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 (under £10), and where needed, you will find useful details such as booking requirements, locations, and what to expect, making it easy to plan your day.
Check out this post for Universal Credit discounts on days out.
Check out this post for a list of places where kids can eat for FREE or £1 this summer.
Check out this post for cinema money saving tips.
Check out this post for theatre money saving tips.
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
13. Costa del Croydon at Centrale Croydon
Costa del Croydon returns this summer, transforming Centrale Croydon into a fun-filled family destination packed with free activities, entertainment and summer vibes. Families can enjoy a range of activities designed for children of all ages, making it a great option for a budget-friendly day out during the school holidays.
With plenty going on throughout the month, including family entertainment, food and interactive activities, this free event brings a beach-style atmosphere to the heart of Croydon. While adults can also enjoy the new Beach Club Thursdays evening events, the daytime programme remains focused on family fun.
Dates: 7 August to 31 August 2026
Price: Free
Address: Centrale & Whitgift, North End, Croydon CR0 1TY
14. Free Family Puppet Show at Fulham Pier
This free family puppet show at Fulham Pier is a lovely summer activity for younger children. Taking place in Riverside Market, families can enjoy a unique roaming performance where playful puppets appear throughout the space, creating magical and interactive moments for visitors.
Unlike a traditional theatre show, there is no set stage or seating. Children are encouraged to move around, explore and interact with the performers, making each visit feel different. It is a relaxed and engaging experience that is perfect for families looking for a free day out in London during the summer holidays.
Dates: Every Sunday throughout the summer holidays 2026
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Price: Free
Address: Riverside Market, Fulham Pier, Stevenage Road, Fulham, London SW6 6HH
15. Royal Docks Summer Splash at Royal Victoria Dock
Royal Docks Summer Splash returns this summer, giving families the chance to enjoy London’s free open water lido right in the heart of the city. Set at Royal Victoria Dock, this popular summer attraction offers lifeguard-supervised swimming, making it a great way for children and adults to cool off during the school holidays.
Alongside the swimming area, families can enjoy sandpits, deckchairs, shaded relaxation spaces and a programme of free activities throughout the event. With stunning waterfront views and plenty of space to unwind, it is one of the most unique free family days out in London this summer.
Dates: 24 July to 16 August 2026
Price: Free
Address: Royal Victoria Dock (next to City Hall), Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE
16. Dawnosaurs Relaxed Morning Visit at the Natural History Museum
Dawnosaurs is a free relaxed morning event designed specifically for neurodivergent children and their families. Taking place before the museum opens to the general public, it offers a quieter environment where children can explore galleries and take part in themed activities with support from experienced neurodivergent-aware facilitators.
This special event is suitable for children aged 5 to 15 and welcomes siblings too. It provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the Natural History Museum at a calmer pace, making it an excellent option for families of children with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, OCD and other sensory processing differences.
Date: 11 July 2026
Time: 8am to 10am
Price: Free (booking required)
Address: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
17. Saturday Kids Club at Art in the Docks
Saturday Kids Club at Art in the Docks is a fantastic free activity for creative children. Led by friendly professional artists, these hands-on sessions give children the opportunity to explore a range of art techniques, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage and mixed media.
Designed for young artists of all abilities, the workshops encourage children to experiment, build confidence and express their creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment. All materials and equipment are provided, making this an easy and budget-friendly family activity in East London.
Dates: Every Saturday
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Price: Free
Address: Art in the Docks, 25 Shackleton Way, London E16 2XJ
18. Free Gaming at Virgin Media Gamepad at The O2
Virgin Media Gamepad at The O2 is a free gaming experience where visitors can play on some of the latest Xbox consoles using Virgin Media’s ultra-fast broadband. Whether children enjoy racing games, sports titles or multiplayer challenges, it is a fun stop for gaming fans visiting The O2.
Open daily and completely free to enter, visitors can drop in and enjoy a range of gaming experiences without needing to book. It is a great indoor activity for families looking for something different to do in London during the summer holidays.
Dates: Daily
Time: 2pm to 7pm
Price: Free
Address: The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
19. Family Festival of Caribbean Culture at London Museum Docklands
Celebrate Caribbean culture at this free family festival taking place at London Museum Docklands this summer. Families can enjoy a vibrant programme of activities celebrating London’s diverse Caribbean communities, with plenty of opportunities for children to learn, create and take part.
Festival highlights include live dance performances, community showcases and hands-on craft activities, making it a fantastic cultural day out for all ages. While some activities may require advance booking, many drop-in activities are free to enjoy throughout the event.
Dates: 21 to 22 August 2026
Price: Free
Address: London Museum Docklands, No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
20. Free Gaming Zone at Samsung KX
Samsung KX in King’s Cross offers a free gaming zone where visitors can try out the latest Samsung gaming technology across multiple gaming stations. Families and gaming enthusiasts can experience immersive gameplay using advanced monitors, surround sound technology and high-performance gaming equipment.
One of the highlights is the futuristic gaming bus, where visitors can step inside and enjoy a unique gaming experience using Samsung’s latest technology. Completely free to use, this is a great indoor activity for older children, teenagers and gaming fans looking for something different to do in London during the summer holidays.
Dates: Daily throughout summer 2026
Time: During Samsung KX opening hours
Price: Free
Address: Samsung KX, Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DQ
21. Astronomy LEGO Brick Club at the National Maritime Museum
Children can explore the wonders of space through this free Astronomy LEGO Brick Club at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Designed for children under 12, these hands-on workshops combine creativity with learning as families build rockets, constellations and other astronomy-themed creations inspired by the night sky.
Led by the museum’s Astronomy team, each session features different prompts linked to themes such as space, time and navigation. The workshops run on a drop-in basis and all LEGO and DUPLO bricks are provided, making this a fantastic free activity for young builders and budding astronomers.
Dates: Every Friday throughout summer 2026 (excluding 10 July and 21 August)
Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Price: Free
Address: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
22. Young V&A Summer Festival 2026
Celebrate the start of the summer holidays at the Young V&A Summer Festival, a free family event packed with performances, creative activities and hands-on experiences. Taking place across the museum, families can enjoy a full day of entertainment as Young V&A marks its third birthday with a programme designed to inspire children of all ages.
The festival includes circus performances, live music, dance shows, creative workshops, family circus activities and film screenings created by young filmmakers. There will also be a dedicated SEND Play session for children with sensory needs and their families, making this an inclusive and welcoming event for everyone.
Date: 4 July 2026
Time: 11am to 3pm
Price: Free
Address: Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
23. Little Ocean Makers Pebble Painting at Fulham Pier
Little Ocean Makers Pebble Painting is a free creative workshop for children taking place at Riverside Market, Fulham Pier. Young artists can decorate their own pebbles using a variety of colours, patterns and designs, creating a unique keepsake to take home at the end of the session.
This relaxed, hands-on activity encourages creativity and self-expression while giving children the chance to enjoy a fun afternoon of crafting. It is a great free activity for families looking for something creative to do during the summer holidays.
Date: 22 July 2026
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Price: Free
Address: Riverside Market, Fulham Pier, Stevenage Road, Fulham, London SW6 6HH
24. Sorted! The Postal Play Space at The Postal Museum
Sorted! The Postal Play Space is an interactive indoor play area designed for children aged 1 to 8. Little ones can explore a miniature town filled with streets, buildings, trolleys, pulleys, slides and chutes, encouraging imaginative play while discovering the world of post and delivery.
Each 45-minute session gives children the chance to sort parcels, deliver letters and enjoy hands-on activities in a fun and engaging environment. Tickets can be booked with or without a visit to The Postal Museum, making it a great option for families looking for an exciting day out in London.
Dates: Tuesday to Sunday throughout summer 2026
Time: Sessions run every 45 minutes from 10am, with the last session at 4pm
Price: £5 per child, £2.50 per accompanying adult, under 1s go free (ticket required)
Address: Mail Rail Building, 15 to 20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
25. Relaxed Early Opening for Families at the British Library
The British Library is hosting a free relaxed early opening designed for families with children who have special educational needs, including autism and sensory differences. Before the library opens to the general public, families can enjoy a calmer environment and explore the Fairy Tales exhibition while taking part in a special workshop.
A dedicated sensory room will also be available for children who need a quieter space, making this a welcoming and inclusive experience. Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 and their siblings, the event is free to attend but advance booking is essential.
Date: 5 July 2026
Time: 9am to 11am
Price: Free (booking essential)
Address: British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
26. Play Saturdays at Young V&A
Play Saturdays at Young V&A are free drop-in sessions designed to encourage children and families to learn through play. Taking place across the museum’s interactive galleries and Town Square, each week offers a variety of exciting activities that rotate between the Play, Imagine and Design galleries.
Led by the museum’s friendly Play Champions, these hands-on sessions are perfect for families looking for a fun and creative day out in London. Adults are encouraged to take part alongside their children, making it a great opportunity to play, explore and create together.
Dates: Every Saturday until 18 July 2026 (excluding 4 July)
Time: 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Price: Free
Address: Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
27. Family Film Club at the Barbican
The Barbican’s Family Film Club is a brilliant way to introduce children to the magic of cinema, with weekly family-friendly screenings and themed activities designed to entertain all ages. Before and after the film, families can enjoy activity sheets, books, toys and games in the café area, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The programme also includes a loyalty scheme, where families can unlock free tickets on their third and sixth visits, plus children can collect stamps to earn rewards. There are also books, colouring activities and games available from 10:30am, making it easy to turn a film trip into a full morning out.
Screenings begin just after 11am with no adverts, and adults must attend with a child. Babies in arms aged 18 months and under are welcome, while older children will need their own ticket.
Price: Varies by screening
Time: Films start just after 11:00am
Address: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
28. Horizon 22 Viewing Gallery
Horizon 22 is home to London’s highest free viewing platform, offering incredible 300 degree views across the capital from Level 58. The high speed lifts take just 41 seconds to reach the top, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of some of London’s most famous landmarks.
Best of all, entry is completely free. Tickets can be booked online through the official Horizon 22 website, and a limited number of walk in spaces may be available on the day, subject to capacity. A QR code outside the entrance allows visitors to make a booking on the spot if spaces are available.
Price: Free
Walk ins: Available subject to capacity
Address: Horizon 22, 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ
29. Sky Garden
Sky Garden is one of London’s most popular free attractions, offering breathtaking views across the city from its stunning indoor gardens and observation decks. Located at the top of the iconic Walkie Talkie building, it’s the perfect place to admire landmarks such as The Shard, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral while surrounded by lush greenery.
Entry to Sky Garden is completely free, but advance booking is recommended as tickets can be snapped up quickly. If you miss out, a limited number of walk in tickets may sometimes be available, depending on capacity. Visitors can also enjoy cafés, bars and restaurants while taking in the spectacular skyline.
Price: Free (advance booking recommended)
Address: Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF
30. Apple Store Workshops
Apple Store workshops are a fantastic free activity for children, offering creative hands on sessions where kids can learn new digital skills while having fun. Depending on the day and location, children can direct their own friendship film, create an interactive story of kindness, make a theme song or design comics inspired by Planet Earth using iPads and Apple technology.
These engaging one hour workshops encourage creativity, storytelling and problem solving in a relaxed environment led by Apple’s team. Sessions are completely free, but places are limited so advance booking is recommended.
Workshops take place at various Apple Store locations across London, including Brompton Road, White City, Bentall Centre, Bromley, Covent Garden, Regent Street, Battersea Power Station, Stratford City and Brent Cross.
Price: Free (booking recommended)
Address: Multiple London locations
31. Explore a City Farm
A visit to one of London’s city farms is a fantastic free day out for animal lovers. Children can meet and learn about a variety of friendly farm animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and rabbits, while many farms also offer gardens, playgrounds and seasonal family activities.
Some of the best free city farms in London include Mudchute Park and Farm, Vauxhall City Farm, Hackney City Farm, Deen City Farm, Spitalfields City Farm, Surrey Docks Farm and Kentish Town City Farm. Entry is free at all of these attractions, although donations are always appreciated to help support the animals and educational programmes.
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Address: Multiple London locations
32. AHOY! Children’s Gallery
Set sail for adventure at the AHOY! Children’s Gallery, an interactive play space at the National Maritime Museum designed especially for children aged 0 to 7. Packed with imaginative role play and hands on activities, little explorers can fire cannons, haul ropes, hide in cabins and even help stoke the boilers as they discover life at sea.
The gallery has been thoughtfully designed for different age groups, with sensory areas for babies and toddlers alongside interactive exhibits and play opportunities for older children. Each visit lasts 45 minutes, making it an ideal addition to a family day out in Greenwich.
Entry is free on weekdays during term time, while weekend, school holiday and bank holiday sessions cost £5 per child. Advance booking is recommended as time slots can fill up quickly.
Price: Free on weekdays during term time | £5 on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays
Address: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
33. The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
Discover the wonders of science at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, a free annual event packed with hands on activities, interactive exhibits and inspiring talks for all ages. Taking place from 30 June to 5 July 2026, families can explore the latest discoveries from across the UK and meet the scientists behind them.
This year’s exhibition includes 13 flagship exhibits covering everything from lightning and robotics to microbes and space exploration. Children can get involved with interactive activities, while the Young Researcher Zone showcases exciting projects from school and college students. There are also talks, performances and film screenings throughout the event.
Advance priority tickets can be booked online, but if sessions are fully booked, a limited number of walk up tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis, although queuing may be required.
Price: Free
Address: The Royal Society, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
