May half term 2026 runs Saturday 23-Sunday 31 May 2026 for most London schools (which includes the late May bank holiday on Monday 25 May). We've selected some family-friendly events and things to do in London — however old your kids are, and whatever your budget.
Half term events in London
MCM COMIC CON: Dust off your cape — MCM Comic Con is back at Excel London. Guest stars include Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk from TV show Firefly, Dylan Llewllyn (the "wee English fella" from Derry Girls), and Barry Gordon (who voiced Donatello in the original animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Meet them and other famous faces, along with author talks, costume competitions and more. 22-24 May 2026
THE BIG BAHOOEY: Try juggling, plate spinning or wire walking, dance at a silent disco, or belt out a tune at the singalongs — just some of the entertainment on offer at the family-friendly Big Bahooey festival in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace over the late May bank holiday weekend. Even better, it's included in palace admission. 23-25 May 2026
FOODIES FESTIVAL: Head to Syon Park for Foodies Festival, a three-day celebration of all things edible, with a side of live music and, crucially for families, children's entertainment, including a Kids Cook School led by specialist teachers. Gareth Gates, Boyzlife and Scouting For Girls are among the performers on the main stage over the weekend. 23-25 May 2026
CARIBBEAN CONNECTIONS: The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden offers a half term programme of family activities exploring Caribbean culture and its connections with London's transport history. Expect storytelling, hands‑on crafts, music, themed trails and simple cookery activities — all included in museum admission. 23-31 May 2026
WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT: This May half term, London Zoo attempts to achieve the Guinness World Record for the most contributions to a painting-by-numbers. The artworks features 200 animals to celebrate the 200th birthday of ZSL, with everyone welcome to take part in completing it, alongside other activities running throughout half term. 23-31 May 2026
HEROES OF THE AIR: Kids can discover what it takes to become an aviation hero at the RAF Museum's Heroes of the Air week. Use Lego bricks to design and build your own aircraft, fly a remote control helicopter, or take part in a paper plane flying contest — and check out the museum's excellent exhibits while you're there. 23-31 May 2026
ZOOTROPOLIS 2: Outdoor cinema season is well underway in London, and while many screenings are for adults only, there is the occasional treat for younger viewers. On the first Sunday of May half term, the Peckham branch of Rooftop Cinema Club holds a family-friendly screening of animated caper Zootropolis 2. 24 May 2026
THEATRE FAMILY DAY: Speaking of outdoor culture, the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has organised a Family Day, with performances and activities including a family rave, a classical concert designed for younger listeners, and a chance to play some finger sports. 24 May 2026
CANAL BOAT RIDE: The excellent London Canal Museum in King's Cross offers occasional family fun days, which include themed activities for children, and a ride on a canal boat through the St Pancras Lock. Take inspiration from what you see along the ride, and create your own nature crown when you get back to the museum. 26 May 2026
GAME DESIGN: 7-11 year-olds can spend a day learning the basics of game design, using a mix of physical and virtual tools to create characters, 13-bit layouts and playable levels, at ArtsDepot in North Finchley. 26 May 2026
CIRCUS CAMP: Alternatively, if your tribe wants to learn some more active skills, sign them up for the three-day Circus Camp at Jacksons Lane (Archway). 8-14 year-olds can learn how to diabolo, spin plates and balance on a walking globe (not necessarily all at the same time), as well as juggling and acrobatics. 26-28 May 2026
FUTURE SOANE: Sir John Soane's Museum holds a four-hour creative session for 8-12 year‑olds that combines a short tour of the museum with model‑making, construction, collage, drawing and painting, inspired by the surroundings. 27 May 2026
DESIGN AND WORLDBUILDING: The current Wes Anderson exhibition is the inspiration for the Design Museum's Design and Worldbuilding family day. Take part in a series of short creative workshops for 5-11 year-olds and their families. 29 May 2026
CLAYTIME: Coming to Woolwich Works, Claytime is an interactive show combined with a chance to play with clay, for kids aged three to six. Each session is unique, with new worlds, characters and stories created from clay. 29 May 2026
FAMILY SCIENCE DAY: All budding scientists, curious minds and fun-seeking families are invited to the Royal Institution's family fun day, with a theme of Remarkable Reactions. Watch talks and demonstrations in the theatre, and take part in experiments yourself in different rooms throughout the building. 30 May 2026
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Half term at an immersive ancient Egyptian extravaganza
Nearly all kids go through an ancient Egypt phase, and if yours haven’t yet, we're very confident that Cleopatra: The Immersive Experience will trigger one. This top rated exhibition brings history to life in spectacular style. It invites visitors of all ages to discover the secrets of Egypt's last queen through a dazzling mix of real artefacts, interactive displays, a VR experience, a free roaming metaverse and even a hologram show.
Half term's the perfect time for families to visit, thanks to a range of special activities including themed arts and crafts, face painting — all included with the price of admission.
That's on top of all the usual child-friendly (and stealthily educational) fun Cleopatra: The Immersive Experience has to offer — like the chance to soar above the city of Alexandria in an eight-metre-high cinematic projection room. And to enter Cleopatra's royal chamber via the metaverse. And to roam ruins in search of the queen's lost tomb as part of a seated full motion VR experience.
What's more, if you book by Sunday 10 May, you can also enjoy 20% off tickets for half term visits.
This 90-minute+ experience can be found at Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront (just a short walk from the eastern end of the IFS Cloud Cable Car line, if you fancy taking the scenic route — it costs £5 to ride if you show your Cleopatra ticket). Get your tickets here.
Family-friendly exhibitions
JURASSIC OCEANS: Get to know the marine reptiles that once ruled the seas — pliosaurs, ichthyosaurs and the mosasaur — through fossils, hands-on objects and interactive displays at the Natural History Museum's new exhibition, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep. Touch a mosasaur tooth, feel a replica shark's skin and explore bite-sized science. From 22 May 2026
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY: Older kids and teenagers — especially those who love animals or are handy with a camera — should enjoy Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. It's one of our annual favourites. Until July 2026
FAIRY TALES: Interactive displays, theatrical design, costumes and activities feature in family-friendly exhibition Fairy Tales at the British Library. Familiar characters and magical creatures are brought to life as you learn how fairy tales have been transformed through time. You can step into a couple of tales too, by sitting at the Three Bears' breakfast table, telling the genie your wish and smelling the wicked witch's potions. Until 23 August 2026
WALLACE & GROMIT: We suspect parents will enjoy this one as much as kids: The Young V&A in Bethnal Green celebrates 50 years of stop-motion studio Aardman with an exhibition dedicated to Wallace & Gromit, plus other Aardman characters. Cracking! Until 15 November 2026
VOYAGE TO THE DEEP: The Horniman Museum's current exhibition, Voyage to the Deep, is inspired by Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, and invites you to command the Nautilus submarine, meet deep-sea creatures, and test your submariner skills. Until November 2026
THE JOLLY POSTMAN: Take the kids inside the world of Janet and Allan Ahlberg's children's book The Jolly Postman, at the Postal Museum. The interactive exhibition has visitors following his delivery rounds, through the woods to the Three Bears' cottage, to Cinderella at the palace, and the Wicked Witch's gingerbread bungalow. Original artwork from the book is on display too. Until January 2027
Family-friendly London theatre shows
SHERLOCK HOLMES: One for teenagers (recommended age 12+) , the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre hosts a production of Sherlock Holmes, a thrilling new adventure featuring Holmes and Watson hurtling through the streets of London and down the River Thames to the heart of Regent's Park. 2 May-6 June 2026
WAR HORSE: The National Theatre's much-lauded (and rightly so) production of Michael Morpurgo's novel War Horse returns home to the Olivier Theatre, telling the story of one boy's attempts to find his beloved horse Joey when they are separated at the outbreak of the First World War. Incredible puppetry is used to depict the equine character. 16 May-30 July 2026
PLANET OMAR: A new stage adaptation of Zanib Mian's Planet Omar comes to the Unicorn Theatre, telling the story of a young boy who faces a whirlwind of challenges when his family moves to a new neighbourhood: a new school, an unfriendly neighbour, and a bully. Age seven+. 21 May-7 June 2026
THE CAT IN THE HAT: It's never too early to introduce little ones to the genius of Dr Seuss, so take them along to Harrow Arts Centre for The Cat In The Hat. Get to know the funniest, most mischievous cat, with the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas... and a towering headpiece to boot. Age three+. 23-24 May 2026
ANNIE THE MUSICAL: Tomorrow, tomorrow... you can bet your bottom dollar your kids will still be singing songs from Annie The Musical, which makes a week-long stop at the New Wimbledon Theatre on its UK tour, telling the story of a young girl living in Miss Hannigan's orphanage in 1930s New York. 23-30 May 2026
BUG SHOW: Poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko present The Great Big Bug Show, a family show of poems, raps and songs about insects and other small creatures, with live music and audience participation. See it at Stanley Arts in Croydon. 27 May 2026
CINDERELLA ICE CREAM SELLER: For just one day, Paddington's Grand Junction presents Cinderella Ice Cream Seller, a musical retelling of the well-known fairy tale in which Cinderella's is the most popular ice cream parlour in the whole kingdom. Age five+. 27 May 2026
WOLF BOY: Head up to Enfield for an outdoor theatre performance in the grounds of Forty Hall. Wolf Boy is an immersive and interactive adventure that takes place through the grounds, about Wilf who renames himself Wolf Boy after he's banned from playing in his tree house. 27 May 2026
SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW: Kids think science is boring? The Spectacular Science Show at Leicester Square Theatre will show them otherwise (and entertain the adults of the family too). Presenter Mark Thompson carries out exciting experiments on stage, in a show featuring exploding elephant's toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and howling jelly babies. 30 May 2026
COMEDY 4 KIDS: Comedian James Campbell performs a show packed full of laughs especially for a younger audience, at the Museum of Comedy. Expect hilarious nonsense such as exploding penguins, 17 ways to eat jam and songs to sing to the worms in your dog's bottom... lovely. 30-31 May 2026
WEST END MUSICALS: A few of London's long-running musicals are great for family theatre trips, including The Lion King, Paddington and Matilda. Older kids and teenagers might enjoy Mamma Mia!, Wicked and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With only a few months left to run in the West End, Disney's Hercules is a safe bet for feel-good entertainment.
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO: The Royal Shakespeare Company's charming and perennially popular stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they meet Totoro and the Catbus in the forest near their new home. It's on at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, and suitable for ages six+. Currently booking until August
COME ALIVE!: Based on The Greatest Showman, Come Alive! mixes West End musical talent with international circus stars under a 700‑seat big top at the Empress Museum in Earl's Court. Watch a brand new story inspired by the film take shape in front of you, featuring familiar songs including This Is Me and Rewrite The Stars. Age five+. Currently booking until 2027
Free things to do in London in half term
OCTONAUTS: In addition to the (paid) Voyage to the Deep exhibition (above), Forest Hill's Horniman Museum also had a free Octonauts adventure trail running through the museum and gardens. Pick up your trail guide at the ticket desk, and take part in mini-missions including searching for shells and designing your own underwater vehicle. FREE, until 1 November 2026
MICHAEL ROSEN'S BIRTHDAY: Children's author Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th with story sessions, silly rhymes, special guests and birthday activities for families at Southbank Centre. FREE, 23 May 2026
GREENWICH DOG SHOW: All dogs, big and small, well-behaved or wonderfully mischievous are welcome to take part in the Greenwich Dog Show in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College. Competition categories include waggiest tail, glorious golden oldie and cutest pup. FREE to watch (but ticketed), 24 May 2026
FAMILY FILM CLUB: Riverside venue Fulham Pier holds a free family film club on two days during half term. The film being shown is kept under wraps until you arrive, but we're promised a "a much-loved family favourite" in a relaxed environment, where children are free to move and talk throughout the screening. FREE, 25-26 May 2026
GALLERY FAMILY DAY: Get creative at the National Portrait Gallery's family day, inspired by the current Catherine Opie exhibition. Use backdrops, costumes and poses to create a non-traditional family photo and unique family albums. Age three+. FREE, 26 May 2026
BISCUIT WORKSHOP: Make your own hardtack dough and shape a biscuit to take home and bake at the National Army Museum. Learn how hardtack featured in soldiers' rations and get hands-on with the recipe, with museum staff and resources. FREE, 26-27 May 2026
DRAWING WITH NATURE: Artists-in-residence at the London Museum Docklands lead an experimental drawing session using organic textures of naturally sourced pigments and foraged materials, instead of synthetic materials — think clay, coffee grounds and fruit and vegetable peelings. All materials are provided, but you're welcome to bring your own finds along too. FREE, 27 May 2026
DANCE PARTY: Though it's quite the mouthful, Prancer the Dancer's DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow at Southbank Centre is a great (and weather-proof!) way for the kids to let off any extra steam towards the end of half term. Dance with special guests from the worlds of cabaret and circus, and learn dance routines together, with gymnastics ribbons aplenty. FREE, 30 May 2026
PLAYGROUNDS: If the weather's playing nice, few things bring a smile to children's faces like a playground — and they're usually free, so it's a win for parents and carers too. Check out our map of playgrounds in central London — there are more than you might think, and many are located handily near tourist attractions so you can burn off excess energy on a day out.
FILM STATUES: If you find yourself in central London, and need something free to entertain the family, head to Leicester Square and let them hunt out these bronze sculptures of film stars. You might have to explain Gene Kelly and Laurel and Hardy to younger members of the family, but Paddington, Bugs Bunny and Mary Poppins will effortlessly charm them.
MUSEUMS: Plenty of London's museums are free entry all year round, and while you may have to pay for temporary exhibitions, there's generally plenty to entertain all ages in the permanent collections. Try the Science Museum for aeroplanes, Natural History Museum for animals, and London Museum Docklands for the Mudlarks interactive gallery. Do book ahead in the school holidays though, otherwise you might find yourselves in a very long queue!
FREE MAZE: Ever been to the Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze? The labyrinth is constructed of 2,000 yew trees, has been around for more than two decades, and is free to visit. It's a 10-minute walk from Hanwell station on the Elizabeth line, and there's a free playground, plus Hanwell Zoo (small entry fee) next door.
Family-friendly activities in London in half term
ICE SKATING: Christmas may still be a way off, but London has year-round ice skating rinks, including one slap bang in the middle of the Central line.
SWIMMING: We'll be honest: London in May could go either way. If the sun's shining, book a slot at one of the capital's magnificent outdoor swimming pools and lidos. If that's too optimistic, there are plenty of excellent indoor pools where you can splash around.
FARMS: City farms, zoos, wildlife reserves, aquariums... London is a great place to see animals, and we've mapped them all, to help you plan your next day out. Come face-to-face with lions, tigers and gorillas; stroke and feed goats, sheep and rabbits; or go looking for native wildlife at a nature reserve.
BEYOND ZONE ONE: Exhausted everything central London has to offer? Fancy exploring a new corner of the capital? Our guide to London's best attractions in the outer boroughs has loads of ideas (plus a handy map). Head north for sprawling gardens, aeroplanes and wetlands; south for caves, palaces and castles; east for Dr Who, David Bowie and neon art; or west for little-known museums (including one with its own railway), a secret underground bunker and a magnificent royal palace.
DAY TRIPS: Fancy getting out of London for a day or two? Take a gander at our Beyond London section for inspiration. Particularly child-friendly is a visit to the real-life Hundred Acre Wood, as featured in AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh books. Wellington Country Park is also an excellent bet for energetic kids. Otherwise, wear them out by sending them searching for the dozens of frogs hidden down this back street, or the entire solar system within sight of the M25.
AUTISTIC KIDS: Looking for things to do over the school holidays with autistic children? Check out our guide, which includes museums, theatres, sensory rooms and more.
TEENAGERS: Older kids and teenagers can be trickier to entertain, so have a read of our things to do in London with teenagers, covering everything from museums and exhibitions to shopping trips, a little-known neon art gallery, street art and more adventurous days out.
