Things to do in London with kids this May half term
- Tracy Tristram
- May 22
- 4 min read
We've been busy lining up a whole lot of fun things to do in the May half term in London with kids all through the break. All kinds of kids and all kinds budgets are covered in one guide!
Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt
We left modern-day London behind and hopped over to Egypt 3,000 years ago for an amazing immersive exhibition on all things Tutankhamun recently, and loved it. From VR experiences to digital storytelling, original and replica artefacts to fascinating history boards, we can’t recommend this edutainment adventure enough. We took along our 13-year-old roving reporter (pictured above) who was, uh hum, a little reluctant as he thought it was going to be ‘boring’, but this tough kid to please even smiled a couple of times. #winningatlife. The Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition took us just under 2 hours and it’s only on until 29th June, so head over, stat, for a journey through legendary ancient Egypt and discover its secrets through impressive digital multimedia Egyptian art.
When: Now until 29th June 2025
Where: Immerse LDN at Excel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
Cost: From £24. All ages are welcome but anyone aged 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult (18+). The Metaverse and VR experience is recommended for children aged 5+. The exhibition is wheelchair accessible.
Hang out with pugs
Head to CuppaPug cafe for dog lovers where you can spend time with the friendly resident pugs; play with them, sit with them and take photos against a pug themed feature walls. Kids will also learn about pugs and how to support them through the cafe's partner The National Pug Protest Trust.
When: Thursdays to Sundays, 11am until 7pm. Pre-booking recommended as sessions are limited to 12 people at a time.
Where: Arch 187 Nursery Rd, London E9 6PB
Catch a performance of Wicked the Musical
If you're one of the billions of people who caught the movie version of Wicked recently, then why not go next level and see the live musical version too? We saw it recently and it really was epic - the sets, the cast, the music - it was all beyond wicked on every level. Book your tickets via Official London Theatre for the best deals. When: Ongoing
Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre
Hang out with Shrek
We're feeling green with excitement about the shenanigans happening over at Shrek's Adventure London this half term where you can take the whole family on a shrek-tastic journey to Far Far Away! Become the hero of this wonderful fairy-tale walk-through experience and have cameras at the ready for when you meet Shrek himself. Use the link below for all the best offers.
When: Open daily.
Where: Shrek's Adventure! London, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lvZPY
Get involved with a family event at Shakespeare's Globe
Wherefore art thou, family fun for half term? At the Globe, of course! From interactive storytelling to family workshops led by actors, teachers and directors, there's something cool happening for kids age 5 all the way through to difficult-to-please teens.
When: Various dates during half term. Where: Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com/seasons/family-events
Head over for all the thrills 'n' spills at Chessington
This May half term discover a wild adventure at Chessington World of Adventures and it's no secret that we love a theme park here at London for Kidz, and even more so when we get to see rhinos and tigers too! We recently rode all the rides at Chessington World of Adventures and highly recommend this action-packed day out for kids of ALL ages. Book via the link below for some cool deals, including overnight adventures. offers including second day free via the link below on selected dates, never has there been a better time to book this winner of an adventure.
When: Open daily
Where: Chessington KT9 2NE
See The Hare & The Tortoise at The Puppet Theatre Barge
London's only theatre barge is currently moored in Little Venice and its bringing to life the lovely tale of The Hare & The Tortoise. Suitable for children age-4 and above. When: Now until Where: Puppet Theatre Barge, 35 Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF
Go on an adventure at The Royal Observatory
Now here's a May half term adventure the whole crew will love: From storytelling and singing workshops to maritime crafts and marvellous history, there's something for all ages at the National Maritime Museum. When: Daily during school holidays, various times
Where: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 8XJ
Get your graffiti on at a Leake Street workshop
Unleash your inner artist like never before at a graffiti workshop with the artist in residence at the legendary Leake Street.
When: Check timetable for events
Where: Leake Street (off York Road next to Waterloo Station), SE1 7NN https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/graffiti-workshops-at-leake-street-arches-tickets-599761531887?aff=LSACOM
Keep busy with all sorts of London Museum activities
With guided tours including a Great Fire of London walk, Second World War Family Walk and A walk around Smithfield Market, plus workshops, exhibitions, talks and creative play, there is something for everyone at London Museum.
When: Ongoing
Where: Various
Feed to kids for free at an animal sanctuary
Now here’s something to make all you parents smile … KIDS EAT FREE AT HOPEFIELD this half term at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, just a 5-min drive from junction 28 of the M25. For every child ticket bought for a visit between 27th May & 1st June you will get a tasty lunchbox to keep the kids fuelled for all their Hopefield adventures. Also included with admission is a soft play bus, inflatables, character meet ‘n’ greets, animal talks & feeds and, of course, the chance to say hello to the incredible rescued animals and creepy crawlies across that call the sanctuary home.
When: 27th May until 1st June
Where: Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood CM15 9BZ
Need more inspo when it comes to things to do in London for the February half term? Then how about:
Best museums in London for families
