London is an amazing place to explore during the school holidays, whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city like it’s your back garden! With world-class museums, exciting outdoor experiences, theatre under the stars, and unique seasonal events, there’s something for every kind of family adventure.
Here’s a round-up of the best family-friendly things to do in London during the school holidays, guaranteed to entertain kids and adults alike.
Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames
History gets hilariously messy aboard this interactive boat tour, created by the team behind the beloved Horrible Histories series. Sail along the Thames and hear all about the city’s gruesome, gory past—delivered with plenty of laughs. Great for curious kids and history-loving parents!
📍 Departs from Tower Bridge Quay
🕒Tickets required
The Play Pavilion – Kensington Gardens
The LEGO Group and SERPENTINE present PLAY Pavilion. A summer long celebration of play and creativity featuring communal LEGO® installation, brick build challenges, talks, tournaments, exclusive giveaways and a curated range of guests. Nestled in the beautiful Kensington Gardens, it's ideal for a low-pressure, high-fun day out.
📍 Near the Albert Memorial
🕒Free and ticketed events available
Science Museum – “Power Up” Gaming Exhibition
Perfect for older kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike, Power Up is a hands-on gaming exhibition where you can play your way through 50 years of video game history, from retro arcade classics to cutting-edge consoles. It’s fast-paced, educational, and a ton of fun.
📍 Science Museum, South Kensington
🕒Tickets required for Power Up zone
St James’s Park – Pelican Feeding
A hidden gem! Every day at 2:30pm, you can watch the park’s famous resident pelicans being fed by the lake near Duck Island Cottage. It’s a relaxing and quirky treat, especially for animal-loving kids. Combine it with a walk to Buckingham Palace nearby.
📍 St James’s Park, near Horse Guards Parade
🕒Free
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Introduce your children to theatre in one of London’s most magical venues. Set beneath the trees, this open-air stage hosts family-friendly shows throughout the summer holidays. Keep an eye out for musicals and classic adaptations designed just for kids.
📍 Inner Circle, Regent’s Park
🕒Tickets required
Natural History Museum
Still a firm family favourite, with its roaring animatronic T-Rex, towering blue whale, and brand-new galleries designed for hands-on learning. During the holidays, look out for free science shows, themed trails, and pop-up events.
📍 South Kensington
🕒Free (special exhibitions may cost extra)
Tower of London
Explore real history in the place where it happened! See the Crown Jewels, meet the Yeoman Warders (aka Beefeaters), and discover centuries of secrets inside these iconic fortress walls. Family trails and storytelling events are often available during school breaks.
📍 Tower Hill
🕒Tickets required (family discounts available)
ArcelorMittal Orbit & Slide
For thrill-seekers: zoom down the world’s longest tunnel slide at this Olympic Park landmark. Before your descent, take in the skyline from one of London’s highest viewing platforms.
📍 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford
🕒Tickets required
West End Family Shows
Don’t miss magical musicals like The Lion King, Matilda, Frozen, and Mrs. Doubtfire. Many West End theatres offer family matinees and booster seats, plus behind-the-scenes workshops during school holidays.
📍 Various theatres in the West End
🕒Tickets required (book early!)
Parks & Picnics
London’s royal parks are perfect for letting off steam. Try the Diana Memorial Playground (Peter Pan-themed) in Kensington Gardens, pedal boats in Hyde Park, or the sweeping views from Greenwich Park. Bring a picnic and make a full day of it!
📍Various locations
🕒Free
Thames River Cruise
Hop aboard for a sightseeing adventure along the River Thames. Many cruises feature live commentary or audio guides, and some even have themed kid-friendly tours (like Horrible Histories). It’s a great way to link up attractions like the London Eye and Tower Bridge.
📍 Departs from various piers
🕒Tickets required
The London Eye
End your day with a ride on the London Eye. It’s one of the best panoramic views in the city, and kids will love spotting all the landmarks from above.
📍 South Bank
🕒Tickets required
Ultimate Activity Camps
At Ultimate Activity Camps, children aged 4–14 can enjoy over 40 exciting sports, games, and creative activities each week, led by inspiring staff in fantastic locations! With all staff, facilities, and activities meeting rigorous Ofsted standards, you can relax knowing your child is safe, active, and having fun.
- Camps run Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm
- Book by the day or week
- Childcare vouchers accepted
Running in Fulham, Clapham, Kew, Putney, Kingston, Surbiton, and Sutton - there’s something for everyone this summer!
Final Tips for Parents:
- Book attractions in advance, especially during school holidays.
- Use family railcards or travelcards for discounts on transport and admission.
- Pack a change of clothes for younger kids, between fountains, playgrounds, and the occasional downpour, you’ll thank yourself!
Whether you’re in search of wild animals, hands-on science, theatrical thrills, or just a great place to run around, London has it all for families during the holidays.