September in London is perfect for making the most of the free Open House Festival (12 to 20 September) where the great public has access to many hidden architectural gems that are not usually open to the public or the many celebrations of the River Thames that are part of the very popular Totally Thames Festival taking part during the whole month of September every year.
Free events in London this September
This month comes with a great opportunity to enjoy many free events in London like the The Great River Race on 12 September, the Chiswick House Dog Show on 20 September and the free Greenwich & Docklands international festival of outdoor performing arts ends on 6 September.
Friends of Brompton Cemetery Annual Open Day is on 6 September and it is packed with lots of free activities and entertainment for both children & adults to enjoy. Work from local artists and sculptors will be on display alongside a wide range of stalls selling products and crafts such as local honey, handmade soaps, jewellery and accessories, clothes, illustrated maps, books, baskets, aromatherapy, cards, scarves, belts and more.
London Design Festival (12 to 20 September) is a global event that celebrates design in all its forms. This festival takes place in many locations with a packed programme of events, exhibitions and installations, with most of them free.
Gabriel’s Wharf Arts Festival is a free for all fun and inspiring event in one of the nicest locations by the river Thames, taking place in the afternoons between 5 and 19 September. Check out their packed programme of live music, spoken word, japanese drumming performance, comedy and circus, plus art and craft activities, whilst indulging in tasty food and drink with great shopping opportunities too.
CelebrASIA at Battersea Power Station is back on 11 to 13 September. Expect some of London’s finest South East Asian street food pop-ups, an indoor Artisan Market and live music and dance performances alongside arts and crafts sessions for all ages.
Fun things to do with kids in London
If you’re in town just for few days and want to make the most of our city, take a guided sightseeing tour on a vintage open-top bus to explore iconic landmarks (at a slower pace), or enjoy a James Bond thrilling experience on the river with Thames Rockets and their funny crew. For adrenaline seekers, The O2 Climb gives panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline while The Treetop Adventures from GoApe will have you holding tight to the ropes as you fly above the treetops.
A spectacular music and light show takes place at the Westminster Cathedral at various dates during September and October. Hear the story of London and one of its most important cathedrals in a specially commissioned script by BAFTA and Olivier Award winner Tim Whitnall, voiced by Hugh Bonneville, and with live performances of classical music’s greatest composers brought to life by the phenomenal Lux Aeterna choir. Tickets from £27.50
Arts, Play, Song and Dance
Buckingham State Rooms and gardens runing until 27 September invites visitors to enjoy self-guided tours of one of the world’s few remaining working royal palaces. Come and see the Throne Room and the magnificent staircase and to discover some of the Royal Collection’s greatest treasures. Tickets from £21.50.
Bubble Planet: the ultimate play experience in London comes with the appealing opportunity to surround yourself with bubbles.
From a hot air balloon flight simulator to jumping in a pool filled with colourful balls, this dreamy place boasts 10 rooms, each with a different bubbly theme for your and your little ones to enjoy. Tickets from £24.90.
Keep up to date with more family-friendly fun by following us on Instagram. For more ideas of things to do with the kids in London, visit our events and activities area which provides details of free and ticketed events and special offers from London’s finest venues. For our selection of London theatre and performing arts shows for children and families please visit our Theatre & Dance page.