Throughout August there are A LOT of family friendly events and activities to enjoy with the kids on the South Bank. Some are free, many are outdoors and all of them are fun.
Free activities for the kids
Families can enjoy a full day of outdoor adventure in South Bank. Splash around in the
outdoor fountains, with the return of everyone’s favourite water fountain installation,
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms, back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic; visit
the kids adventure playground, suitable for up to 11 year olds in the riverside haven of
Jubilee Gardens or for a splendid vista of London, why not climb the Garden Museum’s
medieval tower for glorious views of the capital – free to under 18s.
Young people aged 11-17 can get creative this summer, joining an introduction to poetry
at the Southbank Centre with a day of free workshops and readings with professional
poets to write, explore rap and rhyme, or take inspiration from the area’s iconic
skatepark and introduce the kids, aged 5+ to skateboarding with free lessons taking
place every Saturday morning with the House of Vans. Take a riverside walk towards the Tate to obliterate rooms with colourful stickers or to enjoy the buskers, bubble people throughout the southbank or the city beach.
Outdoor culture in South Bank
Cultural lovers can head to the National Theatre’s River Stage festival, back for the first
time since 2019. Celebrating the best of British, visitors can enjoy five weekends of
outdoor programming, across a range of performances, music, dance, family workshops
and theatre. Dive into contemporary Black art and culture with the Southbank Centre’s
summer season, Summer in the Black Fantastic, taking inspiration from the themes of
the Hayward Gallery exhibition or head over to the new four metre high public
installation, The Hop outside the Hayward Gallery, where you can create a dance routine,
have a picnic, or sit and enjoy the colourful reflections made by the artwork in the
summer sun. For more active cultural fun, take a walk through Leake Street Arches and admire the abundant display of street art or stroll along the Queens Walk where you can take in the
views of the river whilst being entertained by performers along your route.
Summer dining
South Bank offers a range of alfresco-drinking and dining options for every budget. Soak
up the summer sun at pop-up, Between the Bridges which offers everything from live
DJs to Drag brunches and Immersive Bingo, visit legendary BBQ riverside establishment,
Jimmy’s BBQ Club & Taqueria Garcia pop-up or KERB at the National Theatre, back with
a line up of authentic London food options all summer long. For something sweet, why
not head to La Gelatiera at the Oxo Tower where you can enjoy mouth watering
hand-made gelato by Antonio, the maestro. Kick up after a long-day and enjoy a
summery drink in a garden paradise at Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, home to over
200 wild native plants, a luscious lawn, views across London and a Cafe & Bar.
Find out more information on new openings, entertainment, dining and shopping and
visit southbanklondon.com