Who needs to go on holiday with so much going on this month? Not leaving London – lucky you! Here are my top picks for what to do in London with kids in August.
Little Angel Theatre Puppet Festival
Workshops from £9.50 shows from £13
The Little Angel Theatre is a magical puppet theatre for children and families in Islington, dedicated to fuelling the imagination through the wonder of puppetry.Returning for its third year, the festival features a vibrant program of shows from award-winning companies, showcasing everything from delicate marionettes to laugh-out-loud comedy and inventive object theatre. In addition to the shows, little ones can get hands-on with a variety of family workshops and summer camps, while adults can even try their hand at puppet-making with special courses. It’s an ideal opportunity to introduce children to the joy and wonder of puppetry in a truly unique and engaging setting. We can’t wait to see The Pigeon and the Peacock for ages 5-10 later this month.
Coram’s Fields Play Day
FREE
Join in the fun at Coram’s Fields’ annual Play Day, a free celebration of children’s right to play, held on the first Wednesday of August. This traditional family fun day transforms the seven-acre playground in Bloomsbury into a hub of activity. Expect live music, roaming performers, inflatables, creative workshops, and various sports challenges. There will also be animal encounters for little ones. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to let loose and get creative in a unique and safe space that famously only allows adults to enter if accompanied by a child.
The Bourdon Street Chippy
FREE
Step into a nostalgic dream world at The Bourdon Street Chippy, a full-sized fish and chip shop made entirely of felt by renowned artist Lucy Sparrow. Located in a Mayfair gallery, this immersive art installation features a traditional counter, banquette seating, and all the classic chippy essentials—from battered cod and chunky chips to mushy peas and bottles of Sarson’s vinegar—all meticulously crafted from felt. With over 65,000 hand-stitched pieces, it’s a fun, tactile, and unforgettable experience that blurs the line between art and everyday life. I can’t wait to take my ‘Jellycat’ obsessed niece!
The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical
Tickets From £15
Snap up a ticket for a truly snappy musical adventure as Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile returns to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre! Perfect for little ones aged 4 and up, this mischievous musical brings the classic picture book to life with toe-tapping tunes, rib-tickling rhymes, and a host of wonderfully crafted puppets. Watch as the jungle creatures try to foil the crocodile’s secret plans to eat a nice juicy child. It’s a fun, family-friendly show in a magical outdoor setting that will have everyone laughing and cheering.
Costa del Croydon
FREE (Booking Advised)
Don’t have time to travel to the coast this summer? Head to Costa del Croydon, a free urban beach that transforms the rooftop car park of the Centrale Shopping Centre into a seaside escape. Throughout August, families can enjoy sand, deckchairs, and a range of activities. There’s a toddler paddling pool, fairground rides, bungee trampolines, and classic pier-side games. Plus, a new “quiet chill zone” offers a peaceful spot away from the buzz. A variety of food stalls and an expanded events programme with live music, creative workshops, and face painting ensures there’s something to entertain everyone.
The Legend of Titanic
Prices From £25
For an unforgettable and moving experience, step aboard the Legend of the Titanic: The Immersive Exhibition. This new show at Dock X in Canada Water uses cutting-edge technology like 360-degree projections, augmented reality, and virtual reality to transport you back to 1912. You’ll receive a boarding pass and follow the stories of the passengers and crew through 13 different rooms, from the luxurious Grand Staircase to the depths of the ocean floor. With a mix of authentic artifacts and movie props, this exhibition brings the human stories of the world’s most famous ship to life in a way that is both educational and deeply emotional. Located next door to the Minecraft Experience, it’s also a great option if the younger members of the family would prefer an adventure more suited to their interests.
And, for a handy win-win, the exhibition is located next door to the Minecraft Experience – perfect for those times when the younger members of the family might prefer a virtual adventure to a historical one! More family friendly Immersive Experiences
The Smeds and The Smoos
Tickets from £10
Fly to a far-off planet with the Smeds and the Smoos at the Lyric Theatre! This joyful, Olivier Award-nominated stage adaptation of the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is back in the West End for a limited run. A perfect introduction to live theatre for little ones aged 3+, the show is a space opera take on Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. With music, laughs, and interplanetary adventures, this production from the company behind The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom tells a heartfelt story about celebrating differences. What’s more, children will get to experience the magic of a true West End theatre, as the historic Lyric Theatre is one of the oldest and most famous on Shaftesbury Avenue. Read Review
Peppa Pig at Lift 109
Adults £16, Child £12 Under 3s FREE
This summer, take your little explorers on an oink-tastic adventure with Peppa Pig at Lift 109! During special morning sessions, kids will have the magical opportunity to meet the beloved character and enjoy a fun reading from the book “Peppa Goes to London.” The experience doesn’t stop there; afterwards, you’ll make the thrilling ascent up the north-west chimney of Battersea Power Station. From 109 meters high, you can spot London’s famous landmarks from the sky, just like Peppa! It’s a perfect mix of a character meet-and-greet and a spectacular city view.
The Baddies
Tickets from £19.50
From the creative team behind stage adaptations of Zog and Stick Man comes another Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler favourite, The Baddies, at Cadogan Hall. This wickedly hilarious musical tells the story of a witch, a troll, and a ghost who love being bad, until a little girl moves into the neighbourhood who isn’t afraid of them. With songs by Joe Stilgoe, this show is a perfect mix of mischief, music, and laughter, making it an ideal summer treat for children aged 3 and up. Read Full Review
Story Street x Lego Group
Included in entry Ticket
The Discover Children’s Story Centre has teamed up with the LEGO Group to create the truly spectacular Story Street! This summer, a previously unused alleyway has been transformed into a brand-new play street, filled with LEGO bricks and invitations to get creative. Kids can enjoy building with LEGO, painting, cardboard sculpting, and dress-up play, as well as daily pop-up events like yoga storytelling, messy sensory fun, and special guest illustrator draw-alongs. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to unleash their imagination and co-create a big world of stories.
Summer fun at Brewdog
Lots of FREE add ons for patrons
Are you always dreaming of eating a meal in peace while the kids have fun? This is that, plus a full day of fun at BrewDog Waterloo. This summer, the massive venue is a family-friendly paradise with a huge variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Kids can enjoy free duckpin bowling before 12pm on Sundays, and they’ll eat for free when an adult purchases a main meal. There’s also complimentary face painting from 12-3pm on select days, a giant slide to whiz down, and arts and crafts sessions on Wednesdays to get their creative juices flowing.
Tai Shani: The Spell or the Dream
FREE
Dive into a world of dreams and wonder with Turner Prize winner Tai Shani’s major new installation, The Spell or The Dream, at Somerset House. While the main sculpture—a magnificent, ethereal figure in a glass case—offers a thought-provoking experience for adults, the exhibition is also a fantastic destination for families. Throughout August, there is a dedicated program of family-friendly workshops and drop-in sessions that invite younger audiences to explore themes of dreaming, storytelling, and sound in a creative and engaging way. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art in a beautiful setting, with activities designed to spark the imaginations of all ages. More London Art Exhibitions for Kids
Counting Sheeps
Tickets from £13 (Ages 0-3)
Perfect for the littlest theatregoers, Counting Sheeps at the Polka Theatre is a gentle and touching musical adventure designed for children aged 0-3 and their grown-ups. Follow two sheep who think they’re sleep experts, only to find themselves wide awake. Filled with sensory play, music, and a cosy atmosphere, this show explores the joys and frustrations of bedtime in a sweet and engaging way. Each performance is followed by a “stay and play” session, allowing babies and toddlers to explore the space and interact with the set, making it a perfect first theatre experience. More Toddler Theatre Shows
National Play Day at Young V&A
FREE
Celebrate National Playday at the Young V&A, a museum dedicated to igniting the imaginations of children and young people. On the first Wednesday of August, the museum transforms with a day full of free, creative play activities. Kids can get hands-on with a variety of workshops, from building with LEGO bricks to creating their own toys with recycled materials. There will be traditional board games, design challenges from art students, and even a chance to get creative with messy sensory play. It’s a fun and free day out that celebrates the importance of play and lets kids lead the way in their own creative adventures.
Notting Hill Carnival
FREE
While the Notting Hill Carnival is a world-famous event, the first day is specially designated as Family Day. It’s a slightly more relaxed version of the full-blown carnival on Monday, making it perfect for families with younger children. The highlight is the Children’s Parade, where pint-sized performers in spectacular, handmade costumes dance their way along a shorter route. Throughout the day, you can also enjoy the sounds of steel bands, tuck into delicious Caribbean food from the numerous stalls, and soak up the joyous, colourful atmosphere that celebrates Caribbean culture and community.
For ongoing Summer events read What to do with Kids in London in July
