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.
Art in Mayfair
The world-leading fashion and fine jewellery houses across Bond Street are joining forces with the Royal
Academy of Arts to bring art on this famous part of the city. Celebrating its sixth year, the event promises to be larger than evenr before. Expect immersive outdoor sculpture trail, bespoke arty flags on Bond Street and best of contemporary art on display at the famous galleries and the streets of Mayfair. Full details of this year’s Art in Mayfair programme soon at https://www.bondstreet.co.uk/
Full information here.
When: 12 June to 9 July 2023
Where: Bond Street, Saville Row, Mount Street etc
How much: Free
Best Value – Middweek Stays at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Enjoy the ultimate family sleepover, with a stay in an Explorer Glamping Tent on midweek days! This family break is available on selected Sunday – Thursday dates throughout the season for £50pp based on 2 adults and 2 children and includes:
An overnight stay in one of our themed Resort Hotels, Explorer Glamping or nearby partner hotels
1 day entrance to Theme Park & Zoo
A delicious breakfast
Access to the Savannah Splash Pool (subject to room type)
PLUS, all Resort accommodation includes FREE parking and fun-filled hotel entertainment!
When: Selected Sunday – Thursdays until end of Summer
Where: Chessington World of Adventures
How much: From £50pp based on 2 adults and 2 children on selected dates. More info and bookings here.
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition
This year, celebrated British painter David Remfry RA takes the reins as exhibition co-ordinator and the theme is ‘Only Connect’. This years’s annual celebration of all things art and artists will feature works of art in every imaginable medium. We have been following this prestigious event every year and never been dissapointed as there is always something to like, comment on and most of all learn about. Most of all we love that leading RA artists and household names exhibit alongside new and emerging talent in a show that has been running since 1769.
When: 13 June to 20 August 2023
Where: Royal Academy of Arts
How much: Full details here.
Outdoor Messy Play for under 3s
Aimed at little ones under 3 and their carers, these family friendly sessions are aimed at young children and adults who want to have fun and play together outdoors. There are lots of opportunities for wet, dry and textured
free play activities that allow children to play, create, investigate and explore. Museum staff are on hand
to help you explore and play, but it is expected that adults join in the messy fun – so make sure you dress for the mess.
When: From 5 April 10-11am and 11.30-12.30am 2023
Where: Horniman Museum
How much: Children: £7.50, Adults: Free. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. More info and bookings here.
Ally Pally is hosting a 150th birthday party and we’re all invited!
Ally Pally is celebrating 150 years since its grand opening on 24 May 1873 with a spectacular FREE party for all ages. The Birthday Party, taking place on Saturday 27 May, offers a unique opportunity to explore the Palace and its 196 acre Park. The festivities include live music, DJs, cinema screenings, silent discos, a family rave, Palace theatre and BBC studio tours, a farmer’s market, makers market, ice skating, street food, rum bar and beer garden, as well as workshops and entertainment for families and youth hosted by the Palace’s Creative Learning team and partners. The event, running from midday to 9pm, celebrates this cultural icon’s birthday in style, with limited paid-for activities requiring prior booking.
When: From 27May
Where: Alexandra Palace
How much: Mostly Free. For full information visit www.alexandrapalace.com/150party
Family friendly festivals for summer 2023
Looking for a family-friendly festival in London or a musical extravaganza further afield? Look no further! Our selection of kid-friendly festivals has you covered with all the festi details you need to start planning your summer now. From free events to fancy extravaganzas, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your wellies, fancy dress, and some glitter and let’s make summer 2023 EPIC..
When: Summer 2023
Where: London and beyond
How much: More information here
Chelsea in Bloom
Chelsea in Bloom, is the world-class floral art show and London’s largest and most prestigious free flower festival. This year’s theme is ‘Flowers on Film’ so a great opportunity to create your very own red carpet moments as you wander around Chelsea’s streets. Large-scale central installations this year include a life-sized Oscar’s statue, an interactive red carpet on Pavilion Road and a cinematic celebration on Sloane Square where complimentary rickshaw rides and walking tours can be booked. Further installations will be found along the King’s Road, on Dovehouse Green and at Royal Avenue, as well as a number at Duke of York Square and along Sloane Street.
When: 22 – 28 May 2023
Where: The Streets of Chelsea
How much: Free. More information http://www.chelseainbloom.co.ukre
Dodger: A family adventure
Explore the museum’s collections by taking part a brand new trail for families based on the BAFTA-winning BBC TV series, Dodger. Part of wider family focused events for Easter, this immersive self-paced experience, set against a converted 19th-century sugar warehouse is aimed at all above the age of 7.
When: 5 April – 4 June 2023
Where: Museum of London Docklands
How much: Free. More info and to plan your visit here.
World Oceans Day
Travel down the Thames and celebrate World Oceans Day at the National Maritime Museum. With live performances, expert talks and science demonstrations, workshops, games and more this celebration is a family-friendly event dedicated to our blue planet.
When: 10 June 2023
Where: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
How much: Free. Full information here.
Children’s Art Trail
Canary Wharf’s popular Children’s Art Trail has had a revamp to get you and your little ones outside to discover 12 pieces of art dotted around the Canary Wharf estate. Follow the map to find the young visitor’s favourites and try to complete the testing tasks along the way. Once you reach the half way point at Crossrail Place, we recommend you visit the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, a hidden garden bursting with exotic trees and plants and the perfect place for a quick pit stop or leisurely lunch.
When: Ongoing
Where: Canary Wharf
How much: Free. Full information here.