London’s Best Summer Experiences for Families, Kids and Teens
What’s fun to do in London this summer for families, kids and teens? Loads of things! So here’s our pick of the city’s best festivals, events and activities. And remember to check out our Things to Do section for more ideas including 50 Things to do in London for Teens and 100 Quirky Things to do in London with Kids and Teens. You’re welcome!
Dress Up. Show Up. Break a Record!
Step into cinematic history at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, on Saturday 27th September 2025, as it teams up with Elstree Studios for Celebrate Film 100. To mark 100 years of movie magic, fans are invited to join a Guinness World Records™ attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as film and TV characters.
Choose from 45 iconic characters from 30 legendary productions – from Star Wars, Bridgerton and Indiana Jones to Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Muppets. Explore stunning prop stations, from Star Wars sets to a Batmobile, and enjoy free family-friendly fun with outdoor games, storytelling, and film-themed activities.
Upgrade to a VIP Red Carpet Experience for exclusive photo ops, guided film tours, and rare Elstree memorabilia.
This once-in-a-century celebration is free to attend and as well as the Guinness World RecordsTM attempt, there will be family storytelling with dinosaur puppets and outdoor games offering interactive entertainment.
Delicious food and drinks stalls will also be available as well as the chance to marvel the legendary film prop stations, providing fun for all ages!
Date: September 27th
Venue: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN
Price: Free entry; costume required to count towards the GWR attempt. VIP Red Carpet Experience – Advance tickets (Adult: £13.50 / Child: £7). Tickets on day (Adult: £17.50 / Child: £10
Official website: https://ornc.org/whats-on/guinness-world-record/
Costumes: https://ornc.org/gwr-costume-elements/
HAVE YOU BEEN TO A MERLIN ATTRACTION?
Embark on extraordinary Summer Holiday adventures with our partners at Merlin. Click on the links for the very best prices and offers – or here for your Merlin Annual Pass.
Includes the London Eye; SEA LIFE London Aquarium; Madame Tussauds, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort. and Legoland Windsor. Finally for those who want to travel further afield – check out Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, Cadbury World and Blackpool Tower.
And remember Merlin also do THREE MONTH PASSES from £59 for LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort! Chessington World of Adventures Resort and Thorpe Park.
Thames Rockets
Thames Rocket – London’s Ultimate Speeding Adventure
- What it is: Thames Rockets is London’s most thrilling speedboat experience – and now there’s a brand-new ride in town: Rocket Rebel. With 26 seats, twin jet engines and a pro comedian as your guide, this eco-friendly beast is the biggest, fastest passenger boat on the Thames.
- Why kids love it: It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s FUN. Kids love flying past Tower Bridge at 35mph, blasting tunes, and watching their grown-ups scream with joy. Teens especially get a kick out of overtaking slower boats and filming the action for social media.
- KidRated Tip: Go for the Ultimate London Adventure if it’s your first time – it’s 60 minutes of non-stop laughs, landmarks and high-speed hijinks.
Age: All ages
Venue: The London Eye Pier
Prices: See website for details
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!
Venue: County Hall, Southbank
Price: Adults from £29, Kids (2-15) from £19.
Official website: The Paddington Bear Experience
NEW!!! Jurassic World Experience
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!
Age: 3+
Venue: Neon at Battersea power Station SW11 8DQ
Price: Tickets start at £25 via website
Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames
What It Is: An exhilarating boat tour on the Thames by the Horrible Histories team, blending immersive theatre with hilarious historical facts. Closes 5th September.
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!
Age: All ages/Under 3’s Free
Venue: Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LD
Price: Book your tickets via website
Bat & Ball – Covent Garden
- What is it: Bat and Ball is a game-lover’s dream. Ping pong, mini-golf, karaoke, darts, pool, shuffleboard, all under one lively roof. With pizzas, mocktails, and private booths, it’s a one-stop party spot for birthdays, family hangouts and the perfect venue if you’re planning a trip to Covent Garden or need something to do on a rainy day.
- Why kids love it: It’s like an arcade, sports hall, and music venue rolled into one! Big groups can split up and try all the games, then reconvene for food, giggles, and a bit of karaoke chaos.
- KidRated Tip: Ask about party packages and get there just after midday, before the grown-ups leave work. That way you guarantee a kid-friendly vibe that’s ideal for tweens and teens looking to level up their birthday bash or just smash their mates at shuffle-board.
Venues: Covent Garden & Stratford. See website for 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.
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- 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 the special events like Elmer Day and A Flower for Firefly—they fill up fast.
Venues: 383-387 High St, London E15 4QZ
Prices: See website for details
Swingers West End – Crazy Golf
Swingers West End goes family-friendly every Sunday before 6pm – with crazy golf, carnival vibes, and loads of laughs.
Tee off on two fun-packed 9-hole courses, packed with friendly competition for kids (7+) and grown-ups alike. There’s epic street food (with kids’ menus), sweet treats, and mocktails for mini golfers.
Planning a party? Swingers’ kids package includes golf, grub, drinks, medals and your own party area. Hole-in-one!
Perfect for rainy Sundays or when you fancy doing something fun and different together.
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 19th July 2025! 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!
Date: 19th July 2025
Tickets are FREE. See website for details
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 17th 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.
Date: Until September 2025
Tickets: See website for details
Up At The O2
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- What it is: Part sightseeing, part guided walk. This is a 100% adrenaline rush . Where you can take kids (8+) on to the top of the legendary O2 dome.
- Why kids love it: The O2 is huge and your kids are pretty small in comparison so from the moment they strap on the gear and put on their helmets, it feels like a surreal adventure. Perfect for tweens and teens.
- KidRated tip: Book a session with a parkour coach – and take an epic selfie at the summit.
Venue: The O2, Greenwich
Prices: See website for details
Lee Valley White Water
- What is it: An Olympic-built water adventure hub packed with heart-racing fun for the whole family. From white water rafting and kayaking to paddleboarding and the epic Water Wipeout inflatable course, there’s something for everyone.
- Why kids will love it: An It’s active, wild and totally unforgettable. They can race their mates down rapids or against a floating obstacle course. And with a pro-team on standby it all feels super safe.
- There are also a whole host of other activities at Lee Valley including their Velo Park, Ice Centre, Riding Centre, Hockey and Tennis Centre and Athletics Centre.
- KidRated Tip: For a limited time, take advantage of brilliant group discounts—perfect for birthday parties, family get-togethers, or school mates looking for adventure. Book early, wear old trainers or water shoes, and pack dry clothes for the café chill-out afterwards.
Venue: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Rd EN9 1AB
Prices: See website for details
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.
Venue: 248, Oxford Street, Oxford Circus
Price: Adults from £25, Kids from £20, Kids under 3 go free!
Official website: Twist Museum
Float around Canary Wharf in a Skuna Boat
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.
- What it is: The Family Globe Theatre Guided Tour runs all year round and the Storytelling sessions are fantastic as actors bring Shakespeare’s characters to life with high energy readings of the text. Plus there’s a new interactive exhibition and a full children’s menu available at their on-site restaurant, Swan at the Globe.
- Why kids love it: What’s great about this attraction is they separate the age groups in the workshops (5 to 8 & 9 to 12 years old). So older kids don’t have to be grouped with their younger siblings.
- KidRated Tip: Catch Romeo & Juliet until 2nd August and Rough Magic (19th July – 23rd Augiust) at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre – ideal for kids age 5+.
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+
Venue: Bentalls Shopping Centre KT1 1TP
Prices: From £19. See website for details
The Hampstead Beach at JW3
Pack up the kids (or grandkids) and join us for a summer full of laughs, snacks, and unforgettable moments at JW3. 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 ve got it covered!
Date: Throughout July & August
Price: Free for all
Venue: JW3, Hampstead – Sunday–Thursday: 10am–8pm
Friday: 10am–3pm
Underbelly Festival
This summer, the Underbelly Festival is back and taking over two exciting London locations – Earls Court and Cavendish Square from July to September, and it’s the perfect day out for families with young kids! Imagine a slice of the Edinburgh Fringe right in Central London, complete with world-class circus acts, hilarious cabaret, and side-splitting comedy designed to entertain little ones and parents alike.
Date: 1st July – 1st September 2025
Price: Free for all
Venue: Cavendish Square & Earls Court
Covent Garden Family Farm Day
The ever popular Vauxhall City Farm is making is crossing the Thames for a one-day-only Family Farm Day in Covent Garden. It’s the perfect chance for kids (and adults!) who’ve never experienced the joy of a farm to meet and feed the adorable animals up close. Plus a whole host of farm-tastic (sorry). activities.
Face painting, educational workshops, magical story time sessions and the chance to snuggle some furry friends in Cuddle Corner, Entry is free, but if you can, throw in a donation to support The Farm.
Date: Monday 28th July 2025
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Venue: St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, WC2E
BBC Proms
Where and when? Various London Locations, 14th July – 9th September 2023
This year’s eight-week programme is packed of concerts, workshops, talks and family events featuring 84 shows and over 3,000 musicians. The majority of the shows will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Highlights for kids include the CBeebies Prom on August 25th and a Relaxed Prom on 10th August featuring music from Star Wars and Holst.
Date: 18th July – 13th September 2025
Price: Tickets from £10
Monopoly Lifesized
Step onto a giant Monopoly board and become the playing piece! Monopoly Lifesized brings the classic game to life on a huge 15m x 15m board packed with challenges, twists and London-themed fun.
In teams, you’ll race around the board for 80 minutes, entering full-sized rooms behind each property to tackle puzzles, crack codes, or take on physical tasks, all inspired by London’s history and present day. Build houses, earn cash, dodge jail, and yes… you can still be the Scottie Dog.
Kids aged 9+ (with an adult) will love the mix of escape-room energy and classic gameplay. Choose from four themed editions: Luxury, City, Classic, or Own It All.
Big fun. Big board. Big chance to show the grown-ups who’s boss.
Venue: 213 – 215 Tottenham Court Road
Price: from £49, Family tickets available Sunday-Friday for groups of 6+
Official website: Monopoly Lifesized
New Gen Festival – Ealing
This family friendly festival is part of the Ealing Programme what takes place in Walpole Park from 9th July – 3rd August.
Kids and teens will be particularly interested in the New Gen Festival taking place on 30th July for young people age 10 – 25 featuring music, dance, and creativity. There are plenty of opportunities for kids and teens to take part and includes a main stage with artists, DJs and Dance Acts. Plus an Amplify Stage for open mic and jams and a Mind Zone for a chill-out space.
Date: 30th July
Venue: Walpole Park, W5 5EQ
Tuff Nutterz – The UK’s largest bouncy castle obstacle course
Coming back to Tooting, Tuff Nutterz is fun for the whole family! Parents can relax whilst their kids have a blast and if you’re brave enough, you can even join in too.
Measuring 300 metres long, this supersize inflatable maze is packed with 30 fun and challenging obstacles to complete, including huge slides, climbing walls, hanging rails and balance balls.Plus a new 6m tall “Tuff Slide” as an add-on! for those looking for an extra adrenaline rush!
There are four sessions per day: (Each session is 1hr & 45mins) at 09:30 to 11:15/ 11:30 to 13:15/13:30 to 15:15/ 15:30 to 17:15 with last entry at 15:30
Important Ticket Info
Tickets can be purchased at the door, availability dependent but they strongly suggest you book online to avoid disappointment.
Ages: All Ages – Under 5’s require an accompanying adult and their ticket comes with a free parent/carer ticket,
Date: 9th August – 17th August 2024
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 – Book here
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Comedy Club 4 Kids is a proper comedy club… just earlier in the day, with 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: Sundays 3pm – 20th July: Sun 24th August; 14th Sept; 12th Oct; 09 Nov; 14th Dec
Venue: Park Theatre
Price: £15 – Book here
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:
COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS:
Comedy designed for young audiences – 15th June (11am & 2pm). Catch them at the Park Theatre as well and listen to their brilliant podcast. See their KidRated page here.
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:
Aimed at children aged 5+ and their families anyone can take part in a variety of family friendly games on their big screens. All the events are free, simply turn up and friendly stewards will explain the rules. Player numbers are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
ALFRESCO ARTS:
Family theatre and workshops throughout June, July and August designed to keep your little ones entertained.
Date: Until September 2025
Price: Free
Raver Tots Outdoor Festival
This is a family style rave at Bexley Heath (August 10th) and Richmond (August 31st), where both kids and grown-ups can hit the dance floor and let off some steam together.
All ages are welcome and it features a huge open air stage with the best in the house music, garage and drum & bass. Other entertainment and attractions include: character meet and greets; a free funfair with kids rides; stalls, games, inflatables and play areas, Raver Tots dinosaurs, arts and crafts; face-painting, a huge street food selection and a fully licensed bar
Advance booking only. All events sell out well in advance and there are no tickets on the door.
Date: 10th Aug (Bexley) & (Richmond) 31st Aug 2025
Uptown Festival
Taking place in South London’s Blackheath, with three stages of live acts and DJs, a family area, and plenty of excellent street food and bars, this is a great day out for all the family with Boy George & Culture Club as the headline.
The Little Town family area is back, packed with free entertainment and attractions that will keep your young ones smiling all day. With fun fair rides, lively DJs, and performances in a family-friendly music area, there’s plenty to get everyone up and dancing together!
Date: 27th July 2025
Venue: Blackheath Common SE3 0UA
Battersea Park in Concert
A three-day music extravaganza featuring soul, jazz and classical performances. Plus two nights with the RPO and then Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
Film-loving Older kids and teens will love the Night at the Movies (24th) featuring classic themes Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, James Bond, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon and Wicked.
Date: 23rd, 24th & 25th August 2025
Venue: Battersea Park SW11 4NJ
Zippos Circus
With a rich history spanning over a century, and a firm favourite with our K-Raters, Zippos Circus has delighted audiences worldwide with its awe-inspiring performances. This year they are touring the UK, but will be visiting London at the end of the summer. From motorbikes to fast juggling, knife throwing and whip cracking, this daredevil show will keep your kids and teens on the edge of their seats!
Dates: 28th August – 1st September 2025 (Stoke Newington)
Price: Entry from £9
Tickets: See Website for details
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.
Date: 24th – 25th August 2025
Price: Free
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
GDIF 2025 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.
Date: 22nd August – 6th September 2025
Price: Free
The London Kid’s Afternoon Tea at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Park Lane
Continuing with the afternoon tea theme, for little people that may need an afternoon treat (erm, and the adults) the children’s afternoon tea in The Palm Court will give some much-needed indulgence.
Included in the spread are creations inspired by London’s most iconic landmarks including the London Eye, London Red Bus and Big Ben, as well as classic bite-size sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a choice of hot chocolate or tea.
Oh, and they do cocktails for the parents too. Sold.
Date: All summer
Price: Tickets from £25
The Young V & A (Bethnal Green)
Newly opened on 1st July 2023 – The Young V&A is a playground where children, families, and young people can discover art specifically curated for tiny tots up to teens.
As well as the galleries there will be hands-on workshops and an open design studio beckoning aspiring young artists to learn new skills.
Plus they have lovely grounds around the museum if those little legs aren’t too exhausted!
Date: All summer
Free Entry
Hampton Court Food Festival
When it comes to foodie festivals for the whole family, Hampton Court Palace definitely knows how to deliver.
As well as sampling the most delicious culinary delights, young Londoners can embark on a journey of exploration through the palace, bask in the beauty of the grounds, and immerse themselves in live entertainment provided by the festival’s regular favourites.
Date: 23rd – 25th August 2025
Price: From £27
Monopoly Lifesized
Located on Tottenham Court Road in the heart of London, Monopoly Lifesized is an immersive, physical version of the world’s favourite family board game played on lifesized Monopoly board!
Bring your kids and teens along this summer and experience the thrill of competing against a clock to build some of London’s iconic buildings, solving a baffling murder mystery and escape jail, all whilst earning as much money as you can.
Date: All Summer
Price: From £49
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 the 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!
Date: All Summer
Price: From £24
TOP FREE ACTIVITIES
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: Get there early for a good spot!
Southbank Centre
- What it is: A cultural hub with free exhibitions, performances, and riverside fun.
- Why kids love it: Street performers, skateboarding, and people-watching.
- KidRated tip: Check the schedule for kid-friendly events and workshops.
- Click here for our guide to the Southbank Centre…
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!
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…
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.
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!
- Click here for our Sky Garden review…
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…
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…
For more free things to do visit our Best free things to do for kids and teens in London guide…
Special Pick Outside London
Created by radio legend Chris Evans, CarFest is the UK’s biggest family fundraising festival — and an absolute belter of a weekend. Set just outside Basingstoke on a beautiful 500-acre site, 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.
