Best London activities after lockdown

• Let the little ones get creative and draw on the floor of Turbine Hall to contribute to UNIQLO Tate Play's living artwork. 24 Jul-29 Aug
• Bag a bargain with half-price tickets and introduce the children to the magical world of West End musicals, plays and shows during Kids Week. Aug
• Pick an easel and create your own works of art with the little ones as part of Sketch on the Square. Aug
• Discover The Secret Life of the Conservatory with the Barbican's audio trail and activity packs for kids. 2 Aug-31 Oct
• Build your very own go kart with the kids and whizz around your neighbourhood during Formula Fun. 21 Aug-4 Sep 
• Fuel up on street food and explore the pop-up art installations, before riding the dodgems with Dodge at Somerset House. Until 22 Aug
• Play some of your favourite Street Games as the Southbank Centre welcomes a series of chalk installations by Ilke Gers for all to enjoy. Until 29 Aug 
• Take part in arts and crafts, pond dipping, bug hunting and more with Hyde Park's family-friendly Discovery Days. Various dates

Discover more family fun this summer in London.

• Book your tickets to see the incredible selection of animals at ZSL London Zoo.
• Spot landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace from the London Eye. 
• Experience classic sets from the films, laugh-out-loud live shows and more at Shrek’s Adventure on the South Bank.
• Meet sharks, sea turtles and tropical fish at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. 
• Walk through London’s scary history and discover secrets from the torture chamber at The London Dungeon.
• Come face-to-face with the wax figure version of your favourite celebs at Madame Tussauds.
• Say hello to the Beefeaters at the Tower of London, and learn about the history of the royal palace and its grizzly past.
• Step inside the Butterfly House at the Horniman Museum & Gardens, where you'll be surrounded by hundreds of fluttering creatures. 
• Let the little ones have some educational fun as they try out a range different careers at Kidzania. 
• Journey into space during a visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
• Take on a family-friendly challenge at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience London.
• Watch the pelicans being fed every day in St James’s Park, while keeping your eyes peeled for a range of other wildlife.

Find more things to do with the family.

• Explore the incredible collection of plants and fungi at Kew Gardens.
• Soar through the skies on the Emirates Air Line cable car and soak up some gorgeous views across London along the way. 
• Climb aboard the famous Cutty Sark – one of the fastest sailing ships of its time – in Greenwich.
• Step inside Tower Bridge to learn all about this world-famous London landmark. And make sure to stand on the glass floor in the Walkways, if you dare!
• Scale one of the most iconic structures in London to get unbeatable views of the city at Up at The O2.
• Relax and enjoy some of London's top landmarks on an attraction-packed bus tour. 
• Step through the famous doors of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to enjoy an open-air guided tour and learn all about its fascinating history. 
• Fuel your adrenaline rush and whizz down the river at high speeds with Thames RIB Experience and Thames Rockets.
• Or enjoy the scenery at a slower pace and have lunch while you sail down the Thames on a river cruise.
• Be amazed by the stunning architecture of St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London.
• Take in London’s riverside landmarks as you travel along the Thames with City Cruises or Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
• Explore the Roman Temple of Mithras and the collection of excavated artefacts found on the ancient site at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE.
• Treat yourself to a day trip to Windsor to explore the magnificent interiors of Windsor Castle.
• Or wander around the grounds of Kensington Palace, which is currently displaying Princess Diana's wedding dress. 

Plan ahead for a trip to some of the best attractions in London

• Enjoy delicious dishes from one of Covent Garden's top restaurants with outdoor seating across the piazza and its surrounding streets.
• Dine in an igloo on a summer-themed terrace and enjoy views over Tower Bridge at riverside hotspot, Coppa Club.
• Soak up the views at one of London’s best rooftop bars. 
• Experience incredible London views on the Skylight rooftop at Tobacco Dock.
• Experience seaside vibes at The Berkeley's beach huts, serving up seafood platters, lobster and chips and nostalgic desserts.
• Sit outside to enjoy a meal at one of London's best alfresco restaurants.
• Get your street food fix from one of London's best markets.
• Grab a pint and soak up the sunshine at a pub garden, including The Terrace at Alexandra Palace.
• Indulge in a sky-high bottomless brunch 40 floors above the City of London at Duck and Waffle.
  
• Sample a delicious menu of Bombay-inspired dishes at Dishoom in Covent Garden.
• Snap Chinatown decorated with hundreds of colourful floating flowers, before tucking into a meal at a restaurant in this popular pocket of London.
• Take in stunning views of the city at Sky Pod Bar in the Sky Garden, which sits at the top of The Walkie Talkie building.
• Hop in The Standard, London's iconic red pill lift for Decimo, where a Mexican and Spanish feast of flavours by Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias awaits.
• All aboard the Brigit's Bakery classic afternoon tea bus tour! Enjoy a cuppa and a selection of treats while taking in the sights of London from a Routemaster bus.
• Treat your sweet tooth to the luxurious Charbonnel et Walker afternoon tea at the May Fair Kitchen.
• Support neighbourhood businesses with a visit to one of your local restaurants.

Find out where famous Londoners eat and try their favourite spots with our London Eats series of interviews. 

• King's Cross plays host to Canopy Market, where you can sample artisan delights and tasty street food, as well as browse items from designers and artists. 
• Make your home a little happier and find your favourite flowers at Chiswick Flower Market.
• Explore the famously quirky Camden Market with stalls selling everything from fashion to food.
• Wander the high streets of Hoxton and Shoreditch, and pop over to Columbia Road Flower Market while in the area on Sundays.
• Head to the West End and shop on some of the area’s most popular shopping streets, including Regent Street, Bond Street, Carnaby and Oxford Street.
• Arrive hungry at Borough Market to pick up gourmet treats, from fine cheeses to fresh seafood.
• Delve into the delights of the historic Greenwich Market and pick up trinkets from British designer-makers.
• Pick up new threads at bargain prices from the Icon Outlet at The O2.
• Head to Broadgate to shop for top brands at 100 Liverpool Street's boutiques in the City of London. 

Plan a trip to some of the best markets and shopping destinations in London. 

• Explore fascinating collections spanning more than two million years of history at the British Museum.
• Find out about the life, death and legacy of Thomas Becket during the Thomas Becket: murder and the making of a saint exhibition at the British Museum. Until 22 Aug
• Check out Nero: the man behind the myth, the first UK exhibition on the fifth Roman emperor that brings together new research, historical artefacts and stories from his 14-year rule. Until 24 Oct
• Plan a day out in South Kensington to visit the V&A, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
• Tumble down the rabbit hole like never before during the V&A’s immersive exhibition on the history of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser. Until 31 Dec
• Spend an afternoon exploring Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature at the Natural History Museum. Until 3 Jan
• See all seven of the Raphael Cartoons at the V&A.
• Don't miss the Design Museum's Margaret Calvert: Woman at Work exhibition, celebrating the work of the graphic design pioneer. Until 22 Aug
• Learn about the history of the Royal Air Force at the RAF Museum London.
• Discover the stories of those who have lived through conflict at the Imperial War Museum London.
• Head beneath the streets of Westminster and see where Winston Churchill and his inner circle directed the Second World War at Churchill War Rooms.
• Visit the iconic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich to explore 500 years of history.
• Get up close to more than 450 ancient objects unearthed in London with the Havering Hoard: A Bronze Age Mystery exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Until 22 Aug
• Discover a living part of Britain's heritage at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace.
• Find out what it means to be human in the 21st century at the Wellcome Collection's Being Human exhibition.
• Get to know the capital's transport history and heritage at London Transport Museum.

Check out some of the best museum exhibitions in London.

• Book tickets for one of London's top 10 musicals, from The Lion King to & Juliet and Pretty Woman.
• Tap your feet to a tale of historical heartbreak filled with girl power and singalong tunes during Six The Musical at the Lyric Theatre. Until 29 Aug
• Discover why Everybody's Talking about Jamie as this smash-hit musical returns to the London stage.
• Attend one of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's shows under the stars. Until 25 Sep
• Chuckle along to Mischief Theatre's hilarious The Play That Goes Wrong.
• Laugh out loud to Showstopper! The Improvised Musical at the Garrick Theatre. 7 Jun-11 Oct
• Head to Theatreland and discover the much-loved tale of The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre. From 20 Jul
• Get ready for the return of the summer season at Shakespeare's Globe with Romeo & Juliet, The Tempest, Twelfth Night and more on stage. Until 30 Oct
• Tap your feet to the tunes of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in Jersey Boys at the Trafalgar Theatre. From 28 Jul
• Witness world-class virtuosi at Summer Reunion at the Southbank Centre, presenting an incredible lineup of music events across all its venues, including the Southbank Centre. Until 30 Aug
• Grab tickets for opera and ballet performances at the Royal Opera House. 
• Celebrate iconic Royal Albert Hall’s 150th anniversary, with performances from multi-award-winning composers and spectacular shows and events throughout the season, including the BBC Proms (30 Jul-11 Sep). 
• Enjoy an evening of theatre fun with one of the plays at the Bridge Theatre.
• Be part of the audience for a collection of mesmerising live dance performances at Sadler's Wells.
• Take your seats for an exciting lineup of socially distanced shows as part of the Live from the Barbican series.
• Welcome back London's oldest surviving grand music hall as Wilton's reopens its doors to delight audiences with theatre, music and spoken word.
• Experience a dazzlingly glamorous performance from singers, dancers and entertainers during London Never Dies at the London Cabaret Club. 
• Be transported through five different periods of musical history with One Night Records' Lockdown Town. Until 24 Jul

Discover more of the best theatre in London.

• Step outside and make the most of the outdoor entertainment across the capital, from riverside theatre to open-air art. 
• Experience the sounds of the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle in Trafalgar Square with BMW Classics. 15 Aug 
• Pop over to the West End and take a free self-guided audio tour of Theatreland, narrated by the legendary Sir Ian McKellen. 
• Jump in the car for a night of entertainment at the West End Musical Drive-In. 
• Plan a fun-filled night out at one of London’s best outdoor and drive-in cinemas.
• Explore the gorgeous Buckingham Palace gardens and stop off for a picnic in surroundings fit for royalty. Until 19 Sep
• Surround yourself with nature during a spot of forest bathing, tai chi, yoga, pilates and more at Kew Gardens. Various dates
• Alternatively, cycle through the gardens on a one-of-a-kind bike ride during Kew Garden's Summer Cycle. Various dates
• Peek at the animals as the sun goes down with ZSL London Zoo's Twilight Tickets – an adult-only opening featuring pop-up activities, fun experiences and international street food. Thursdays and Fridays in July
• Explore the city's Royal Parks with the kids on the self-led More than Bugs walking trails, where you'll learn all about ladybirds, bees, dragonflies and more fascinating creatures. 

• Prepare for a thrilling summer of sport as The Hundred arrives in the capital for a month of cricketing action. 
• Take the ultimate selfie at Van Gogh Alive – an interactive exhibition of the artist's most famous work, which features a fully mirrored room filled with hundreds of sunflowers. Until 26 Sep
• Loosen your belt at foodie paradise Taste of London. The festival is set in Regent's Park and celebrates the best of London's food scene, while also offering plenty of drinks and live entertainment. 7-11 and 14-18 Jul
• Join the party at the London Craft Beer Festival in Tobacco Dock, where you can sample beers from more than 100 breweries and taste street food from some of the city's best restaurants, while top artists spin the decks. 13-15 Aug
• Navigate a lineup of free night-time events and exhibitions across the city during Art Night 2021, inspired this year by self-determination, and featuring commissioned projects by international artists, including Guerrilla Girls. Until 18 Jul

• See the city from two wheels and discover London’s cycle routes. Plus, take a look at these tips on how to cycle in London.
• Stretch your legs and explore the capital by foot with London’s best walking routes.
• Surround yourself with blooming trees and gorgeous flowers at one of the capital's best gardens.
• Eat alfresco in one of the city's loveliest picnic spots.
• Get your blood pumping and seek out these outdoor spots for exercising.
• Take a dip in one of London’s outdoor swimming pools or lidos. 
• Surround yourself with nature and boost your wellbeing in London's Royal Parks.
• Discover an art trail between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2 with The Line.
• Say hello to some of your favourite big-screen stars with Scenes in the Square.
• Explore the capital's largest wetlands during the 11-month contemporary art programme Wetlands Unravelled.
• Try your hand at outdoor crazy golf at Plonk in London Fields.

Find more fun things to do outdoors in London.