What to do in London with kids in August
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. Need more ideas? Many of last months events are ongoing – read here too.
Little Angel Theatre Puppet Festival
Workshops from £10 shows from £13.50
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 fourth 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. This year’s festival is extra special as it also celebrates 65 years of the Little Angel Theatre, one of London’s best-loved children’s theatres. Highlights include the world premiere of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, a brand-new marionette production, alongside opportunities for children to discover the magic of puppetry through creative workshops. Adults can get involved too, with a programme of specialist puppetry courses running throughout the festival.
Bluey’s Big Play
Tickets from £19.38
If you’ve got a Bluey fan at home, this is one of the best theatre trips you can make this summer. Playing for just a handful of dates at New Wimbledon Theatre in early August, Bluey’s Big Play brings Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life through brilliantly crafted life-sized puppets. Perfect for preschoolers and younger children, it’s a joyful introduction to live theatre, ending with a giant game of keepy-uppy, bubbles and oversized balloons bouncing through the audience.
Coram’s Fields Play Day
FREE
Coram’s fields turns 90 this year and no better day to mark it than with this 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.
Childhood in War
FREE
The Imperial War Museum’s major new exhibition, Childhood in War, explores how conflict has shaped children’s lives from the First World War to the present day. While it’s a thought-provoking exhibition, it’s been designed with families in mind, using immersive sets, interactive displays and personal stories to help children engage with history. Highlights include a recreated evacuee train carriage, wartime games, a Cold War kitchen and treasured objects belonging to children, making this a powerful but accessible exhibition for older primary-aged children and teenagers but also fine for younger siblings.
Mini Genius Lab
Adults £23 | Child £29
If your child loves to get hands-on, Mini Genius Lab is one of London’s newest family experiences. This interactive science adventure invites children to become scientists for the day, mixing slime to take home, creating giant soap bubbles, experimenting with smoky dry ice and taking part in a series of fun, messy experiments – all led by a wonderfully eccentric mad scientist. It’s packed with laughs, curiosity and hands-on discovery, giving children the chance to learn through play, while parents get all the fun without any of the cleanup. Use code DAILYMUMTRA10 for 10% discount.
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 London this summer. 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.
Round the Dock
FREE
Canada Water’s brand-new Round the Dock festival is a six-week waterside celebration of South East London’s thriving creative scene. From 6 August, the dock comes alive with a floating stage, live performances, family workshops, great street food and plenty to explore. Younger visitors will love the Dockside Den, where they can try drumming sessions, art workshops and other creative activities led by local artists. Whether you’re local or simply looking to discover a different side of London, it’s a brilliant excuse to explore one of the capital’s fastest-evolving neighbourhoods.
Zog
Tickets from £19.50
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s lovable dragon returns to Cadogan Hall this summer for another London residency. Perfect for children aged 3+, Zog Live is packed with catchy songs, colourful characters and plenty of laughs, making it a brilliant introduction to theatre for younger audiences. We saw the show earlier this year, and it was a huge hit with my four-year-old daughter, who was completely captivated from start to finish.
If you want to make a real day of it, pair the show with the Zog Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace in nearby Victoria. Inspired by the much-loved story, it’s filled with themed treats for little dragons, and theatre ticket holders can enjoy a discount – making it a lovely way to round off a Zog-themed day in London.
Summer at Hamleys toy Shop
FREE and paid Events
Hamleys is pulling out all the stops this summer with six weeks of family events across its Regent Street and Westfield stores. Expect character meet-and-greets with favourites including Bluey, Paddington and Peter Rabbit, plus Harry Potter celebrations, puppet shows, Playmobil takeovers, children’s yoga sessions and hands-on Gootopia slime workshops. Many activities are free, while others are ticketed, so it’s well worth checking the full schedule before you visit. Don’t miss the Bluey takeover (1–2 August) or the Paddington celebrations later in the month at Regent Street, and for something a little different, hop aboard the Hamleys Sightseeing Bus Tour, a child-friendly tour that brings London’s most famous landmarks to life.
Be Like Blippi
Tickets from £23
If you’ve got a Blippi fan at home, this brand-new live show is one not to miss. Coming to London this August, Be Like Blippi Live is packed with high-energy songs, dancing and plenty of audience interaction, including favourites like The Excavator Song and Curious Like Me. Blippi’s infectious enthusiasm and endless curiosity have always made him a firm favourite in our house, so we can’t wait to see his playful energy brought to life on stage.
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain
Tickets from £19
If you’ve ever struggled to get your child interested in history, Horrible Histories has a knack for changing that. By focusing on the gruesome, revolting and downright unbelievable moments from Britain’s past, it makes history genuinely funny and unforgettable for young audiences. Returning to the Apollo Theatre this August, Barmy Britain – The Best Bits brings together fan-favourite moments featuring everyone from Boudica and King John to Guy Fawkes and Burke and Hare. Fast-paced, hilarious and packed with fascinating facts, it’s a brilliant pick for curious children aged 5+.
Play Make do
Free and Low cost events
The Barbican’s Play Make Do festival returns this August, transforming the iconic arts centre into a giant playground for creativity, imagination and movement. Over three days, families can enjoy circus skills, storytelling, dance, craft workshops, music and interactive performances, with plenty of free and low-cost activities to dip into throughout the day. It’s one of London’s most creative family festivals and a brilliant choice for children who love making, moving and getting hands-on.
Mr Doodle Art Trail
FREE
If your children love Mr Doodle’s playful, imagination-fuelled artwork, this free outdoor trail is worth adding to your summer plans. While it’s only five sculptures rather than a full-day trail, it’s a fun excuse to explore the West End, with giant doodle-covered artworks dotted around central London. It’s a quick, easy activity to pair with lunch, shopping or a theatre trip.
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.
Titanic Exhibition
Adult £35.83 | Child £14.75 | Under 6s go free
Titanic: The Exhibition at Olympia London brings the famous ship’s story to life through immersive galleries, authentic artefacts and interactive displays. As the Titanic features on the lower Key Stage 2 primary curriculum, it’s an excellent family day out for children studying the topic at school, combining history with a memorable, hands-on experience.
Home of The Pencil Pop Up
FREE
If you’re heading to Covent Garden this August, don’t miss STAEDTLER’s pop-up celebrating 125 years of the iconic Noris pencil. Expect a creative space filled with drawing, doodling and creative writing, alongside interactive installations, live artists and hands-on activities designed for all ages. It’s a lovely reminder of the simple joy of putting pencil to paper—and well worth popping into if you’re already exploring the area.
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
