We’re on the cusp of summer proper — days are longer, it’s no longer completely arctic and you’ll likely hear the tinkle of ice cream vans from mid-afternoon. London is wasting no time in rolling out events, activities and experiences for families and children over the half term break. Some are free, most have a flexible age range, plenty are outside and all provide a chance to experience something novel and fun.
From meeting dinosaurs to riding up chimneys in great glass elevators or indulging in a right royal afternoon tea, London has the answer when it comes to mid-summer-term merriment.
Lift 109
For thrill seekers of all ages, viewing London from London’s newest viewing platform, right at the top of the iconic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station’s north-west chimney 109 metres above ground is the answer. The visit (tickets from £11.50) starts in Turbine Hall A for a bit of buffing up on the building’s history – from when build work started in 1929 to it providing electricity to London, then how after it was decommissioned it became home to a pair of peregrine falcons. There’s also the chance to interact with a huge touchscreen which allows visitors to collectively generate energy. Then, the only way is up, inside a gleaming glass elevato; at the top, London awaits as you’ve never seen it before.
Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN, lift109.co.uk
Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed at the Orchestra
Bash Street and classical music? Who’d have thought it!
Part of the classical programme at Southbank, this celebration of 85 years of the much-loved Beano characters is the world’s very first family ‘comiconcerto’ (with tickets from £10). Children aged seven and older are invited to be part of some musical mischief with the BBC Concert Orchestra and star percussionist Colin Currie, not to mention the world premiere of the Beano Concerto for percussion and orchestra. Actors and animation will also play a part and there’s plenty of audience participation too. Prepare for charming tomfoolery and the perfect first foray into classical music.
June 3, 11am and 2pm, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk
Spring Family Festival at London Zoo
A celebration of flora and fauna, suitable for children of all ages, this festival takes place in tents — beach named after flowers — dotted throughout London Zoo (and is free with entry). The Tulip Tent is set to be a favourite for any party animals — it’s non-stop music and dancing while the Lilac Lounge offers family-friendly mindfulness sessions as well as story time. Older children can hone their bush-craft skills by making shelters and learning how to identify animal tracks in the Foxglove Fortress. There’s also the Daisy Den for creative types to make creature-themed works of art. At 11am every day there is an animal-focused talk plus face painting and ice creams – all surrounded by a literal menagerie of magnificent creatures.
May 27 to June 4, The Regents Park, Outer Circle, NW1 4RY, londonzoo.org
The Invisible Man
A play about a play with an absent performer — this is an offbeat comedy for children aged between five and 11 (tickets from £9). The action focuses on a stage technician and a musician who are waiting in vain for the star of the show to take the limelight. But it doesn’t happen. Instead, audiences are drawn into a chaotic game of cat and mouse — a sort of visual hide and seek as they look for the invisible man. Surreal for sure — but who knew watching nothing could be so much fun?
From May 28, The Unicorn Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ, unicorntheatre.com
Crown afternoon tea
This brand-new afternoon tea at the boutique five-star Vintry & Mercer hotel has an option fit for little princes and princesses (from £37.50). From the King’s jam sandwich to orbs and sceptres handcrafted out of chocolates, fruits and caramels, this regal feast has all the pomp and ceremony you’d expect in a palace at tea time. Instead of champagne or Earl Grey, children can tuck into hot chocolate garnished with plenty of marshmallows. Just do make sure little ones leave space for all of the gold chocolate coins inside the royal treasure chest. Guests are seated with a magnificent view of East London’s iconic skyline including the magnificent dome of St Paul’s Cathedral – with the option to eat out on the roof terrace.
Vintry & Mercer, 20 Garlick Hill, EC4V 2AU, vintryandmercer.com
Making Maps
Free drop in sessions for children of all ages at the National Maritime Museum every day over half term allow children to explore the magnificent, rare maps from the collection and give them a history lesson they’ll never forget. Each day there is a different activity to focus on including creating your own passport complete with stamps, discovering how to navigate when journeying through the desert (spoiler alert — by using stars) or designing your own sea monster, just like the ones found on some of the collection’s antique maps.
May 27 to June 4, National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF, rmg.co.uk
St George’s Quest
The beautiful Rose Garden at Morden Hall Park is in full bloom and where the adventures of St George’s Quest will take place. Young challengers aged four and older will encounter the likes of the Wise Woman and the Squire as well as solve puzzles and riddles before facing a dragon. What do they get as a reward? A personal knighthood from St George, of course! This is an ideal way for little ones to burn off energy while embracing history. There are various timeslots throughout the day but do book (children’s tickets £12.50) to avoid disappointment.
May 30 to June 1, Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD, nationaltrust.org.uk
Foodies Festival
If feasting is at the heart of your family, this celebration of food and drink is the ideal day out. There’s a little bit of everything: street food from all over the world, Michelin-starred meals and celebrity cuisine. Little chefs and bakers will love he Kids Cookery Theatre where they’ll be able to practise their culinary creativity and skill. When they’re done there are bouncy castles, fairground rides and other amusements to keep them entertained.
This is also great for older children and teenagers — family friendly, intimate (up to 25,000 guests are expected which makes it a boutique affair) and safe with live music — it’s the perfect introduction to festivals, especially as day tickets are from just £3 for children and £19 for adults.
May 27 and 29, Syon Park, TW8 8JF, foodiesfestival.com
Time Travellers Discovery Day
Drop in between 11am and 3pm for a spot of time travel in the heart of Hyde Park. Children of all ages can learn about the history of one of London’s most famous green spaces through playing traditional games, learning calligraphy or hapa zome (the traditional Japanese practise of using leaves and flowers as a clothing dye) and even meeting Queen Victoria herself! Little ones can dress up in clobber from the olden days which will appeal to any active imaginations and there is of course plenty of space to burn off energy and let off steam. Best of all? It’s absolutely free.
May 30 to June 1, The LookOut, Hyde Park, W2 2UH, royalparks.org.uk
Dinosaur World Live
For pre-historic aficionados aged three and older, this interactive show (tickets from £12) is set to thrill. Extraordinarily realistic and frankly enormous dinosaur puppets including a Triceratops and the fearsome T Rex take to the stage to deliver both entertainment and education. The action is held by a simple plot: these dinosaurs are the discoveries of Miranda and her family, who are now diligently showcasing them to a wider audience. Expect shock, awe, laughter and an incredible amount of roaring. Brave volunteers can help feed the dinos during the performance or wait until afterwards for a dedicated meet and greet.
