fun and imagination quickly take over. Warm-hearted, funny and full of the charm that has made Bluey a global phenomenon, it’s the closest thing to stepping inside an episode of the show.

Best Age: 2–8 years, although don’t be surprised if the grown-ups are laughing just as much as the kids.

Age: 2 – 8 years
Date: 30 July – 2 August 2026
Venue: Wimbledon New Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG
Prices: from £20.00

State Ballet of Georgia – Swan Lake

If you’re looking to introduce children to ballet, Swan Lake is about as good a place to start as it gets. This summer, the internationally acclaimed State Ballet of Georgia brings a brand-new production of the world’s most famous ballet to the London Coliseum, complete with stunning costumes, hand-painted sets and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music performed live.

The story of Prince Siegfried, the Swan Queen Odette and the evil sorcerer Rothbart is packed with magic, romance and larger-than-life drama, making it surprisingly accessible for older children and teens. Visually spectacular and beautifully performed, this is the sort of show that can leave young audiences completely mesmerised – even those who think ballet “isn’t really their thing”.

Age: 5+
Date: 17 – 26 July 2026
Venue: London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES
Prices: from £25 BOOK HERE

Alice in Wonderland

If your children love stories filled with talking animals, magical adventures and wonderfully silly characters, Alice in Wonderland is a lovely family theatre choice this summer.

This colourful stage adaptation brings Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life with enchanting puppets, eye-catching costumes and plenty of imagination. Join Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and encounters the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the wonderfully terrifying Queen of Hearts in a world where absolutely nothing makes sense, which, as any parent knows, will feel strangely familiar. Funny, inventive and visually magical, it’s a great introduction to theatre for younger audiences.

Age: 5 – 11 years
Date: Riverside Studios 16 July – 2 August, Soho Theatre Walthamstow 5 – 16 August
Venue: Riverside Studios, Hammersmith & Soho Theatre, Walthamstow
Prices: from £25 BOOK HERE

Be Like Blippi Tour

If your little one is obsessed with Blippi, prepare for some serious excitement. The Be Like Blippi Tour is heading to the West End this summer, bringing all the songs, dancing, curiosity and colourful fun that have made the character such a huge hit with preschoolers.

Packed with favourites including The Excavator Song, Monster Truck, Dino Dance and Curious Like Me, this interactive live show encourages children to sing, dance, move and explore alongside Blippi. It’s bright, energetic and designed specifically for younger audiences, making it a great first theatre experience for children who might struggle to sit through a traditional show.

Age: 2 – 7 years
Date: 3 – 30 August 2026
Venue: The Arts at Marble Arch W1H 7DX
Prices: from £23 BOOK HERE

WeJam

Ever dreamed of being in a band with your kids where no one argues about screen time or socks on the floor? Welcome to WeJam, Camden’s best-kept musical secret. No talent? No problem. Thanks to some very clever tech, you’ll sound great even if you’ve never touched an instrument in your life.

Each 90-minute session is run by a real-life ‘record producer’ who’ll guide your mini band through rehearsals and a full-blown performance. You even get a recording to keep – proof that you once nailed a Bruno Mars chorus in harmony.

Age: 8+ (recommended)
Venue: 23 Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AG
Price: from £39

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Comedy Club 4 Kids is a proper comedy club… just earlier in the day, with a much, much younger audience. Featuring top stand-up comedians, sketch acts and cabaret stars it’s all suitable for ages six and up.

Running nationwide since 2005, this laugh-out-loud show is fast, funny, and brilliantly bonkers with jokes that grown-ups will enjoy too. There’s even a podcast (Radio Nonsense) and a book if your kids fancy giving stand-up a go themselves!

Expect giggles, gags and genuine belly laughs. Kids must be accompanied by adults – mainly so they can help explain any jokes that go over little heads.

Perfect for families who love a good laugh together!

Age: 6+
Dates: 26th July, 3pm
Venue: Park Theatre, Finsbury Park
Price: £15 – Book here

CBeebies House Party Live

If your little ones are CBeebies fanatics, CBeebies House Party Live! is about as close as you can get to stepping inside the television. Packed with songs, dancing, bubbles, streamers, giant jellies and plenty of familiar faces, this colourful live show brings together some of CBeebies’ biggest stars for one giant party.

Expect lots of audience participation, plenty of opportunities to get up and dance, and enough energy to leave even the most enthusiastic preschoolers happily exhausted. Created by Justin Fletcher and designed especially for younger children, it’s a brilliant first theatre experience that feels more like a birthday party than a traditional stage show.

Best Age: 2–6 years, particularly children who love singing, dancing and spotting their favourite CBeebies presenters in real life.

Age: 2 – 6 years
Date: 25 August 2026 1pm
Venue: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre 
Prices: from £20

The Little Angel Theatre’s Children’s Puppet Festival

The Little Angel Theatre’s Children’s Puppet Festival is one of London’s hidden summer gems, bringing a month of magical storytelling, beautiful puppetry and imaginative family theatre to Islington.

This year’s highlight is the world premiere of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (ages 6+), a charming new marionette production about imagination, responsibility and what happens when a little bit of magic gets out of hand. Expect beautifully crafted puppets, inventive storytelling and the sort of theatre that leaves children completely spellbound. It’s a lovely alternative to the bigger West End shows and a chance to introduce kids to the wonderful world of puppetry in one of the UK’s most famous puppet theatres.

Age: 5 – 11 years (festival overall) 6+ for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Date: 28 July – 30 August 2026
Venue: Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN
Prices: from £15.50 (adult), £13.50 (child)

Baby Broadway’s Family Sing & Play

If you’ve got little ones who love music but aren’t quite ready to sit silently through a concert, Baby Broadway’s Family Sing & Play sounds like a lovely summer day out. Taking over Covent Garden’s beautiful Actors’ Church for a special 10th anniversary celebration, this family-friendly mini-festival combines live music, bubbles, puppets, crafts, face painting and plenty of opportunities to sing, dance and join in.

Families can enjoy West End musical favourites at Baby Broadway, uplifting gospel and Motown classics at Baby Gospel, and a good old-fashioned Cockney singalong at Baby Knees Up, all performed by professional musicians in a relaxed setting where nobody minds if the children wiggle, wander or join the show. Add in food stalls, pop-up performances and a gorgeous garden in the middle of London, and you’ve got a festival that parents are likely to enjoy just as much as the kids.

Age: 0 – 8 years
Date: 14 August 2026, 10am – 6pm
Venue: St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED
Prices: from £25

Whatever The Weather

If you’re looking for something a little gentler this summer, Whatever the Weather at the Unicorn Theatre is a lovely interactive experience designed especially for younger children. Rather than sitting and watching, little ones are encouraged to explore, imagine and play their way through a magical world of sunshine, snow, clouds and rain, with plenty of sensory surprises along the way.

Children can dance through snowstorms, build ice castles, wear clouds and create their own adventures in this beautifully designed playscape inspired by ideas from local families and children. There’s no right or wrong way to take part, making it perfect for curious toddlers and younger children who prefer exploring to sitting still.

Best Age: 0–7 years, particularly toddlers, preschoolers and imaginative younger primary-school children.

Age: 0 – 7 years
Date: 3 July – 16 August 2026
Venue: Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ
Prices: from £5.50

Museums

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is one of London’s most fascinating family museums, bringing history to life through extraordinary objects, powerful personal stories and genuinely memorable exhibits. From iconic aircraft and tanks to immersive galleries exploring everything from the World Wars to modern conflicts, it’s a place that encourages curious kids and teens to ask questions about the world around them.

A powerful new exhibition looks at conflict through the eyes of children, and while it’s undoubtedly thought-provoking, it’s also designed to help families understand what war means for young people in a way that feels personal, relatable and accessible.

Through immersive displays, hands-on activities and real-life stories from the First World War to today, families can step inside an evacuee train carriage, explore wartime bedrooms and classrooms, play historic children’s games and discover the treasured objects, letters and drawings that helped children cope during some of history’s darkest moments. It’s not always an easy visit, but it’s an important one, encouraging thoughtful conversations about resilience, hope, family and the experiences of children around the world.

Best Age: 9+ years, particularly for curious children, teens and families interested in history, current affairs and understanding the world beyond their own experience.

Age: 9+
Date: Daily 10am – 6pm. New exhibition from 31 July
Venue: Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ 
Prices: FREE

The Young V & A (Bethnal Green)

Opened in 2023 after a major makeover, the Young V&A isn’t really a museum in the traditional sense – it’s more like a giant creativity playground disguised as one. Designed with children in mind from the start, it’s packed with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, imaginative play spaces and fascinating objects that encourage kids to touch, build, design and explore rather than simply stare at things behind glass.

The museum is split into three colourful zones – Play, Imagine and Design – catering for everyone from toddlers to teens, with an open design studio, regular workshops and enough buttons, gadgets and creative inspiration to keep curious minds busy for hours. It even won Museum of the Year after judges described it as one of the world’s most joyful museums. And if the kids still have energy left afterwards (good luck), there are lovely outdoor spaces nearby for a run around before heading home.

Age: 0 – 14 years
Date: All summer
Venue: Cambridge Heath Rd London E2 9PA
Free Entry

Festivals

CarFest 2026 – Win a Family Camping Ticket

 Click HERE to enter our competition to win a family weekend ticket to CarFest 2026.

Created by radio legend Chris Evans, CarFest is the UK’s biggest family fundraising festival, and an absolute belter of a weekend. Set at Silverstone Circuit, this epic event raises millions for UK children’s charities and has something for every family member.

It’s seven festivals in one: from KidsFest with bubble zones, sandpits, crafts and CBeebies stars, to FoodFest with free cake-decorating classes and tasters galore, plus StarFest, which has welcomed Rob Brydon and Jimmy Carr. For some chill time, SpaFest is packed with yoga sessions and mindful moments – ideal for grown-ups in need of a breather.

Bring your own picnic, chairs, even a trolley – you’ll thank us later. Parents love the fact you can save a fortune on food and set up camp near the main stage, returning between snack runs and toilet trips. There’s even a breastfeeding tent, baby-changing facilities and highchairs dotted around. They’ve genuinely thought of everything.

Older kids go mad for the vintage fairground and the race track, where celebs and supercars do laps and donuts. There’s even a Young Drivers school where kids can try out driving in a safe space.

And the music? Always top-drawer – with past acts including Paloma Faith, Rag’n’Bone Man, Steps (who stole the show), and the annual CarFest supergroup.

Basically, it’s huge fun and a brilliant excuse for a weekend adventure outside London.
️ Tickets do sell out – so don’t hang about. 

Age: All ages
Date: 28 – 30 August
Venue: Silverstone Circuit
Price: From £55 pp

Canary Wharf Events

Ther are a host of events taking place across Canary Wharf’s parks, plazas, and open spaces but the ones we think you and your kids will be interested in are:

Summer Daze Festival:

This brand-new four-day festival at Wood Wharf mixes outdoor theatre, live comedy, music and family activities into one big summer culture-fest by the water. Expect everything from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and comedy tents to family raves, kids’ comedy clubs, Alice in Wonderland ballet, musical bingo and creative workshops.

Summer Film Club:

Taking place throughout June, July and August, family films will be screened on Saturday mornings and all are free to attend and will include recent releases as well as cult classics. All you need to take  your picnic blanket and refreshments of choice. See website for the list.

Summer Screens: Family Gaming:

Got kids who think they’re unbeatable at Mario Kart or who suddenly become professional dancers the second Just Dance comes on? This free family gaming event is basically their moment to shine.

Aimed at ages 5+, families can jump onto giant screens to race, dance and compete together. It’s all very relaxed, totally free and run by friendly stewards – just turn up, although spaces are first come, first served and competitive siblings are very much expected.

Alfresco Arts Family:

Back across Canary Wharf this summer with free outdoor storytelling, songs, workshops and creative activities designed to get kids excited about books without it feeling remotely like homework. Bring a picnic blanket, maybe donate a book to help build a local school library, and prepare for one of those rare family events that’s wholesome without being boring.

Age: 5+
Date: Until September 2026
Venue: Various, across Canary Wharf
Price: Free 

Kaleidoscope Festival

If you’re looking for a festival that keeps both music-loving parents and hard-to-impress kids happy, Kaleidoscope at Alexandra Palace is a very strong contender.

Set against some of the best views in London, this one-day festival mixes big-name music, comedy, family entertainment and wonderfully weird experiences into one giant summer party. While grown-ups can enjoy sets from Rudimental, Groove Armada, MJ Cole, Black Grape and Roni Size, kids get their own mini-festival packed with circus acts, Silly Science shows, acrobats, interactive art, theatre, workshops, giant bubbles and enough hands-on activities to keep them away from screens for a few hours.

The atmosphere is much more relaxed than many major festivals, and Ally Pally’s huge green spaces mean there’s plenty of room for picnics, dancing and exploring. One minute you could be watching a world-class music act, the next you’re discovering hidden Victorian spaces beneath the palace or watching your children become completely mesmerised by the World’s Tallest Bubbleologist.

KidRated tip: Arrive early and make a full day of it. The family area is so packed with activities that many children barely notice there’s a music festival happening around them.

Age: all ages
Date: Saturday 11 July 2026 1pm – 10.30pm
Venue: Alexandra Palace
Price: £54.00 adv – £62.00 adv / £28.00 adv – £30.00 adv (ages 5–15)

Neighbourhood on Blackheath

Neighbourhood on Blackheath is basically a giant feel-good summer party for families – packed with live music, karaoke, fairground fun and enough activities to stop kids saying “I’m bored” for at least a few hours.

The music line-up mixes crowd-pleasing tribute acts celebrating everyone from ABBA, George Michael and Bob Marley to Sabrina Carpenter and K-pop favourites, alongside MASSAOKE singalongs, fancy dress pop parties and grown-up disco moments for parents who still secretly think they could headline Glastonbury. Around the site there’s also crazy golf, rodeo bulls, surf simulators, basketball games, bouncy castles, funfair rides, football darts, claw machines and loads of giveaways and roaming entertainers. It’s lively, slightly chaotic and designed to feel accessible for families wanting a proper summer day out without spending a fortune.

Age: all ages
Date: 26th July 2026 from 2pm
Venue: Blackheath Common SE3 0UA
Price: £13.75 adult, £11.75 kids up to 14

New Gen Festival – Ealing 

If your kids are permanently attached to Spotify, TikTok, dance routines, freestyle rap videos or “discovering new artists before everyone else”, New Gen Festival in Ealing could be right up their street.

For one day only, Walpole Park turns into a big outdoor celebration of young West London talent, with live music, dance battles, DJs, workshops, sport and loads of creative energy. It feels much cooler and more grassroots than a polished corporate festival, which is probably exactly why tweens and teens will love it.

The Main Stage is packed with emerging artists, DJs, cyphers, dance crews and live competitions, including a headline DJ set from Fumez the Engineer and appearances from the New Gen Allstars. Over on the Amplify Stage, young people can jump into open mics, spoken word sessions, acoustic performances and music jams rather than just standing around scrolling on their phones.

Battle of the Boroughs could easily steal the show too – a high-energy dance competition for 8–16 year olds featuring everything from hip hop and afro dance to popping, locking and contemporary.

There’s also football and rugby activities, the DIAXPORA.fm radio tent, wellbeing workshops through MIND on Music and loads of spaces where creative young people can actually join in, not just spectate.

Basically, if your child has ever said “festivals are boring unless there’s stuff to do”, this is probably the festival for them.

Age: Best for ages 8+
Date: Wednesday 29th July 2026
Time: 2pm–9.30pm
Venue: Walpole Park, Ealing, W5 5EQ

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

GDIF 2026 will bring a unique programme of activities for you and your little ones including outdoor theatre, performance, art, dance and circus in iconic public spaces across the Royal Borough of Greenwich, East London and the City of London.

GDIF was the first UK festival to be awarded the Platinum level for accessibility by Attitude Is Everything, recognising their commitment to making every element inclusive to all.

Age: all ages
Date: 21st August – 6th September 2026
Price: Free

Battersea Park in Concert

Battersea Park in Concert is one of those rare London summer events where parents can sip something cold, listen to genuinely brilliant live music and still keep the kids entertained.

Taking over Battersea Park across the August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival mixes open-air concerts, picnic vibes and family-friendly activities with performances from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and the London African Gospel Choir. Expect huge singalong moments from The Greatest Showman, Hamilton, ABBA, Britney Spears, Elton John, Spice Girls classics and loads more – basically the sort of soundtrack that gets three generations singing at once.

The atmosphere is much more relaxed picnic-party than muddy festival survival mission. Bring blankets, unpack the snacks, let the kids roam a bit and enjoy live music in one of London’s prettiest parks.

And importantly for families, the Kids Tipiland is back too – packed with interactive games, creative activities and make-and-play stations for children aged roughly 3 – 10. Which means the grown-ups might actually get to hear some of the concert uninterrupted for once.

Age: 3+
Date: 28th – 31st August 2026
Venue: Battersea Park SW11 4NJ 
Price: from £45 adult, £20 children

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival

When it comes to family foodie festivals, Hampton Court Palace really does know how to put on a bit of a show.

Yes, there’s loads of ridiculously good food for the grown-ups, but this isn’t one of those festivals where children trail behind looking miserable while parents queue for artisan olives. Kids can explore the palace grounds, run around the gardens, soak up the live entertainment and generally burn off enough energy to justify at least one extra dessert. It’s basically part food festival, part history day out, part “let’s pretend we’re sophisticated for the afternoon”.

Age: all ages
Date: 29th – 31st August 2026
Venue: Hampton Court Palace grounds
Price: £29 adult, £14.50 child, under 5s FREE

Notting Hill Carnival

Opulent costumes, steels drums, hundreds of sound systems, singing and dancing, Notting Hill Carnival is just fun, fun, fun and the kids will absolutely love it!

They’ll also love trying myriad of different street food and drink on offer, including jerk chicken and fresh coconuts. Sunday is Family Day, which means a more relaxed parade with a calmer atmosphere, but with just as many summer celebrations.

Age: all ages
Date: 29th – 30th August 2026
Price: Free

Best FREE Activities

The Hampstead Beach at JW3

 Pack up the kids (or grandkids) and join JW3 for a summer full of laughs, snacks, and unforgettable moments. They’ve got a range of kids’ activities lined up to keep your little ones entertained, no matter their age. From crafty corners to sporty challenges, there’s fun for everyone.

They’ll be serving a special menu from their Cafe – and remember, rain or shine, the fun doesn’t stop because with their weatherproof Dorfman Piazza it means you can enjoy the beach vibes without a worry because just like Centre Court, they’ve got it covered! 

Age: all ages
Date: 28 June – 31 August. Sunday–Thursday: 10am–8pm, Friday: 10am–5pm
Price: Free for all
Venue: JW3, Hampstead 

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

What it is: A ceremonial parade with soldiers in iconic red uniforms and bearskin hats.

Why kids love it: The pomp, the music, and the chance to see royal guards up close.

KidRated tip: For the best action and photos head to Birdcage Walk by 10:15 a.m.. You can watch the New Guard assemble, listen to the regimental band up close, and watch them step off at 10:57 a.m. For a panoramic view of the ceremony stand on the steps of the Victoria Memorial directly in front of Buckingham Palace. Its elevated position allows you to see the guards marching around the roundabout and over to the Palace forecourt. Whatever you choose – get there early!!

Age: all ages
Date: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11am, Sundays at 10am
Venue: Wellington Barracks / Victoria Memorial / The Mall
Price: FREE

Southbank Centre

What it is: A cultural hub with free exhibitions, performances, and riverside fun.

Why kids love it: Street performers, skateboarding, fountains and people-watching.

KidRated tip: Check the schedule for kid-friendly events and workshops.

Click here for our guide to the Southbank Centre…

Age: all ages
Date: daily
Venue: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Price: FREE

Granary Square Fountains

What it is: A playful water display at King’s Cross with 1,080 choreographed jets.

Why kids love it: Running through the fountains and getting soaked.

KidRated tip: Bring a change of clothes – they will get wet!

Age: toddlers – teens
Date: All Summer 8am – 8pm
Venue: Granary Square, Kings Cross
Price: FREE

Mudchute Park & Farm

What it is: A city farm with animals, gardens, and a riding school.

Why kids love it: Petting the animals and exploring the open spaces.

KidRated tip: Bring some veggies to feed the goats – they’ll love it.

Click here for our guide to City Farms in and Around London…

Age: 0 – 10 years
Date: daily (some parts are closed on Mondays)
Venue: Pier Street, Isle of Dogs E14 3HP
Price: FREE

Greenwich Park

What it is: A royal park with vast green spaces, playgrounds, and the Prime Meridian Line.

Why kids love it: Running around, climbing on the giant playground, and straddling the hemispheres.

KidRated tip: Visit the Royal Observatory – stand with one foot in each hemisphere!

Click here for our Top 10 Things to do in Greenwich.

Age: all ages
Date: every day
Venue: Greenwich SE10
Price: FREE

The Sky Garden

What it is: A free indoor garden with breathtaking views of London.

Why kids love it: The novelty of being in a sky-high garden and spotting landmarks.

KidRated tip: Book ahead online – it’s a must-do. Tickets drop at 10am Mondays, 3 weeks ahead and go very fast!! You can guarantee a visit if you book a restaurant.

Click here for our Sky Garden review…

Age: all ages
Date: every day
Venue: Sky Garden, Philpot Lane, EC3M 8AF
Price: FREE

Covent Garden Street Performers

What it is: A lively area with musicians, magicians, and acrobats performing for crowds.

Why kids love it: The up-close magic tricks, juggling acts, and lively atmosphere.

KidRated tip: Bring some coins for tips – performers appreciate it!

Click here for Things to do in Covent Garden…

Age: all ages
Date: All Summer
Venue: Covent Garden Market
Price: FREE

Hyde Park

What it is: One of London’s biggest and most famous parks.

Why kids love it: Boating on the Serpentine, the Diana Memorial Playground, and endless space to run wild.

KidRated tip: Pack a picnic and let them ride bikes or scooters along the paths

Click here for Things to do in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens… 

Age: 2 – 12 years
Venue: Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Price: FREE

For more free things to do visit our Best free things to do for kids and teens in London guide…