The best things to do in London during the school summer break

London's many museums are a great place to visit with kids any time of the year, but the cool air in the cavernous halls of the Natural History Museum is certainly a welcome bonus. In addition to the awe-inspiring permanent exhibition and regular family-friendly events such as sleepovers, out-of-hours tours, and sensory storytelling, the museum hosts a variety of seasonal events during the summer break, including ones exploring its new gardens.

The Horniman Museum in South London might be smaller than its more famous counterparts in London, but its quirky Victorian collection is sure to astound adults and children alike with its vast range of interests and exhibits. In addition to permanent attractions such as the renowned aquarium, butterfly house, animal walk, and beautiful gardens, the museum hosts an array of family events during the summer, including mini golf, craft workshops, and more.

The largest street festival in Europe, Notting Hill Carnival is an unforgettable annual event. Though the headlines are usually grabbed by exuberant throngs of scantily clad performers and participants, the multicultural gathering is very family friendly, with the first day of the Carnival (Sunday) dedicated to children and families. Children's Day features events and activities for the whole family, live music stages, a parade, and more. Check out our guide to the Notting Hill Carnival for more information.

The Young V&A is a hands-on museum that aims to help children and young people develop their creativity and confidence, and was in fact designed with their input. It's home to all sorts of interactive exhibitions and installations, including sensory playscapes, an open design studio, a finger skateboarding park, and more, with over 2,000 objects displayed across its three permanent galleries. To top it off, admission is free. 

Double down on the dino action with a visit to Crystal Palace Park, where you can tour the 19th-century dinosaur sculptures on foot or by pedalo. Anatomically speaking, the sculptures themselves are completely wrong, but they remain a fascinating bit of history and an important milestone in the evolution of palaeontology. The surrounding parkland is great for all sorts of outdoorsy activities, picnics, and fun for the whole family, too.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, the studio tour that takes visitors behind the scenes of the “Harry Potter“ films is hosting a brand new feature from May to September. “Triwizard Tournament” recreates iconic moments from the acclaimed film, showcasing costumes and revealing the secrets of the special effects used in bringing creatures like the Hungarian Horntail to life on-screen.

A family game night classic, Monopoly goes big at Monopoly Lifesized. Players move around a life-sized game board and complete challenges to earn money and outmanoeuvre each other, then relax with some food and drinks at the onsite Top Hat Restaurant & Bar. The Lifesized version also comes with a seldom mentioned, yet very important feature for activities such as these – it's impossible to flip the board in a fit of rage.

The reconstructed version of the original Globe Theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including shows tailored specifically for children, throughout the year. The Shakespearean institution also organizes different family workshops during the summer break. Children of all ages can dive into specific works such as “Macbeth”, learn about historical sword fighting, and more.

During the summer, the Grade I-listed Theatre Royal Haymarket will be hosting “The Tiger Who Came to Tea”, an Olivier Award nominated musical play based on the beloved picture book of the same name. The delightful family-friendly show about teatime mayhem includes singalongs and charming performances all around.

The Royal Docks Summer Splash is returning to the Royal Docks, letting you cool off in a lido built onto Royal Victoria Dock. The bathing area includes a shallow end for children, and the outdoor space includes sandpits for castle building, deckchairs for relaxing, and all manner of summer activities. Best of all, it's free and open to all ages. PS – check out our guide to the best swimming  pools in London for more splashy fun.

Fully renovated in 2023, the Lee Valley Ice Centre is just the thing for fending off the summer heatwaves. The sustainably designed year-round venue features one of only three Olympic-sized twin rinks in the entire country, as well as various leisure facilities, and aims to act as a community hub, not just a sports facility. To that end, it offers courses and lessons for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

Across eight hectares, Eltham Palace and Gardens features stunning gardens combining medieval and Art Deco-inspired features such as herbaceous borders, rose garden walkway arches, a moat, and more. During the summer break, they're hosting all sorts of fun and games for the whole family.

The Big London Bake venues in the city spread a love of baking, as well as the skills required for that love to flourish. Their 90-minute baking classes are open to all and make for a fun family-friendly activity. All the necessary ingredients and equipment are provided, and you don't need any prior experience – just show up and bake off. The classes are set up in airy tents, so the heat shouldn't be an issue, and refreshments are on hand as well.

Spanning 105 acres of beautiful landscapes, the WWT London Wetland Centre is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This serene sanctuary is home to an abundance of creatures, from playful otters to numerous species of water birds, and offers various family-friendly activities throughout the year. This summer, they're hosting a Dragonfly Festival, teaching families all about these fascinating creatures through a series of themed workshops and activities.

During school holidays, the Cutty Sark, an iconic clipper ship docked in Greenwich, increases the frequency of its popular “meet the characters” events. Visitors can meet colourful characters from the ship's past, including the captain, the cook, and its builder, and learn about life at sea through fascinating stories. Other family-friendly activities are available as well.

The oldest scientific zoo in the world, ZSL London Zoo brings an abundance of wildlife from all over the world to the heart of London. Like zoos in general, it's always a safe bet for spending a day with the kids, with all sorts of educational experiences offered. This summer, kids can join the Zoo Crew and experience what it's like to work at the zoo through role-play and costume dress-up activities.

A secret garden in the city, Chelsea Physic Garden offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and boasts one of the most diverse plant collections in the world. During the summer break, they're hosting a number of family-friendly workshops revolving around growing and caring for plants, gardening, arts and crafts, and more.

Babylon Park offers an out-of-this-world amusement park experience with its captivating outer-space theme. Designed to entertain visitors of all ages, from toddlers to adults, this lively indoor park boasts a myriad of attractions, including a rollercoaster, bumper cars, fairground games, vending machines and more. Admission to the park is free, with payment per ride or activity, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences and budget.

Kew Gardens are a sight to behold, filled as they are with beautiful flora, breath-taking micro ecosystems, and exotic foliage. Throughout summer, they offer a varied programme of family-friendly activities, exhibitions, and events, including the specially commissioned Theatre on Kew performances.

South London boasts its very own zoo. Perfect for the little ones, Battersea Park Children's Zoo features a variety of animals including otters, lemurs, parrots, and chameleons. Visitors can meet the animals and attend feeding time talks to learn more about them. The zoo also hosts special family activities to enhance the experience.

Brockwell Park in Brixton is not just a public park but also a community focal point, featuring a community-operated miniature railway and a BMX track amidst its ponds, meadows, and gardens. The park is home to several historic structures, including the Brockwell Lido and the 19th-century “Little Ben” clock tower. During the summer, the park becomes a venue for various events, ranging from music festivals to the Lambeth Country Show. All in all, there's lots to do here that you won't find in other parks around the city, and it's easy to keep the kids busy here.

There's always something interesting going on at the Southbank Centre, and it's no different during summer. Events range from free public art and new commissions to concerts, performances, dance, and more, including family-friendly block parties, roller-skate workshops, and a recycled playground.

Established in 1972, Kentish Town City Farm is the UK's first city farm. It provides a secure environment to explore urban farming and the natural world. Their Summer Holiday Hub features regular animal care sessions, baking, pottery, games, and more, with lunch and snacks provided for the kids as well.

The top-notch theatre productions of London's West End are renowned all over the world, with hundreds of thousands flocking to the city to watch stories and songs come to life. We wouldn't exactly recommend taking the younglings to see “Les Misérables,” but there are plenty of suitable options to choose from – “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” and “Matilda The Musical,” to name a few. Check out our guide to the best musicals in London for more information.