Tips for Summer

Get out and about in London with the kids this summer!

With plenty of green open spaces, London is the perfect place to soak up the summer sun.

And, if the British weather does throw in a few showers, there are loads of indoor attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

Read our guide to a summer day out in London.

London's Royal Parks and Green Spaces

The Royal Parks are great for a summer stroll. Hyde Park, has lots to keep the kids occupied including playgrounds, horse riding, a paddling pool and a sports field if you fancy a kick-around.

Plus, London has lots of smaller parks and gardens to explore.

Outdoor Events for Families in London

There are also plenty of family-friendly outdoor events including music festivals, free cultural festivals and carnivals.

Notting Hill Carnival transforms the streets of West London with a vibrant celebration of music and culture over the August Bank Holiday. Sunday is officially children's day with a shorter parade route and a smaller, quieter crowd. It's also completely free!

Find out more about Special Events in London.

Dining Outdoors with the Kids in London

A family enjoy a picnic on the deckchairs in a London's Hyde Park. Image courtesy of Britain on View

If you need a rest, many of London's pubs and restaurants have outdoor tables so you can enjoy the sunshine as you eat.

Or head to one of London's family-friendly restaurants, which will cater for little tummies with special children's menus, and keep them entertained too.

You could always pack a picnic for a budget way to enjoy al fresco dining. Take a look at our favourite picnic spots.

Family Entertainment Outside in London

Girl at the Natural History Museum's Butterfly Jungle

There's an abundance of family entertainment across London this summer.

Little monkeys can get up close to the animals at ZSL London Zoo's new Animal Adventure. This new attraction was designed with the help of children and includes a climbing adventure area, underground tunnel and a splash zone.

For fun, family-friendly theatre, head to one of the London's children's theatres. Colourful puppets, exciting stories and workshops await.

London Summer Advice

You may not be heading to the beach, but temperatures can still get pretty high in London so it's a good idea to take a bottle of water with you to keep hydrated – especially if you are travelling on the Tube.

Children's skin is particularly vulnerable to the sun's rays, so make sure you take precautions to protect them. Visit Cancer Research UK's Sunsmart site for practical advice on how to enjoy the sun safely.

It may be summer, but the weather can still change quickly! Check the weather forecast in advance and consider taking a light jacket in case it rains or gets cooler.

If it does happen to rain, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep all the family entertained. Check out our Rainy Day Itinerary for ideas.