London is gonna get a lot of love this summer as many families forgo holidays abroad and stay local instead. Instead of feeling down about missing a foreign beach let’s make the most of this fabulous city and try some of its fantastic family-friendly activities this summer! Here are five to try…
Mr Men & Little Miss 50th Anniversary at Museum of Brands
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mr. Men series by Roger Hargreaves this summer at the Museum of Brands. You might even get to go for free*
This school summer holiday the museum will be sparking children’s curiosity and evoking feelings of nostalgia for grown-ups by hosting a trail that help visitors spot the Mr. Men and Little Miss characters included in the museum displays and showcasing original sketches by Adam Hargreaves alongside limited-edition Royal Mail postage stamps and Royal Mint commemorative coins.
Kids can make their very own Mr. Bump paper hat to take home and colour their favourite Mr. Men and Little Miss characters.
*Treats for Streets – Each week until the end of August 2021, 5 different streets within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will have their turn to visit for free within their week slot. Streets are to be announced Thursday evenings via the museum’s social media channels.
When: 23 July – 10 Sept
Where: Museum of Brands, 111 – 117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 1QT
Age guidance:
Cost: Including with museum ticket – Adult £9, Child (7 to 16 years’ old) £5, Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £24
More info: website
Drink, Dine and Dodgems at Somerset House
Featuring dodgems with a difference, bold installations from acclaimed artists and a delicious selection of food and drinks. The beautiful courtyard has been reimagined by artist Yinka Ilori and these dodgems will be as you’ve never experienced them before, helping to generate an interactive musical composition.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 12.00 and 15.00 those aged 12 and under can ride on the dodgems for free! Children between 1.1m and 1.3m, must be accompanied by an adult in the dodgem.
When: 15 July – 22 August
Where: Somerset House
Age guidance: There is a height restriction of 1.1m for riding the dodgems.
Cost: Tickets to dodgems are £5 per person and paid for by contactless payment by the entrance into the dodgems. The courtyard is open and free to visit and walk-up visitors will be able to enjoy the Dodge experience, subject to availability. However, we encourage you to pre-book your table to avoid disappointment. Table reservations are for 2 hours and include dodgem tokens and drinks for the table capacity. Standard ‘Dodge & Drink’ tickets are from £10 per person and pre-booked dining packages start from £27.50 per person.
More info: website
Please Draw Freely at Tate Modern
This summer, you are invited to help transform the floor of the Turbine Hall into a giant work of art. This project by artist Ei Arakawa will launch UNIQLO Tate Play, Tate Modern’s new free programme of playful activities for families. Inspired by the Gutai group – radical Japanese artists who wanted to change the world through painting, performance and children’s play – everyone of all ages is welcome to scribble, doodle, sketch and become part of this unforgettable experience. (There will be canvases to doodle on outside as well – not ticket required to participate in that!)
In the Turbine Hall, express your imagination by drawing on the floor or on one of the huge banners. After, they will be hung from the ceiling, with more being added each week.
There will be live performances at 11am and 2pm daily which you will be able to take part in.
When: 24 July – 29 August
Where: Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG
Age guidance: all
Cost: Free with ticket
More info: website
Pet Life at Museum of the Home
The museum’s furry and feathery friends will take you on a walk and discover the joy, companionship and challenges our pets bring to the home. Choose a pet friend to join you at the start of your visit. Your animal companion will unlock different stories of real-life pets and their owners as you wander through the rooms of the home.
With animations, projections, hands on activities and stories written by author and storyteller Bernadette Russell, Pet Life is fun for all the family. The experience lasts for 30 minutes, there are timed slots available every 30 minutes.
After this experience you can enjoy the rest of the Museum’s galleries, gardens and shop. Bring a picnic and sit in the Kingsland Road Gardens or visit Molly’s Café.
When: Opens 24 July
Where: Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA
Age guidance: all
Cost: Adult £7, Under 16s £5.25, Group of 4 is £20
More info: website
Watch a Film Outside with your Family
Nothing says summer like watching a film outdoors. Pack a picnic, let the kids stay up late and watch the stars under the stars. We’ve picked our top choices of outdoor cinema in London, which, in addition to their grown-up screenings, also have a great selection of family-friendly films. Don’t forget the popcorn!
