The summer holidays are in theory are a delight — sunny days, ice creams and idyllic family adventures. In practise, things can be a little more stressful if you have to factor in childcare rotas, budgets, British weather and the threat of “I’m bored”.
Luckily, London has more than a few stellar activities for families under its sunhat this summer. There’s plenty to keep children of all ages entertained, no matter what they’re into.
From urban beaches to art installations, adventure playgrounds to open-air theatres, the capital has family summer sewn up. There are plenty of free events included too — which is always a boon for the bank balance.
Here’s our London summer “to-do” list.
Go dotty for modern art
Can you imagine anything more appealing for a child (or an adult, let’s be honest) than being invited to cover a completely white room with coloured stickers? This is exactly what visitors to Yayoi Kusama’s The Obliteration Room can expect when they visit Tate Modern this summer. The Japanese artist’s interactive installation is completely free and each visitor is given a sheet of round stickers where they can place anywhere: walls, ceiling, floor or furniture. This opportunity to not only see, but be, a piece of art is something that little ones will remember forever.
Until August 29, Tate Modern, SE1, tate.org.uk
Celebrate 40 yearsof Dear Zoo
Parents, prepare to feel positively ancient… Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift-the-flap children’s book Dear Zoo is 40 years old this year. To mark the occasion, The Postal Museum is hosting a summer holiday programme all about animals, communication and storytelling. There’s a zoo trail, where kids are tasked with finding creatures hidden throughout the museum but will also discover lots of extraordinary facts about the Post Office, including tales of animals who have kept it running smoothly over the years. There are also interactive storytelling sessions, arts and crafts and even the chance to meet Campbell himself — don’t forget to bring your copy of Dear Zoo for signing.
Until August 31, The Postal Museum, WC1X, postalmuseum.org
Sniff out the underground history
By using their noses to navigate their way around a brand-new trail, visitors to the Brunel Museumhave the chance todiscover the history of the Thames Tunnel. There are a host of clues which must be smelled to be identified — each representing a precious cargo that was transported using the tunnel, which runs between docks on the north and south sides of the river. This immersive experience will bring to life the story of the world’s first tunnel through soft ground under a navigable river, as well as the Brunel family who built it. The trail is included with admission to the museum and is most suitable for children aged 7 to 11 but younger and older children are very welcome too.
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays until August 28,Brunel Museum, SE16, thebrunelmuseum.com
Have a splashing time at the Royal Docks
Calling all sandcastle builders andbudding swimmers alike: Kids Summer Splash at Royal Victoria Dock’s lido is now open for the important business of fun. With its generous proportions, shallow end for smaller children,deck chairs, sandpits and a cafe onsite, summer days can be easily wiled away here. There are plenty of additional activities on specific datesincluding beach yoga, mermaid-inspired craft sessions and hip hopmasterclasses. Oh, and it’s all absolutely free.
Until August 21, Royal VictoriaDock, E16
See a show in the open air
Where better to see Dodie Smith’s The Hundred and One Dalmatians brought to life than in the very park her much-loved book was set? It was in Regent’s Park that protagonists Pongo andPerdita (along with their respective humans Roger and Anita) met and fell in love, before their litter of puppies caught the eye of fur-obsessedsociopath Cruella de Vil. Regent’sPark Open Air Theatre’s musical version of the classic children’s novel also boasts intricate, superbly choreographed puppetry. With bothmatinee and evening performances available, it is suitable for childrenaged four and over.
Until August 28, Regent’s ParkOpen Air Theatre, NW1, openairtheatre.com
Run wild in a brand new wonderland
An adventure playground meets petting zoo set in acres of woodland in west London; the newly-opened Hobbledown Heath ticks plenty of boxes for families with children aged between two and 13. Kids can climb, bounce, crawl and swing their way through four themed villages, perhaps pausing to make friends with alpacas, meerkats, lemurs and all sorts of other extraordinary creatures. The entire magical landscape is brand spanking new and designed with nothing but fun in mind. As well as animals, Hobbledown is home to a host of most unusualcharacters, clever narrative and the type of educational experiences that captivate children without them realising they are learning. And if it rains? Well, they simply take their energy into the Indoor Playbarn, one of London’s largest play areas.
Open year-round, Hobbledown Heath, TW14, hobbledown.com
Head to the park for action-packed entertainment
Need help getting your little ones to burn off energy? Look no further than Amanda’s Action Club, whose boundless energy and inspired activities are going to be in full effect across London parks this summer. Amanda, who includes both the Beckhams and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as happy customers, will run her summer sessions for children aged between four months and three years old. Children will embrace getting active in the fresh air, away from screens, and learn how to connect with their bodies. Expect music, engaging props and endless enthusiasm.
Throughout August, various London parks, amandasactionclub.co.uk
Revel in music, performance and art at a free festival
Waves of multi-coloured foam tumbling down stairwells, singing unicorns, fireworks, soft robotics and circus tricks — it could only be the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, where visitors can enjoy world-class performance and installation for free for a two-week period. Family-friendly highlights include Island of Foam — a shapeshifting installation by German artist Stephanie Lüning that will see Greenwich Peninsula transformed, live, by masses of multi-coloured foam. DGIF is an experience for all ages, but younger children will be especially keen to catch There Should Be Unicorns, a musical about a rebellious girl who wants to change the world, and all before tea time.
From August 26 to September 11, various locations aroundGreenwich, festival.org
Enjoy the silver screen in one of London’s most beautiful gardens
The Luna Cinema, famous for its alfresco screenings, has paired up with Kew Gardens to bring five days ofoutdoor film to south-west London — and the line-up is a dream come true for young film buffs. Kew the Movies will be showing family favourites Moana, Sing 2 and a singalong screening of Encanto among others, as well as providing a beautiful space where families can cosy up with picnic rugs and popcorn for some high-definition viewing.
From August 31 to September 4, Kew Gardens, TW9, thelunacinema.com
Go to the beach without leaving London
Urban beaches are a thing now, and not just the slices of sand down by the banks of the Thames. The Beach Brent Cross is exactly what it sounds like — boasting abundant sand, splash pools andfairground rides for adults and children, as well as an observation wheel and play centre.
As well as this, there are various one-off activities taking place across the summer including magic shows and puppetry performances. Bring your own picnic — or choose from some tasty on site options including seaside staple fish and chips.
