FREE Places to Visit for Families This Summer

From creative trails and immersive workshops to live shows and big-screen sports, London is packed with exciting family-friendly events.

Discover Leicester Square, explore entertainment and art trails and enjoy theatrical activities that will keep everyone entertained.

Discover Leicester Square Presents Inside Out

9–10 August 2025

Leicester Square bursts to life with free, family-friendly fun with the Leicester Square take on the Westminster-wide Inside Out festival.

On Saturday, dance at a West End-inspired Silent Disco (16+, ticket required). On Sunday, enjoy a full day of live shows, crafts, games and interactive workshops including Horrible Histories Live, The Smeds and the Smoos, plus Harry Potter wand combat sessions, by Paul Harris the official wand choreographer from the films.

Scenes in the Square

Explore Scenes in the Square, Leicester Square’s famous movie statue trail, open all summer long. Spot Harry Potter, DC’s Batman and Wonder Woman, Paddington Bear and Mr Bean plus sing along with Mary Poppins and Gene Kelly. Don’t miss the newest addition, Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington from the fan-favourite horror film Get Out, recently ranked as one of the New York Times’ Top Films of the 21st Century.

Tusk Turtle Trail

Summer 2025

Discover 16 giant turtle sculptures across London, including Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and St James’s Market. Created by top artists and celebrities including Ronnie Wood, Deborah Meaden and John Cleese. Not only is the art trail striking to look at, it also raises awareness for marine conservation. Scan QR codes to learn more about the stories behind each turtle donate if you feel able, and if a turtle really takes your fancy – there is the opportunity to bid in the auction this October.

_{Image: The Creative Space in the Roden Centre for Creative Learning}

NG Creative Community: Immersive Courtyard

From 4 – 15 August

Step into a recreated 1600s Dutch courtyard inspired by Pieter de Hooch’s Take One Picture. Build and redesign the scene, play with light and shadow, and explore everyday Westminster life through immersive sounds.

This calm, sensory-friendly space features a special audio soundtrack created by local children and is perfect for a quiet break, especially for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Sculpture Sleuths at the National Portrait Gallery

Ages 5+

Grab the kids and become Sculpture Sleuths! Follow the trail to find seven amazing sculptures, solve fun puzzles, and discover cool facts about incredible people. A great way to get creative and explore the Gallery together... all summer long.