Museums, Galleries and Creative Activities

Horrible Science at London Zoo

Dates: Until 2 September 2026
Address: London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY
Admission: Included with zoo entry

For the summer holidays, London Zoo is transformed into a wonderfully weird world of Horrible Science. The story begins with a scientific experiment that has gone spectacularly wrong: time itself starts behaving strangely, and scientists from the past need visitors’ help to put history back on track.

Families can follow an interactive trail through the Zoo, solve puzzles, tackle hands-on challenges and enjoy the lively comedy show Back from the Brink!. Along the way, children will discover some of the pioneering scientists and conservationists who helped shape London Zoo’s history, while learning how today’s experts are working to protect endangered species.

Activities take place at scheduled times throughout the day and are included with the standard zoo admission ticket.

Find out more

Family Programme at the National Gallery

Dates: 11–27 August 2026
Address: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Admission: Free

The National Gallery’s new Roden Centre for Creative Learning will host a series of family sessions combining art appreciation with hands-on creativity.

The programme includes gallery tours, conversations inspired by works in the collection and practical workshops exploring a variety of artistic materials and techniques. It offers children and adults alike the opportunity not only to admire masterpieces by some of history’s greatest artists, but also to interpret their stories, colours and compositions through their own creative work.

Find out more

Dragonfly Festival at WWT London Wetland Centre

Dates: Until 31 August 2026
Address: WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT
Admission: Main activities are included with entry. Some workshops may require separate booking.

Throughout the summer, the London Wetland Centre in Barnes celebrates dragonflies and the remarkable world of wetland wildlife.

Daily activities include insect spotting, pond dipping with nets, nature trails, outdoor games and the creation of a large collaborative chalk mural.

On selected days, visitors can also enjoy puppet performances, sensory storytelling, creative workshops and dragonfly-wing making sessions. The festival is perfect for families looking to combine a day in nature with imaginative educational activities.

Find out more

Summer Family Days at Westminster Abbey

Dates: 23 July; 4, 6, 18 and 20 August 2026
Address: Westminster Abbey, Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA
Admission: Free (advance booking required)

A series of themed family sessions for children aged five and above will take place in College Garden at Westminster Abbey.

Each event explores a different theme, from knights and dragons to fascinating science, the history of London and some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.

Sessions combine storytelling, games and creative activities with the opportunity to discover one of Britain’s most historic settings. As numbers may be limited, advance booking is strongly recommended.

Find out more

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Dates: 21 August – 6 September 2026
Locations: Various venues across Greenwich, Docklands and other parts of London
Admission: Free

One of London’s largest outdoor arts festivals returns with another ambitious programme of experimental theatre, contemporary dance, circus performances, spectacular light installations and large-scale public art.

Many productions are created specifically for streets, squares and riverside spaces, making this an especially memorable introduction to live performance for younger audiences. Families looking to experience theatre beyond the traditional stage will find plenty to enjoy.

Individual venues and performance times are published separately as part of the festival programme.

Find out more

Serendipity Island at Tate Modern

Dates: 25 July – 31 August 2026
Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Admission: Free

Part of the Uniqlo Tate Play programme, Serendipity Island invites children and adults alike into an immersive maze installation created by artist and composer Lina Lapelytė.

As visitors move through the space, sounds, voices and movement gradually merge into a shared musical composition and an evolving choreography. There is no single route through the installation—each person influences how the experience unfolds, creating a space that is constantly changing with every interaction.

Find out more

Young People’s Summer School at the Royal Academy of Arts

Dates: Selected sessions throughout the summer holidays (please check the Academy’s website for the full schedule)
Address: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
Admission: Free
Age: 15–19

The Royal Academy’s Young People’s Summer School is designed for teenagers and young adults with a serious interest in art.

The programme includes workshops in painting, sculpture, printmaking, life drawing and creative writing, offering participants the chance to work alongside practising artists, experiment with new techniques and develop material for their creative portfolios.

Advance registration is usually required.

Find out more

Upgrade Yourself Festival 2026 at Somerset House

Dates: 7–8 August 2026
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Admission: Free

This two-day festival is aimed primarily at young people aged 16 and over who are interested in creative careers.

The programme features practical workshops, talks, panel discussions and opportunities to meet professionals working across the arts and creative industries.

Participants can explore a wide range of career paths, ask questions, gain practical advice and connect with like-minded young creatives.

Find out more

Summer Holidays at the National Maritime Museum

Dates: Until 30 August 2026 (daily except Mondays)
Address: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
Admission: Free

The National Maritime Museum has created an extensive family programme featuring creative workshops, musical sessions, storytelling and outdoor activities.

Inspired by the sea, exploration, different cultures and the museum’s collections, the programme caters for children of all ages and combines a visit to the galleries with engaging hands-on activities.

Find out more

Family Days at Serpentine Galleries

Dates: Selected Sundays until 23 August 2026
Address: Serpentine South, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
Admission: Free

Serpentine’s Family Days bring together creative workshops, collaborative art projects and live performances inspired by the exhibitions of David Hockney and Cecily Brown, as well as this year’s Serpentine Pavilion.

Rather than simply viewing the exhibitions, families are encouraged to discuss the artworks and use them as a starting point for their own creative experiments.

Suitable for visitors of all ages.

Find out more

Design Camps at the Design Museum

Dates: Various dates throughout the summer
Address: Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG
Admission: Approximately £81 per six-hour session

The Design Museum’s summer camps offer immersive six-hour workshops for aspiring young designers.

Sessions cover everything from working with clay and creating footwear prototypes using recycled materials to cyanotype printing, experiments with light and shadow, and transforming discarded plastic into entirely new materials.

Some workshops are designed specifically for children aged 7–10, while others are aimed at those aged 11–14.

Find out more

Summer in the Royal Parks

Dates: Throughout July and August 2026
Location: Various locations (please check individual event listings)
Admission: Many events are free, while some activities are ticketed.

London’s Royal Parks have planned a packed programme of games, sports activities, concerts, guided walks and nature experiences for families throughout the summer.

Highlights include Open Days at the education centres in Greenwich Park and Hyde Park, as well as a Peter Pan-themed treasure hunt. Visitors can also enjoy free play sessions in Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park and Regent’s Park, open-air concerts, family tennis camps and nature-inspired activities.

As events take place across different parks, it’s worth checking the venue details before travelling.

Find out more

Summer Family Festival at the National Portrait Gallery

Dates: 3–7 August 2026, 11.00am–4.00pm
Address: National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE
Admission: Free (drop-in, subject to capacity)
Age: 3+

This five-day family festival celebrates the portraits featured in the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026.

Creative workshops throughout the Gallery and Learning Centre will explore collage, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and three-dimensional sculpture.

Families can create miniature self-portraits, design real or imaginary hairstyles using charcoal, make decorative paper collars or even enjoy a family photo session.

Participation is free, although workshop places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Find out more

Science Museum: Careers Live – Summer

Dates: 4–7 and 11–14 August 2026
Address: Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Admission: Free

Designed for children and teenagers curious about careers in science, engineering and environmental protection, Careers Live offers the chance to meet specialists from the Environment Agency.

Visitors can speak to professionals working in the field, discover the challenges they tackle every day and see how scientific knowledge is applied in real-world situations.

Find out more

Science Museum: Bubble Explorers

Dates: Throughout the summer season (please check session times)
Address: Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD (main entrance on Exhibition Road)
Admission: See organiser’s website for ticket information
Recommended age: Primarily for children under seven

This interactive family show introduces younger visitors to the science of bubbles through play and spectacular demonstrations.

Children will discover how bubbles are formed, why they take their distinctive shape and what happens when air, water and soap come together.

An entertaining first introduction to science for the museum’s youngest visitors.

Find out more

Family Programme at Shakespeare’s Globe

Dates: Various dates throughout July and August 2026
Address: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT

Shakespeare’s Globe has curated a varied summer programme for children of different ages.

“There’s Another World” is a creative workshop for children aged 5–11, introducing young participants to Shakespeare’s magical worlds and unforgettable characters through drama and imaginative play. Admission is approximately £13.

For children aged 8–10, the Globe also runs a week-long acting course, where participants develop their skills in voice, movement, character creation and performance using scenes from Shakespeare’s plays.

Find out more

Historic Palaces, Castles and Jousting Tournaments

Beano Havoc at Hampton Court Palace

Dates: 25 July – 23 August 2026
Address: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU
Admission: Included with palace entry

The beloved characters from the iconic British comic Beano take over Hampton Court Palace for an interactive summer adventure.

After Dennis and his friends accidentally disrupt the Time Machine, history is thrown into chaos, and young visitors are recruited to help restore the timeline.

Blending puzzles, comedy and hands-on challenges with the palace’s magnificent Tudor interiors, the experience offers an entertaining introduction to one of England’s most famous royal residences. Admission is included with a standard Hampton Court Palace ticket.

Find out more

Morris’s Magical Menagerie at William Morris Gallery

Date: 8 August 2026
Address: William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP
Admission: Free

This family day in Lloyd Park celebrates the fantastical animals, decorative patterns and natural motifs that define the work of William Morris.

Children can create their own animal masks during creative workshops before setting off to explore the park. Blending art, imagination and outdoor adventure, the event offers an enjoyable day out for the whole family.

Find out more

Summer Jousting Tournament at Hever Castle

Dates: Selected days until 31 August 2026
Address: Hever Castle & Gardens, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
Admission: Included with castle entry

Throughout the summer, Hever Castle hosts spectacular medieval jousting tournaments in the grounds of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home.

Visitors can watch knights compete on horseback, witness thrilling combat displays and enjoy historical entertainment in an authentic outdoor setting.

Children can also take part in a themed quest around the castle grounds. As tournaments are held on selected dates rather than daily, visitors should check the castle calendar before planning their visit.

Find out more

City Life, Transport and World Cultures

Caribbean Culture Festival at London Museum Docklands

Dates: 21–22 August 2026
Address: London Museum Docklands, No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
Admission: Free (some activities require advance booking)

This two-day festival celebrates the rich cultures of the Caribbean and London’s Caribbean communities.

The programme includes soca and kalinda dance workshops, live music, storytelling, performances and a variety of creative family activities.

Visitors can make jewellery and paper flowers, join dance sessions and explore a dedicated play area for younger children. Admission is free, although some activities require advance booking.

Find out more

Electric Pioneers at London Transport Museum

Dates: 21 July – 2 September 2026
Address: London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
Admission: Included with museum entry

This year’s summer programme explores the role electricity has played in keeping London’s transport network moving for well over a century.

Families can discover the history of electric trains, signalling systems and other engineering innovations through interactive activities, while learning how new technologies may shape the future of urban transport.

Find out more

Tom Gates EPIC Adventure at Kew Gardens

Dates: Until 31 August 2026, 10.00am–4.30pm
Address: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE (nearest entrance: Brentford Gate)
Admission: Included with garden entry

Inspired by Liz Pichon’s bestselling Tom Gates books and television series, this summer adventure transforms Kew Gardens into a playground of creativity and discovery.

Children can enjoy a giant doodle wall, live performances by Tom Gates’ fictional band DogZombies, creative workshops and a family trail through the gardens featuring codes, puzzles and hidden clues.

Activities take place daily and are included with standard admission to Kew Gardens.

Find out more

Children’s Theatre

London’s theatres have once again put together an outstanding summer programme for young audiences, ranging from imaginative puppet productions and interactive performances to family musicals and Shakespeare under the stars.

Whether you’re introducing a toddler to the magic of theatre for the first time or looking for something to inspire older children, there’s an impressive choice of productions throughout the holidays.

Children’s Theatre

Summer Season at Little Angel Theatre

Dates: Various performances throughout July and August 2026
Address: Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN

One of London’s best-loved puppet theatres has unveiled an extensive summer programme for children of all ages.

This year’s line-up includes:

• Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape – suitable for ages 5+
• Tiny Planet – for children aged 5–11
• At Sea – for ages 6–11
• Jack and the Beanstalk (Sort Of) – for ages 4–11
• Club Origami – for children aged 2–5
• Puffing Percy – for ages 3–8
• The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – suitable for ages 6+

The programme combines full-scale productions with events forming part of the theatre’s Puppet Festival. Performance dates, venues and ticket prices vary depending on the production.

Find out more

Summer Productions at Polka Theatre

Dates: Various performances throughout July and August 2026
Address: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB

Polka Theatre has long specialised in productions for young audiences, including performances designed specifically for babies and preschool children.

This summer’s programme includes:

• There’s a Tiger in the Garden – ages 3–7
• Arthur – ages 6–12
• Blub – a sensory production for babies aged 6–18 months

Families with very young children are advised to check age guidance, performance information and ticket availability before booking.

Find out more

The Little Mermaid: Song of the Sea at Greenwich Theatre

Dates: 31 July – 23 August 2026
Address: Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES
Recommended age: 5+
Running time: Approximately two hours

This brand-new musical offers a fresh retelling of the classic tale of The Little Mermaid.

Driven by curiosity, the young heroine makes a dangerous bargain with the Sea Witch before setting out to discover the world above the waves.

Audiences can expect an entertaining family production filled with music, humour and the unmistakable charm of traditional British pantomime.

Find out more

Theatre on Kew

Dates: Selected performances throughout the 2026 summer season
Address: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE
Admission: Separate theatre ticket required

The open-air stage at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, provides a spectacular setting for a programme of family favourites and timeless classics.

This summer’s productions include:

• Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
• The Wind in the Willows
• Jack and the Beanstalk

As performances take place outdoors, visitors are advised to dress for the weather and check the organisers’ guidance regarding picnics, blankets and folding chairs before attending.

Find out more

Planning Your Visit

Even free family events often require advance registration or the booking of a timed ticket. At many festivals, workshops operate on a first come, first served basis, and places can fill quickly.

It’s also worth checking the recommended age range, the duration of each activity and the exact venue before setting out. Some events take place not in the museum itself, but in learning centres, gardens or temporary outdoor spaces.

Outdoor performances and festivals are, of course, subject to change, particularly if weather conditions are unfavourable. Before travelling, it’s always advisable to check the organiser’s website for the latest information on dates, times, admission, ticket availability and the most convenient entrance.

Whether your children are fascinated by science, captivated by history, inspired by art or simply looking for a memorable day out, London offers an exceptional programme of family events throughout the 2026 summer holidays.