The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Ready to make this May half term legendary for your kids and teens? London’s bursting with activities to keep everyone buzzing with excitement. We’ve got the lowdown on museum exhibitions, epic attractions, West End shows, stadium tours, adrenaline-pumping activities, blockbuster movies, concerts, and some quirky free activities. So grab a coffee and read on!
Embark on an extraordinary May half-term adventure at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, where there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy! Enjoy rides and attractions for all ages, stare wide-eyed at over 1,000 animals in our Zoo and SEA LIFE Aquarium and make unforgettable memories!
What It Is: An exhilarating boat tour on the Thames by the Horrible Histories team, blending immersive theatre with hilarious historical facts.
Why Kids Love It: Kids are thrilled by the funny and gruesome tales of treachery, tyranny, and triumph, making history come alive in the most entertaining way.
KidRated Tip: Don’t miss the sea shanties—you’ll love singing along as you learn about the river’s murky past!
The London Science Museum, known for its interactive and educational exhibits, features two standout galleries: Wonderlab and Power Up.
KidRated tip: Head to the main lawn behind the exhibit to test your skills, then check out the animals to see how you measure up!
Shakespeare’s Globe is always a win for families – a bit of culture and a lot of fun.
If you’re looking for a fantastic family day out that’ll keep your kids and teens entertained, take a trip down the Thames to Greenwich. It’s an outing that has it all —history, science, ships, and plenty of fun!
What It Is: A new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic picture book, featuring tasty tunes and mischievous puppets.
Why Kids Love It: Kids are captivated by the hilarious jungle adventure as the creatures team up to stop the greedy crocodile’s clever tricks.
KidRated Tip: A unique opportunity to let your kids experience the magic of live theatre with the excitement of being outdoors. Watching a play surrounded by nature, under the open sky, adds a sense of adventure and wonder that a traditional indoor theatre just can’t match.
What It Is: A hilarious fairy tale about Princess Smartypants, who fights to stay single and make music with her monstrous pets.
Why Kids Love It: Packed with songs and madcap comedy, it’s a fun twist on traditional fairy tales where the princess is in charge.
KidRated Tip: Perfect for kids who are tired of typical fairy tales and love seeing strong, independent characters on stage!
Polka Theatre are famous for empowering children to navigate their world through inspirational theatre and creative experiences.
There’s something for everyone here – whether that’s watching a performance or taking part in a workshop. There is something running for all ages – Baby Explorers (0-8 months), Creative Explorers (18 months – 3 years), Act 1 (4-6 years old) and Act 2 (7-9 years old). Prices and dates vary.
Who could resist the classic tale of Matilda, the dark and delightful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s tale of a child genius and her monstrous headmistress? There are a couple of scenes that could be slightly scary for younger children but its great fun for kids of most ages.
This stage adaptation of the iconic 80’s film, Back to the Future, is sure to evoke some feelings of nostalgia for many parents. The kids are sure to get excited when Marty McFly, your typical rock ‘n’ roll teenager, is accidentally transported back to 1955. In order to guarantee that he makes it back to the future, he needs to ensure that his parents meet and fall in love. You and the kids will marvel at the gravity-defying, time-travelling DeLorean that supposedly reaches speeds of up to 88 miles per hour!
This production of Anna and Elsa’s well-known story includes all the incredible special affects you’d expect from a Disney production, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the song kids (and parents!) know and love.
It’s an unmissable experience that will stay with the kids long after the curtain falls. Even the biggest Frozen fans will be in for a few surprises, as the production features new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the unforgettable Let It Go writers.
Step aboard the UK’s only floating puppet theatre for Suitcase Circus – a family show Suitcase Circus that features the most unlikely of performers including the world’s only acrobatic potato sack, a daredevil ski glove, an incredible dancing milkshake straw, the hypnotic tie snake Windsor Knot, and the lovable yet bizarre magical Mexican hat Timrek.
For more free things to do visit our Best free things to do for kids and teens in London guide…
The UK’s Best Merlin Attractions
Book of Mormon
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
