Editor’s Pick: Things to do in London with Kids in July (2026)
From captivating exhibitions to outdoor adventures and engaging shows, we’ve curated a list of the very best things to do in London with Kids in July. Not getting away? No camps booked? I’ve got you!
Summer Opening at Buckingham Palace
Adults from £33| Children (5-17) £16.50
Step inside one of London’s most iconic landmarks this summer as Buckingham Palace opens its doors to visitors once again. Families can explore the magnificent State Rooms, pick up a child-friendly multimedia guide and enjoy hands-on activities in the Family Pavilion, designed to bring royal history to life for younger visitors. It’s a wonderful way to support learning about the monarchy and British history beyond the classroom, while giving children the chance to experience a working royal residence up close.
Alice In Wonderland
Tickets From £20
Alice in Wonderland returns to London this summer with performances at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith before transferring to Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Suitable for ages 5+, this imaginative retelling invites families to tumble down the rabbit hole alongside Alice as she encounters curious characters, unexpected adventures and plenty of theatrical magic. Expect a playful, visually inventive take on the beloved classic that introduces a new generation to Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale.
Young Artist’s Summer Show
FREE
For a dose of inspiration this July, consider a visit to the Young Artists’ Summer Show at the Royal Academy. This fantastic exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the creative minds of artists aged just 4 through to 18. Kids will love trying to identify the age of each budding artist as you wander through the diverse collection of works. You could make a day of it by bringing a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of nearby St. James’s Park – a perfect way to combine art and a relaxed afternoon outdoors. More Info
Bonsai Treehouses Exhibition
Adults £13.50 Children £8.50 Under 3s FREE
Bonsai Treehouses by the Museum of Architecture brings together remarkable bonsai specimens and imaginative treehouse designs created by architects and designers. Set within the independent boutiques and neighbourhood favourites of Connaught Village, the exhibition explores this year’s theme, Together, through beautifully crafted miniature worlds. Families can also take part in creative workshops, while children aged 5–12 can delve deeper into architecture and design through a six-week programme of hands-on summer camps. It’s a wonderful introduction to the creative arts and an inspiring day out for curious young minds.
The Timewalk Exhibition
Adults from £31.50 Child £24.60
History-loving children can travel back in time at Timewalk, the spectacular new immersive exhibition opening at Immerse LDN this July. Combining storytelling, sound and breathtaking visuals, the experience journeys through ancient civilisations from Babylon and Egypt to the Maya, making it an engaging pick for primary school-aged children with curious minds. Visit from late July and you can turn it into a full day out by heading down to the Royal Docks Summer Splash, where families can relax on the man-made beach and enjoy the waterfront setting. Feeling adventurous? Hop aboard the cable cars between ExCeL and the O2 for an extra dose of excitement and some of the best views in London.
Awesome Egyptians: Horrible Histories Live at the museum
Adults £37.50 Children £17.50 (under 5s go free)
Horrible Histories Live at the Museum: Awesome Egyptians arrives at NEON at Battersea Power Station this Summer, bringing Ancient Egypt to life in gloriously gruesome fashion. Families can explore the spectacular Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold exhibition, featuring more than 180 extraordinary treasures, before joining a laugh-out-loud Horrible Histories live show packed with foul facts, audience participation and the legendary Mummy Rap. Perfect for curious children aged 5+ and especially those studying Ancient Egypt at primary school, it’s a brilliant way to turn history lessons into an unforgettable summer day out.
The Gruffalo
Tickets From £10
The Gruffalo returns to the West End this summer as Tall Stories celebrates 25 years of inspiring young imaginations with its much-loved stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic picture book. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in search of hazelnuts, where he encounters the cunning Fox, eccentric Owl and high-spirited Snake. Featuring catchy songs, plenty of laughs and a clever plan to outwit some hungry predators, this magical musical is a wonderful introduction to theatre for little ones aged 3+ and promises fun for the whole family.
A Tudor to do |Boleyn is Back
Adults From £37| Child £18.50 Under 5s FREE
History comes alive at the Tower of London this summer with Boleyn is Back and A Tudor To Do, a lively programme of pop-up performances, playful encounters and immersive experiences inspired by the coronation of Anne Boleyn. We’ve experienced similar events at the Tower before and they’re always brilliantly done, making Tudor history feel engaging, memorable and fun for children, particularly those in Years 5 and above who are studying the Tudors. Make a day of it by pairing your visit with nearby Tower Bridge and its famous glass walkways, then enjoy the buzz along the riverside, where there’s always plenty happening during the summer months.
Beano Havoc
Adults from £29 | Children form £14.50| Under 5s FREE
Comic chaos takes over Hampton Court Palace this summer with Beano Havoc, a brand-new family adventure featuring Dennis, Gnasher and friends from Beanotown. This playful trail invites visitors to help fix a time-travelling mishap as clues, characters and comic capers unfold across Henry VIII’s famous palace. Included with admission, it’s a brilliant way to experience Hampton Court in a fresh and engaging way, with plenty to keep Beano fans and history lovers entertained alike. Be sure to round off the day with a visit to the much-loved Magic Garden playground and Hampton Court’s iconic maze.
Dog man: The Musical
Tickets From £27 + Booking Fee
Fans of Dav Pilkey’s hugely popular books won’t want to miss Dog Man: The Musical at the Southbank Centre this summer. Packed with comic-book energy, catchy songs and laugh-out-loud moments, this fast-paced adaptation brings the beloved crime-fighting hero to life on stage. Tickets are expected to fly, so you’ll want to book quickly for what is sure to be one of the season’s hottest family shows.
Whatever the Weather
Tickets from £5.50 pp
Little ones can step into a world of rain, snow, sunshine and imaginative play at Whatever the Weather, the Unicorn Theatre’s immersive new playscape experience for children aged 0–7. Designed to encourage families to explore, discover and create together, this artist-designed space celebrates the many ways children naturally play, with interactive environments inspired by ideas from local children themselves. With dedicated sessions for under-threes, it’s a thoughtful and engaging introduction to theatre and sensory play, perfect for curious little explorers whatever the forecast.
Dinosaur World Live
Tickets From £10
Dinosaur fans should make a beeline for Dinosaur World Live, which roars back into the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre this summer. This Olivier Award-winning interactive show brings remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, from a towering T. rex to a Triceratops and Microraptor, with plenty of audience participation along the way. A special post-show meet-and-greet gives little explorers the chance to come face-to-face with their prehistoric favourites, making this an unforgettable theatre outing for families with children aged three and up.
Hullabaloo summer
Tickets from £12.50 (Use code SUMMER30)
Hobblesdown gets an extra glow up this summer with foam, paint throwing and dress up thrown into the usual mix of adventure playgrounds, animal zoo and farmyard fun. A great day out anytime of the year.
Summer splash Lido
FREE
Cool down this July at the Summer Splash Lido at Royal Docks, opening free from the 24th! This fantastic urban beach experience is built right into the Royal Victoria Dock, featuring a shallow end perfect for little ones and lifeguards for peace of mind. With giant sandpits, deckchairs, and city views, it’s a brilliant spot for families to enjoy waterside fun right in the heart of London.
Uniqlo Tate Play: Linda lapelyté
FREE
Tate Play returns to the Turbine Hall this summer with a brand-new interactive installation by Lithuanian artist Lina Lapelytė, inviting families to stomp, jump, sing and move their way through a playful maze of barriers. Combining art, music and improvisation, the large-scale participatory performance encourages visitors to become part of a collective choreography, creating something entirely unique together. We’ve always been impressed by Tate Play’s imaginative summer programme, and this year’s offering looks set to be another standout for creative families visiting London.
Splatter Room Studio
2hr Sessions from £35 PP
If you’re going to splurge on one activity this summer, make it Splatter Rooms. We tried the UV glow experience recently and loved every minute. After getting kitted out in protective gear, you’re unleashed into a neon-lit space where there are no rules – throw paint at the canvas, the walls or even each other. It’s creative, energetic and surprisingly therapeutic fun for all ages, though it’s especially brilliant for older children, tweens and teens who can be harder to impress. Better still, you’ll leave with a colourful masterpiece you’ll actually want to hang on the wall, making this two-hour experience feel like excellent value for money.
Brainiac Live
Tickets from £19.50
Science-loving children won’t want to miss Brainiac Live, which returns to the Garrick Theatre this summer following its Olivier Award-winning success. Packed with explosive experiments, spectacular demonstrations and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this high-energy show proves that science can be every bit as entertaining as it is educational. Expect a fast-paced hour of bangs, blasts and fascinating facts that’s guaranteed to inspire curious minds.
Twice The Fun
Offer Valid 25th June – 27th July
Looking to make your summer budget stretch a little further? Merlin’s Twice the Fun offer gives families the chance to enjoy two UK theme parks for the price of one, with participating attractions including Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and Alton Towers. Book between 25 June and 27 July, take your first visit during that period, and you’ll have until 25 September to redeem your second day out. We’ve visited Chessington’s new World of PAW Patrol several times already and love it, while both Chessington and Legoland are easy to reach from London by train. Families heading further afield might also want to look at Merlin’s short break offer, which includes a second day free at selected resort stays.
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