Things to do during the school summer holidays 2024 in London
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Make the school summer holidays memorable by enjoying London's best interactive exhibitions, children’s theatre shows and kid-friendly museums.
Save money by grouping different activities together and choosing a wide-ranging London Pass or a Go City London Explorer Pass, depending on your plans.
There are lots of brilliant things to do in London during the kids’ school summer holidays. Whether you’ve got little ones or teenagers to keep entertained, we’ve rounded up summer holiday activities for all ages to enjoy below.
Some attractions might require booking in advance, even if entry is free.
When are the next summer school holidays in London?
The next school summer holidays in London are from to
Summer activities for kids
As soon as the summer holidays kick off in London, the city's top attractions are taken over with an exciting program of activities for kids of all ages. But, these are not only meant to be enjoyed by the young ones - summer holiday days out in London make for a memorable time for the whole family.
From fun outdoor events at London's top parks to unique summer pop-ups at famous London landmarks, there are plenty of new and iconic things to do this summer in the capital.
Summer holiday events in London
- Head to Notting Hill Carnival for a day of fantastic food from around the world along with vibrant music and dancing. Aug
- Celebrate the summer through theatre, art, dance and circus at the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival 2023. TBC
- Head to the Southbank Centre for a season of inspiring climate care live talks, performances, music and family events. TBC
- Take to the stage at Shakespeare's Globe for a Family Workshop, where the you will bring to life Shakespeare's most famous plays through a range of activities and games.
- Spend a day in Greenwich with a visit to a planetarium show at the Royal Observatory Greenwich or by joining a workshop at the National Maritime Museum.
- See the new summer installation in London's Chinatown where you can walk beneath the colourful canopy of parasols before tucking into handcrafted delicacies.
- Squeeze the most out of your summer in London with more unmissable events and experiences, which are perfect for lush summer days.
Find more exciting events the kids will love from July, through August and into September.
Summer school holiday activities for young children
- Explore the UK's largest living coral reef and discover hundreds of aquatic creatures at SEA LIFE London.
- Hang out with Shrek and friends as you watch a live show, then take on a 4D ride and the mirror maze at Shrek's Adventure! London.
- Watch the little ones become chefs, astronauts or firefighters at KidZania.
- Climb aboard and meet Captain Woodget, ship cook James Robsen and other interesting characters of the Cutty Sark.
- Discover transport through the ages with all sorts of fun activities and exhibits at the London Transport Museum.
- Bring science to life and be inspired by incredible exhibitions at the Science Museum.
- Enjoy an action-packed adventure at AHOY! At the National Maritime Museum.
- Lose yourself in the mesmerising and magical planetarium shows at Peter Harrison Planetarium.
- Meet meerkats and enjoy outdoor activities at Lee Valley Park Farms.
- Become a pirate for the day on a huge wooden pirate ship at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
- Don’t miss a chance to ride the miniature railway at Brockwell Park on Sundays, even if you’re not so little!
- Find budget-friendly family summer activities with our guide to free things to do in London with kids.
Find even more things to do with kids this summer in London.
Things to do with teenagers in London
- Meet your favourite superheroes at the Marvel Universe 4D experience at Madame Tussauds London.
- Embrace your inner adrenaline-junkie as you climb The O2 while taking in scenic views, with Up at The O2.
- Scare yourself silly on the Drop Dead: Drop Ride at The London Dungeon.
- Get competitive with a family game of Monopoly Lifesized.
- Discover the city as it sparkles on a London by Night bus tour.
- Sharpen up on your Roman history at London Mithraeum and Roman Amphitheatre this summer to impress your history teacher in autumn.
- Turn this summer into a season of self-care and pamper yourself at Covent Garden.
- …then head to the West End for more shopping treats to rock this summer.
- Explore Churchill’s office at wartime underground bunker Churchill War Rooms.
- Visit the Imperial War Museum London and enjoy a summer program of family-friendly events.
- Pick out some retro vintage threads at Camden’s independent shops.
- And don’t forget to peruse through the numerous stalls of eye-catching accessories and treasures at Camden Market.
For more school holiday ideas, take a look at 101 things to do in London with teens.
Family shows in London
- Take your pick from London's top 10 musicals, from family favourite The Lion King to the mesmerising Matilda.
- Soak up the outdoor theatre atmosphere at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which hosts family-friendly shows throughout the summer.
- Enjoy a family performance at Shakespeare's Globe where classic plays are re-imagined for kids.
- Sing along to hit ABBA songs at Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre.
- Discover the world of Hawkins before it was turned upside down at Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Keep the little ones entertained with more family theatre shows. Check back nearer the time for more summer shows on the West End.
Outdoor adventures for the family
- You can easily spend a whole day at Kew Gardens – so mark your calendar and book in advance for a fantastic day out.
- Take a trip to some of the capital's best sports venues, getting a behind the scenes look at your team's stadium.
- Or have a fun day out at some of the UK's top theme parks, from family-favourite LEGOLAND Windsor to the thrilling Thorpe Park.
- London’s picnic spots and leafy parks await your visit! Prep a hamper and head to your local patch of green.
- Alfresco cinema? It’s a thing! Find out what’s on at your local drive-in or outdoor cinema in London, from cult classics to new releases.
- Get the kids asking “Is that a real dinosaur?!” around every corner at Crystal Palace Park.
- Wander through the vast gardens of the Horniman Museum. Try to 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.
- The 19-acre (8-hectare) gardens of medieval Eltham Palace are a great place to explore with a moat, pools and water features to discover.
- Soak up the sunshine at Battersea Park, spotting fountains and the Peace Pagoda on the way. You can also greet the animals at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
- Bathe in tranquility with just the sounds of birds for company at wildlife-rich London Wetland Centre, an 105-acre (42-hectare) oasis for nature lovers.
- Spot wildlife on a day out at the Walthamstow Wetlands and Woodberry Wetlands.
- See how many skyscrapers you can name from Parliament Hill, the high point of Hampstead Heath.
- There's so much to explore at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park! Relax among the green spaces or pick up a racket and take in the 2012 Olympic spirit with a game on Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre’s outdoor tennis courts.
- Head to Croydon, The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2023 and see if you can find all 30 eight-foot-tall (2.4 metres) giraffe sculptures dotted around the borough, part of the free Croydon Stands Tall art trail. 21 Aug-27 Oct
- Spot the Chinese pagoda and have a leisurely stroll around the lakes on a day out at Victoria Park.
See more outdoor spaces to be explored this summer.
Top summer experiences
- Whizz through the Thames on a Thamesjet speedboat ride or enjoy a picturesque river cruise, perfect for landmark-spotting and Insta-snapping.
- Feel windswept atop an open-top bus or find more epic London bus tours.
- Or enjoy an afternoon tea tour, including with Brigit's Bakery which has the option of a Peppa Pig afternoon tea.
- Reach new heights at the Cutty Sark Rig Climbing Experience where you'll scale the masts of the famous tea clipper in Greenwich.
- Take a hair-raising ride down the world's longest tunnel slide with The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
- Feel your legs shake as you walk the crystal clear Tower Bridge Walkway – all in aid of the perfect shot for the 'gram.
- Dare to admire views of London from more than 46m (150 ft) up at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, during the Dare Skywalk experience.
- Pick up a pair of skates and head to London's top skating parks, from South Bank to Victoria Park.
- Cool down by plunging into a lido; hang out by an urban beach; or boat about London at these swimming and boating spots.
Discover more unique experiences in London.
Unmissable summer activities
- Explore the city with an expert guide on one of London's best walking tours.
- Take on a treasure hunt through London on The Secret City tour.
- Pair modern tech with fun games at crazy golf courses across the capital.
- Learn from an expert by taking on one of London's top masterclasses.
- From battling aliens to solving a murder mystery, take on one of London's immersive experiences.
Check out more things to do for the adventurous in London.
Day trips from London
- Visit royal residence Windsor Castle, to explore many historical artefacts .
- Combine the mysterious Stonehenge and beautiful Bath including a stop at the Roman baths on a guided tour of these two iconic historical sights.
- Discover the enchanting city of Oxford, including the beautiful 400-year-old Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum and a picnic lunch as you go punting down the Thames.
- See medieval England brought to life through impressive displays and immersive experiences at Warwick Castle.
- Take a trip to the sunny seaside town of Brighton, enjoying a stroll along the pier or grabbing some tasty fish and chips to enjoy on the beach.
- Meet fearsome vikings, take a ride along the river and wander the cobbled stone streets in the charming city of York.
- Escape to the beautiful British countryside with a trip to idyllic spots such as the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Tick off castles, cathedrals, the white cliffs of Dover and a boat ride along the Thames on a Leeds, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich tour.
Check out more amazing day trips from London to enjoy this summer.
Family hotels and restaurants in London
- Find children’s menus and fun activities at London's kid-friendly restaurants.
- Find great access to top London attractions with our pick of where to stay in London with kids including the InterContinental London O2 that offers fantastic offers for families visiting London in the summer.
- Enjoy the luxury and flexibility of your own private space in a self-catering apartment.
- Make use of fun facilities, special activities, cots and babysitting services at these top London family hotels.
- Grab a different plate of every day from the street food traders at Seven Dials Market, pretty Mercato Mayfair, Italian hotspot Eataly and the Southbank Centre Food Market.
For more inspiration this summer holiday, see what's on in London or take a look at our guide to London for kids, including the top family attractions, top family experiences and the best museums for children.
If you're in London now, make sure to download the Visit London app for on-the-go tips.