The Best School Summer Holiday Activities for Kids in London
Looking for fun ways to fill your summer days with the kids?
London’s West End is packed with fantastic activities, from interactive exhibitions and magical theatre shows to thrilling adventures for the whole family! Whether you’ve got little explorers or older teens, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Here’s a guide to the coolest things to do in London during the school summer holidays, perfect for kids of all ages!
Scenes in the Square
Step into a world of movie magic at Leicester Square’s iconic ‘Scenes in the Square’ trail. This fun-filled adventure brings beloved film characters and modern movie stars to life right before your eyes.
Join Harry Potter on his broomstick, strike a pose with Batman and Wonder Woman, or sharea cosy bench with Paddington Bear or Mr. Bean. Sing along with Mary Poppins or dance in the rain with Gene Kelly. Plus, you can catch hilarious moments with Laurel and Hardy or Bugs Bunny.
Grab the family and make your way to Leicester Square for a free movie-themed adventure that’s perfect for all ages.
Summer on the Square
This summer, get creative at Summer on the Square at The National Gallery, brought to you in partnership with Westminster City Council.
From 3 July to 7 September, Trafalgar Square becomes a hub of free, daily creative sessions and activities. Unleash your artistic talents and have a blast with your family as you create your own masterpieces.
Join The National Gallery for a range of drop-in activities where you can explore, craft, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting of Trafalgar Square. With activities available for all ages and abilities, it’s a fantastic way to get inspired and join in on the summer fun.
Remember, spaces are first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early to make the most of your creative day.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Get ready for a high-energy adventure at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience! Perfect for kids aged 9 and up, this 75-minute challenge will put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test.
Gather your team and race through four exciting zones—Industrial, Futuristic, Medieval, and Aztec. Each zone is packed with brain-teasing puzzles, daring challenges, and plenty of laughs. Your mission? Collect as many Crystals as you can and earn time for the thrilling final challenge—The Crystal Dome! See if you can grab the most golden tokens for those extra points and become the ultimate Crystal Maze champions.
© Hayley Madden
Summer Family Festival: Time for Tudors
Step back in time at the Summer Family Festival: Time for Tudors at the National Portrait Gallery this summer.
For five fantastic days, dive into the world of the Tudors with a range of fun activities inspired by the exhibition Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens. From hands-on crafts and fascinating object handling to engaging storytelling sessions, this festival is a great way for families to explore Tudor history in a creative and interactive way.
Best of all, it’s completely free! Just make sure to get there early, as places are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keep an eye out for the full programme of events, and get ready for an exciting Tudor adventure.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Experience the charm of Judith Kerr’s beloved picture book in the Olivier Award-nominated hit The Tiger Who Came to Tea, now at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a special summer run.
Join Sophie and her mummy as they welcome an unexpected visitor—a big, stripy tiger at the door! This enchanting family show is brimming with magic, sing-along songs, and playful fun. With its heartwarming story and lively performances, it’s a perfect summer outing for families and children of all ages.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
Get ready for a summer adventure with Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 3 July to 7 September!
Following the huge success of the 2023 Olivier Award-nominated Blippi: The Musical, this all-new show is bursting with fun, excitement, and lively learning for young audiences. Join Blippi and his special guest Meekah as they explore different cities on a curiosity-fueled journey. Discover what makes each city unique through thrilling adventures featuring monster trucks, excavators, garbage trucks, and more.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is the ultimate summer outing for kids to sing, dance, and learn in a vibrant and entertaining musical party. Blippi and Meekah bring preschoolers engaging and fun learning experiences through colourful performances.