The summer holidays are here, so it’s time to plan fun activities to keep energetic kids entertained. From open-air theatre shows to exciting exhibitions, themed afternoon teas to go-karting adventures, we’ve found the best family-friendly options in the capital that will guarantee you a summer full of unforgettable memories.
Expect the unexpected at the Paradox Museum
Cameras at the ready, the UK’s first Paradox Museum has opened its doors on Brompton Road. The 90-minute walking experience features over 50 interactive and Instagrammable backdrops and 25 rooms to explore.
Step into the illusionary Paradox Tunnel, where walking straight seems impossible. The Ames Room offers the chance to play with perspective by showing visitors growing and shrinking; float weightlessly in the Zero Gravity Room. Combining science, art and psychology, this is a fascinating and educational experience for children of all ages.
90 Brompton Road, SW3 1JJ, paradoxmuseumlondon.com
Refresh yourself with a free gift
Want a free drink and something for the kids? As part of a partnership with Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, juice company Cawston Press is handing out free Frozen Juices from the Termperance Fountain on Clapham Common. Flavours available will be Apple & Pear, Apple & Summer Berry, Apple & Mango (they’re crazy about apples, can you tell?) and Sunshine Orange. There will also be umbrellas and sun loungers for parents who need a break. The minibus will be there from 10am and will be handing out juices while stocks last.
July 27, Clapham Common Temperance Fountain, SW4 0JA, eventbrite.co.uk
Step into the CBeebies rainbow adventure
If you’re a fan of Bluey, Hey Duggee or Mr Tumble at home, head to CBeebies rainbow adventure. Featuring music, role-play and storytelling, this 55-minute immersive experience puts you and your little one at the heart of the story.
The story? The CBeebies rainbow has lost all its colours and it’s up to you to bring it back to life by completing fun tasks like playing a magic xylophone in Bluey’s bedroom. Perfect for ages zero to six, this game also includes a photo opportunity with Bluey or Duggee at the end.
Until November, Westfield Shopping Centre, W12 7GF, cbeebiesrainbowadventure.com
Flap your way through Wing Fest at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The world’s largest chicken wing festival takes place at the London Stadium on July 26, 27 and 28. Choose from 45 different street food vendors, restaurants, BBQ teams and pop-ups from across the country. Perfect for big kids with big appetites. From spicy to sweet, fried to BBQ, you can try every type of wing imaginable, including Thunderbird, Black Bear Burger, Wingmans and Bone Daddies.
As well as lots of wings, there’s also a range of exciting entertainment: cheer on competitors in the deadly Lava Wing Challenge, which is not for the faint-hearted, and catch the “Flying Goose” wing-eating contest. There’s also fairground rides, arcades, live music and axe throwing.
London Stadium, Stratford, E20 2ST, wingfest.co.uk
Catch a fun afternoon of cricket at Howzat! The Hundred
Future sports stars will experience the thrill and excitement of cricket’s fastest format, The Hundred. The month-long tournament features some of the game’s biggest names, including England internationals Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Zak Crawley, as well as icons of the women’s game such as Smriti Mandhana and Nat Scriver-Brunt. Catch the action at two iconic venues, The Oval in Kennington, home of reigning Men’s champions The Oval Invincibles, and Lord’s, home to London Spirit, between 23 July and 18 August.
The Hundred Match always involves more than just the game, with pyrotechnics, fireworks and live music to keep the kids enthralled. Pop sensation Zara Larsson will be performing at Lord’s on August 18.
Various cricket grounds, thehundred.com
Enjoy a teddy bear picnic at the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
Overlooking Hyde Park, the five-star Marriott Hotel Park Lane has really gone all out to keep the kids entertained. In partnership with Hamleys, hotel guests can add a teddy bear experience to their stay. Youngsters will be able to choose their own Hamleys bear from the in-room teddy bear menu, and their new cuddly friend will be hand-delivered to them by a dedicated bear butler.
They also get the chance to have a picnic in the room, complete with teddy bear cakes, gourmet sandwiches and other salty snacks. Turndown service includes a glass of milk, cookies and classic bear-themed books to read before bed. For families exploring London, this is the perfect mix of luxury and fun after a day of sightseeing.
140 Park Road, W1K 7AA, marriott.com
Table tennis fun at Bounce, Battersea
Bounce is a futuristic, family-friendly table tennis venue with branches across London. The brand’s newest venue, Battersea Power Station, has an atmospheric, industrial feel. Families can enjoy traditional table tennis games, try challenging robots, try ping-pong basketball and try shufl, a simple but fun game where two players slide weighted pucks across a table.
Hungry competitors will be able to refuel easily. The venue has an extensive food and drink menu. Highlights include sourdough garlic strips, tempura fish bites and wild mushroom pizza.
Hall B, Battersea Power Station Level 1, Turbine, SW11 8DD, jumppong.com
Treat the kids to a perfect afternoon tea on Dalloway Terrace
Is there a more British way to spend a summer day than with afternoon tea? Dalloway Terrace’s new children’s bedroom has been specially designed with a cute bumblebee and a sustainability theme.
The Bloomsbury hotel serves up a traditional three-tiered stand with Emma Bridgewater’s handmade bumblebee-print plates. The top tier features finger sandwiches filled with mild cheddar, honey-roasted ham and cucumber; the middle tier features fluffy vanilla and raisin scones served with honey; and sweet treats like buttered beehive cookies and chocolate lollipops sit at the bottom. Adults can enjoy more grown-up treats like roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, warm Irish cheddar scones with sun-dried tomato butter, and pistachio and vanilla Battenberg cake.
16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN, dallowayterrace.com
Dive into Gravity MAX’s ‘Urban Theme Park’
Covering 67,000 square feet, the recently opened Gravity MAX in Stratford offers a wide range of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. Designed as an urban theme park, the attraction offers immersive experiences and arcade-style games that are perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
Test your aim with digital darts, which use AR technology to put a futuristic twist on the classic pub game, while budding pop stars can belt out their favourite tunes with The Voice karaoke experience. There’s also an immersive play area for battling zombies and launching Angry Birds, and a multi-level e-kart track. Age and height restrictions apply.
Unit 1-7, Chestnut Plaza, E20 1GL, gravity-global.com
Enjoy an enchanting evening of theatre at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens features a fantastic cast of three family-friendly theatre productions from the Australian Shakespeare Company. Ideal for little ones aged two and up, the fairy-themed interactive show features plenty of singing and dancing, as well as a guest appearance from Tinkerbell.
There’s also the classic story The Wind in the Willows, ideal for children aged four and over, while older children can enjoy Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set under Kew’s heritage trees.
Until September 1, Ferry Lane, TW9 3AG, kew.org
Tee-time fun at Swingers West End
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy competitive match play on interesting holes when Swingers West End transforms into a family-friendly playground on Sundays. Featuring three devilish nine-hole courses, players can test their putting skills against family members before refuelling with street food from Patty & Bun, Breddos Tacos and Pizza Pilgrims. Frozen snowflakes and doughnuts are also available from Crosstown.
The Oxford Street venue is themed around the 1920s English Riviera, complete with helter skelter and a retro big wheel. Kids must be seven or older to play.
All over London, swingers.club
Get your skates on for Starlight Express
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s revamped Starlight Express is coming to the Starlight Auditorium at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre this summer. The two-and-a-half-hour show will take audiences on a high-speed skating adventure filled with song, “dynamic choreography” and “captivating storytelling.”
Whizzing around with a group of 40 performers, you’ll enjoy musical theatre classics such as AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, Light at the End of the Tunnel and the iconic Starlight Express. Another new addition this year is Studio Five restaurant, which has menus for adults and children. Visitors on Friday or Saturday will also be treated to a live pop, soul or jazz performance.
Wembley Park Theatre, 3 Fulton Rd, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0SP, starlightexpresslondon.com
Get ready for a science feast at Brainiac Live!
TV sensation Brainiacs science group will be performing at the Marylebone Theatre this summer, aiming to uncover the mysteries of science through daring experiments and demonstrations that both entertain and educate.
The 60-minute show, suitable for audiences aged five and above, uses explosions, flashing lights and special effects to create an immersive experience.
July 30 – August 24. 35 Park Road, NW1 6XT, marylebonetheatre.com
Be part of the action in Novikov with a pizza afternoon
Got a little chef or two at home? Bring them to Novikov’s Italian restaurant every Sunday from 12-16 for a fun and interactive pizza-making masterclass. Kids are tasked with creating their own delicious masterpieces under the guidance of Novikov’s expert team in the restaurant’s dedicated area.
Children will learn to knead and roll out dough before personalising their creations with ingredients. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a relaxing lunch while the kids are in the kitchen. Colouring books and cake decorating are also on offer to keep young ones occupied.
50A Berkeley Street, W1J 8HA, novikovrestaurant.co.uk
Celebrate Barbie’s 65th Anniversary at the Design Museum
Calling all Barbie fans! To celebrate 65 years of the iconic doll, the Design Museum in Kensington is hosting an exhibition that will take you on a journey through Barbie’s design evolution. Barbie®: The Exhibition features over 250 dolls, from the latest designs to rare and one-of-a-kind pieces, dating from 1959 to the present day.
The exhibition also includes the first black Barbie Christie, designed in 1968, as well as the original Barbie Dreamhouse, developed in 1962, and some outfits from the recently released Barbie movie.
Until February 2025, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG, designmuseum.org