Looking for the best things to do in London this summer with kids? This ultimate 2026 guide will eventually have 50 family-friendly activities across the capital, from free days out and splash parks to pop-up events, exhibitions, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you are planning school holiday adventures, weekend plans, or simply looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, this list brings together a wide mix of ideas suitable for all ages and budgets.
Many of these activities are free or low cost, and where needed, you will find useful details such as booking requirements, locations, and what to expect, making it easy to plan your day.
1. Horniman Museum and Gardens
A huge free family event is taking place at the Horniman Museum and Gardens this summer to celebrate its 125th birthday. Expect a lively atmosphere across the museum and gardens with plenty going on for children and families to enjoy.
This is a great option if you are looking for a free day out in South London, with lots of space for kids to explore both indoors and outdoors.
Date: 27 June 2026
Time: 12pm to 5pm
Price: Free (booking required)
Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
2. Mitcham Fire Station open day
The Mitcham Fire Station open day is a brilliant free event for families, giving children the chance to meet real firefighters and explore fire engines up close. There will be live demonstrations, emergency service vehicles, and plenty of interactive activities to keep kids entertained.
Alongside the demonstrations, families can enjoy face painting, food stalls, an ice cream van, and even a charity raffle, making it a fun and educational day out in South London.
Date: Saturday 6 June 2026
Time: 11:30am to 3:30pm
Price: Free
Address: Mitcham Fire Station, 421 to 445 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 4BJ
3. Summer Screens Family Gaming at Canada Square Park
These free Summer Screens Family Gaming sessions in Canary Wharf are perfect for kids who love gaming. Set in Canada Square Park, families can play popular games like Mario Kart World and Just Dance on big outdoor screens, making it a fun and interactive experience.
There is no need to book, simply turn up and join in. Spaces are offered on a first come, first served basis, so it is worth arriving early. The sessions are aimed at children aged 5 and over, making it a great option for slightly older kids during the summer holidays.
Dates: Selected dates in June, July and August 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Price: Free
Address: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB
4. Barking Fire Station Open Day
The Barking Fire Station Open Day is a great free event for families, giving children the chance to meet local firefighters, learn about fire safety and explore a real fire engine up close.
Visitors can speak to the team, find out more about their work and even get inside the fire engine, making it a fun and interactive experience for kids.
Date: Saturday 13 June 2026
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Price: Free
Address: Barking Fire Station, Alfred’s Way, Barking, IG11 0BB
5. Free Minigolf at Canary Wharf at Montgomery Square
This free minigolf experience at Canary Wharf is perfect for a fun and easy family day out in London this summer. Set in Montgomery Square, the colourful 9-hole course has been designed by artists Craig Redman and Karl Maier, making it a unique and creative activity for kids and adults.
There is no need to book, simply turn up and collect your clubs and balls from the event stewards. The course is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a great option for families looking for a relaxed outdoor activity.
Selected sessions throughout July and August also include SEND-friendly times, designed to support children and young people with additional needs, making this an even more inclusive experience for families.
Dates: 1 May to 27 September 2026
Time: Daily, 12pm to 6pm
Price: Free
Address: Montgomery Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EW
6. Free Outdoor Cinema at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
These free outdoor cinema nights in Vauxhall are perfect for a relaxed summer evening with the family. Taking place at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, you can bring a blanket, sit back on the grass and enjoy a mix of family-friendly and classic films on a big outdoor screen.
The 2026 line-up includes a great mix of films for all ages:
Tuesday 7 July – Zootropolis
Tuesday 14 July – Cool Runnings
Tuesday 21 July – Clueless
Tuesday 28 July – Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
There will also be food and drink available on site, so you can make a full evening of it. No tickets are required, but t is best to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Dates: Tuesdays throughout July 2026
Time: Films start at 7pm
Price: Free
7. Free Family Films at Summer Screens Canary Wharf at Canada Square Park
Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens return this summer with a line-up of free family-friendly films shown on a big outdoor screen in Canada Square Park. This is a great option if you are looking for a relaxed day out where kids can enjoy films in an open-air setting.
The programme includes weekend family favourites alongside selected screenings throughout the summer, making it suitable for children of different ages. Simply bring a blanket, grab a spot on the grass and enjoy a fun and easy outdoor cinema experience.
There is no need to book, and you can arrive early to secure a good space. With plenty of nearby food options, it is easy to turn this into a full afternoon out.
For the latest family film listings and confirmed schedule, it is worth checking the official Canary Wharf website regularly as new screenings and updates are added throughout the summer.
Dates: 4 June to 1 September 2026
Time: Times vary depending on the screening
Price: Free
8. JW3 Beach Indoor Sand Play at JW3 Centre
JW3 Beach is back this summer, offering a free indoor beach experience for families in London. Located inside the JW3 Centre, this unique setup features real sand in a covered space, meaning kids can enjoy all the fun of the beach without worrying about the weather.
Set within the Dorfman Piazza, the space includes a retractable roof, so it stays open come rain or shine. It is a great option for younger children to play, build sandcastles and enjoy a safe, relaxed environment right in the city.
There is no need to book, simply turn up and enjoy. Food and drinks are available on site, making it easy to spend a few hours here.
Dates: 28 June to 31 August 2026
Price: Free
Address: JW3, 341 to 351 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ET
9. West End LIVE Free Theatre Performances at Trafalgar Square
West End LIVE returns this summer with a huge line-up of free performances from top West End musicals, right in the heart of London. Taking place in Trafalgar Square, this popular event brings some of the biggest theatre shows to an outdoor stage, making it an unforgettable experience for families.
Across the weekend, you can watch live performances from cast members of well-known musicals as well as discover new shows, all completely free. It is a great way to introduce children to theatre in a fun and accessible setting.
No tickets are required, but it can get very busy, so arriving early is recommended if you want a good view.
Dates: Saturday 20 June and Sunday 21 June 2026
Times: Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 4pm
Price: Free
10. Apple Summer Camp Free Workshops at Apple Store
Apple Summer Camp is a free creative workshop designed for children, giving them the chance to learn new digital skills in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in Apple Stores across London, these sessions focus on filmmaking, where kids can record scenes, edit videos and add sound effects using iMovie on iPad.
Aimed at children aged 6 to 10, this is a great option if you are looking for a free educational activity during the summer holidays. It is also a good indoor option, perfect for keeping kids entertained on rainy days.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, so it is worth signing up early to secure a place.
Dates: Summer 2026 (dates vary by store)
Price: Free
11. Kids Week Theatre Tickets at West End theatres
Kids Week is a popular theatre offer that allows families to enjoy West End shows at a much lower cost during the summer holidays. While not completely free for everyone, it is one of the best value ways to experience theatre in London with children.
A child aged 17 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. On top of this, up to two additional children can attend at half price, making it a great option for families.
This is a brilliant opportunity to introduce kids to theatre, with a wide range of shows typically taking part, from big musicals to family-friendly productions. Some performances also include extra activities before or after the show, adding even more value to the experience.
Tickets are limited and tend to sell quickly once released, so it is important to book early.
Dates: 20 July to 31 August 2026
Tickets on sale: From 10am on 9 June 2026
Price: From free for children (with paying adult)
12. Kids Play Free at Draughts Board Game Café at Draughts Board Game Cafe
Draughts Board Game Café is a great option for families looking for a fun indoor activity in London, especially as children under 12 can play for free. With one of the largest collections of board games in the city, kids can choose from a huge range of games and enjoy up to three hours of play.
It is a relaxed and welcoming space where staff are on hand to help recommend games and explain the rules, making it ideal even if you have never played before. This makes it perfect for a low-cost family day out, particularly on rainy days or when you want something a bit different.
Older children aged 13 to 17 can also play at a reduced price, making this a budget-friendly option for families.
Price: Free for children under 12 (adult tickets required)
Time: Sessions up to 3 hours
Address:
Waterloo: Arch 16, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN
Stratford: 5 Aquatics Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 2AS
