Editor’s Pick: Things to do in London with Kids in May (2026)

May in London comes in fast with longer days, packed calendars, and no shortage of ways to fill them. This isn’t an exhaustive guide, but a tightly edited shortlist of what’s actually worth your time right now – the things I’ve got lined up for my own kids. For weekly insights and even more ideas, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. Here is my pick of the very best things to do in London with Kids in May.

ZSL’s Big Birthday Bash

Tickets from £33.60 (adult) £23.50 (child) Under 3s go free

Can you believe ZSL London Zoo is turning 200 this year? To celebrate, they’re throwing a Big Birthday Bash over the bank holiday weekend and it’s shaping up to be a really fun, family-friendly day out.

Expect a street party-style atmosphere with games, quizzes, animal-inspired “Zoorobics”, talent shows and live music performances happening throughout the day. There’ll also be street party picnic setups to lean into that nostalgic, celebratory feel all included with your zoo entry.

Alongside the special events, you’ve still got everything the zoo does best from the new indoor play space to the walk-through habitats where kids can get up close to everything from creepy crawlies to bigger animals like giraffes and lions.

IWA Canalway Cavalade 2026

FREE

This bank holiday the IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns to Little Venice with its colourful floating festival. Expect decorated narrowboats, waterside stalls, live music and plenty of family-friendly activities creating a really lively, community feel.

It’s a lovely one for a wander – grab something to eat, watch the boats drift by and soak up the atmosphere.

Isabella Plantation

FREE

Have you visited Isabella Plantation yet this year? If not, be quick. Tucked within Richmond Park, this hidden garden is only at its best for a short window each spring.

Right now, the azaleas are in full bloom, filling the paths with colour, while ponds and little streams make it an easy, relaxed spot for a wander with kids. Take a picnic (there’s a great spot by the pond) and bring wellies so little ones can splash in the streams.

But it doesn’t last long – within a few weeks the colours fade and it’s back to green, so if it’s on your list, now’s the time to go.

World of Paw Patrol

From £32 (Children under 90cm go free)

Opening 3 May at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, the brand new World of PAW Patrol is already one of the most talked-about family launches this year. This hotly anticipated £15 million immersive experience brings the much-loved characters to life with four themed rides – including Chase’s Mountain Mission, Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure (the UK’s first drifter ride).

Alongside the rides, there’s plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, from Rubble and Rocky’s play zone to themed food outlets and shops.

This new addition firmly cements Chessington as a great option if you’re visiting with a mix of ages.

Crayola Pop Up Event

FREE/ Drop In

The World of Crayola pop-up at the OXO Tower Wharf is a colourful, creative stop on the South Bank this bank holiday. This free experience invites little ones to explore hands-on craft zones, from decorating unicorn canvases to designing washable animal figures and trying fun stencil spray art. Kids receive their own “passport” and crayons to guide them through the activities, making it feel like a mini creative adventure. While it’s a small pop-up rather than a full day out, it’s perfect for an hour of mess-free fun—especially if you’re already enjoying a family day along the river.

chelsea in Bloom

FREE

Summer officially blooms with Chelsea in Bloom! This free-to-attend floral art show will transform the streets of Chelsea from May 18th to 24th. This year’s theme is Intergalactic andwill see shops, businesses, and restaurants adorned with stunning floral displays inspired by Space travel and Innovation. Visitors can expect a vibrant and immersive experience, with creative designs and breathtaking displays.

Banksy Limitless: Reframed

From £16.65 (under 6s go free)

If you’re looking for something a bit different, the newly upgraded Banksy: Limitless Reframed Exhibition is a brilliant pick – especially for young art fans. Bigger and bolder than before, it brings together iconic pieces alongside new additions, all with the kind of bold, visual impact that really grabs kids’ attention.

There’s something about Banksy that just clicks with them too – the mystery, the humour, the rule-breaking. Think sharp messages, instantly recognisable imagery, and that “did they really just do that?” energy that keeps it feeling fun rather than formal.

It’s playful, thought-provoking and surprisingly inspiring- a great reminder that creativity doesn’t have to follow the rules. Perfect if your kids are into something a bit edgy, visual and cool.

The Rapping princess

Tickets from £11

If you’re after a fun first theatre trip, The Rapping Princess at Polka Theatre is a brilliant pick for younger audiences. This 50-minute production (ideal for ages 3–6) follows Shiloh, a little princess with a big love of music – even if singing isn’t quite her thing …yet.

As she sets off on a musical adventure, Shiloh explores different styles and discovers her own unique voice, with plenty of help from puppets, songs and new friends along the way. Expect a lively mix of music, storytelling and playful moments that keep little ones engaged from start to finish.

Spring Fair at The Farm

FREE (some activities Paid)

Spring into farmyard fun at Vauxhall City Farm’s Spring Fair! Celebrate the season with animal cuddles, sheep shearing, spinning demonstrations, games and more. It’s the perfect wholesome day out for nature lovers and families, and a great way to support the farm.

Read More: London’s Best Urban Farms for Kids

Museum of Illusions

Tickets from £24

Opening in central London this May, the new Museum of Illusions London is the latest addition to a growing trend of perception-bending, interactive exhibitions popping up across the city. With the long-standing Twist Museum and the newer Paradox Museum London already drawing crowds, this will be the third space dedicated to messing with your mind!

Expect a series of interactive illusion rooms and optical installations designed to make you question what you’re seeing. It’ll be interesting to see how this one stacks up against the others.

Bubble Explorers

Tickets from £4.50 (under 2s go free)

If you’re visiting the Science Museum with younger kids, Bubble Explorers is well worth a stop. There’s already loads to do with kids at the museum – and it’s all completely free – but this new ticketed show makes a nice little upgrade or bolt-on to your visit.

Designed especially for little ones, it’s a short, interactive live show where bubbles drift, stretch and shimmer while introducing simple science concepts in a fun, hands-on way. With plenty of chances to join in, it’s engaging without being overwhelming – and best suited to under 7s.

Holy Pop!

FREE

If you’ve got teens or older kids interested in celebrity culture, Holy Pop at Somerset House is one to have on your radar. This thought-provoking exhibition explores everything from Princess Diana and Andy Warhol to Prince and even Dobby, looking at how fan devotion shapes identity and brings people together.

In a fast-moving digital world, it taps into the idea of fandom, fame and the objects we hold onto – from memorabilia to cultural moments – that define our connection to pop culture.

It’s a great option for older kids who enjoy something a bit more reflective and discussion-worthy, especially if they’re into celebrity, social media and the idea of fame.

Jurassic Oceans

Adult £15 Child £7.50

If you’ve got dino-loving kids, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep at the Natural History Museum is set to be a big hit. This brand-new exhibition dives into the prehistoric seas, introducing everything from the gigantic, sharp-toothed pliosaur to the sleek, dolphin-like ichthyosaur – and the ultimate ocean predator, the mighty mosasaur.

It’s packed with the kind of stuff kids love: huge fossils, hands-on moments (yes, including touching a mosasaur tooth, shark skin and even fossil poo), plus plenty of bite-sized science woven in.

A great option for curious older kids (recommended 8+), especially those who enjoy something a bit more immersive and interactive – and a solid upgrade to your usual museum visit.

A line Florist by Anna Bruder

Tickets £10 pp in advance

If you’re after something a bit different (and creative), A Line Florist by Anna Bruder is popping up from 23–31 May following a sold-out run at Museum of Modern Art. Created by London-based artist Anna Bruder, it’s a playful, interactive take on a traditional florist – with flowers like daisies, roses and lilies reimagined as bold black-and-white line drawings.

Each visitor gets a token to “buy” their chosen illustrated flower, then personalise it by adding colour and their own creative touch. The experience wraps up with a photo moment in front of large-scale murals, so you can capture (and keep) your finished piece.

It’s a short, 30-minute experience that works for all ages.

Luxart by Architects of Air

£10 per person

This May Half Term Luxart Luminarium is set to transform Power Station Park into a glowing, immersive world of light and colour. Created by artist Alan Parkinson, this huge inflatable installation invites visitors to wander through a series of interconnected domes, each with its own shifting colours and atmosphere.

At £10 per ticket, it’s an easy, visually impressive experience for all ages – a good sensory option if you’re after something a bit different (and very Instagram-friendly), with additional events set to be announced.