This summer, London and its surrounding countryside promise an irresistible array of family adventures—each blending enriching experiences with pure childhood delight. From meeting Peter Rabbit™ in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace to braving the thrills of the London Dungeon, the options are as varied as they are memorable. Young naturalists can explore the London Wetland Centre, budding palaeontologists can encounter life-sized dinosaurs at Battersea Power Station, and creative spirits can unleash colour at KEDI Studio’s splatter-paint workshops. Animal lovers will find joy at Drusillas Park and Bocketts Farm, while marine explorers descend into the depths at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. For parents seeking both leisure and learning, these ten destinations offer the perfect combination of beauty, culture and play—whether within the historic heart of the capital or amid the rolling green landscapes just beyond.
1. Hampton Court Palace – The Magic Garden & Peter Rabbit™ Trail
This summer, Hampton Court Palace will welcome the brand-new Peter Rabbit™ Adventure, an official Penguin Ventures experience that brings Beatrix Potter’s mischievous characters to life. Families can explore the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and Wilderness, encountering interactive games, riddles and puzzles while meeting Peter himself at set times each day. Little ones might make music with Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s washing line, search under wheelbarrows for Peter, or practise hopping as high as his furry friends—all while learning about the wildlife that inspired Potter’s tales. Seasonal produce from the gardens even inspires special menu items in the Tiltyard Café. After the trail, children can conquer mythical beasts in the Magic Garden, run free in the formal grounds, or step inside the Tudor palace to explore Henry VIII’s kitchens and apartments.
The trail, which runs until 7 September, is included with palace admission and cleverly weaves Beatrix Potter’s beloved tales into the palace’s storied surroundings—perfect for younger children eager for a narrative journey. Pair this with a visit to Henry VIII’s apartments or a family-friendly tour of the Haunted Gallery. With leafy picnic spots and a café offering artisan coffee and fresh bakes, Hampton Court blends literary charm, regal refinement and spirited play in a single sublime outing.
2. Jurassic World: The Experience at Battersea Power Station
Dinosaurs have stomped their way into Battersea Power Station, and they’ve never looked so lifelike. Jurassic World: The Experience brings the thrill of the blockbuster films to vivid, animatronic life in a space that is both cinematic and educational. Walk through the iconic gates of Isla Nublar and come face-to-face with a towering Brachiosaurus, peer into the raptor enclosure, and feel the ground tremble as the mighty T. rex roars to life. Young palaeontologists will be captivated not only by the interactive fossil dig, but also by the irresistibly cute baby dinosaurs—lifelike, huggable hatchlings that are a hit with visitors of all ages. Cleverly presented scientific insights are scattered throughout, adding depth to the spectacle. Visitors can wander through richly themed environments including Gyrosphere Valley and T. Rex Kingdom, while gentle soundscapes and dramatic set pieces transport you straight to Isla Nublar. The venue—London’s most stylish riverside redevelopment—makes it easy to combine with a family brunch or riverside stroll. For families with a taste for spectacle, this thrilling experience blends fantasy, adventure and astonishing realism in an iconic setting.
3. The London Dungeon – A Gory, Gripping Adventure
Not for the faint of heart but unforgettable for brave older children, the London Dungeon brings 1,000 years of the capital’s darkest history to life through thrilling rides, special effects, and superb live actors in this fully immersive experience. Step aboard a boat ride to meet traitorous kings and plague victims, explore Sweeney Todd’s barbershop, and face judgment at the fearsome Drop Dead ride. The gallows humour is wickedly entertaining, striking a fine balance between spine-tingling and family-friendly. While not suitable for very young children, confident tweens and teens will relish the mix of scares and laughs. The theatricality is top-tier, with sets, scents, and lighting creating a fully immersive experience. For parents, it’s a refreshingly irreverent take on London’s past—delivered with impressive polish and gory glee. Combine with a post-dungeon treat at nearby Borough Market to restore nerves and energy alike.
4. Bocketts Farm Park – Countryside Meets Adventure
Just beyond London in the Surrey Hills, Bocketts Farm offers a full day of open-air fun and close-up animal encounters. Children can hand-feed friendly farm animals, meet smaller creatures in the indoor barns, and enjoy gentle pony rides (bookable on the day). The expansive outdoor play areas feature giant jumping pillows, pedal go-karts and the crowd-pleasing Formula 1 quad bikes, while the large indoor soft play ensures the fun continues whatever the weather. This summer, until 2 September, the Summer Fun on the Farm programme adds even more to the mix: complete the British Wildlife Stamp Trail, get creative in Craft Corner, boogie in the Disco, pan for gold, enjoy a game of Water Wars, explore acres of play, and take in tractor rides, pig racing and more. With wholesome lunches and home-baked treats at the café, plus picnic spots overlooking paddocks, Bocketts is a joyful blend of rural charm and high-energy fun.
5. SEA LIFE London Aquarium – Beneath the Surface
Dive into an aquatic wonderland at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, a South Bank jewel that houses over 5,000 marine creatures — from graceful rays and shoaling fish to jellyfish, penguins, sharks and giant turtles. The experience begins with a glass walkway above the Pacific display, where stingrays glide beneath and shoals shimmer in shifting light. Fourteen themed zones take visitors on a global voyage, from the UK’s largest living coral reef in the Coral Kingdom to Penguin Point, home to a lively colony of Gentoo penguins. In the Rainforest Adventure, piranhas, caimans and other freshwater inhabitants thrive in a lush, steamy habitat, while the Ocean Invaders jellyfish gallery dazzles with colour and movement. Interactive touch pools, daily talks and behind-the-scenes tours encourage hands-on learning about ocean conservation. Thoughtful lighting, atmospheric soundscapes and expertly curated tanks combine theatrical flair with educational depth. Blissfully air-conditioned, it’s a perfect retreat on hot or rainy days — and pre-booking is essential during the summer holidays.
6. The Postal Museum – Ride Through Time
Tucked away in Clerkenwell, The Postal Museum delivers far more than postboxes and stamps. This family gem offers an interactive journey through centuries of communication, culminating in the exhilarating ride on the underground Mail Rail. Children adore climbing aboard the miniature train that once whizzed beneath London’s streets, carrying letters and parcels across the city. The Sorted! play zone for children aged eight and under (bookable separately) is another standout, transforming little ones into postal workers for the day with trolleys, uniforms and conveyor belts. For adults, the museum's vintage artefacts and nostalgic exhibits provide an unexpectedly moving portrait of Britain’s social history. A charming café serves artisan coffee and light lunches, and the gift shop offers design-forward keepsakes. This thoughtfully curated attraction marries hands-on play with historical intrigue, making it an ideal half-day adventure. Book ahead for Mail Rail rides—they’re hugely popular, and rightly so.
7. Drusillas Park – Sussex’s Best Kept Secret
East Sussex’s Drusillas Park is often dubbed the UK’s best small zoo, and with good reason. Thoughtfully designed enclosures house exotic animals from red pandas to meerkats, while themed adventure play zones and gentle rides keep younger visitors happily occupied. This summer marks a special milestone: as part of their Once-in-a-Century Summer Offer, children can visit for just 100 pennies on selected dates during the school holidays, when accompanying a full-paying adult. This strictly limited offer — available on a pre-booked basis only — is expected to sell out quickly. Beyond the zoo, there’s the Go Safari! ride area, indoor soft play and seasonal events, making Drusillas a day out that blends animal encounters with all-out family fun.
8. KEDI Studio – Splatter-Paint Fun In the Heart of London
Located in a railway arch near Elephant & Castle, KEDI Studio offers London’s first dedicated splatter paint experience — a place where families can unleash their inner Jackson Pollock without worrying about the mess. In this vibrant splatter-paint workshop, participants don ponchos and goggles before entering the immersive studio space—ready to fling, flick and splash paint across their own canvas masterpiece. Guided by friendly staff, each one-hour session includes all materials, protective gear, and a take-home box to ensure your artwork makes it back safely (and cleanly). The emphasis is firmly on self-expression and fun, with no pressure to create a ‘perfect’ result—just pure, colourful chaos.
Ideal for children aged 3 and up, KEDI’s sessions are pre-booked in advance to ensure plenty of space to move and create. For families seeking a playful, screen-free outlet that combines art and physical activity, this hidden gem is an unforgettable highlight. Come for the splatter—leave with a mini masterpiece and a huge grin.
9. Kew Gardens – The Carbon Garden, Of the Oak & Beyond
Kew Gardens in summer is a riot of colour and scent, but 2025 brings two standout new features for families. The Carbon Garden is an innovative installation showcasing how plants capture and store carbon, with interactive displays that make big environmental ideas accessible to all ages. Meanwhile, Of the Oak is an immersive, multisensory experience celebrating the majestic oak tree, blending art, sound and storytelling to connect visitors with one of Britain’s most important native species. Alongside these, the Children’s Garden remains a paradise of water play, climbing structures and hidden tunnels, while the Palm House and Temperate House offer rainforest and desert adventures under glass. Pack a picnic or linger over lunch at one of the cafés — Kew is a day of beauty, discovery and gentle inspiration.
10. London Wetland Centre – Urban Oasis for Young Naturalists
A short journey from central London, the London Wetland Centre in Barnes is a 105-acre haven for wildlife and families alike. Boardwalks and hides allow for close-up encounters with birds, dragonflies and amphibians, while themed play areas — including the popular Wild Walk and interactive Pond Zone — engage younger visitors. Seasonal activities such as pond dipping and wildlife-spotting challenges keep the experience fresh, while the peaceful lakes and meadows offer a rare sense of escape in the capital. With a café overlooking the water and regular nature talks, it’s a place to slow down, tune in to nature, and perhaps spot a kingfisher darting past.
