Looking for things to do in London in the summer holidays 2026? We've got you covered, from family days out in the capital to free, family-friendly activities if you're on a budget — plus day trips out of London that the kids will love, all while school's out!
Family days out in London: summer 2026
BEYOND ZONE ONE: Trying to think of somewhere new to visit? Venture out of central London, to one of our favourite attractions beyond Zone One. Castles, palaces, caves, museums and forests are all waiting to be explored — and there's no need to leave London to see them!
THEATRE SHOWS: A trip to the theatre is always a treat. Whether your family is into all-singing, all dancing-musicals, stage adaptations of classic kids' books, or interactive shows for younger children, you'll find something in our guide to London's best family-friendly theatre shows this summer. Time's running out to see Disney's Hercules musical, and for younger kids, Dog Man - the Musical comes to Southbank Centre.
SWIMMING: A kiddie favourite, London has an ocean of options for swimming, whatever the weather. From an Olympic venue to local leisure centres, these are some of London's best indoor pools. Also dive into London's outdoor pools and lidos for summer 2025.
ICE SKATING: London also has year-round ice rinks, including one slap bang in the middle of the Central line — so no need to wait for the festive season to get your fill of twirls and whirls.
BOATING: Few things excite kids more than boats, especially if you tell them they can have a go at rowing/pedalling themselves. With that in mind, pick one of our favourite boating lakes in London, chock full of swans, dragons and other fantastical vessels waiting to be hired out. Not up for doing the work yourselves? Kick back on one of London's best boat trips and watch the scenery roll by.
LONDON'S BEACHES: Craving the sand between your toes? Head to one of London's urban beaches, which pop up across the capital complete with sand, water features, deckchairs and all manner of entertainment. They're not all family-friendly, but there are options if you've got little ones to entertain.
FARMS AND ZOOS: Kids love animals? London's home to a couple of zoos, plus LOADS of farms, some natures reserves, and even an aquarium or two. Find your nearest one and plan an animal-themed day out, whether it's stroking bunny rabbits and goats, or coming face to face with tigers.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: Kids still singing about Bruno? Take them to a family-friendly screening at one of London's outdoor cinemas (some of which are free!) and replace their Encanto obsession with something new.
TEENAGERS: Older kids and teenagers can be trickier to entertain, but 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.
AUTISTIC KIDS: Looking for things to do in the school holidays with autistic children? Check out our guide, which includes museums, theatres, sensory rooms and more.
Summer holiday 2026 events in London
VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE: Got kids who are interested in all things royal? Take them inside Buckingham Palace at the annual opening of the State Rooms. It's open to all ages, though has more of interest for older kids and teenagers. 9 July-27 September 2026
PREHISTORIC PLANET: Lightroom in King's Cross brings back its latest popular exhibition, Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, taking you inside scenes from seasons one and two of Apple TV+'s Prehistoric Planet series. Surrounded by 360-degree visuals of dinosaurs, find out what the planet was like 66 million years ago. From 19 July 2026
PUPPET FESTIVAL: For the third summer, Little Angel Theatre in Islington runs a Children's Puppet Festival throughout the holidays, with puppet shows from various companies, as well as workshops for adults and children, and playcation days, with activities on a set theme. 28 July-30 August 2026
SHIP SLEEPOVER: Among the family-friendly event on board the Golden Hinde this summer is a family-friendly sleepover, designed for 5-10 year olds and their families. Spend the evening as if you were a member of the ship's crew during a voyage, with a mission briefing and weapons training, before bedding down on board. 31 July 2026
CBEEBIES HOUSE PARTY: The superstars of CBeebies – Evie, Joanna, George, Mister Maker and Duggee – join forces for a one-off live stage show and party at Southbank Centre. Described as "Glastonbury for kids", the show features all their favourite things: dancing, singing, streamers, giant jellies and bubbles galore. 25 August 2026
Family-friendly exhibitions in London: summer 2026
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
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
Free things to do in London in the summer holidays 2026
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL: On first glance, the crowds and noise of Notting Hill Carnival don't seem all that kid-friendly. But don't forget that the Sunday is normally family day, with a children's carnival and parade, before things ramp up on bank holiday Monday. Though it's the calmer day of Carnival, it can still be a fairly intense experience, with crowds, lots of noise, and often queues for toilets, food and drink, so may not be suitable for all kiddies, particularly younger ones. FREE, 30 August 2026
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
GDIF: Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is back towards the end of the school holidays, with two weeks of free outdoor theatre and performing arts. Though the programme isn't specifically designed for kids, there are usually plenty of family-friendly events to enjoy. FREE, 2026 dates TBC
PLAYGROUNDS: If the weather's playing ball, you can count on a playground to bring a smile to children's faces — and they're usually free! 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 some excess energy on a day out.
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 day trips from London this summer
Fancy getting out of London for a day or two? Take a look at our Beyond London section for inspiration. Particularly family-friendly ideas include:.
- SEASIDE: A classic day trip for all ages, find yourself a classic seaside resort or beach near London to visit in either Kent, Sussex or Essex.
- WINNIE THE POOH: A visit to the real-life Hundred Acre Wood in East Sussex as featured in AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh books.
- SLIDES, GOATS, AND A MINI RAILWAY: Find them all at Wellington Country Park, an excellent bet for energetic kids, located near Reading.
- CASTLES: We've got them by the countyful, in Kent, Sussex and Essex. Hever Castle is a particular favourite with families.
- PYO FRUIT: Somehow, it always tastes so much better when you pick it yourself. Strawberry season tails off by the time the summer holidays come around, but have a look at our guide to PYO farms near London to see what else is ready for picking, and when.
- SUNFLOWER FARMS: Alternatively, take the whole family for a day of sunflower bothering at one of these dazzling sunflower farms near London.
