Browse our hand picked activities and events all around London that are suitable for young people and their families. For our selection of London theatre and shows for children and families please visit our shows page.
The Somerstown Festival at the British Library
Camden’s largest street party is hosted this summer by the British Library. Come to the Piazza to enjoy live music featuring local talent, join in to special art shops for all ages or head to the Family Station to to take part in the creative activities, building trails and sensory activities suitable for children 0-11 years. Library experts will be on hand to explain the Library’s collections, how to become a Reader at the Library or how to apply for apprenticeship and early career roles.
When: Saturday, 9th July 2022
Where: British Library Piazza, St Pancras
How much: Free
Hobbledown Heath opening July 2022
The land of Hobbledown Heath will sit in the guise of three villages and an enchanting woodland. Visitors will get the chance to climb 15 metre wooden towers, explore a labyrinth of underground tunnels, scale aerial walkways, discover secret passages, and dart through water sensors… and that’s just the beginning!
When: Opening on 1st July 2022
Where: Hobbledown Heath, Hownslow
How much: £15 per person. More information and booking here.
Young Artists’ Summer Show at the Royal Academy
The exhibition will display a selection of works by young artists aged 4-19 (key stages 1-5) from across the UK, selected by a panel of judges including Royal Academicians and RA Schools students. This year, over 21,000 entries were received from 3,438 registered schools. Rebecca Salter, President of the Royal Academy, will award prizes to the two most inspiring artworks in each key stage. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork in a People’s Choice Award, where there will be two winning artists. Voting will be online.
When: 19 July to 14 August
Where: The Royal Academy
How much: Free. More information and booking here.
Summer by the River
London’s largest free festival is bringing 1930s Miami vibes to the banks of the Thames with an eclectic programme of events that will put smiles on faces of all ages. There will be karaoke night backed by a live Gospel Choir, interactive workshops and dance battles between world-renowned artists, classic theatre and much more. This year’s Wimbledon is celebrated with the screen in The Scoop showing all of the key matches.
When: until 2 September
Where: The Scoop, Hay’s Galleria and The Pier
How much: Free. More information here
Tomb Raider, the LIVE Experience
An immersive adventure for family and friends to enjoy right here in London. Solve puzzles to get from one experience to the other, navigate your way around a sinking ship, or treck through the jungle to finally arrive at THE TOMB where you can battle it out and with the enemy to restore the world order. This experience is suitable for players aged 12 and over and it is best enjoyed as a small group (min 2 people). Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Ongoing
Where: Camden market
How much: from £44. More info and bookings here
Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames
Horrible Histories proudly presents its wicked boat tour of the Terrible Thames! Tremble in terror at the Tower! Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock! Read our review of the experience here.
When: 2 July until 4 September daily and then weekends only.
Where: Tower Bridge Quay.
How much: £22 for adults and £14 per child with under 3s going free. More info and bookings here.
Festival 14
Canary Wharf’s new four-day arts festival featuring a packed programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy and children’s activities brings over 50 free performances to the Canary Wharf estate from Thursday 21st until 24th of July. There will be dance, music, comedy and theatre as well as plenty of family friendly fun. And there are Pride celebrations and film clubs to be enjoyed at weekends during the summer holiday. Best of all – everything is free.
When: 21 – 24 July 2022
Where: Canary Wharf
How much: Free.