Things to do during school summer holidays in London

Summer school holiday activities for young children

1. Explore the marine world at SEA LIFE London Aquarium: See the UK’s largest living coral reef and discover hundreds of aquatic species including sharks, jellyfish and penguins. 
2. Hang out with Shrek and friends at Shrek's Adventure! London: Meet your favourite characters, enjoy a live show and take a wild ride on a 4D adventure. 
3. Climb aboard the Cutty Sark: Meet Captain Woodget and ship’s cook James Robsen, and learn the incredible history of the historic tea clipper.  
4. Discover transport through the ages at the London Transport Museum: Trace the evolution of London’s transport system through groundbreaking designs and iconic vehicles.  
5. Experience the magic of The Paddington Bear Experience: Meet beloved characters from the books and the films, and explore props and sets from the films. 
6. Be inspired by the incredible exhibitions and collections at the Science Museum: Spot space rockets and steam engines, and check out the new Future of Food exhibition for a fascinating look at how we grow and eat food.
7. Enjoy an action-packed adventure at the National Maritime Museum: Step inside four engaging galleries to find showstopping artworks, naval uniforms and intricate ship models telling the story of Britain at sea. 
8. Roam around the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground: Let the little ones climb aboard the giant wooden pirate ship and explore sensory trails in the heart of Hyde Park. 
9. Don’t miss a chance to ride the miniature railway at Brockwell Park: Board the train every Sunday or wander the park’s stunning walled flower garden.
10. Visit Southbank Centre for a vibrant lineup of summer events: Expect inspiring talks, hands-on workshops and showstopping music and dance performances.  

Find budget-friendly family summer activities with our guide to free things to do in London with kids. Discover more things to do with children in London this summer.

Things to do with teenagers in London

11. Meet your favourite superheroes at Madame Tussauds London: Snap a selfie with royalty, sporting legends and iconic musicians at this world-famous wax museum. 
12. Embrace your inner adrenaline junkie with Up The O2: Climb London’s famous arena and reward yourself with sweeping skyline views at the summit. 
13. Uncover London’s chilling history at The London Dungeon: Brace yourself for the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and spine-tingling tales of Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper. 
14. Challenge the family to a game of Monopoly Lifesized: Get competitive in exhilarating escape room-style challenges, before playing the 80-minute life-sized board game. 
15. See the city sparkle on a London by Night bus tour: Take in dazzling views of illuminated landmarks on this 90-minute tour, complete with fascinating commentary from an onboard guide. 
16. Sharpen up on your Roman history at London Mithraeum and the Roman Amphitheatre: Descend below street level to explore the ancient temple of Mithras and the remains of London’s Roman arena.  
17. Explore the Churchill War Rooms: Uncover the former Prime Minister’s hidden wartime bunker and the once top-secret room where the War Cabinet made critical decisions. 
18. Visit the Imperial War Museum London: Explore a powerful collection of wartime artifacts and take part in the museum’s summer programme.
19. See London from up above on the IFS Cloud Cable Car: Soar to new heights and relish 360-views of the capital. 
20. Explore London's Chinatown: Walk beneath the striking red lanterns before tucking into handcrafted delicacies.

For more school holiday ideas, take a look at our guide to 101 things to do in London with teens.

Family shows in London during the summer holidays

21. Take your pick of the 10 best musicals in London: Enjoy family favourites from The Lion King and Matilda to exciting new shows such as The Great Gatsby and MJ the Musical. 
22. See a show beneath the stars at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: This family-friendly theatre offers a thrilling mix of musicals and plays throughout the summer in a magical outdoor setting.
23. Enjoy family performances at Shakespeare's Globe: Classic plays such as Romeo and Juliet are reimagined for younger audiences. 
24. Don’t miss Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre: Set nineteen years after the final film, this multi-award-winning stage production is a must-see for Potter fans.
25. Secure tickets to The Smeds and the Smoos: The exciting stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s beloved children’s book promises fun for the whole family.
26. Experience the magic of The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Theatre Royal Haymarket: Follow the adventures of Sophie as she welcomes an unexpected guest.  
27. Watch Disney’s new Hercules the Musical this summer: See Hercules navigate a world overshadowed by the sinister Hades as he learns what it means to be a true hero. 

Keep the little ones entertained with more family theatre shows this summer.

Outdoor adventures for the family

28. Explore the stunning grounds of Kew Gardens: Step inside the tropical glasshouses, stroll along the treetop walkaway and don’t miss exciting summer events. 
29. Take a trip to some of the capital's best sports venues: Go behind the scenes and learn the history of your favourite sports club. 
30. Plan a fun day out at one of the UK's top theme parks: From the imaginative world of LEGOLAND Windsor to the thrills of Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, there’s something for everyone.
31. Check out London’s picnic spots and leafy parks: Pack a hamper and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in one of the city’s scenic green spaces. 
32. Find out what’s on at your local outdoor cinema: Expect open-air screenings of cult classics and award-winning new releases. 
33. Wander through the vast gardens of the Horniman Museum: Spot the velociraptor in the Prehistoric Gardens, find wild landscapes in the Grasslands Garden and marvel at the flowers in the Sunken and Display Gardens. 
34. Soak up the sunshine at Battersea Park: Follow peaceful paths dotted with fountains and visit the Peace Pagoda, or say hello to the animals at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. 
35. Bathe in tranquillity of the London Wetland Centre: This 105-acre (42-hectare) oasis is an ideal spot for nature lovers. 
36. See how many skyscrapers you can name from Parliament Hill: The highest point of Hampstead Heath offers sweeping city views and makes for the perfect picnic spot.
37. There's so much to explore at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Unwind in its green spaces or channel your inner athlete with a game on the outdoor courts at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
38. Spend a day out in Greenwich: Visit the planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich or join a fun, educational workshop at the National Maritime Museum.

Discover more outdoor spaces this summer. 

Top summer experiences

39. Whizz down the Thames on a Thames Rockets speedboat tour: Or opt for a scenic river cruise, perfect for spotting some of the London’s most iconic landmarks.
40. Tick off London's top historic locations: Visit Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral to explore the city’s storied history and stunning architecture.  
41. Discover Royal London: Step inside the lavish State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, wander the grounds of Kensington Palace, and don’t miss Changing the Guard. 
42. Enjoy an afternoon tea tour: Savour tea and sweet treats as you glide past London’s top sights on a vintage tea bus.  
43. Feel your legs shake as you walk the Tower Bridge Walkway: Learn the history of the iconic Tower Bridge and walk across the high-level glass floor with views over the River Thames. 
44. Cool down with a dip in a pool or lido: Explore our guide to the best swimming and boating spots in London, including heated lidos and Olympic-sized pools. 
45. Take on one of London's immersive experiences: Battle aliens, solve a chilling murder mystery or step into another world with interactive adventures across the capital. 
46. Explore the city with an expert guide on a themed walking tour: Follow in the footsteps of legendary musicians and visit film locations featured in award-winning movies. 
47. See London’s landmarks on a hop-on hop-off bus tour: Cruise through the city on an open-top bus, with more than 60 must-see locations.
48. Celebrate London’s Caribbean community at Notting Hill Carnival: The world-famous parade features dazzling floats and costumes, exceptional food and drink, and live music from top performers. 23-25 Aug  

Uncover more unique experiences in London. 

Day trips from London

49. Combine Stonehenge and Bath on a whistle-stop day tour: Explore the ancient mystery of Stonehenge, before uncovering the historic sights of Bath including the Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge. 
50. Discover the enchanting city of Oxford: Wander through the 400-year-old Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum and enjoy a picnic lunch while punting along the Thames. 
51. See medieval England brought to life at Warwick Castle: Experience thrilling displays and dive into the rich history of one of England’s oldest towns. 
52. Take a trip to the seaside town of Brighton: Stroll along the pier, shop for vintage and antiques, and tuck into the delicious food and drink scene.  
53. Visit the charming city of York: Meet fearsome Vikings, cruise along the river and wander its cobbled streets. 
54. Escape to the beautiful British countryside: Plan a staycation to idyllic spots such as the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon.
55. Tick off castles, cathedrals, the white cliffs of Dover and more on a Leeds, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich tour: Explore some of the UK’s most historic destinations with an expert guide. 

Check out more amazing day trips from London to enjoy this summer.

Family hotels and restaurants in London

56. Find children’s menus and fun activities at London's kid-friendly restaurants: From themed restaurants to baby-friendly spots, there’s a menu to suit every family.
57. Enjoy great access to top London attractions with our pick of where to stay in London with kids: The InterContinental London O2 often has fantastic family deals during the summer months.
58. Enjoy the luxury and flexibility of your own private space in a self-catering apartment: Relish your own living space and kitchen in a spacious apartment in the city.
59. Make use of fun facilities, special activities, cots and babysitting services at these top London family hotels: Choose from affordable options, quirky boutique hotels and luxury rooms tailored for families.
60. Sample a different dish every day from top street food markets: Seven Dials Market, Mercato Mayfair, Eataly and the Southbank Centre Food Market are all great options.

For more inspiration this summer holiday, see what's on in London or check out our guide to London for kids, featuring top family attractions, experiences and the best museums for children. Be sure to download the Visit London app for on-the-go tips and unmissable offers.

Where can I take my kids on a hot day in London?

London has many wonderful parks and gardens where you can enjoy a stroll before settling down with a picnic in the sun or shade. Relax in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace, where the mushroom-like trees are sure to offer some respite from the sun, or head to Richmond Park for a bike ride through the trees along with some wildlife spotting.

The city also has many fantastic spots where you can cool off with a swim in one of London's outdoor pools or lidos. Alternatively, go for a breezy boat ride along the Thames or take to the pedalos on the lake at Alexandra Palace.

You'll also find that many of London's galleries and exhibition spaces are a great place to escape the heat, with air-conditioned rooms designed to protect the artworks.