40 Fun Family-Friendly Things To Do With Kids In London During Summer Holidays – Secret London

In a city of nine million people, you can guarantee that you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. And that counts just as much for the kids as the adults. In fact, there are so many things to do in London with kids that it was hard to whittle this list down. From exploring the largest inflatable aqua park to traversing London’s largest adventure playground, Hobbledown Heath, here’s the Secret London lowdown on what to do in London with kids this summer.
This summer, family adventures just got a whole lot easier on the wallet thanks to National Express. Until September 30, 2025, up to three children aged 15 or under can travel for free on any National Express coach journey when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, simply by using the promo code KIDSFREE when booking.
Whether you’re planning a seaside escape, a countryside ramble, or a city break, this offer opens up a world of affordable possibilities for families looking to explore beyond London. With hundreds of destinations across the UK, it’s the perfect way to make spontaneous day trips or longer getaways part of your summer holiday plans.
London’s museums are going all out for families this summer, as several have been shortlisted for prestigious family-friendly awards. These museums stand out for their engaging, interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and welcoming atmospheres that cater to kids of all ages. From hands-on science experiments and immersive history displays to art activities and sensory play zones, these institutions make learning genuinely fun.
⭐️ London Transport Museum
⭐️ Horniman Museum and Gardens 
⭐️ Black Cultural Archives
Dinosaur-loving kids are in for a treat at the Natural History Museum, where a brand-new species – Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae has just been unveiled. This fascinating dinosaur, discovered by British scientists, is now on permanent display in the museum’s Earth Hall, joining the world-famous collection of prehistoric giants. The exhibit not only showcases the impressive fossil but also tells the story of its discovery and what it reveals about life millions of years ago.
For an unforgettable family outing, visit the UK’s very first capybara café, where you can sip your favourite drinks and enjoy treats while meeting these gentle, sociable animals up close. Capybaras are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them perfect companions for children. The café offers educational talks and interactive sessions, giving kids the chance to learn about these fascinating creatures and even feed or pet them under supervision.
Make the most of balmy summer evenings with a trip to Everyman on the Canal, an open-air cinema experience set along London’s picturesque waterways. Families can relax in comfy deckchairs and enjoy a lineup of family-friendly films under the stars, with delicious snacks and drinks available to order straight to your seat. The canal-side location adds a magical touch, and the relaxed atmosphere means kids can wriggle, giggle, and enjoy the movie in a laid-back setting. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories and introduce your children to the joys of outdoor cinema.
Just 40 minutes from London in Kent, St Andrews Lakes offers a thrilling family day out with Kent’s largest inflatable aqua park, set on a stunning 70-acre spring-fed lake. Kids and adults can enjoy giant slides, floating obstacle courses, splash zones, and the new La Jefa slide, plus a private sandy beach.
Beyond the main aqua park, there’s paddle-boarding, kayaking, a dedicated kids’ aqua park, zip line, wall climbing, archery, and even a Scandinavian-style wellness centre for parents seeking relaxation. Easily accessible by car or train, it’s the perfect spot for adventure and cooling off in the summer.
Opening its doors on July 25 and closing them on August 17, Summer Splash brings the joy of outdoor swimming to central London with a free, family-friendly lido experience. Located at the Royal Docks, this pop-up lido offers a safe and welcoming space for kids to splash, swim, and cool down during the warmer months. With lifeguards on duty and plenty of space for families, it’s an ideal urban escape for water play without leaving London.
The Natural History Museum’s David Attenborough exhibits and experiences invite families to explore the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of Britain’s most beloved naturalist.
Kids can engage with interactive displays, marvel at dinosaur skeletons, and discover fascinating facts about wildlife and conservation. The museum’s immersive approach ensures a fun and educational outing, sparking curiosity about science and nature in visitors of all ages.
Hampstead Heath’s historic ponds are among London’s best wild swimming spots, offering a unique outdoor adventure for families. With separate men’s, women’s, and mixed ponds, everyone can enjoy a refreshing dip surrounded by nature. The ponds are lifeguarded and set in the scenic expanse of Hampstead Heath, making them a popular choice for families looking to combine swimming with a picnic or nature walk.
For a tranquil escape, the Secret Lavender Garden near Epsom, launched by Mayfield Lavender in 2025, offers a peaceful alternative to the busier Banstead fields. This limited-capacity site features lush lavender rows, orchard views, and wildlife spotting, with special golden hour sessions and picnic options.
The on-site Glasshouse Café and Gift Shop add to the experience, making it a magical summer day out for families seeking beauty and calm just under an hour from central London.
The LEGO® Play Pavilion in Kensington Gardens provides a creative playground for kids to build, explore, and let their imaginations run wild. This interactive attraction features themed play zones, hands-on building activities, and special LEGO® events, all set in one of London’s most beautiful royal parks. It’s a must-visit for LEGO® fans and a great way for families to combine outdoor fun with inventive play.

Jurassic World: The Experience at Battersea Power Station brings the blockbuster film franchise to life with a spectacular, immersive adventure. Families can step through dramatic gates into a 28,000-square-foot venue transformed into a prehistoric wilderness, complete with sunlight-dappled floors, lush foliage, and the sights and sounds of the Jurassic period.
Highlights include life-sized, moving dinosaurs like Brachiosaurus, raptors, and the iconic T-Rex, as well as interactive scenes inspired by the films. Kids will love meeting baby dinosaurs such as Bumpy from Camp Cretaceous and exploring the Hammond Creation Lab to learn how the dinosaurs were brought to life.

Inspired by the hit TV show, Race Across The World: The Experience transforms London into an action-packed playground for families and groups. Participants embark on a 2-3 hour private team adventure, racing against the clock to solve puzzles, manage a budget, and explore both hidden gems and iconic city landmarks.
The immersive experience emphasises teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking, with teams scored on their time and remaining budget daily and weekly champions are crowned.

Located on Oxford Street, the Twist Museum is a mind-bending playground that explores the fascinating world of perception through over 80 interactive exhibits. Created in collaboration with artists, neuroscientists, and philosophers, this museum invites families to dive into hypnotising tunnels of colour, experiment with neon lights that respond to movement, and even stick their heads into a kaleidoscope. Every corner is designed to challenge your senses and provide endless photo opportunities, making it equally fun for kids and adults.
Many restaurants in London offer deals where kids eat free, often with the purchase of an adult meal during school holidays and year round.
🍽️ Barbican Centre: Children under 10 eat free from the kids’ menu with an adult meal over £10.
🍴Gordon Ramsay Restaurants: Kids under 8 eat free at select locations (Heddon Street Kitchen, Bread Street Kitchen & Bars, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, and Pizza East) on weekdays.
🍽️ Pizza East, Shoreditch: Kids eat free every weekday, with options like lasagne and pizza.
🍴Bella Italia: Kids eat free every Thursday and for £1 between 4-6pm, Sunday to Wednesday.
🍽️ Bill’s: Up to two kids (10 and under) eat free with each adult meal, any day except Saturday and Sunday.
🍴Franco Manca: At selected locations, kids 12 and under get a free pizza with a full-priced adult meal.
🍽️ Las Iguanas: Kids eat free year-round with a loyalty program signup.
🍴The Hoxton Hotel: Free meals for kids under 10 on Saturdays and Sundays between 12pm-5pm with a dining adult.
🍽️ Harvey Nichols: Kids under 12 eat free on Sundays, or every day with a REWARDS program membership.
🍴The Real Greek: One free child’s meal for every £10 spent by an adult on Sundays.
🍽️ Club Mexicana: One free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased available every school holiday at their Soho branch.
🍴 Big Easy: Children under 10 can dine for £9.90 with every adult meal purchased.
🍽️ Sea Containers: Two courses for £10 for children.
🍴 Kricket: During school holidays, all of their locations Brixton, Soho, Canary Wharf, and Shoreditch, are offering free meals for children under 12 from 12pm to 5pm every day.
🍽️ Frankie & Benny’s: Kids can eat for free every day from Friday 23rd May to Sunday 1st June 2025, while adults can enjoy 2-for-1 brunch across the Bank Holiday weekend (24-26th May).
London offers a wealth of free activities for children, making it an ideal destination for family-friendly adventures especially if you’re on a budget! The city boasts numerous world-class museums, including the British Museum, Science Museum, and Natural History Museum, where kids can explore history, science, and nature. Art enthusiasts can enjoy free workshops and exhibitions at renowned galleries like Tate Modern and the National Gallery. London’s expansive parks and gardens, such as Hyde Park and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, provide ample space for outdoor fun and exploration.
Who doesn’t love a musical, hey? We’re lucky here in London with a musical theatre scene that’s the envy of the world. Mormons, witches, lions, genies – you name it, there’s a musical with basically everything here.
Kid-friendly options in town include the Tim Minchin-helmed ‘Matilda’ and ‘Disney’s The Lion King’ – an award-winning show which follows Simba on his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. Hakuna Matata!
📍 Various stations.
🕒 Various dates and start times.
For families seeking exciting day trips from London, there’s plenty to choose from within an hour’s journey. Bekonscot Model Village offers a miniature world for children to explore, while Maldon Promenade provides scenic walks, playgrounds, and water activities. History enthusiasts can visit the Roald Dahl Museum, Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn’s childhood home), or Hampton Court Palace for interactive historical experiences. For magical adventures, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour showcases the world of Harry Potter, and Legoland Windsor boasts over 55 rides and attractions. Nature lovers can enjoy the Spa Valley Railway through Kent’s countryside or visit Brighton for seaside fun.
From Warhol to Banksy, Harring to Basquiat, and beyond, the Moco Museum is an awesome place to garner a deeper appreciation for the vast creativity seen within the modern and contemporary art worlds. Discover the limitless possibilities of multi-sensory art through over 100 artworks by over 35 artists. There’s even an unmissable exhibition of pop-icon Robbie Williams’ art—and yes, it’s the Robbie you’re thinking of! For more info and tickets, click here.
📍 Nearest station is Marble Arch.
🕒 Various opening hours; check online.
🎟️ Get your tickets here.

Step into the blocky world of Minecraft at the immersive Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue in Canada Water, now extended until September 28 due to popular demand.
This hands-on adventure lets families and fans work together to save villagers, collecting resources, battling mobs, and exploring seven vibrant rooms filled with interactive projections. Using state-of-the-art tech, your real-life movements translate directly into the Minecraft universe, making this a must-try for both newcomers and seasoned players. Plus, every visitor receives an exclusive in-game cape for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition as a special memento.

A world of optical illusions awaits at Paradox Museum, a mind-bending immersive experience that seeks to educate, delight, and play with your perception. Here in London, there are over 50 different installations, including a Zero Gravity Room, an Upside-Down Room, and a Camouflage exhibit. Some rooms are geared more towards kids and teenagers, while there’s also information on the science behind some of the illusions for the inquisitive ones in your group.
📍 Nearest station is Knightsbridge.
🕒 Paradox Museum is open daily, from 10am. Closing times vary.
🎟️ Get your tickets here. 

Hobbledown Heath is London’s largest adventure playground, so arguably one of the greatest things to do with kids in London, especially for the younger ones. With both indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a series of play villages amidst woodland, and even mini animal farms, there is plenty to get excited about. Wrap up warm and enjoy!
📍 Nearest station is Hounslow Central.
🕒 Hobbledown Heath is open daily: Mon–Thurs, 9.30am–5.30pm; Fri, 9.30am–7pm; and Sat–Sun, 9am–7pm. During school holidays, Hobbledown Heath opens at 9am. 
🎟️ Get your tickets here. 
The Times recently highlighted the Thames Barrier as London’s most underrated tourist attraction, a remarkable engineering marvel spanning 520 metres across the River Thames. Comprising 10 massive steel gates, each weighing 3,300 tonnes, the barrier protects 125 square kilometres of central London from flooding. Visitors can witness these gates being lifted during monthly maintenance tests, rising as high as a five-storey building, and can learn more about its history at the Thames Barrier Information Centre.
Beyond the Thames Barrier, there are several other hidden gems in London, including the Chelsea Physic Garden (the oldest botanical garden in the capital), Lock & Co hatters (the world’s oldest hat shop), the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art, Inns of Court, Emery Walker’s House, The Cinema Museum, and the WWT London Wetland Centre.
With outdoor activities being limited with the chillier weather, there’s no better way to entertain your little one with a day at the Natural History Museum. Little ones from age 4 and over will have the chance to get up close to the amazing animals and learn more about them in a 45-minute experience. Don’t miss the Teach Rex show either – an interactive prehistoric journey all about the Tyrannosaurus rex. There’s plenty more to keep your little one occupied for the day!
Bring your little ones’ favourite TV characters to life at CBeebies Rainbow Adventure Live in Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush. This colourful, performer-led journey invites families to help find missing colours and light up the CBeebies Rainbow, with stops in themed rooms inspired by beloved shows like Hey Duggee, Bluey, JoJo & Gran Gran, and Mr Tumble. The 55-minute experience ends with a magical photo opportunity with either Duggee or Bluey (or both with a Standard Plus ticket), creating unforgettable memories for CBeebies fans of all ages.
Year round, the legendary London Zoo is a great family day out in London. Founded in 1828, it’s the world’s oldest scientific zoo, and houses almost 20,000 different animals, making it one of the largest collections in the entire United Kingdom. There’s everything here from African hunting dogs to pygmy hippos and Komodo dragons, and numerous different habitats to boot too. Add on a whole host of different experiences your wee’uns can get involved with – including being a junior keeper for the day – and you’ve got yourself a brilliant day out on the cards!
📍 Nearest station is Mornington Crescent.
🕒 The zoo is open daily from 10am-6pm.
🎟️ Get your tickets here. 
Sick of the kids bouncing off the walls at home? Take them somewhere they can really channel that energy and do it for real, while you sit down with a cup of coffee and gawp at their cool moves. Here’s our roundup of some flippin’ good trampoline parks in London.
Simply blowing bubbles is a fun pastime as a kid anyway, and Bubble Planet has taken this notion and multiplied it tenfold. Unlike traditional bubbles, the bubbles at Bubble Planet won’t disappear once popped. Instead, this museum of bubbles enlists all five of your senses in multiple rooms of multiple bubble types. There is a hot air balloon flight simulation room; a VR experience room, where you see the world as you become a bubble yourself; a room filled to the brim with oversized balloons; and much much more.
Some egg-tra fun will be hopping (or is that popping?) into Bubble Planet for the Easter holidays (April 11–21), as you and your family let your creative streak run wild with Easter egg decorating.
📍 Nearest station is Wembley Park.
🕒 Bubble Planet opens every day, apart from Tuesday. Times vary. 
🎟️ Get your tickets here. 
When it comes to the best things to do in London with kids, we can’t not mention the plethora of green spaces and flower-filled gardens, which are dotted about the city. There’s nothing better than getting out and about in the fresh air. We’ve actually got over a hundred to choose from, so surely you’ll find one that takes your fancy!
📍 Various stations.
🕒 Various opening hours.
Home to over 500 different species in 14 different themed zones, a visit to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a must if you’re looking for things to do in London with kids. There’s everything from gentoo penguins to red-bellied piranhas here, and it’s a great spot to teach your little ones about the underwater world and the marine creatures which reside within it.
Come face to face with the ocean’s most feared (and misunderstood) predators at the jaw-dropping ‘Shark Walk’, catch some rays – well, not literally – at the ‘Ray Lagoon’, tickle a sea anemone in the ‘Rock Pool’ and dodge the jellyfish at the aquarium’s stunning ‘Ocean Invaders’ exhibit. Snap up your tickets to the SEALIFE London Aquarium now.
📍 Nearest station is Waterloo.
🕒 The aquarium is open from 10am-4pm during the weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends.
Explore the Science Museum after dark and camp out beneath the exhibits, including rockets and moon rocks. You’ll witness interactive demonstrations and take part in science experiments… even catch a documentary on the museum’s iconic IMAX screen. Read all about it here.
📍 Nearest station is South Kensington.
🕒 The next dates are June 21, and July 12.
Gravity MAX will be spread across three floors, boasting VR games, a karting track, a ginormous arcade, and so much more. They have an existing venue in Wandsworth, which is still mega, but this is set to be Gravity’s biggest and best venue yet. Here’s everything we know about it so far.
📍 Nearest station is Stratford. 
An oldie but a goodie. The English capital is chock-a-block full of iconic landmarks, and what better way to see them than by joining a hop-on and hop-off bus tour? With the ‘Tootbus London Discovery Bus Tour’, you’ll make your way around the heart of the city and see London’s best landmarks from the comfort of your very own open-top bus (some buses have a cover for rain).
Points of interest will include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and many more.
📍 Various stations.
🕒 Available daily: Mon–Fri, 9am–4.20pm; and Sat–Sun, 9am–5pm.
🎟️ Get your tickets here. 
Whether you’re a dab hand with heights or want to face your fears with some sky-high challenges, Gripped offers up an adrenaline rush unlike anything else in London. There’s a whole host of fear-conquering activities to try out, from high ropes to zip lines, trust jumps, and more. Do keep in mind that all activities have age and/or height restrictions – so not all of the activities are suitable for all children. To enjoy all of the activities, your kids will need to be at least 1.4m tall, but the net and trampoline park is available for everyone aged 4 and over. Read all about the Gripped adventure park here.
📍 Nearest station is Hounslow Central.
🕒 Open Friday to Sunday.
🎟️ Get your tickets here.
The award-winning London race track, Capital Karts, has unveiled an all-new child-centric racing experience. There’s no need to wait until they’re grown, with anyone aged 7+ and over 120cm in height able to strap in and race away. Designed with top-tier safety standards, and making use of a brand-new fleet of child-friendly karts, it’s thrilling but perfectly safe! There are also multiple sessions available for different age groups, making it even more fun for everyone involved.
Afterwards, kick back and shake off the adrenaline in the plush lounge area with panoramic floor-to-ceiling views. They’ve got plenty of snacks and drinks to recharge you before you hit the tracks for a second go-around!
📍Nearest station is Canary Wharf.
🕒 Capital Karts runs their kid-friendly sessions every Saturday and Sunday morning, and from 9am – 5pm on weekdays.
Captivating Candlelight concerts are also for kids— it’s never too soon to start appreciating good music. If your child is aged 8+, then taking them to a candlelit performance at a spectacular venue is sure to put a smile on their face. Young Swifties can enjoy a tribute to Taylor or fans of legendary groups like ABBA, Queen, and more will love hearing classical twists on catchy hits.
📍 Various.
🕒 Various times.
🎟️ Get your tickets here.
Have you heard? Ten DLRs now have stickers to emulate control panels at the front of the train, meaning you your child can live out their “I’m driving the train!” moment in an even more convincing way. There is also a QR code attached to each panel that allows the ‘drivers’ to add Instagram filters to themselves – getting the coveted front seat on your journey has become even more attractive, right?
These 10 trains are part of a trial; if these ‘control panels’ prove popular, they’ll be rolled out to all 149 DLR trains. Find out more here.
📍 Various.
🕒 Various times.

The Globe Theatre will enchant kids and adults alike, with Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour. Expert guides will bring the theatre’s history to life, detailing the landmark’s past with the plague and fire, and look at how it came to stand on Bankside today.
Tickets also include access to the theatre’s immersive exhibition, where younger visitors can have a go at creating a thunderstorm on stage, as would have been done in Shakespeare’s day, try on some of the Globe’s most iconic costumes, and even take a whiff of some Elizabethan London smelling boxes.
📍 Nearest stations are Blackfriars and Mansion House.
🕒 Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour runs daily.
Elsewhere at the destination venue of Battersea Power Station, Lift 109 is an utterly uplifting activity to do with kids – quite literally. Step into the glass lift for unrivalled, 360-degree views of the surrounding area, as you ascend one of the iconic building’s chimneys (you’ll travel 109 metres up – hence the name).
As well as the astounding views, Lift 109 also has a selection of carefully curated multi-media displays in the Turbine Hall A waiting area, where you and the kids can delve into the building’s history, and learn how it generated energy.
📍Nearest station is Battersea Power Station. 
🕒 Lift 109 is open daily: Mon–Wed, 10am–6pm; and Thurs-Sun, and school holidays, 10am–8pm.

London is famous for its waterways, and some of the best views in town come from the network of canals, reservoirs and bloomin’ huge river that criss-crosses it. From exhilarating speedboat rides out to the Thames Barrier to Uber Boat by Thames Clippers , which make the journey from Putney all the way east to Woolwich, there are plenty of ways in which to explore the mighty River Thames.
📍 Various stations.
🕒 Schedules vary; please check with specific service providers.
London for kids I hear you ask… Our beloved capital is pretty much the epicentre for all things Harry Potter, so if your young’uns are fans of the franchise then they’ll be happier than the winner of the house cup. After all, where can you pose for a photo at the Platform 9¾, go on a walking tour of filming locations – including The Leaky Cauldron and the Ministry of Magic – and watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – all in one day?! Here’s our guide to some spellbinding spots that Harry Potter fans will love.
As if that wasn’t enough, you can also stay at a distinctly Hogwartsian hotel room at Georgian House in Pimlico. Expect stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, trunks, cauldrons, and four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains, all hidden behind a secret door.
📍 Various stations.
🕒 Various dates and opening times.
When you hear the word ‘London’, we’re sure the first thing that springs to mind isn’t ‘farmyard’, but London Town always has a way of throwing up surprises. Perfect for kids, Hackney City Farm is one of the best spots in the city if you’re looking to make some friends of the animal variety.
It’s free, is situated smack-bang in the middle of Hoxton and Cambridge Heath, and has pigs, ducks, geese, goats, sheep and a resident celebrity donkey called Clover, who does parades all over London when the time permits. If you’d rather stay south of the river, Vauxhall City Farm is another great family activity in London will give you the chance to meet a pair of alpacas who starred in none other than ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ – get your photo requests ready.
📍 Nearest station is Hoxton.
🕒 The farm is open every day, except Mondays, from 10am-4.30pm. 
Make your way to London’s beautiful Kensington Gardens, where you’ll find the incredible Diana Memorial Playground, built in memory of the late Princess Diana. Diana famously loved the innocence of childhood, much like a certain Peter Pan. So, rather fittingly, this play space was created right by her former Kensington Palace home, with a huge wooden pirate ship at its centre.
📍 Nearest station is Queensway. 
🕥 The Diana Memorial Playground is open all year round, opening at 10am each day. Closing times vary with the daylight, but you can find out more about that here. 
Keeping with the theme of donkeys, the next addition to this roundup of the best things to do in London with kids will allow you to meet another famous mule – this time of the animated kind.
‘Shrek’s Adventure’ will let you jump into an action-packed fairytale world and escape to the land of Far Far Away with an 70-minute immersive adventure, featuring 12 captivating live shows. Along with Donkey, you’ll also meet other famous characters – including Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, Gingerbread Man and Shrek himself – and will even get to have photos with some of them.
📍 Nearest station is Waterloo.
🕒 The attraction is open from 10am-3pm on Mondays and 10am-4pm on every other day.
“This way to Traitor’s Gate!” Ok, so thankfully this is no longer a thing, but pay a visit to the Tower of London and you’ll have some inkling of what Anne Boleyn and other famous prisoners may have experienced on the way to the chopping block.
Founded in 1066, this infamous UNESCO-listed building has been used as a historic palace, a fortress and a prison. Get up close to the Crown Jewels, meet the legendary Yeoman Warders and be regaled with tales from the Tudors and beyond, as you explore this magnificent place.
📍 Nearest station is Tower Hill.
🕒 The tower is open from 10am-5.30pm on Sundays and Mondays and 9am-5.30pm on every other day.
So, there you have it, some of the very best things to do with kids in London. Get out there and discover these family-friendly activities in the city and create lasting memories with your little ones!