The Best Things to Do in London with Kids & Teens This September (2026)

If your family diary suddenly has football, swimming, dance lessons and birthday parties filling every weekend, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and picked out the September events that are genuinely worth making time for.

Totally Thames Festival

What is it?
Totally Thames is a month-long festival celebrating London’s river through art, performances, family activities, walks, talks and pop-up events. There are hundreds of events across London, many of them completely free, making it one of the easiest ways to explore different parts of the capital.
One of this year’s highlights is Turning the Tide – a spectacular free evening projection onto the disused Blackfriars Railway Bridge columns. Created by Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass in partnership with disabled-led theatre company Graeae, it celebrates disabled young actors through a striking visual installation that transforms the river into an open-air gallery.

Why kids like it: There are boats, riverside adventures, giant artworks, performers and plenty of space to wander. It feels more like discovering London than visiting an event.

KidRated Top Tips: Wear comfy shoes – you’ll probably end up walking further than planned. Evening projection is outdoors, so bring an extra layer.

Age: 6+ years (younger children will enjoy the projections, older children and teens will appreciate the scale)
Dates: Throughout September. Turning the Tide: 17 – 20 September (evenings)
Venue: Various. Turning the Tide: Blackfriars Railway Bridge
Nearest stations: Blackfriars, Southwark & Temple
Price: Most events are FREE

London Design Festival

What is it?
For nine days, London becomes one giant design exhibition. You’ll find colourful installations, interactive displays and eye-catching artwork popping up all over the city, with the V&A Museum acting as the festival’s main hub. Many exhibits are free to enjoy and perfect for curious young minds.

Why kids love it: Giant sculptures, colourful installations and creative ideas around every corner. It’s a great way to introduce children to art and design without it ever feeling like a gallery visit.

KidRated Top Tip: Start at the V&A, where you’ll find some of the festival’s biggest installations before exploring nearby venues.

Age: 6+
Dates: 12–20 September 2026
Venue: Various locations (V&A Museum hub)
Price: Many events are FREE

Open House Festival

What is it?
Ever wondered what lies behind some of London’s most impressive doors? Open House Festival gives you the chance to explore hundreds of buildings that are normally closed to the public, from historic houses and hidden churches to skyscrapers, government buildings and architectural landmarks. Best of all, most events are completely free.

Why kids love it: It feels like being given the keys to London. Climbing towers, exploring secret staircases and visiting places you can’t usually access makes every visit feel like an adventure.

KidRated Top Tip: The most popular buildings book up quickly, so plan ahead. Don’t worry if you miss out though – plenty of locations are open without tickets.

Age: 6+
Dates: 12–20 September 2026
Venue: Various locations across London
Price: Mostly FREE

The Bayeux Tapestry

What is it?
One of the world’s most famous historical treasures arrives in Britain for the first time in almost 1,000 years. The remarkable Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 through a giant embroidered picture story stretching nearly 70 metres long. It’s expected to be one of London’s biggest cultural events of the year.

Why kids love it: Think of it as a medieval comic strip. There are knights, horses, battles, ships and plenty of fascinating details to spot along the way.

KidRated Top Tip: Tickets sold out incredibly quickly, but keep checking the British Museum website as extra releases and cancellations may become available.

Age: 7+
Dates: From 1 September 2026
Venue: British Museum
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road or Holborn
Price: Ticketed

Moon Celebration

What is it?
Head to the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a week celebrating Earth’s nearest neighbour. Expect family workshops, hands-on activities, talks and special events exploring the Moon, alongside the Observatory’s fantastic galleries and exhibitions.

Why kids love it: Space is endlessly fascinating, and this week is packed with opportunities to discover more about astronauts, craters, rockets and lunar exploration.

KidRated Top Tip: Combine your visit with the Prime Meridian, Cutty Sark or the National Maritime Museum for a brilliant family day out in Greenwich.

Age: 5+
Dates: 12–20 September 2026
Venue: Royal Observatory Greenwich
Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
Price: Some activities included with admission, others may require separate tickets.

The Great River Race

Sheep Drive Across London Bridge

What is it?
One of London’s quirkiest traditions returns as hundreds of sheep are herded across the River Thames in celebration of the City of London’s historic rights. Alongside the famous sheep drive you’ll find a lively festival with food stalls, live entertainment, crafts and family activities.

Why kids love it: Let’s be honest… watching sheep being walked across one of London’s busiest bridges is wonderfully bonkers, and it’s something they’ll remember for years.

KidRated Top Tip: Arrive early if you want a good view of the sheep crossing, as it always attracts big crowds.

Age: All ages
Dates: 27 September 2026
Venue: Southwark Bridge (the crossing alternates between City bridges each year)
Nearest Stations: Cannon Street, Mansion House or Blackfriars
Price: FREE

Theatre for Pre-schoolers

Big Dreams Festival (formerly Early Years Festival)

What is it?
Polka Theatre’s wonderful Big Dreams Festival returns with two days of theatre, puppetry, music, storytelling, dancing and free creative activities for children aged 0 – 8 years. It’s a brilliant introduction to live theatre, with performances taking place throughout the building.

Why kids like it
There’s always something happening, from colourful puppet shows to interactive performances and a family rave. It’s designed especially for younger children, so they can join in, explore and play.

KidRated Top Tips

• Make a day of it if you can.
• Don’t miss the free Hopeful Monsters cinema installation.
• Book several shows together to save up to 15%.

Age: 0 – 8 years (varies by show)
Dates: 19 – 20 September 2026
Venue: Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
Nearest Stations: South Wimbledon or Wimbledon
Prices: Most shows £13. Free activities available.

Pip and Posy Live on Stage – Little Angel Theatre

What is it?
From the producers of The Smartest Giant in Town comes a brand-new stage adventure based on Axel Scheffler’s much-loved books and the BAFTA-nominated TV series. Expect puppets, catchy songs and plenty of audience interaction as best friends Pip and Posy set off on an exciting treasure hunt.

Why kids like it
Pip and Posy are already favourites with many little ones, and seeing them brought to life with puppets, music and storytelling makes this a magical first theatre experience.

KidRated Top Tips
Perfect for first-time theatre-goers. Arrive early to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and don’t worry if little ones can’t sit perfectly still, Little Angel Theatre is brilliantly family-friendly.

Age: 2 – 5 years
Dates: 19 September – 22 November 2026
Venue: Little Angel Theatre, Islington
Nearest Stations: Angel or Highbury & Islington
Prices: From around £15 (check website for latest prices)

Theatre for Primary School Aged Kids

The Pied Piper: A Rat’s Tale – Little Angel Theatre

What is it?
You think you know the story of the Pied Piper… but do you? This funny and imaginative retelling follows Horatio, the brave little rat behind the legend, using inventive puppetry, storytelling and original music to reveal the story behind the story.

Why kids like it
It’s packed with larger-than-life characters, inventive puppets and lots of laughs, while offering a fresh twist on a familiar tale.

KidRated Top Tips
Ideal for primary-aged children who enjoy storytelling and puppet theatre. Little Angel’s productions are always beautifully crafted and well worth seeing.

Age: 5+
Dates: 12 September – 7 November 2026
Venue: Little Angel Studios, Islington
Nearest Stations: Angel or Highbury & Islington
Prices: From around £15 (check website for latest prices)

Pocket Money – Unicorn Theatre

What is it?
A lively new interactive show that puts children in charge as they make real-time decisions about spending, saving and money. Mixing theatre, live music and audience voting, it’s a fun introduction to financial literacy in the digital age.

Why kids like it
Children don’t just watch, they take part. Every audience helps shape the show through live voting, while a mischievous clown and DJ keep the energy high from start to finish.

KidRated Top Tips
A great choice for curious 7 – 11 year olds. It’s entertaining first and educational second, so children learn about money without it ever feeling like a lesson.

Age: 7 – 11 years
Dates: 26 September – 1 November 2026
Venue: Unicorn Theatre, London Bridge
Nearest Stations: London Bridge
Prices: From around £14.50 (check website for latest prices)

Theatre for Older Kids & Teens

Thelma & Louise – The Young Vic

What is it?
The classic Oscar-winning road movie has been transformed into a brand-new musical at the Young Vic. Featuring an original score by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Neko Case, it tells the story of two friends whose weekend escape turns into an unforgettable adventure about friendship, freedom and standing up for yourself.

Why kids like it
Older teens who enjoy musicals with a gripping story will love this fresh take on a modern classic. It’s emotional, funny and packed with memorable songs, making it a great introduction to more grown-up theatre.

KidRated Top Tips
This isn’t a family musical for younger children. We’d recommend it for older teenagers, particularly those studying drama or who enjoy powerful, character-driven stories. The theatre warns of themes of sexual assault and the use of guns and strong language.

Age: Recommended 14+ (parental guidance advised)
Dates: 3 September – 24 October 2026
Venue: Young Vic Theatre, 66 The Cut, London SE1
Nearest Stations: Waterloo (5-minute walk), Southwark
Prices: From around £15 (check the Young Vic website for current availability).

Private Peaceful – Wilton’s Music Hall

What is it?
This powerful one-person adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s much-loved novel tells the story of young soldier Tommo Peaceful as he reflects on his childhood, family and brotherhood on the eve of battle during the First World War. It’s emotional, beautifully told and stays with you long after the curtain comes down.

Why kids like it
Older children and teens will quickly become absorbed in Tommo’s story, while the incredible performance of one actor bringing every character to life is genuinely captivating. It’s a brilliant introduction to more serious theatre.

KidRated Top Tips
This is a great choice for older children studying World War I or Michael Morpurgo at school. While suitable for ages 9+, we’d recommend it most for ages 11+ because of its emotional themes.
orld War I in school.

Age: 9+ (best suited to 11+)
Dates: 21 – 23 September 2026
Venue: Wilton’s Music Hall, London
Nearest Station: Tower Hill or Aldgate East
Prices: Check venue for availability.

TRU

What is it?
Starring Modern Family‘s Jesse Tyler Ferguson, this acclaimed one-man play tells the story of celebrated author Truman Capote as he reflects on fame, friendship and the fallout from his most controversial work. Funny, moving and brilliantly acted, it’s an intimate portrait of one of the twentieth century’s most colourful literary figures.

Why kids love it: Older teens interested in drama, writing or acting will appreciate seeing one actor command the stage for an entire evening. Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s acclaimed performance is reason enough to see it.

KidRated Top Tip: This is definitely one for older teenagers rather than younger children. If they’re studying drama or English Literature, it’s a brilliant opportunity to see a masterclass in acting up close.

Age: Recommended 14+
Dates: 19 September – 14 November 2026
Venue: Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark
Nearest Stations: London Bridge or Southwark
Prices: Check the Menier Chocolate Factory website for the latest availability.

Into The Woods

What is it?
One of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated musicals comes to the West End this September in a brand-new production. Bringing together familiar fairy-tale characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, Into the Woods begins like a classic storybook before taking some unexpected twists as all their adventures become intertwined.

Why kids love it: Older children and teens will enjoy spotting all the familiar fairy-tale characters, while the clever humour, unforgettable songs and surprising story keep everyone guessing. It’s funny, exciting and much darker than you might expect.

KidRated Top Tip: Don’t be fooled by the fairy-tale setting – this is a musical best suited to older children and teenagers. If they’ve only ever seen Disney-style versions of these stories, they’re in for a very different adventure.

Age: 10+ (best for 12+)
Dates: From 22 September 2026
Venue: Noël Coward Theatre, West End
Nearest Stations: Leicester Square or Covent Garden
Prices: Check the theatre website for the latest ticket availability.