Things to do in London with kids in the summer holidays
Updated: Jul 24
Summer hols are almost underway so here at London or Kidz - given that we have our own team of children to entertain too - we've been doing some research on the fun stuff happening for all kinds of kids and all kinds of budgets. Yep, we give you our guide to things to do in London with kids during the summer holidays. Grab a coffee and start making plans, people.
Summer of Fun at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
While Hopefield, nestled just out of town in the Essex countryside, should be on your school holiday radar anyway. Expect a soft play bus, dino trail, inflatables, entertainment, arts & craft, characters (pictured top) plus a whole ton more for you to get busy with while checking out the 500 plus rescued animals that call Hopefield home.
Overnight stay on the Golden Hinde
Ahoy there shipmates and mark the 27th August in your diary for a special event you need on your radar: you and your family have the chance to take over The Golden Hinde for a whole night and sleep on the ship as you and your group become the new crew! Dressed in Elizabethan costume, three colourful characters from the ship’s history will guide you about the ship and teach you the skills required to sail on a galleon before bunkering down for the night on the ship's gundeck. www.goldenhinde.co.uk/whats-on/9-family/470-night-voyage
Shrek's Adventure! London
Hold onto your hats for adventures that include 12 fairytale-themed live shows featuring the likes of Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, Muffin Man, Pinocchio, Cinderella and, of course, Shrek himself. Pre-booking is essential (and you'll save up to 30% by booking online via the link below). Don't forget to check out our review before you head over. https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvZPY
Big Summer of Fun at London Zoo
Prepare to take on London Zoo’s Really Wild Challenge throughout the school holidays when the Zoo will be filled with a host of favourite family games, all with a really wild twist! Go head-to-head with your ‘troop’ and channel your animal skills to battle it out to find out who takes top spot in activities themed around speed, survival, stealth and ZSL’s conservation work.
www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/london-zoos-big-summer-fun
Summer staycations at Chessington World of Adventures
With airports seemingly at combustion point why not keep it closer to home this summer and book a break at Chessington? Your staycay will include an overnight stay in one of its themed Resort Hotels, Explorer Glamping or nearby partner hotels, 1 day entry to its Theme Park, Zoo & SEA LIFE Centre, access to the Savannah Splash Pool*, exclusive Early Ride Time for Resort Hotel and Explorer Glamping guests* and a delish breakfast. * Terms and conditions apply: please check when making your booking.
www.chessington.com/short-breaks/offers-packages/summer
Summer at Hobbledown
Join the Hobblers as they come out to play for a summer holiday line-up that includes sand and water play, adventure, exploring, animals and more. Have a look at our review of this fun-packed family pleaser right here.
Outdoor theatre at Morden Hall Park
Bring the whole family to South London for a walk along tree line avenues and through the wetlands at Morden Hall Park before stopping off at the Stableyard second-hand bookshop to hunt for new stories to discover. The café will be on hand too with drinks and ice creams, the perfect post walk treat, plus all through the school break keep your eyes peeled for a whole heap of awesome outdoor theatre experiences, including Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Juliet and Dr. Doolittle.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park/events
Outdoor splash parks
This good weather has been a bit hit and miss but when the sun does come out then why not spend the school break ticking off all the splash parks around London thanks to our guide dedicated to just that.
www.londonforkidz.com/post/outdoor-splash-parks-in-london-dive-on-in
Kids go free at London theatres
Whether you plump for Frozen, Grease, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child or many of the other West End picks, Official London Theatre is running an awesome 'kids go free' offer all through the rest of July and all of August.
www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week
Peter Pan at Ruined Theatre
Grab your picnic blankets and sense of adventure for an outdoor theatre experience in the ancient ruins, and catch a wonderful puppet performance of Peter Pan. Whilst you're there visiting Lesnes Abbey why not make a day of it and explore the other hidden gems the site has to offer such as, fossil hunting in the fossil bed, the adventure park and the beautiful ancient woodlands? www.theruinedtheatre.com
Summer Wetland Adventures
Collect an illustrated guide full of Quentin Blake’s drawings and journey around the wonderful London wetlands this summer and busy yourselves on seasonal trails. There's also art and illustration activities aimed at all ages and abilities, including nature-inspired creative challenges, art workshops and much more
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/
Summer Season at Shakespeare's Globe
It's a summer packed with thespian activity over at one of our fave spots in London: Shakespeare's Globe. Expect plays, sword fights, family tours and plenty more. www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/
Ethical Animal Experiences at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Because we love them sooo much (and because they're a charity and need all the public awareness possible), we're giving Hopefield a second mention, and we know you'll be pleased we did! They've just launched Ethical Animal Experiences! Choose from Cow Cuddles, Pig Tickles, Sheep Shenanigans or Pony Glow up: All experiences cost £65 for two people (minimum age is 6-years), and include entrance into the sanctuary, lunch, a sponsorship pack, and a whole lot of memories!
www.hopefield.org.uk/latest-news/
Thames Rockets
Now here's a high speed activity that's guaranteed to thrill! Revved up and raring to fly, the Thames Rockets team will take you on a sightseeing tour like no other and one packed not just with high speeds, but with lots of humour and banter too. The perfect combo! There are all kinds of tour options happening throughout the summer holidays, so take a look at our review here, pick the adventure you fancy the most (you can't go wrong with any of them) use the link below to book.
www.thamesrockets.com/ultimate-london-adventure/?offer=londonforkidz
Get booking, everyone! Before you know it you'll be thinking 'back to school' rather than things to do in London in the summer holidays!
Like this story? How about some more activity inspo for things to do in London with kids:
Bumper guide to school holiday craft
25 things to do for free in London
Family guide to the Tower of London
Nice buns: best burgers in London
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