The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Summer in London is great for kids. There is just so much to do, it’s almost hard to know where to start. So we have created a list of all the best and most fun stuff you can do in London during the long summer holidays.
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a painting? Now you can! Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 20,000 square foot light and sound spectacular featuring two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works. Encounter the brilliance of one of history’s greatest artists in 360 degrees.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is all digital, hands free, and perfect for our socially distant world. Its rich content is suitable for a wide audience, including families, school groups, couples, and seniors. There is even a surprise at the end for young artists!
Feel the thrill as you storm down the thames on the thames rockets tour.
Bored of bobbing on boats with the breeze gently drifting past you? Jump on one of the Thames Rockets and feel the thrill of the wind whipping your hair as you storm down the Thames with 630hp of engine power. Gleefully revel in the pride of being the fastest boat on the river, overtaking cruisers as you go.
If you’ve ever thought that what London was really missing was a beach, then look no further:
Beach East at the Olympic Park
Watch Jim’s review of the mixed bathing pond here.
Jack gives the Diana Memorial Fountain 10/10
For adventure-loving kids who want to cool off, why not head to the Lee Valley White Water Centre? Our K-Raters loved it.
Also don’t miss our guide to the best ice cream parlours in London.
Of course, living in London, the weather isn’t always sunny, even in August – so here are a few failsafe places for rainy days.
KidZania gets 10/10 from Martha
London Transport Museum
Also, check out our fabulous list of 10 things to do in London on a Rainy Day!
Quick! Now is your chance to snoop around the Queen’s house. Plus this year, there’s an exhibiton all about the Queen’s fabulous clothes.
North Front of Kew Palace © Historic Royal Palaces 2014
Nestled in the midst of the beautiful Kew Gardens, take a picnic, Kew Palace is free with entarance in the gardens.
Commons Chamber – Courtesy of Houses of Parliament
At the Houses of Parliament this summer you can see two great new artworks: The Ethics of Dust and New Dawn, whilst also enjoying the great informative audio guide tour.
Learn all about Whitehall Palace, home to many famous monarchs including Henry VIII until it was burnt down in the late 1600s with this interactive exhibition. The exhibition will tell you all kinds of secrets about everything from Shakespeare to the Gunpowder Plot.
The Truffala Trees
The Discover Story Children’s Centre in Stratford has so much on over the summer for younger kids. But if you do only one thing while you’re there check out The Fantastical World of Doctor Seuss interactive exhibition. The centre has also just built a brand new Story World and cafe. Perfect for a rainy day.
Another must-do for art loving kids is the Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens. Combine with a walk through Hyde Park.
Sensational Butterflies at the Natural History Museum, an official K-Rated attraction © The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London
The only butterfly house in London can be found in the grounds of the Natural History Museum. Kids can learn loads about butterflies and see some of the most exciting and exotic breeds.
Every year we have a great time at the Festival of Love. From free activities to the man made beach and just the general brilliant vibe of the area, you and your family are guaranteed to have fun.
The London Wonderground is full of all kinds of fun for families from discos for kids to comedy.
There’s some great stuff for grown ups too.
South entrance of the Royal Albert Hall, an official K-Rated attraction © Marcus Ginns
The BBC Proms are in full swing. There is literally a prom for everyone so take a look on their website and book one!
One of the events of the summer in London, the Notting Hill Carnival is one big unmissable street party. If the Monday sounds a bit daunting go on Sunday which is the family day and just as fun.
SHARKS AT THE SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM
The whole of August is Shark Month and, of course, it will be JAW-some! Expect all kinds of fun family activities throughout the month. Plus all activities are included in the price of entrance.
Issy gives the Horniman a K-Rating of 10
With the Olympics in Rio, The Horniman is celebrating all things Brazil this summer.
Can you believe it was four years since the London Olympics? This year, they’re half way across the world in Brazil, but there are screens all over the city for you to watch. Our top pick is Beach East in the Olympic Park.
Everyone loves Horrible Histories and after the first two fantastically funny, but very factual shows, Barmy Britain Part Three looks unlikely to disappoint. Buy tickets now and save up to 38%.
The children’s classic story comes to the stage. You can win tickets now.
Bugsy Malone has had a full set of 10/10s from our K-Raters. Head down to Fat Sam’s Grand Slam and hang out for the evening with Bugsy, Tallulah, Blousy and the rest of the gang.
The Pitch Perfect actress makes her West End debut as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls.
The multi narrative musical which was recently made in a hit film starring, among others, Meryl Streep, has been given an innovative reinvention. Plus, the Menier Chocolate Factory is one of the coolest theatres in the West End.
Scooby Doo and the rest of everyone’s favourite mystery solving crew are coming to London for a live musical mystery.
