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 will be hosting lively animal shows throughout the summer, featuring animals whose ancestors roamed the earth alongside dinosaurs.

Opening this July, 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 its 11th year – remember, magical children get their invitation to Hogwarts when they turn 11 – the studio tour that takes visitors behind the scenes of the “Harry Potter“ films is hosting a brand new feature from May to September. “Discovering Hogwarts” focuses on Harry's early years at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing to life iconic scenes such as the Great Hall with 400 floating candles, and demonstrating the real-world magic behind the Wingardium Leviosa spell and Hagrid the half-giant.

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 “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, 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.

Looking for a groovy experience on wheels? Look no further than Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace! Whether you're a kid or an adult, this place guarantees a fantastic time. Step into this trendy neon-lit venue and hit the roller rink, where you can show off your skating moves while DJs spin bangers. If you're looking to enhance your skills, you can join the skate school, and food and drinks are available as well.

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 Royal Docks Summer Splash is returning to the Royal Docks. From 31 July to 20 August, you can cool off in the 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 opened just in time to help fend 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 Medieval Season, a series of activities such as jester workshops, archery, courtly etiquette, and more, teaching families about life in the Middle Ages.

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 much of 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. They're dedicating their summer to beloved British illustrator Quentin Blake and launching new seasonal trails, each with its own illustrated guide full of Blake's drawings, as well as organising creative challenges and art workshops.

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 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, outdoor messy play, a brick dino exhibition, a family rave, and more.

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. During the 2023 summer holidays, however, they'll be launching a major new exhibition – the Secret Life of Reptiles.

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.

The fan-shaped auditorium amidst the trees in Regent's Park provides an enchanting setting for shows for 18 weeks of the year, peaking in summer, of course. During the summer break, it'll host a range of family-friendly shows, including a reimagining of Shakespeare's “The Tempest”, the return of the interactive “Dinosaur World Live” show, a thrilling new take on the story of Robin Hood, 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.

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”, “Frozen The Musical”, and “Matilda The Musical”, to name a few. Check out our guide to the best musicals in London for more information.

Kew Gardens are a sight to behold, filled as they are with beautiful flora, breathtaking micro ecosystems, and exotic foliage. Throughout summer, they offer a varied programme of family-friendly activities, exhibitions, and events, including a specially commissioned theatrical performance of “Alice in Wonderland” that takes place in part on the promenade.