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Things to do with kids during Summer School Holidays in Central London

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Fitzrovia quarter

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.

What to know about Summer School Holidays in the UK?

The UK Summer School Holidays are usually around 5-6 weeks long. The start date of this break will vary depending on the region, local council, and whether the school is an academy or independent. 

Regional breakdown 2026: 

  • England 2026 School Holidays: 21/07/2026 – 01/09/2026
  • Scotland 2026 School Holidays: 
    • Edinburgh & Glasgow: 26/06/2026 – 12/08/2026
  • Wales 2026 School Holidays: 21/07/2026 – 01/09/2026

Planning your family holidays with your kids for unforgettable experiences! 

Visit the Natural History Museum

1. Natural History Museum

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 tips 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.

 

2. PM/AM Gallery

  • Address: 37 Eastcastle St. London, UK
  • Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday: Closed
  • Entrance fee: Free (timed tickets required during busy periods)

What’s special about it: PM/AM Gallery is a thoughtful summer holiday stop for families in Fitzrovia Quarter. Children can explore colour, form and imagination through painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, while parents enjoy a calm, contemporary setting. It is a space that invites curiosity, conversation and creative discovery together.

 

 

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3. The Cartoon Museum

  • Address: 63 Wells St, London W1A 3AE
  • Opening hours: 
    • Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    • Saturday: 12 PM – 4 PM
    • Sunday: Closed
  • Entrance fee: 
    • Under 18s: Free
    • Adults (19 – 59s): £12.00

What’s special about it: During the summer school holidays, The Cartoon Museum offers a playful cultural escape for families in Fitzrovia. Its colourful collection of British cartoons, comics and original artwork invites children to explore stories, humour and imagination, while parents can enjoy a nostalgic, easy-going museum visit that feels creative, curious and relaxed.

More tips to ease your visit:

  • – Book tickets in advance, especially during the summer school holidays, as family-friendly attractions can be busier than usual.
  • – Bring a sketchbook or notebook so children can draw their own comic characters after exploring the exhibitions.

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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 tips 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

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 tips 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.

 

Try outdoor cinemas under the stars

1. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

  • Address: The Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, London
  • 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 tips to ease your visit:

2. Piccadilly Theatre

  • Address: 16 Denman St, London, UK
  • Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 7:30 PM, Sunday: Closed
  • Entrance fee: From £10–£25 per ticket depending on location and seating type.

What’s special about it: Piccadilly Theatre brings a touch of West End magic to the summer holidays, with its elegant 1928 Art Deco setting, grand interiors and sparkling location near Piccadilly Lights. Best suited to families with older children, it offers a memorable theatre trip full of colour, music and London atmosphere.

EXPLORE MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL LONDON

 

Go camping at English Gardens

The English Gardens in Regent’s Park sit within the Avenue Gardens, close to Fitzrovia, with lawns, colourful planting and space to slow down. Families can enjoy a gentle stroll, spot flowers, take photos, enjoy a picnic-style pause and let children explore the peaceful garden paths during the summer school holidays.

 

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Take a virtual reality experience

Sandbox VR

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 tips to ease your visit:

  • – Check age limits — some games are 10+ or 12+.
  • – Weekday mornings are quieter and often cheaper than peak weekend slots.

Go to a pop-up play café

Some best play cafe spots on our radar:

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.

 

Go on a bike ride

Make the most of the summer school holidays with a gentle family bike ride through central London. Choose shorter routes, start earlier in the day, and use parks and quieter streets. Cycleways where possible, helping children enjoy the city at an easy, comfortable pace.

Explore the Urban Beach at Southbank Centre

1. K Urban Beach Club

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 tips to ease your visit:

2. Experience dining at Kais Restaurant & Events

Kais Restaurant & Events offers families a memorable summer setting by the Tagus, pairing riverside views with a spacious, welcoming atmosphere. During the school holidays, it’s a relaxed place for parents and children to enjoy time together over good food, warm service and a sense of occasion.

Go trampolining

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

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 tips 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 tips 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

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 tips to ease your visit:

  •   –  Pack lightweight foldable blankets; seating can be limited.
  •   –  Combine with nearby cafés to top up snacks and drink.

Fitzrovia Quarter