May half term is nearly here and there are so many family-friendly activities in London to try. While it’s felt more like winter this month it’s meant to warm up a bit, but we’ve got indoor and outdoor activity suggestions to try just in case you need to escape inside! Check out these ideas and let us know if you try any…
Noisy Kids: Heroes & Villains Concert
Take part in an epic superhero battle against some dastardly villains in this heroic family concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. There’s something for everyone in this thrilling orchestral performance, packed full with tales of the great caped crusaders, engaging interactive activities and well-known music.
When: 29 May, 12.30pm, 4pm
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Cost: £15 – £25. Under 16s 50% off. Boxes of 4 available for £80.
Age guidance: For ages 5 – 12 and their families
More info: website
Outdoor Cinema
Thank goodness the weather is meant to warm up for half-term. Outdoor cinema is such a treat, whether it’s lounging in a deck chair under the stars or cosying up in the family car at a drive-in cinema. We’ve picked our top choices for outdoor cinema in London, which, in addition to their grown-up screenings, also have a fantastic selection of family-friendly films. And everyone will be pleased to hear that drinks, popcorn and other snacks can be purchased at most venues.
Read our guide to Outdoor Cinema in London
Museums in Motion
If your kids are fans of transport (and you are fans of tickets that are good for a full year!) we’ve got two great choices for you for half term. The Postal Museum has a 100-year-old Mail Rail which is like a secret underground mini train that families can ride on. After you alight the postal train explore the lovely museum which is rich in history and fun for all ages. You are then well-placed for a meal on Exmouth Market and Spa Fields playground nearby.
The London Transport Museum’s tickets are also annual passes, and at half term their Acton depot is open for exploring and there’s a new family trail called London’s Ultimate Vehicle Boardgame to entertain families at the already action-packed museum in Covent Garden, where you’ll easily find somewhere to plop down after and relax
If you’re looking for other family-friendly museums, culture blogger Vyki, the Museum Mum, wrote an article for us about her top 5 picks and their current activities. Click HERE to read.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activities at London Zoo
This half term kids will be able to take a step into the caterpillar’s miniature world with a series of action-packed activities celebrating the iconic book and its ravenous, wriggly hero.
Begin with a storytelling session* from the world’s most famous caterpillar himself in The Very Hungry Caterpillar Hub. After that, tackle your own caterpillar-inspired challenge – journeying through supersized fruits, assault-course style – to metamorphose into beautiful butterflies; the perfect photo opportunity for you and your family.
You’ll find plenty of real-life butterflies in Butterfly Paradise, where you can learn how to welcome more of these beautiful creatures into your own home, including the chance to make seed bombs for your garden. There are also crafting activities for the whole family, from spinning your own spider webs to creating a bug feast!
Plus see the Zoo’s 19,000 awesome animals!
When: 29 May – 16 July
Where: ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park
Cost: activities included in general admission
Age guidance: all ages
More info: website
Art Workshops at Kite Studios
Back in the studio for in-person art lessons, yay! Young artists can choose from workshops focusing on printmaking, mixed media, painting, clay, and fabric and collage. They are running a mixture of bubble classes and mixed classes of up to eight children with COVID protective measures in place.
When: 31 May – 4 June
Where: Kite Studios, 2b Bassein Park Road, 12 9RY
Time: Daily 10:30 – 12:30 / 13:30 – 15:30
Ages: 4 upwards
More info: website
Snail and the Whale at Arts Depot
Join an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world. A show inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book, brought to stage by Tall Stories, an Olivier Award-nominated company.
Longing to see the world, a tiny sea snail hitches a lift on the tail of a great big, grey-blue humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, brought vividly to life through live music, storytelling and lots of laughs – but when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him?
When: 29 May – 4 June
Where: Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street Tally Ho Corner North Finchley, N12 0GA
Cost: from £9
Age guidance: 4 upwards
More info: website
