The school holidays are almost here. Six weeks stretch out ahead, and it helps to have a few ideas ready before the “what shall we do today?” questions start.
This summer, London has a free Toy Story immersive experience, Everyman’s summer pop-ups are back, and mini geniuses get to take over a lab with some cool science experiments. Kent has the Little People, BIG DREAMS: Inspiring Women Trail from the bestselling books, and the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course lands in Bluewater. Across the Home Counties there are Pokรฉmon play zones at National Trust estates and a brand new LEGO Festival at Windsor. Some of it is free. Some of it needs booking well in advance. Between them, there is usually something nearby worth the trip, whatever the weather and whatever the budget.
Take your pick and enjoy the summer.
Guide covers the England school summer holidays, running approximately 18 July โ 06 September 2026.
LONDON
1. HOUSE OF DREAMERS
26 Jun โ 30 Sep, Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront LONDON
Wander through 16 dreamscapes, from a giant ball pit to a fairytale forest with cloud swings and waterfalls.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
2. SPLASHY LAND
28 Mar โ 31 Aug, weekends, holidays & sunny weekdays, Barking Park, East LONDON
Splash through the outdoor splash park, then try the Bounsea inflatable obstacle course or a spin on the boating lake.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
3. FAIRY TALES
27 Mar โ 23 Aug, British Library, Euston LONDON
Take your family on a magical adventure in an interactive exhibition!
Suitable for families with school-age children.
PAID
4. KELLOGG’S FOOTBALL CAMPS
27 Jun โ 31 Aug, camps at 70+ football clubs nationwide
Spend a day coached by FA-qualified staff at your local club.
Suitable for ages 5 โ 15.
FREE
5. POP-UP BEACHES IN LONDON
28 Jun โ 31 Aug, various locations across LONDON
Cool off at these pop-up beaches across the capital:
- Big Penny Beach Club, Walthamstow (22 May โ 30 Aug), with cabanas, beach bars and pop-up volleyball
- JW3 Beach, Finchley Road (28 Jun โ 31 Aug), free
- Royal Docks Summer Splash, Royal Victoria Dock (24 Jul โ 17 Aug), free
- Rooftop Beach, Centrale, Croydon (7 โ 31 Aug), free
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
6. URBAN VILLAGES
29 Jun โ 31 Aug, various locations across LONDON
Discover free family programming across London’s newest neighbourhoods:
- Summer Time, Southbank Centre (13 Jul โ 31 Aug), splash in the fountain and soak up shows and street food
- Summer in the Park, Brent Cross Town’s Claremont Park, skateboarding, football, parkour and arts workshops, with free lawn games and live music every weekend
- Kids Summer Fun, Camden Market, Hawley Wharf (22 Jul โ 26 Aug), weekly free craft or workshop each Wednesday
- Summer Daze Festival, Wood Wharf (23 โ 26 Jul)
- Dockside Den, Canada Water (23 Jul โ 29 Aug, Thu โ Sat), free creative workshops, drumming, science and bee encounters
- Electric Summer, Battersea Power Station (29 Jul โ 31 Aug), funfair with a Big Wheel, dodgems and a new roller rink
- Academy Breakin’ Convention Summer Sessions, East Bank, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (5 โ 8 Aug), breaking, emceeing, popping and hip hop social dance
- Speaker Box Street Party, Wembley Park (29 Aug), free DJs, dance and street performance
Suitable for all ages; Breakin’ Convention Summer Sessions best suited to ages 14 โ 17.
FREE/PAID
7. FAMILY SUMMER FILM SCREENINGS
29 Jun โ 6 Sep, various outdoor locations across LONDON & HOME COUNTIES
Enjoy alfresco cinema under the stars:
- Rooftop Cinema Club, Peckham or Stratford (30 Apr โ Oct)
- The Clubhouse open-air films, London Bridge City (19 May โ 27 Sep)
- Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf (4 Jun โ 1 Sep), free
- Adventure Cinema, Kew Gardens (18 โ 21 Jun)
- Everyman on the Canal, King’s Cross (29 Jun โ 16 Aug), free
- Vauxhall Summer Screens, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens (7 โ 28 Jul), free
- Everyman in the Garden, The Grove, Watford (22 Jul โ 6 Sep)
- Picturehouse’s pop-up screen, Gunnersbury Park Museum Gardens (31 Jul โ 9 Aug)
Suitable for all ages.
FREE/PAID
8. Apple Summer Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad
13 โ 27 Jul, Apple Stores LONDON
Design a superhero crew using Freeform and Apple Pencil Pro in this free 90-minute session. If it’s fully booked, browse other free Kids & Families sessions running throughout the summer, including Make a Theme Song, Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth, Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad, Learn to Code with Swift Playground and Create an Interactive Story of Kindness.
Suitable for ages 6 โ 10; other Kids & Families sessions vary by age.
FREE
9. SUMMER SHOWS
14 Jul โ 16 Aug, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark LONDON
Get closer to nature in Whatever the Weather, a playful, interactive space exploring rain, snow, sunshine and how weather shapes our everyday lives (to 16 Aug). Sing along to The Lion Inside, a musical family show based on the picture book (14 Jul โ 2 Aug).
Suitable for ages 0 โ 7.
PAID
10. THERE’S A TIGER IN THE GARDEN
15 Jul โ 9 Aug, Polka Theatre, Wimbledon LONDON
Watch a musical adaptation of Lizzy Stewart’s award-winning picture book.
Suitable for ages 3 โ 7.
PAID
11. SUMMER PROGRAMME
17 Jul โ 4 Sep, Horniman Museum & Gardens, Forest Hill LONDON
Putt round a mini golf course themed on the museum’s attractions, then see the free British Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Try Enchanted Cinema Workshop (22 & 23 Jul) or Music Jerk ‘n Tings (22 Aug). Explore Voyage to the Deep, a paid underwater adventure with an Octonauts tie-in, then play on the new nature playground, free.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE/PAID
12. POTATO ART STUDIO: CANARY WHARF GRAND OPENING
18 Jul, Potato Art Studio, Canary Wharf LONDON
Celebrate the grand opening of Potato Art Studio’s new Canary Wharf location with 20% off all art sessions, including pottery painting, fluid art and cream gel art.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
13. TOM GATES EPIC ADVENTURE AT KEW
18 Jul โ 31 Aug, Kew Gardens, Richmond LONDON
Experience a doodletastic day of fun inspired by the bestselling Tom Gates books and TV series by Liz Pichon. Explore the free Children’s Garden afterwards, with dens, climbing and water play.
Suitable for primary-age children; Children’s Garden suits ages 2 โ 12.
FREE
14. DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL
18 Jul โ 31 Aug, WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes LONDON
Explore the magical world of dragonflies and dive into a summer full of wondrous new wetland experiences.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
15. THE SPACE SHOW
18 Jul โ 1 Sep, Science Museum, South Kensington LONDON
Help Mission Control solve a problem only your family can crack in this free show.
Recommended for ages 5 โ 12.
FREE
16. ZSL ZOO SUMMER EVENTS
18 Jul โ 2 Sep, ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park LONDON & ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Whipsnade BEDFORDSHIRE
Step into a Horrible Science adventure at London Zoo, following a zoo-wide trail and catching the live sketch show that turns you into a junior conservationist. At Whipsnade Zoo, Join the Zoo Crew for roleplay and dress-up activities exploring what it’s like to work at the zoo, from feeding animals to field conservation, included with admission.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
17. FREE FAMILY MISSIONS & ADVENTURE TRAILS
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Imperial War Museum, Lambeth LONDON
Follow self-guided trails on optical illusions, camouflage and an Amazing Aircraft hunt. Explore the Childhood in War exhibition too, with a literary trail of children’s books.
Suitable for ages 5 โ 12.
FREE
18. MY PET PALS SUMMER WORKSHOPS
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Pets at Home stores nationwide
Learn about animal welfare through hands-on activities at this free 45-minute in-store workshop, with a new theme each week.
Suitable for ages 4 โ 10.
FREE
19. V&A SUMMER WORKSHOPS
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Young V&A, Bethnal Green & V&A South Kensington LONDON
Drop into free hands-on workshops across the play, design and imagine galleries at Young V&A, Bethnal Green; try a different craft each day, no booking required. Join a weekend of free hands-on workshops, installations, music, dance and circus at MAKE, V&A South Kensington (25 & 26 Jul), all themed around making and sustainability.
Suitable for ages 0 โ 14; MAKE suits ages 5 โ 12.
FREE
20. CUTTY SARK RIG CLIMB EXPERIENCE
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Cutty Sark, Greenwich LONDON
Climb the rigging of the historic tea clipper up to the Tops Platform, 68ft above street level, then take a controlled descent. Includes general admission to explore the ship.
Suitable for ages 8+ (minimum height 1.2m).
PAID
21. MINI GENIUS LAB: COOL SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Gamepath Monopoly Basement, Tottenham Court Road LONDON
Kids and parents become scientists together for an hour, making slime, popping soap bubbles and watching dry ice swirl and fizz, all led by a hands-on “mad scientist” host.
Suitable for ages 3+ (toddlers 0 – 2 go free, must be accompanied by an adult).
PAID
22. FIRE STATION OPEN DAYS
18 Jul โ 5 Sep, selected London Fire Brigade stations
Climb aboard a real fire engine and try hands-on activities at open days across the capital. Check the website for the full list of stations and dates near you.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
23. PLAY MAKE DO
19 Jul & 14 โ 16 Aug, Barbican Centre, City of London LONDON
Dive into a festival of play, imagination and adventure across the whole Barbican site:
- Grow With Me: Family-Friendly Workshop, 19 Jul, a drop-in planting workshop with Earth Tenders
- Stories in Nature: Barbican Library Rhyme Time, 14 Aug, singing and stories among the greenery of the Conservatory
- Rhyme Time with Barbican Library: Party Time, 15 Aug, a carnival-inspired rhyme time with live African drumming
- Carnival Make Space: The Art of Mas, 15 Aug, mask and headdress-making workshops with Tropical Isles
- Dance Around the World: Hip Hop Workshops, 16 Aug, a family dance workshop with Boy Blue
Suitable for all ages; the 1pm Hip Hop Workshop suits ages 11+.
FREE/PAID
24. KIDS WEEK SHOWS 2026
20 Jul โ 31 Aug, Theatres across the West End, LONDON
Claim a free child ticket (under 18) with every full-price adult ticket, plus two more children at half price, across dozens of West End shows. Choose from favourites including The Gruffalo, Matilda The Musical, Bluey’s Big Play and The Tiger Who Came To Tea.
Suitable for all ages, varies by show.
PAID
25. SUMMER ON THE SQUARE: FAMILY ART FESTIVAL
21 Jul โ 1 Sep, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square LONDON
Drop into a free art studio on the North Terrace for workshops and installations inspired by the Gallery’s collection.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
26. ELECTRIC PIONEERS
21 Jul โ 2 Sep, London Transport Museum, Covent Garden LONDON
Design a traffic light, code a toy train and meet costumed Victorian characters. Kids go free.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
27. SUMMER OF WATER
21 Jul โ 2 Sep, London Museum of Water & Steam, Brentford LONDON
Cool off in the Splash Zone, dance at a Bubble Disco, join Tower to Tap and watercolour workshops, and follow a scavenger hunt. Catch Steam Ups weekends (25 & 26 Jul, 29 & 30 Aug) too.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
28. THE FENWICK BAKERY ACADEMY
22 Jul โ 26 Aug, Wednesdays, Fenwick Kingston (also at Fenwick Bracknell) LONDON
A six-week progressive baking series for young bakers, with a different theme each Wednesday: cookies, scones, picnic making, sausage rolls, brownies and cupcakes. Each class includes a take-home bake and a picnic lunch; up to two adults can accompany each child.
Suitable for young bakers (exact age range not stated; check with venue).
PAID
29. FAMILY DAY: LONDON FUN
23 Jul, Westminster Abbey, Westminster LONDON
Join London-inspired crafts and storytelling in the Abbey’s College Garden. Book a free slot in advance; places go quickly.
Suitable for families.
FREE
30. NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM SUMMER CRAFTS
Thu, Sat, Sun, 23 Jul โ 27 Aug, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich LONDON
Join free ocean-themed craft workshops for the family. Meet real astronomers next door at Astronomers Take Over, a new space gallery with a Mars lander game and a scavenger hunt for space oddities. Design and sail your own cardboard boat across the Ocean Map at Ready Steady Sail! (18 โ 19 Jul, ยฃ6 per child).
Suitable for families.
FREE/PAID
31. TOY STORY 5: BONNIE’S PLAYTIME THE EXPERIENCE
23 Jul โ 31 Aug, Westfield London & Westfield Stratford City LONDON
Join Lilypad on a mission to help find Jessie, Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang in this free interactive experience celebrating Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, with an oversized obstacle course, a claw machine and a LEGO mural build. Complete activities to earn a Deputy Badge. Catch it at Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush (23 Jul โ 9 Aug) or Westfield Stratford City, East London (21 โ 31 Aug). Book a free 30-minute slot in advance; sensory sessions are also available.
Suitable for ages 4+.
FREE
32. THE TIMEWALK EXHIBITION
23 Jul โ 30 Sep, Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront LONDON
Journey through five ancient civilisations, Gรถbeklitepe, Babylon, Ancient Egypt, the Maya and Rapa Nui, in an immersive, multisensory experience with 360-degree projection, spatial sound and cinematic storytelling.
Suitable for all ages (0 – 3 free).
PAID
33. HORRIBLE SCIENCE: THE BIG BANG PROMS EXPERIMENT
25 Jul, matinee, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington LONDON
Watch Horrible Science characters take on orchestral favourites, including Holst’s The Planets and the Star Wars theme, live from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Sing along and expect a few surprises.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
34. TITANIC: ECHOES FROM THE PAST
25 Jul โ 16 Aug, Olympia London, Hammersmith LONDON
See recovered artefacts tracing the ship’s construction, sinking and legacy. Hear passenger and crew testimony throughout.
Suitable for families; recommended for ages 8+.
PAID
35. DENNIS AND PALS
25 Jul โ 23 Aug, Hampton Court Palace, Richmond LONDON
Follow a Beano-themed family adventure through the palace grounds. Catch food stalls, bars and family activities over the August bank holiday weekend at the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival (29 โ 31 Aug).
Suitable for families.
PAID
36. SEA CREATURE RESCUE SQUAD
25 Jul โ 29 Aug, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Westminster LONDON
Join the Sea Creature Rescue Squad at SEA LIFE London and become an Ocean Hero.
Suitable for families.
PAID
37. LINA LAPELYTฤ, SERENDIPITY ISLAND
25 Jul โ 31 Aug, Tate Modern, Bankside & Tate Britain, Millbank LONDON
Create the work as you become part of it, moving through a grid of wooden barriers in the Turbine Hall (25 Jul โ 31 Aug). Join outdoor games like ping pong and space hoppers, plus daily creative workshops, at Tate Britain, Millbank.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
38. LUNA LOVES LONDON
25 Jul โ 4 Sep, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford LONDON
Hop aboard a big red bus, then explore a library, community garden and dance studio in this exhibition from Joseph Coelho OBE and Fiona Lumbers. Dress up and join the street carnival finale. BSL-interpreted and sensory-adapted sessions are available.
Suitable for ages 0 โ 8.
PAID
39. BRAINIAC LIVE
26 Jul โ 30 Aug, daytime performances, Garrick Theatre, West End LONDON
Watch explosive experiments and wild science demonstrations from this Olivier Award-winning show. Expect loud bangs, flashing lights and haze.
Best suited to ages 5+; under-16s must sit with an adult.
PAID
40. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SUMMER PROGRAMME
26 Jul โ 31 Aug, Natural History Museum, South Kensington LONDON
Explore six weeks of hands-on activities, get up close to an active volcano model, and grab a free activity backpack for under-7s. Visit the paid Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep exhibition to touch a mosasaur tooth and replica shark skin. Drop into the free PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie pop-up shop too (24 Jul โ 31 Aug), with a Roar-O-Meter and Lava Lounge screening corner.
Suitable for all ages; Jurassic Oceans best suited to ages 5+.
FREE/PAID
41. YOUNG PEOPLE’S SUMMER SCHOOL
27 Jul โ 1 Aug, Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Gardens LONDON
Join free art-making workshops spanning painting, creative writing, printmaking, sculpture and life drawing across the week.
Suitable for ages 15 โ 19.
FREE
42. NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM FAMILY TOURS
28 & 29 Jul, 4 & 5 Aug, 18 & 19 Aug, National Army Museum, Chelsea LONDON
Explore Army history through paintings and medicine on these family gallery tours and hub workshops.
Suitable for families.
FREE
43. CHILDREN’S PUPPET FESTIVAL 2026
28 Jul โ 30 Aug, Little Angel Theatre, Islington LONDON
Watch a world premiere marionette production of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, plus five visiting shows and family workshops including Tiny Planet, Club Origami and Puffling Percy.
Suitable for ages 2 โ 11, varies by show.
PAID
44. DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL
29 Jul โ 16 Aug, Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall LONDON
Watch a hilarious new musical based on Dav Pilkey’s bestselling book series, as best friends George and Harold bring their crime-fighting, part-dog part-man hero to the stage.
Suitable for ages 6+.
PAID
45. FAMILY-FRIENDLY CONCERT
31 Jul, Royal College of Music, South Kensington LONDON
Discover the colourful sounds of the woodwind family in a relaxed, interactive concert led by RCM alumni quintet the Ormonde Ensemble, with a storyteller.
Suitable for ages 5+.
PAID
46. THE BIG BAKES SUMMER WORKSHOPS
4 โ 28 Aug, selected dates, The Big Bakes LONDON
Bake and decorate a cake in adult-and-child pairs:
- Superhero Bake Week, 4 Aug (East London) & 5 Aug (South London), with former GB gymnasts joining the baking team
- Summer Safari Cake (Kids), 12 โ 28 Aug, selected dates, a jungle-themed bake
Suitable for families (1 adult + 1 child pairs).
PAID
47. SUMMER STORYTELLING: FIREDRAKES, FOLKTALES AND FALLING STARS
5, 12 & 26 Aug, British Museum, Bloomsbury LONDON
Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong for a series of free family storytelling sessions inspired by strange creatures, fantastic fables and the night sky, with a different tale each day at 11am, 12pm and 1.30pm.
Suitable for ages 6+.
FREE
48. SMOOTHIE SUPERSTARS
13 & 18 Aug, Museum of Brands, Notting Hill LONDON
Choose your fruit flavours, learn some nutrition basics, then blend and taste your own smoothie. Design a logo and slogan for your creation too.
Ideal for ages 5 โ 12.
PAID
49. ANANSI THE SPIDER
15 Aug โ 6 Sep, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Camden/Westminster LONDON
Watch West African and Caribbean folk tales retold beneath the open sky in this co-production with Unicorn Theatre.
Suitable for ages 4+.
PAID
50. IMAGINING ANIMALS
19 โ 31 Aug (excl. 25 Aug), Tower of London LONDON
Watch puppetry, music and dance transform the fortress with creatures inspired by the historic Royal Menagerie.
Suitable for families.
PAID
51. FAMILY FESTIVAL OF CARIBBEAN CULTURE
21 โ 22 Aug, London Museum Docklands, Tower Hamlets LONDON
Celebrate London’s diverse Caribbean culture with dance workshops, storytelling, craft-making and live music at this free family festival.
Suitable for families.
FREE
52. GREENWICH+DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
21 Aug โ 6 Sep, venues across Greenwich, Woolwich & East London LONDON
London’s biggest free festival of outdoor theatre, circus and dance returns, with performances across the city including the popular Greenwich Fair weekend (22 & 23 Aug) in Greenwich Park. Bring a picnic and settle in for the free shows.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
53. FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE & THE ROYAL MEWS
Jul โ Oct, various dates, Buckingham Palace & The Royal Mews LONDON
Catch one of these free family activities, included with standard admission:
- Once Upon A Carriage, The Royal Mews, every 2 days
- Enchanted Storybook Gardens, Buckingham Palace, every 3 days
- Greek Myths and Legends, Buckingham Palace, every 2 days
- Crowns and Carriages Quest, The Royal Mews, every 9 days
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
KENT
54. KENT LIFE SUMMER PROGRAMME
25 Jun โ 1 Sep, Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Maidstone KENT
Meet life-size dinosaurs and farm animals, paint pottery, and, come late August, tuck into an Ice Cream Festival.
Suitable for under-10s.
PAID
55. AWESOME OCEANS TRAIL
11 Jul โ 31 Aug, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham KENT
Follow a Steve Backshall-fronted ocean-conservation trail, with interactive challenges, collectable cards and hands-on activities for the whole family.
Suitable for young children and families.
PAID
56. AQUA CHIMP KENT
11 Jul โ 4 Oct, Yalding Enterprise Park, Yalding KENT
Take on a floating jungle ropes course over the water, then tackle the giant Gorilla Slip ‘n Slide at this waterside adventure park. Free on-site parking and a cafรฉ are available, and pre-booking is essential.
Suitable for ages 4+ (Gorilla Slip ‘n Slide, ยฃ15pp) and 6+ (jungle ropes course, ยฃ25pp).
PAID
57. DRAW WITH ROB FAMILY TRAIL
14 Jul โ 6 Sep, Chartwell (National Trust), near Westerham KENT
Follow a trail through the garden inspired by “When I Grow Up I’d Like to Beโฆ” with illustrator Rob Biddulph, taking part in activities and games and #DrawWithRob fun at the Garden Cottage tearoom. Meet Rob himself at ticketed family drawing workshops on 12 and 26 August, with a book signing afterwards.
Suitable for young children and families.
FREE
58. TUFF NUTTERZ
17 โ 20 Jul, Paddock Wood Community Centre, Paddock Wood KENT
Take on the UK’s biggest inflatable obstacle course, 300 metres of bouncy challenges topped off with a 6-metre slide. Try the football target game, then refuel at the food trucks.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
59. SUMMER FESTIVALS
17 โ 19 Jul & 25 & 26 Jul, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal KENT
Dance through the three-day Betteshanger Rocks Music Festival (17 โ 19 Jul), with food and drink traders. Watch a military-themed family show with re-enactments, static aircraft, classic cars and a cosplay section at Salute to the Forces (25 & 26 Jul).
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
60. DARTFORD BEAR HUNT
17 Jul โ 13 Sep, streets, parks & open spaces, Dartford KENT
A free open-air art trail of 30 large bear sculptures, inspired by “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” and designed by local and national artists, spread across Dartford. A further 50 smaller “bear cub” sculptures decorated by local schools and community groups are on display indoors at museums, libraries and shops nearby. Run by ellenor hospice charity.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
61. THE MONSTER
18 Jul โ 31 Aug, daily 10am โ 9pm, Bluewater, Greenhithe KENT
Tackle 300 metres of slides, obstacles and bounce zones, including the 18-metre Mega Slide. Dance to live DJs (Thu โ Sun evenings) and browse street food, with quiet mornings and adults-only evening parties.
Suitable for ages 5+ in family sessions (11am โ 7pm); quiet sessions 10 โ 11am; adults-only sessions 16+ from 7 โ 9pm.
PAID
62. SECRET WARTIME TUNNELS & SIEGE PLAY AREA
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Dover Castle, Dover KENT
Climb the Great Tower, walk Operation Dynamo’s Secret Wartime Tunnels, and burn off energy in the Siege Play Area, part of English Heritage’s summer family events programme.
Suitable for ages 6+.
PAID
63. SUMMER FรTE
18 Jul โ 6 Sep, Sissinghurst (National Trust), near Cranbrook KENT
Craft at the gazebo, dress up, play lawn games and follow a butterfly trail at this 1930s-inspired garden party.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
64. MAKERS, RULERS AND LEADERS
20 Jul โ 28 Aug, Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury KENT
Craft your way through a free family programme exploring extraordinary women who shaped the Cathedral’s history since 597AD.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
65. FARMYARD SUMMER FUN
20 Jul โ 31 Aug, Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch KENT
Enjoy themed daily fun on the farm: Farmyard Olympic Mondays, Nature Explorer Tuesdays, Water Play Wednesdays, Tractor Mania Thursdays and Farm Fiesta Fridays, plus extra Little Farmers activities at weekends. Watch pig racing, hop aboard tractor-trailer rides and wander the butterfly tunnel too.
Suitable for under-10s.
PAID
66. SUMMER ROAR!
20 Jul โ 31 Aug, Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury KENT
Join an action-packed calendar of events celebrating your favourite species, including Capybara Week and Big Cat Week, with half-price kids’ tickets throughout.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
67. A SUMMER OF ADVENTURE AWAITS
22 Jul โ 31 Aug, Penshurst Place and Gardens, near Tonbridge KENT
Try Camp Wilderness Wednesdays with axe-throwing, archery and campfire smores, follow the “Where Could They Bee?” garden trail, make animal and sport-themed crafts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, catch new Wild Safari Saturdays with live animal performances, and join garden storytellers for “The Hunt for Penshurst’s Treasure” on Sundays.
Suitable for ages 5+.
PAID
68. LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS TRAIL
22 Jul โ 31 Aug, Leeds Castle, near Maidstone KENT
Follow a new outdoor trail in partnership with the “Little People, BIG DREAMS” book series, with hands-on activities inspired by 12 extraordinary women including Simone Biles, Amelia Earhart and Rosa Parks. Included with admission. Watch stunt shows, parades and classic cars at Motors by the Moat (8 & 9 Aug).
Suitable for all ages.
FREE/PAID
69. A KNIGHT’S TALE
22 Jul โ 31 Aug, Hever Castle, near Edenbridge KENT
Become a Knight-in-Training under the guidance of King Arthur’s Court, then watch spectacular jousting tournaments from the Knights of Royal England, celebrating 40 years of jousting at Hever. Catch falconry displays and face painting too, all included with admission.
Suitable for all ages, especially 4 โ 12.
PAID
70. THIS SUMMER’S GREATEST ADVENTURE
23 Jul โ 31 Aug, Port Lympne Safari Park, near Hythe KENT
Spot African wildlife, catch keeper talks, and wander the UK’s largest outdoor dinosaur exhibition across this 600-acre safari park.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
71. MONSTER SLAM
26 Jul, Quex Park, Birchington KENT
Watch Kent’s biggest monster truck and stunt show, with car-crushing monster trucks, FMX motocross riders and the Tigers Children’s Motorcycle Display Team. Meet Pete the Baby T-Rex and take a spin on the Kids’ Mini Monster Truck Mania ride.
Suitable for families.
PAID
72. BIG CAT FEST 2026
29 Jul โ 9 Aug, The Big Cat Sanctuary, near Smarden KENT
Join a ten-day festival celebrating big cat conservation with keeper talks and family activities.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
73. THE GRUFFALO ART ADVENTURE
29 Aug โ 1 Nov, Knole (National Trust), Sevenoaks KENT
Explore the parkland and Orangery to find 12 giant, hand-painted sculptures inspired by “The Gruffalo”.
Suitable for the whole family.
FREE
HOME COUNTIES
74. MCDONALD’S FUN FOOTBALL CENTRES
13 Jun โ 19 Jul, 700+ venues nationwide
Book a free, FA-qualified coached football session for your 5 to 11-year-old, and claim a free official FIFA World Cup 26 Trionda mini ball for attending. The closest centre to London is in St Albans; sessions go quickly, so book early.
Suitable for ages 5 โ 11.
FREE
75. OUTDOOR THEATRE SEASON
9 Jul โ 22 Aug, Claremont Landscape Garden (National Trust), Esher SURREY
Watch family-friendly open-air theatre on the lawn, follow a 75-artwork sculpture trail, and hire a rowing boat on the lake.
Suitable for ages 7+ (varies by show).
PAID
76. SUMMER OF PLAY
11 Jul โ 13 Sep, National Trust properties across SURREY & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Explore a new Pokรฉmon play zone at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, with open-air Shakespeare and outdoor cinema. Play in the Storybook Play Den at Cliveden, Taplow. Solve a mystery trail at Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire. Every venue has its own Pokรฉmon Challenge Zone as part of the Trust’s nationwide Pokรฉmon partnership.
Suitable for all ages; Cliveden best suited to under-10s.
PAID
77. TRUNKS ACROSS THE THAMES
13 Jul โ 13 Sep, Windsor and Slough BERKSHIRE
Follow a free public art trail of up to 30 large elephant sculptures plus community-made smaller elephants across town.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
78. TOTFEST BERKSHIRE
18 Jul, Royal Windsor Racecourse, Windsor BERKSHIRE
A day-long festival built for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, with over 50 shows, play zones, storytelling and sensory spaces, all free and unlimited once through the gates, plus pushchair-friendly pathways throughout.
Suitable for ages 1 โ 5.
PAID
79. BIG TREE CLIMBING
18 โ 20 Jul, Sheffield Park and Garden (National Trust), Uckfield EAST SUSSEX
Ascend into the canopy of one of Sheffield Park’s largest trees using ropes and harnesses, taking in views over the lake before returning safely to the ground. Booking essential.
Suitable for ages 6+.
PAID
80. SUMMER HOLIDAYS
18 Jul โ 31 Aug, Chessington World of Adventures, SURREY
Take on four brand-new missions in World of PAW Patrol, splash down on Tiger Rock and Barrel Bail Out, and catch two summer shows, Adventunes: World Tour and Lands Unite: A Grand Adventure.
Suitable for young children to early teens.
PAID
81. HULLABALOO SUMMER FESTIVAL
18 Jul โ 1 Sep, Hobbledown Epsom SURREY
A high-energy family festival with a giant foam pit, dunk stations, water foam and daily paint extravaganzas, alongside the park’s usual adventure play, zoo and farm animals, birds of prey and the Imaginarium.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
82. SUMMER FUN ON THE FARM
18 Jul โ 2 Sep, Bocketts Farm Park, Leatherhead SURREY
Hop aboard a tractor ride, cheer on the pig racing, and cuddle small animals. Pan for gold, join a water war, and follow the British Wildlife Stamp Trail.
Suitable for toddlers to primary age.
PAID
83. SUMMER SPECTACULAR
18 Jul โ 2 Sep, Willows Activity Farm, near St Albans HERTFORDSHIRE
Take on the maize maze, cool off at the Puddle Play Park and Foam Fun, and try a brand-new funfair ride. Watch daily Peter Rabbit shows and explore the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground, Mr Tod’s Lair and Cotton-tail Village.
Suitable for toddlers to primary age.
PAID
84. SUMMER OF FUN
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Wellington Country Park, Riseley BERKSHIRE
Splash through the splash zone, try skate sessions and get crafting, most included in entry price. Catch Welly Park’s Big Weekender (14 โ 16 Aug), a mini kids’ festival with main-stage entertainment, a silent disco and a craft zone, and Inflatables in the Park (24 โ 26 Aug), with a 60ft obstacle course and bouncy castles on the Main Green.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
85. KART SILVERSTONE
18 Jul โ 4 Sep, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Get ready for pure adrenaline at the world’s ultimate outdoor karting circuit. Choose from Bambino Induction and Open Laps for 6 – 7 year olds, Junior Induction, Open Laps, Sprint and Solo Coaching for 8 – 15 year olds, or Adult Open Laps, Silverstone 30, Silverstone 60 and Solo Coaching for ages 14+. Gloves and balaclava included with every session.
Suitable for ages 6+ (minimum height 115cm; 142cm for adult sessions).
PAID
86. SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN AT RHS WISLEY
19 Jul โ 31 Aug, RHS Garden Wisley, SURREY
Get ready for a Brick Explorers adventure, with incredible wildlife sculptures and creative builds at RHS Garden Wisley.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
87. LEGO FESTIVAL 2026
20 Jul โ 31 Aug, Legoland Windsor Resort, Windsor BERKSHIRE
Explore five themed zones including a new LEGO F1 Thrill Zone, with live performances and interactive brick-building challenges.
Suitable for ages 2 โ 12.
PAID
88. SUMMER CIRCUS
20 Jul โ 1 Sep, Old MacDonald’s Farm, Brentwood ESSEX
Watch big-top circus entertainment alongside the farm’s usual mix of animals, rides and play areas.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
89. SUMMER OF PLAY
22 Jul โ 31 Aug, Waddesdon Manor, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Kids get free grounds admission for six themed weeks: Animal Week, Get Active Week, By the Seaside Week, Circus Week, Reading and Storytelling Week and Dinosaur Week, plus a new Wild Wood Adventure Playground opening 1 August.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE/PAID
90. BUBBLE ‘N BOP
22 Jul โ 31 Aug, Marsh Farm, South Woodham Ferrers ESSEX
Marsh Farm’s action-packed children’s festival, with a foam party, an inflatable obstacle course, dinosaur adventure, funfair rides, mini golf, a splash beach and daily surprise character meet-and-greets, alongside the farm’s usual animals and play areas.
Suitable for children up to age 12.
PAID
91. PARROT PLAY & BALL RUN
23 Jul โ 31 Aug, Birdworld, Farnham SURREY
Chase, roll and explore new ball runs popping up across the park, inspired by parrot play. See penguins, owls and flamingos too, with feeding talks throughout the day.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
92. SUMMER SIZZLER PASS
23 Jul โ 1 Sep, Odds Farm Park, High Wycombe BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Get unlimited visits for six weeks with the Summer Sizzler Pass, including daily Summer Sizzler activities, H2Odds water play, foam parties and discos, tractor rides, and farmer-led sessions like rabbit time and piggies’ snack time.
Suitable for toddlers and young children.
PAID
93. THE LABYRINTH CHALLENGE 2026
24 โ 26 Jul, Leonardslee Gardens, Lower Beeding, Horsham WEST SUSSEX
Take on one of the UK’s biggest inflatable obstacle courses, 1,000ft long with 34+ obstacles across 5 zones, suitable for anyone over 1.2m tall. A dedicated Toddler Zone next door offers a bouncy castle, soft play and a jungle play zone for children under 1.2m. Garden entry is included with every ticket.
Suitable for all ages (Toddler Zone under 1.2m; main course over 1.2m).
PAID
94. PEACHY SUMMER PROGRAMME
27 Jul โ 30 Aug, Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Join drop-in workshops, guided walks and SEND-friendly sensory days themed around James and the Giant Peach.
Suitable for families.
PAID
95. TERRIFIC TUESDAYS
28 Jul โ 25 Aug, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Try weekly themed craft and history activity days at this 45-acre museum of rescued historic buildings.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
96. SUMMER ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
28 Jul โ 29 Aug, Standalone Farm, Letchworth Garden City HERTFORDSHIRE
Meet Highland cows and alpacas, join animal-encounter talks, and follow a refreshed woodland foraging trail.
Suitable for toddlers to primary age.
PAID
97. RED PANDA WEEKEND
1 & 2 Aug, Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne HERTFORDSHIRE
Meet the red pandas at this themed weekend, then cool off in the splash lagoon and explore three outdoor play areas.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
98. SUMMER FUN FOR FAMILIES
1 โ 31 Aug, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Discover Bletchley Park โ the place where ordinary people came together to do something extraordinary.
Suitable for families; guided tours best suited to ages 5 โ 14.
PAID
99. DENBIES ANIMAL EXPLORER
5 Aug, Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking SURREY
Join ZooLab for the chance to meet the likes of snakes, spiders, giant snails and more in this fantastic animal encounter experience.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE/PAID
100. SUPERHERO WEEKEND
15 & 16 Aug, Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea ESSEX
Meet favourite superheroes and villains at this free-entry seafront theme park, join a superhero treasure hunt around the park, and finish the day with themed entertainment.
Suitable for all ages.
FREE/PAID
101. BIG CHURCH FESTIVAL
28 โ 30 Aug, Wiston Estate, WEST SUSSEX
The UK’s biggest Christian music festival, with a main-stage live music line-up plus dedicated Big Church Kids and Big Church Youth zones running activities all weekend.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
102. SUPERHERO SUMMER FINALE
5 Sep, Gulliver’s Land, Milton Keynes BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes with its Superhero Summer Fireworks Finale!
Suitable for ages 2 โ 13.
PAID
Rebecca
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for sharing ๐
Lola A
No worries at all x
Feyi
Amazing God bless you!!
Lola A
Amen! Thank you girl!
Eunice
This is amazing and super helpful!!! Thank you for sharing!
Lola A
You’re most welcome!