Activities Art Art Gallery

Family-friendly London days out with air con (for when it’s way too hot outside)

Young LondonistBy
When London decides to suddenly become the Mediterranean, finding somewhere family-friendly with air con becomes a priority. Luckily, the city has plenty of indoor days out that keep both kids entertained and parents cool.

From immersive experiences and aquariums to museums that kids won’t instantly complain about, here are 10 family-friendly London activities perfect for a hot day.

1. The Postal Museum

A woman and two children engaged in a hands-on activity at a museum, observing toy vehicles racing on a track.
June 2019 The Postal Museum Families Photo Shoot

One of London’s most underrated family attractions, The Postal Museum combines history with hands-on fun. The biggest highlight for kids is the underground Mail Rail — a miniature train that travels through old tunnels once used to transport post beneath London. There are also interactive exhibits, play areas and plenty to keep younger children engaged, making it a great indoor option during hot weather. Tickets from £21 more info and booking here.

2. Bubble Planet

If your child loves immersive experiences, Bubble Planet is an easy win. Expect giant bubble rooms, lights, projections, sensory spaces and playful installations designed for exploring, climbing and taking photos. It feels part art installation, part soft sensory adventure (and yes, the air conditioning is very welcome).

£21.90 for adults and £18.90 for kids Use code YOUNGLONDONIST10 when booking for 10% off.

3. Tate Modern & Tate Britain

A woman plays with a large red fruit prop while a young girl in a floral dress reaches out to interact with it, surrounded by children and adults in an indoor space decorated with oversized fruit.

Looking for a free family day out in London? Both Tate galleries are surprisingly good with kids. Wide open spaces mean little ones can move around more easily, while family trails, large-scale artworks and interactive areas help keep attention spans engaged. Even if your children aren’t hugely into art, the buildings themselves and riverside locations make them worth visiting. Free – no need to book.

4. Banksy: Limitless

An art gallery interior featuring a wall with a painted figure looking at a rectangular frame, alongside two framed artworks depicting a monkey holding a camera and a red background with a text message.

Ideal for older kids and teenagers, this immersive exhibition brings Banksy-inspired artwork to life through projections, music and large-scale digital visuals. It feels much more interactive than a traditional gallery and works well if you’re looking for something that feels a little more “cool” for tweens or teens. Tickets from £17.70 more info and bookings here.

5. Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum, showcasing its grand red brick architecture, surrounded by green lawns and a circular pond where visitors relax.

The V&A is one of those museums that quietly works for families. From fashion and costumes to sculptures, jewellery and design objects, there is plenty to wander through without it feeling overly educational. During warmer months, it also offers a calm, cooler space to slow down, plus a café stop if energy levels dip. Free to visit.

6. Paradox Museum London

Two people performing acrobatic stunts upside down in a stylised underground station, with a red train and vibrant advertisements on the walls.

For kids who love interactive fun, Paradox Museum is packed with optical illusions, upside-down rooms, visual tricks and mind-bending spaces that make brilliant photos. Expect lots of laughing, confusion and repeated “wait… how does that work?” Tickets from £27 more info and bookings here.

7. The Paddington Bear Experience

A woman and a man holding hands with a young girl, walking down a charming street decorated with lights and colourful buildings.

A lovely option for younger children, this immersive attraction lets visitors step inside Paddington’s world through interactive sets, storytelling and activities inspired by the beloved bear. Expect marmalade references, family-friendly fun and a surprisingly wholesome atmosphere. Tickets from £24 more info and bookings here.

8. Babylon Park

A brightly lit indoor amusement park featuring a roller coaster track, colourful ride cars, and alien-themed decorations. The vibrant atmosphere includes neon lights and playful designs.

Yes, Camden has an indoor theme park. Babylon Park is packed with rides, arcade games and attractions, making it a strong option for rainy days or heatwaves when outdoor plans feel impossible. Great for children with lots of energy to burn. Go for unlimited rides for 1.5 hours from £30

9. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

A child observing various fish, including sharks, through a large aquarium with blue lighting.

Always a reliable family crowd pleaser, SEA LIFE London offers sharks, jellyfish, turtles and underwater tunnels that feel genuinely exciting for younger visitors. It’s also fully indoors and cool, which suddenly becomes a major selling point on hot days. From £28 more info and bookings here.

10. Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City & Cleopatra: The Immersive Experience

A group of people engaging with an interactive digital map on a large table, showcasing an archaeological site, with colourful graphics and a scenic view in the background.

If your family enjoys immersive experiences, these history-themed attractions are worth a look. Rather than traditional museum displays, both use projections, storytelling and interactive visuals to bring ancient worlds to life in a way that feels much more engaging for children. Tickets to immersive London experiences here. Use code YOUNGLONDONIST10 for 10% discount.

Whether you’re looking for indoor family activities in London, free museums with air con or immersive experiences to escape the heat, these are all solid options to save for the next hot day. For more family friendly fun check out our instagram. 🌡️