The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
As it finally feels like summer is well and truly here, it’s time to create memories with the kids! What better way to do it than by immersing ourselves in the joyous atmosphere of a family-friendly festival or event?
Whether you’re seeking music filled extravaganzas, fun theatre and big top circus shows, or kids areas packed with activities; our handpicked selection has something for every kid and teen.
From the vibrant streets and parks of London to enchanting destinations beyond, we’re bringing you the very best summer family festivals of 2023; guaranteed to make summer sparkle with wonder and magic for parents and kids!
And don’t forget to check out our other popular guides too in our Things to Do section including 50 Things to do in London for Teens.
The Hampstead Beach at JW3
Pack up the kids (or grandkids) and join us for a summer full of laughs, snacks, and unforgettable moments at JW3. They’ve got a range of kids’ activities lined up to keep your little ones entertained, no matter their age. From crafty corners to sporty challenges, there’s fun for everyone.
Catch all the action with live screenings of the Olympics, Wimbledon, F1, and the men’s Euros. So take your sporty spirit along and cheer for your faves! And remember, rain or shine, the fun doesn’t stop because with their brand new weatherproof Dorfman Piazza it means you can enjoy the beach vibes without a worry because just like Centre Court, they’ve ve got it covered!
This summer, the Underbelly Festival is taking over Cavendish Square from July to September, and it’s the perfect day out for families with young kids! Imagine a slice of the Edinburgh Fringe right in Central London, complete with world-class circus acts, hilarious cabaret, and side-splitting comedy designed to entertain little ones and parents alike. And the best part? Entry to the square is free!
Kids will be in giggle heaven with Mr Sleepybum’s silly sketches (6-7 July) and the high-energy, interactive comedy show that’s sure to have them laughing out loud. Baby Loves Disco (14 July, 31 Aug, 15 Sept) will get everyone grooving, with DJ Dub spinning dance floor fillers for the ultimate family dance party. And don’t miss Shelf: The Kids’ Show (21 Sept), where best friends Rachel and Ruby bring sketch comedy to life with pranks, songs, and silliness – perfect for kids of all ages!
While the kiddos are entertained, parents can kick back and enjoy delicious street food and refreshing drinks. With everything from smoked meats to Mexican street food, plus a brand-new bespoke Spritz bar, there’s something to satisfy every craving. So, grab a deckchair, relax with a cool drink, and make the most of summer at the Underbelly Festival. It’s the ultimate family day out!
London’s most exciting family dance event takes over Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury for a day of free outdoor performances, workshops and activities
With lively dance performances, craft activities and workshops, The Place’s Family Dance Day returns to Coram’s Fields on Saturday 20th July 2024! For one day only, children and their grown-ups can have a day filled with fun with a new lineup of FREE events. Rain or shine. Family Dance Day will be there all day long!
Get ready for a magical summer at Polka Theatre! From 22 June to 18 August, dive into “Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts”. Perfect for kids under 10, this show is all about conquering fears and having a blast while doing it!
Running from 3 July to 11 August, “How to Catch a Star” is a dreamy adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ beloved book. Presented by Branar, this enchanting non-verbal show uses puppetry and a magical score to tell the story of a boy who dreams of having a star as a friend. Ideal for kids aged 3-5
From 14-25 August, “Rise and Fall” returns after a sell-out run. This poetic show, perfect for ages 2-5, invites families into a whimsical world of balloons. Watch as small floating moons and vast bouncing orbs create a mesmerizing ecosystem. It’s a gentle, relaxing performance about holding on and letting go that will captivate both young and old. ✨
So, head over to Polka Theatre this summer for a season packed with fun, laughter, and a touch of magic. It’s the perfect place for families to create unforgettable memories!
Ever wondered what it’s like to fly through the air with the greatest of ease? Well, head to Regent’s Park or Kensington Gardens and let Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School solve that mystery.
Now in its 16th year, this is one of those brilliantly unique and memorable experiences that could easily see you go back again and again. Under the guidance of their patient and friendly instructors kids, teens (and parents) will learn the art of trapeze in a fun and supportive environment.
The ever popular Vauxhall City Farm is making is crossing the Thames for a one-day-only Family Farm Day in Covent Garden. It’s the perfect chance for kids (and adults!) who’ve never experienced the joy of a farm to meet and feed the adorable animals up close. Plus a whole host of farm-tastic (sorry). activities.
Face painting, educational workshops, magical story time sessions and the chance to snuggle some furry friends in Cuddle Corner, Entry is free, but if you can, throw in a donation to support The Farm.
Now in its fifth year, this festival is packed with a stellar line-up of live music, DJs, and comedy, ready to entertain the whole family at London’s most beautiful festival site. Headlining the Hilltop Stage, Ministry of Sound Classical is joined by Soul II Soul, The Go! Team, and more. On the Cloud 10 Stage, dance to beats from Mr. Scruff and Artful Dodger. Don’t miss comedy from Simon Amstell and Sophie Duker on the Fringe Stage, plus a fun mix of science workshops, theatre, acrobatics, and clowning shows for kids.
There’s something for everyone, with acts like Tootles & Nibs, Silly Science Workshops, and Chickenshed Theatre ensuring non-stop entertainment for all ages. Enjoy the African Acrobatics Circus, Gareth P. Jones’s storytelling, and the School of Beatbox. The Wave, a hilarious clowning show, promises side-splitting fun. It’s the perfect weekend escape for families looking to enjoy music, laughter, and creative fun together!
TARDIS at 60th Celebration Concert © Polly Thomas
Where and when? Various London Locations, 14th July – 9th September 2023
This year’s eight-week programme is packed of concerts, workshops, talks and family events featuring 84 shows and over 3,000 musicians. The majority of the shows will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Highlights for kids include the CBeebies Prom on July 27th and the Doctor Who Prom 26th August.
This family friendly festival in Ealing’s Walpole Park is packed full of comedy, music, unforgettable performances and kids’ activities, as well as stalls selling crafts and delicious street food. With multiple events within the programme, from the godfathers that are Comedy, Blues & Jazz, to the new kids on the block, Latino Life and New Gen, whatever your jam, we have the jam for you.
From the 10 July until the 4 August, Walpole Park will be alive with everything from craft beer to Latin spirits, comedy to jazz, DJs to the blues and much much more. Along with incredible global performances, you will be able to dine around the world on some of the best street food in West London, keep the kids entertained and make some unforgettable memories .
Kids and teens will be particularly interested in the New Gen Festival taking place on 24th July for young people age 10 – 25 featuring music, dance, and spoken word. There are plenty of opportunities for kids and teens to take part, including a drop-in film shoot, DJ tasters and mindfulness activities.
Coming back to Tooting, Tuff Nutterz is fun for the whole family! Parents can relax whilst their kids have a blast and if you’re brave enough, you can even join in too.
Measuring 300 metres long, this supersize inflatable maze is packed with 30 fun and challenging obstacles to complete, including huge slides, climbing walls, hanging rails and balance balls.Plus a new 6m tall “Tuff Slide” as an add-on! for those looking for an extra adrenaline rush!
There are four sessions per day: (Each session is 1hr & 45mins) at 09:30 to 11:15/ 11:30 to 13:15/13:30 to 15:15/ 15:30 to 17:15 with last entry at 15:30
Important Ticket Info
Tickets can be purchased at the door, availability dependent but they strongly suggest you book online to avoid disappointment.
Ther are a host of events taking place across Canary Wharf’s parks, plazas, and open spaces but the ones we think you and your kids will be interested in are:
Taking place throughout June, July and August, family films will be screened on Saturday mornings and all are free to attend and will include recent releases as well as cult classics. All you need to take your picnic blanket and refreshments of choice. See website for the list.
Aimed at children aged 5+ and their families anyone can take part in a variety of family friendly games on their big screens including Mario Cart, Just Dance & Overcooked. All the events are free, simply turn up and friendly stewards will explain the rules. Player numbers are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Canary Wharf’s picture-perfect course is the ideal place to enjoy a day out with the kids. Its free to play, and you’ll be provided with clubs and balls to play. The perfect activity for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
This is a family style rave at Bexley Heath, where both kids and grown-ups can hit the dance floor and let off some steam together.
All ages are welcome and it features a huge open air stage with the best in the house music, garage and drum & bass. Other entertainment and attractions include: character meet and greets; a free funfair with kids rides; stalls, games, inflatables and play areas, Raver Tots dinosaurs, arts and crafts; face-painting, a huge street food selection and a fully licensed bar
Advance booking only. All events sell out well in advance and there are no tickets on the door.
Taking place in South London’s Blackheath, with three stages of live acts and DJs, a family area, and plenty of excellent street food and bars, this is a great day out for all the family.
The Little Town family area is back, packed with free entertainment and attractions that will keep your young ones smiling all day. With fun fair rides, lively DJs, and performances in a family-friendly music area, there’s plenty to get everyone up and dancing together!
Madness will headline on the 28th and it’s their only London gig this year – so make sure you catch them.
A three-day music extravaganza featuring soul, jazz and classical performances from the likes of Gabrielle, The Ronnie Scotts All Stars and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Kids and teens will love the Night of Musicals featuring classic songs from Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, Grease, Oklahoma, Cats, We Will Rock You, Oliver!, and West Side Story. And it features the magnificent Cassidy Janson – Olivier Award winner, star of Wicked and Carole King collaborator – as both the show host, and opening act accompanied by her band.
With a rich history spanning over a century, and a firm favourite with our K-Raters, Zippos Circus has delighted audiences worldwide with its awe-inspiring performances, daring acrobatics, and mesmerising displays of showmanship.
This year they are touring the UK, having a pit stop in various London locations over the summer period. From motorbikes to fast juggling, knife throwing and whip cracking, this daredevil show will keep your kids and teens on the edge of their seats!
Opulent costumes, steels drums, hundreds of sound systems, singing and dancing, Notting Hill Carnival is just fun, fun, fun and the kids will absolutely love it!
They’ll also love trying myriad of different street food and drink on offer, including jerk chicken and fresh coconuts. Sunday is Family Day, which means a more relaxed parade with a calmer atmosphere, but with just as many summer celebrations.
GDIF 2024 will bring a unique programme of activities for you and your little ones including outdoor theatre, performance, art, dance and circus in iconic public spaces across the Royal Borough of Greenwich, East London and the City of London.
Chiswick’s Pub in the Park brings you award-winning restaurants, banging live music, more incredible chefs and of course delicious food!
Headlining the Main Stage this year are Busted, De La Soul and a Lazy Sunday with Jools Holland and his special guests Imelda May and Ruby Turner. The fest doesn’t forget about the little ones either, with immersive storytelling and theatre, a land of inflatables a family disco rave.
It will be well worth a visit to Croydon Road Recreation as more than 65 artists will be performing soul, disco, Motown and reggae including The Four Tops, Maxi Priest, Jocelyn Brown and Atlantic Starr as well as over 40 street vendors keeping you and the kids well fed and watered.
You’ll also find fairground rides, live steel bands, face painting, glitter stalls, hair braiding, and fashion and craft stalls.
Jump aboard the BEANO Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, for an adventure full of fun and mischief! To celebrate BEANO’s 85th birthday, chefs have created a BEANO-inspired menu featuring the Bangers & Mash-up Chocolate Cupcake, the Cheesy Coal as a Cucumber & Cream Cheese Finger on Charcoal Bread and many more sweet and savoury delights!
An entertainer will provide you with unknown facts about Beano and the London landmarks including Big Ben and Hyde Park that you’ll see during the tour.
Plus, prepared to be pranked…
Continuing with the afternoon tea theme, for little people that may need an afternoon treat (erm, and the adults) the children’s afternoon tea in The Palm Court will give some much-needed indulgence.
Included in the spread are creations inspired by London’s most iconic landmarks including the London Eye, London Red Bus and Big Ben, as well as classic bite-size sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a choice of hot chocolate or tea.
Oh, and they do cocktails for the parents too. Sold.
Newly opened on 1st July last year – The Young V&A is a playground where children, families, and young people can discover art specifically curated for tiny tots up to teens.
As well as the galleries there will be hands-on workshops and an open design studio beckoning aspiring young artists to learn new skills.
Plus they have lovely grounds around the museum if those little legs aren’t too exhausted!
When it comes to foodie festivals for the whole family, Hampton Court Palace definitely knows how to deliver.
As well as sampling the most delicious culinary delights, young Londoners can embark on a journey of exploration through the palace, bask in the beauty of the grounds, and immerse themselves in live entertainment provided by the festival’s regular favourites.
Located on Tottenham Court Road in the heart of London, Monopoly Lifesized is an immersive, physical version of the world’s favourite family board game played on lifesized Monopoly board!
Bring your kids and teens along this summer and experience the thrill of competing against a clock to build some of London’s iconic buildings, solving a baffling murder mystery and escape jail, all whilst earning as much money as you can.
Discover a brilliantly bonkers, interactive and immersive walkthrough experience situated in the County Hall building down at Southbank, which the whole family enjoy this summer.
See, hear, touch and smell the adventure by exploring 10 fairy tale themed live shows, from a magical 4D flying bus experience, interacting with characters including Princess Fiona and Donkey to collecting the special ingredients you’ll need in order to find Shrek and make it home safely.
As you’re down on Southbank you can make a day of it by visiting the London Eye, Aquarium or Dungeons which are all situated next door!
And now for our top family festival picks outside London! These hidden gems offer a refreshing change of scenery and unforgettable summer memories. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and discover these 10 enchanting festivals outside of London…
Herefordshire’s Nozstock: The Hidden Valley aims to cater for every festival-goer from tots to teens, and has its vey own family camping area with full facilities.
Lantern making, dance and graffiti workshops, and circus and theatre shows are just some of the activities on offer in the Little Wonderland dedicated kids area.
When it all gets too tiring make your way over to the music stages to see top-class acts performing including Groove Amanda, Boney M and Arrested Development.
Standon Calling is taking a break and will be back in 2025, so watch this space!
It’s a great family friendly festival in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, with entertainment for all ages across main stages, woodland, water and dedicated kids’ areas offering everything from yoga classes to drama workshops.
A one-of-a-kind camping experience with a festival feel running all through the summer holidays. Based in the meadows at Turvey House Estate in Bedfordshire you can choose to stay in a tipi, yurt or bell tent. Or pitch your own.
Activities run all day from dance classes and talent shows to drop-in kids’ craft clubs. Get paddle board lessons and kayak on the River Great Ouse or relax in the riverside sauna. Free morning yoga, pilates and runs are available for grow-ups.
There’s an on-site cafe with street food options, wood fired pizzas and a bar serving beers and cocktails.
Live DJs every weekend and the Superhero Kids’ Disco add to the festival spirit.
Suffolk’s Latitude has previously won Best Family Festival and ‘Best Family Day Out’, making it a brilliant date for your diary this summer.
With both a kids area and a teen area and a dedicated family campsite, there are plenty of activities to keep the children of every age occupied, such as a Wildlife Science Adventure and a Fashion Wonderland.
Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane and London Grammar are headlining!
This new-ish family friendly festival arrived at Blackpool Sands beach for the first time in 2021.
The line up includes Feeder, Razorlight and an 90s Party courtesy of Chris Moyles, plus there’s plenty of draws for kids including beach activities, kayaking, art installations and silent discos.
Entry: Adult weekend tickets from £75, under 18 weekend tickets from £70
One of our favourite kid friendly festivals, Camp Bestival in Dorset is a wonderland for little ones. Not to be confused with more grown up sister-festival Bestival, Camp Bestival swaps the raving all-nighters for more kid-friendly pursuits like bouncy castles, go-carts, fairgrounds, face painting, sandpits and glitter – the list goes on.
In fact, most of the festival is dedicated to little party people, including a roller disco, circus, skate ramps, and family shows and entertainment from Mr Tumble and Horrible Histories.
What’s in it for the parents? Us oldies can enjoy all day yoga and meditation, hot tubs and ice baths, and music from the likes of Paloma Faith, McFly, Orbital, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, James Arthur and Pete Tong Ibiza Classics.
Entry: Adult weekend tickets from £220, various options for kid and teen weekend tickets available from £102.50
Kicking off with the opening event One City, A Thousand Memories, Birmingham Festival 23 is a FREE 10-day festival which takes place in Centenary Square.
The packed programme will run daily from 11am – 9pm catering to all ages and interests, each day beginning with welcoming participatory activities, including a regular morning slot hosted by Games Mascot Perry.
Back-to-back live and on screen performances throughout each day including projects commissioned through the Made In Brum open call; and each evening a strand under the umbrella title Twilight Takeovers will feature new partnerships, collectives and artists creatively collaborating to bring each day to a fabulous close.
The 6pm Power Hour sees a range of fun workouts and easy-to-follow classes that you can make the most of in that post-work diversion from the gym. With almost 100 hours of FREE music, dance and performances, Birmingham Festival 23 looks forward to welcoming thousands of audiences, artists, local communities and volunteers, reflecting the diversity of the city, to come together to watch, listen, relax, dance and play.
All the events can be found here
Started by a group of music loving parents dissatisfied with paying over the odds for a festival ticket, the founders of Deer Shed know what makes a good family festival.
Their success is in making the whole experience accessible for kids and adults alike. Music, spoken word, theatre, cinema and workshops are all top notch.
Under-fives activities include a sensory tent and soft play area.
Located in the stunning Welsh Brecon Beacons, this alternative festival has a folky, chilled-out vibe, perfect for families who prefer their festivals to be more relaxed than full-throttle.
The ‘Little Folk’ area has activities for kids aged up to 12 including storytelling, puppet-making and the Little Folk Parade. The ‘Somewhere’ zone is for teenagers aged 13 to 17 and includes DJ workshops, cinema and yoga.
Created by Chris Evans, to help raise funds for UK Children’s Charities, Hampshire’s CarFest is the largest family fundraising festival in the UK.
Over the last 10 years it has raised over £20 million! This year, Reef, Sam Ryder, Olly Murs, Ed Byrne and Ray Mears are all confirmed, along with family favourite SuperTato.
As well as admiring the cars there’s plenty on offer for kids, including the Vintage Village, where they can step back in time and visit the vintage market, tea rooms and sweet shops, and discover cars from the 30s through to the 70s.
There’s also the Farm-Olympics, kids theatre and the Car-Nival.
Taking place on Alex James from Blur’s idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities, in an action packed weekend.
CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Horrible Histories have performed in the past, while parents can get excited for a seriously good line-up, featuring Becky Hill, Cat Burns, Snow Patrol, Jonny Marr and Jax Jones among many more.
Our handy guide to Camden
London’s Best Theatre Shows
Kids who need a little extra help
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
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