10+ summer holiday activities in Central London for families
Summer holidays in Central London mean longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities to spend quality time together outdoors or in bright, airy venues. The season also brings special programmes, pop-up events, and family-focused exhibitions you won’t find at other times of the year. Here’s where to start making the most of those precious weeks.
Visit the Natural History Museum
Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily (may close certain holidays)
Entrance fee: Free (timed tickets required during busy periods)
What’s special about it: The museum’s elaborate architecture and awe-inspiring exhibits—like the blue whale skeleton suspended in the central hall—make it feel more like scientific cathedral than a typical museum. During summer, the courtyard often hosts outdoor activities, and the “Investigate” science centre gives kids hands-on displays that rival any play zone.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Book your free timed entry online to dodge school holiday queues.
- – Start early to join a daily gallery talk or head straight to popular exhibits like “Life and Earth” while crowds are lower.
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Check out the shard’s viewing latform
Address: The Shard, Joiner Street, London SE1 9QU (nearest station: London Bridge)
Opening hours: Summer hours typically run from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; last entry is one hour before closing.
Entrance fee: General admission from around £28.50; champagne or luxury packages available up to £37–45.
What’s special about it: This can surely top of one of the best things to do in Central London for families. can take in sweeping views of London – up to 40 miles on clear days – via indoor galleries and the higher open-air Skydeck. Interactive telescopes and expert staff help point out top landmarks, turning what could be a fleeting photo opportunity into a recognizable learning moment.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Aim for an early evening slot—sunsets here make a big impression without the daytime crowds.
- – Purchasing a Weather Guarantee ticket adds flexibility in case visibility is poor.
Go on a Harry Potter Studio Tour
Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Opening hours: Typically 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM in summer; first tours start from 9:00 AM (check calendar for seasonal times)
Entrance fee: Adults £53.50, children (5–15) £43.50, under-4s free (family packages available)
What’s special about it: This is the actual filming location for much of the Harry Potter series, with authentic sets like the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, and Platform 9¾. Summer often brings limited-time features—past examples include behind-the-scenes prop workshops or seasonal decor—that you won’t see the rest of the year. The scale of the sets and the amount of original detail make it feel like stepping directly into the films.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Tickets sell out weeks in advance during school holidays – book as early as possible.
- – Plan for at least 3–4 hours on-site; the café halfway through the tour is ideal for a break before the final sections.
- – Direct shuttle buses run from Watford Junction station, making travel with kids easier.
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Try outdoor cinemas under the stars
Address: Multiple locations in Central London — popular spots include Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Somerset House.
Opening hours: Typically evenings from around 7:30 PM; exact times vary by venue.
Entrance fee: From £10–£25 per ticket depending on location and seating type.
What’s special about it: Summer brings an outdoor twist to cinema, with screenings of family favourites and animated classics alongside newer releases. Somerset House pairs its films with live DJ sets, while Regent’s Park offers a leafy backdrop and deckchair seating. The open-air setting makes it more of an event than a standard trip to the movies.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Bring layers — London evenings can still turn chilly.
- – Book early for popular titles, especially Disney or Pixar films.
- – Some venues allow picnics, but check policies before packing food.
Take a virtual reality experience
Try this at: Sandbox VR (Central London, WC1E 7AW), DNA VR (Hammersmith, Battersea, or Camden).
Opening hours: Generally 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; weekends often open earlier.
Entrance fee: From £25–£55 per person for a standard session.
What’s special about it: These VR venues create full-body immersive games where you and your kids can team up to solve challenges, explore fantasy worlds, or even battle space robots. Sandbox VR uses motion capture so your on-screen avatar mirrors your movements, making the adventure feel personalised.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Check age limits — some games are 10+ or 12+.
- – Weekday mornings are quieter and often cheaper than peak weekend slots.
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Go to a pop-up play café
Some best play cafe spots on our radar:
- ✪ Rainforest Soft Play Cafe: Perfect for toddlers (under 3-year-olds)
- ✪ Jungle Rumble Play Cafe: A jungle themed cafe that is praised for their kid-friendly services.
- ✪ Usagi Anime Maid Cafe: Japanese-styled cute parfaits that surely melt your kids away.
Opening hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, but vary per location.
Entrance fee: Free entry with purchase; some charge £5–£8 for play area access.
What’s special about it: These summer-only cafés blend good coffee and light meals for adults with a safe, supervised play space for younger kids. Activities range from craft tables to sensory play, often rotating themes each week.
Go on an ice cream hunting
Some cool ice cream shops that your kids will surely love:
✪ Amorino Gelato: 41 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HF.
✪ DULCHE: 20 Great Portland St, London W1W 8QR.
✪ Crosstown Fitzrovia: 13 Newman St, London W1T 1PB.
Opening hours: Usually 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM; extended hours in summer for some shops.
Entrance fee: Pay per scoop — around £3.50–£6 depending on size and flavour.
What’s special about it: Turning dessert into a treasure hunt keeps kids engaged and walking between stops. Gelupo is known for creamy pistachio and ricotta flavours, Chin Chin Labs adds theatre with liquid nitrogen ice cream, and Amorino crafts rose-shaped cones. The variety makes it easy to turn into a half-day exploration.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Plan your route to group nearby shops and avoid long zigzags.
- – Early afternoons are quieter than after-dinner rush hours.
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Explore the Urban Beach at Southbank Centre
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Opening hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM during summer holidays (check official listings for exact dates).
Entrance fee: Free
What’s special about it: A stretch of sand along the Thames with deckchairs, paddling zones, and pop-up food stalls. It’s a relaxed, car-free space where kids can dig or splash while adults enjoy riverside views. Live performances and street art installations sometimes pop up nearby, adding to the atmosphere.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Bring a towel and change of clothes for younger kids.
- – Arrive mid-morning before the peak lunchtime crowds roll in.
Go trampolining
Address: Oxygen Acton (15, Vision Industrial Park, Kendal Ave, London W3 0AF) or Flip Out (London E6 6LW and other branches).
Opening hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM during school holidays.
Entrance fee: From £12–£15 per hour per jumper; grip socks required (around £2).
What’s special about it: These venues go beyond simple trampolines — expect foam pits, dodgeball courts, and obstacle runs. During summer, many offer extended “family bounce” sessions that give younger kids more space while older ones tackle the bigger zones.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Book in advance, especially on rainy days when these spots fill quickly.
- – Check for holiday passes if you plan multiple visits.
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Try Shrek’s Adventure! London
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM most days; extended hours on weekends and peak season.
Entrance fee: From £24–£30 per person; online booking discounts available.
What’s special about it: A walk-through attraction that blends live actors, sets, and interactive games inspired by DreamWorks’ Shrek films. Kids join Donkey on a mission through Far Far Away, meeting characters and completing challenges along the way. It’s designed to keep the whole family moving and laughing rather than just watching.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Arrive at least 15 minutes before your time slot.
- – Pair it with a visit to the London Eye next door to maximise the day.
Explore the hidden world of Little Venice
Address: Nearest tube stations: Warwick Avenue or Paddington.
Opening hours: Open all day; boat trips run from late morning to early evening.
Entrance fee: Free to walk; boat rides start around £10–£15.
What’s special about it: A peaceful canal area with narrowboats, waterside cafés, and shaded towpaths. Families can stroll along the water, take a boat to Camden Market, or enjoy a picnic by the moorings. In summer, the water is dotted with colourful flower boxes, making it even more photogenic.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Morning visits are quieter before lunch crowds arrive.
- – Bring snacks and drinks if you plan to walk the canal path to Regent’s Park.
Enjoy a picnic at London’s hidden gardens
Address: Examples include Phoenix Garden (21 Stacey St, WC2H 8DG), Postman’s Park (King Edward St, EC1A 7BT), and Red Cross Garden (SE1 1HA).
Opening hours: Generally open daylight hours.
Entrance fee: Free
What’s special about it: These small, often overlooked gardens offer shade, benches, and pockets of greenery away from the tourist crush. Phoenix Garden is known for its butterfly-friendly planting, while Postman’s Park has a moving memorial to heroic self-sacrifice — an unexpected history lesson with your sandwiches.
More tip to ease your visit:
- – Pack lightweight foldable blankets; seating can be limited.
- – Combine with nearby cafés to top up snacks and drink.
A neighbourhood where you can find peace of mind
You can find all of the fun at this vibrant corner in Central London – at Fitzrovia Quarter. It sits in the heart of London yet offers quieter corners where families can take a breather after a packed summer day. From leafy garden squares to family-run cafés, it’s a good base for exploring without being right in the middle of the tourist rush. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cultural spots, and parks within walking distance, making it easy to plan both active days and slower, more relaxed afternoons.