Long, light-filled days, school holidays on the horizon, and London brimming with brilliant things to do—summer is the perfect time to explore the capital with children. Whether you're staying local or planning special weekend outings, this guide is packed with imaginative ideas to keep kids curious, active, and inspired.
From awe-inspiring museums and outdoor festivals to immersive theatre, countryside escapes, and hands-on creative experiences, we’ve handpicked the very best family-friendly adventures happening across the city and just beyond. They are designed to spark joy, discovery and a bit of well-earned wonder.
So pack a picnic, book ahead where needed, and get ready for a summer of unforgettable London days.
Tumble Down the Rabbit Hole with Alice in Wonderland
12 July – 31 August, Marylebone Theatre
Enter a world of curious creatures, surreal encounters, and imaginative wonder as Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale is brought vividly to life on stage. This internationally acclaimed production at Marylebone Theatre reimagines Alice’s journey through Wonderland with breathtaking puppetry, lavish costumes, and an original musical score that will enchant both children and adults.
As Alice navigates shrinking doorways, puzzling riddles, and the Queen of Hearts’ court, young audiences will be captivated by the show’s whimsical visual storytelling and inventive stagecraft. The production blends traditional theatre with modern theatrical magic, making it an ideal introduction to live performance for families.
Make a day of it by beginning with brunch at the nearby Chiltern Firehouse, known for its stylish interiors and family-friendly options. After the show, unwind with a stroll through Regent’s Park, where little ones can run free or explore the picturesque boating lake and playgrounds.
A perfect choice for families looking to escape into a world of fantasy, humour, and heart during the summer holidays.
Challenge the Mind at TWIST Museum
Step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. The TWIST Museum — short for The Way I See Things — is a uniquely immersive experience designed in collaboration with neuroscientists, artists, and philosophers to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Children (and grown-ups alike) can explore mind-bending optical illusions, surreal colour rooms, infinity mirror tunnels, and tactile trickery that challenge perception and ignite the imagination.
Ideal for inquisitive young minds, this West End attraction is as educational as it is exhilarating. From defying gravity to decoding visual puzzles, the museum encourages playful experimentation with how we experience the world. Enhance the visit with early-access or VIP tickets, allowing your family to explore the exhibits unhurried and capture standout photos before the crowds arrive.
Afterwards, extend your discovery day with gelato at Chin Chin Labs nearby or browse through Liberty London’s whimsical toy and book department for an upscale family finish.
Celebrate 30 Years of Wonder at Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF)
22 August – 7 September 2025
Marking its 30th anniversary, GDIF returns as London’s premier free outdoor arts festival with an extraordinary programme of theatre, circus, dance, and spectacle across Greenwich, Woolwich, Thamesmead, and beyond. This year’s theme,Above and Beyond, comes alive through breathtaking performances like French parkour company Lézards Bleus’ heart-stopping rooftop show in Woolwich and Panama Pictures’ powerful climate-action water spectacle in Thamesmead.
Families will love the lively Greenwich Fair with family-friendly street theatre and an awe-inspiring all-female high-wire act set against London’s skyline. Other highlights include trailblazing collaborations blending circus with robotics and physics at Greenwich Peninsula, and the world premiere ofFragments of Us, a moving exploration of Black masculinity through dance and poetry.
The festival also features a new partnership with New York’s Fire Island Dance Festival, showcasing international LGBTQIA+ dance artists, alongside dozens of free performances transforming public spaces into vibrant cultural playgrounds.
Plan ahead with the full programme at festival.org/GDIF-2025, and enjoy a day out with riverside dining or a picnic in Greenwich Park for a truly magical summer celebration.
Step Into Storybook Magic at The Paddington Bear™ Experience
Step into the charming world of one of Britain’s most beloved storybook characters at the new Paddington Bear™ Experience, set within the historic County Hall on London’s South Bank. Children (and nostalgic parents) are invited to join Paddington on a multi-sensory adventure as he prepares for the all-important Marmalade Day celebration.
Explore lovingly recreated sets including Paddington Station, Windsor Gardens, and the Brown family home, all brought to life with stunning design, interactive storytelling, and whimsical surprises. Along the way, families will meet friendly characters, help solve gentle puzzles, and even try their hand at making marmalade.
Opt for a VIP experience for priority entry, exclusive photo opportunities with Paddington himself, and a selection of premium themed souvenirs and sweet treats. After your adventure, enjoy riverside refreshments at Skylon or Gillray’s Steakhouse, just moments away with views over the Thames.
Ideal for children ages 4–10, but crafted with multi-generational appeal, this delightful new attraction is a must for families seeking a touch of nostalgia wrapped in modern immersive theatre.
Enter the World of Goo at Gootopia Wandsworth
Get hands-on at Gootopia Wandsworth, London’s ultimate slime-making experience where sensory play meets creative luxury. In chic, neon-lit private pods, kids can stretch, swirl, and squish their own custom goo using a wide range of colours, glitters, scents, and textures. Guided by friendly “Gootopians,” little slime scientists are encouraged to experiment and personalise their creations—making it as educational as it is entertaining.
Perfect for birthday parties, school holiday treats, or just a rainy-day adventure, Gootopia offers themed slime stations and optional add-ons like “glow-in-the-dark” or “galactic glitter” for extra wow factor. Parents can relax nearby or explore Southside Wandsworth’s shops and stylish cafes while the fun unfolds.
After your slime session, extend the outing with a bite at Megan’s or grab a gelato from Amorino next door. A must for families looking for something fun, fabulous, and totally out of the ordinary.
Go Hands-On with History at Royal Museums Greenwich
Ignite your child’s curiosity with a day of discovery at Royal Museums Greenwich, a world-class collection of four iconic sites: the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory, and the legendary tea clipper Cutty Sark. Each venue offers immersive, family-friendly experiences designed to bring history, science, and storytelling to life.
At the National Maritime Museum, kids can take the helm of a ship simulator, uncover tales of pirates and polar expeditions, and explore the interactive “Ahoy!” gallery for under-7s. Nearby, the elegant Queen’s House offers art and architecture with a twist—young visitors can follow activity trails and uncover secrets in the maze-like colonnades. At the Royal Observatory, gaze through historic telescopes and learn how time itself was mapped from Greenwich. And aboard the soaring Cutty Sark, children can clamber beneath the ship’s gleaming hull, handle cargo replicas, and hear stories of high-seas adventure from costumed interpreters.
All venues are within easy strolling distance of Greenwich Park and the vibrant Greenwich Market, where street food and handmade crafts await. Arrive in style via the Thames Clipper from central London—it's a breezy, scenic route with views of Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Docklands en route.
An inspiring, all-in-one family destination that blends hands-on fun with heritage and exploration.
Escape to Nature at Windsor Great Park Adventure Play & The Savill Garden
For a day of outdoor fun and imagination, head to Windsor Great Park, where nature meets creativity in one of the UK’s most family-friendly green spaces. Start your adventure at Windsor Great Park Adventure Play, an ambitious woodland play landscape inspired by the natural world and royal history. Set within ancient trees and wildflower meadows, children can climb turreted towers, whoosh down slides, scale rope bridges, and explore mini-forts—all designed with sustainability and storytelling in mind. With dedicated zones for toddlers through to teens, it’s a space that invites unstructured, open-air play and encourages children to connect with the natural world around them.
Afterwards, just a short stroll away, unwind and explore the stunning Savill Garden, a haven of ornamental horticulture within the park. Designed for wandering, learning, and lingering, this 35-acre garden boasts dramatic seasonal displays—from vivid summer borders and rose gardens to tranquil woodland glades and shaded walking paths. Family-friendly trails often run during holidays, and little explorers will love spotting sculptures and curious plants hidden among the blooms. The architecturally striking Savill Building houses an excellent café for lunch or tea, and the gift shop is perfect for picking up botanical-themed keepsakes.
Together, these two attractions offer the ideal countryside escape: full of movement, colour, and wonder, with plenty of room to roam and a welcome break from city pace. Whether you're seeking fresh air, imaginative play, or a moment of calm among nature, Windsor Great Park delivers on all fronts.
