Keeping kids entertained over the summer holidays is no easy task but whether you call the capital home or are planning a day trip to London this summer holidays, we've put together our guide of the best activities for kids in London - and they're all free!
THE GIANT'S GARDEN AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD CENTRE
Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Road, E20 1EJ
16 August - 1 September, 12:00 - 20:00
Walk on water in giant inflatables in the Zorb pool, play a game of swingball, get crafting or join in for a storytime, the Giant's Garden at Westfield in Stratford has something for everyone. Booking for the Zorb pool is required and reservations open at 9am on Monday 12 August here.
THE NATURE ROADSHOW AT THE ROYAL PARKS
Bushy Park, Richmond Park and St James's Park
14, 15, 20, 21, 22 August, 11:00 – 15:00
A great place to search for free events in London is the Royal Parks website. The Nature Roadshow is running throughout August across there of the Royal Parks and it's schedule of free drop-in activities includes: following a scavenger trail, taking a look at nature through their mini museum, story time and creating nature crafts. Register for your free place here.
SUMMER FAMILY FRIDAYS AT THE YOUNG V&A
Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA
Friday 16 August, 12.00 - 16.00
London is famous for its free museums and any trip to West London with kids usually involves a visit to the National History Museum or the Science Museum. If you're planning to head East this summer, don't miss the Young V&A which also offers free entry year round. The Young V&A was refurbished in 2023 and has been entirely designed for young children. On Friday 16th August, they will be concluding their series of free creative activities and storytelling with stories from Japan by Laura Sampson. No booking required, places are on a first come first served basis and more information can be found here.
THE FLOODED GARDEN AT THE TATE MODERN
Bankside, SE1 9TG
10.30 - 18.00 daily until 26 August 2024
The Tate's website is another great place to find free and creative events for kids in the City. The first of our free event at Tate Modern is the Flooded Garden: transforming the Turbine Hall into an enormous painting garden. Don't miss the musical performances at 3pm every Wednesday, more information can be found here.
If you're visiting the Flooded Gardens, give the Tate's Story Space a visit too. The Story Spaces features a collection of books that centre children of colour, with books by black authors, indigenous authors and authors of colour from around the world. It is open every day during school holidays and every weekend and Thursdays during term time. More details can be found here.
GREENWICH & DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2024
Across the borough of Greenwich, Newham and the City of London
23 August - 8 September
The GDIF is a free programme of open-air performances spanning theatre, dance, circus and installations celebrating change-making activism and artistic innovation. One such installation is ParkWorks: two days of family-friendly street theatre and circus shows in Stratford Park. Every performance is free and unticketed – you just have to show up. ParkWorks is on 25 and 26 August and more information can be found here.
SUMMER OF PLAY AT CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
Crystal Palace Park Information Centre, Thicket Road, SE20 8DT
Various dates until 1 September
There is a bumper schedule of free activities throughout August at Crystal Palace Park as part of their Summer of Play series, from Bubble Football to Djembe Drumming to an Intro to Skateboarding to Dinosaur Mini Tours and so much more. Check out the full schedule of activities and book your place at here.
MARVELLOUS MAKERS: ORIGAMI CRAFT
Hale End Library, Castle Avenue, E4 9QD
Friday 23 August, 11.00
Hale End Library in Highams Park is running a fantastic free origami making class. The class is suitalbe for children aged 5+ and you can reserve your spot here.
CREATION FAMILY FUN: NATURE TALES
Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA
19 August 10.00-12.00
Kids can learn wildlife stories from around the world in Westminster Abbey’s medieval walled garden this summer through storytelling and creative play. Activities at Nature Tales include sculpture making, crown making, family exploration trail and more! For more information and to book your spot head here.
TATE DRAW AT THE TATE MODERN
Bankside, SE1 9TG
Daily between 10.00–18.00
Another activity at the Tate that kids can enjoy for free during the summer holidays is Tate Draw: they simply take a seat at one of the drawing desks, create their masterpiece using the digital sketch pads and see their finished design projected on the wall before downloading and saving it to your phone. More details can be found here.
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