Aahh, the summer holidays… lazy days filled with sunshine, snacks and the sweet sound of the kids saying they’re bored. If you’re a parent, you know the magic of summer can sometimes come with a side of stress – especially if you’re navigating the excitement of London with little ones in tow.
But worry not – we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re a Londoner looking for fresh ideas or visiting the city for the first time, this seven-day itinerary can help make the most of the holidays without breaking the bank.
Read on, and make summer in the city unforgettable for the whole family.
Day 1
Put on your walking shoes and head to the City Information Centre, right next to St Paul’s Cathedral, to grab a handy free children’s walking map starring Draco the Dragon. These fun, 45-minute trails take little explorers to three famous landmarks, with sticker activities along the way to keep things engaging.
Just a short stroll from St Paul’s, the Bank of England Museum is free to visit and requires no booking. It offers fascinating exhibits on the Bank’s history, its role in the UK economy, and the evolution of money. Visitors can see historic coins and banknotes and even try their hand at lifting a real gold bar.
Did you know?
You can discover London’s skyline and landmarks on a budget with these essential sightseeing tours:
- City Cruises offers scenic river journeys with kids under 16 traveling free on a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off pass.
- See London by Night dazzles after dusk: under-fives ride free and there are Smartsave discounts on child and family tickets.
- Big Bus Tours invite families with a two adults, two children deal: one child travels free.
- Golden Tours includes free rides for under-fives on all hop-on, hop-off circuits, with bundled savings for summer.
- Tootbus keeps it affordable: children under four always ride for free.
✔ Hack of the Day:
Kids travel for free with an Oyster card on buses and the Tube within central London.
Day 2
London is one of the world’s greenest cities, with parks full of fun and sightseeing. Hyde Park is perfect for a stroll, spotting pelicans or renting a pedal boat on the Serpentine. Don’t miss the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground – a magical space with a giant
pirate ship, sand and water play, teepees and sensory trails.
For lunch, explore the street food at Borough Market. Crowd favourites include the famous grilled cheese sandwich from Kappacasein Dairy, and sausage rolls from The Ginger Pig. Go for a walk or a boogie along the South Bank for views up and down the Thames. Every weekend in summer, there’ll be dance parties at the Southbank Centre as part of its Dance Your Way Home programme. The joyful outdoor Appearing Rooms will also return – Jeppe Hein’s water installation, where jets create playful ‘rooms’ for kids to splash in, is unmissable.
✔ Hack of the Day:
Sign up for Hyde Park Discovery Days! Throughout the summer holidays there are themed outdoor activities every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Day 3
Dinosaur skeletons and real-life spaceships await at the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both free to enter. Try an out-of-this world trail inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Elio, or catch a 3D documentary in the IMAX cinema.
Afterwards, take a stroll through Covent Garden and enjoy the street performers in the Piazza with an ice cream from Anita Gelato. Being in the heart of the West End it would be rude not to catch a show. Family-friendly productions include Disney’s Hercules, The Lion King, Matilda and 101 Dalmatians.
Did you know?
You can see a musical superstar for free as Rachel Zegler delivers a showstopping Don’t Cry for Me Argentina from the balcony of the London Palladium. Part of Jamie Lloyd’s cinematic revival of Evita, the scene is streamed live into the theatre while Zegler, dressed as Eva Perón in a Dior-inspired gown, performs above the crowds on Argyll Street.
✔ Hack of the Day:
The Official London Theatre ticket booth sells on-the-day tickets at discount prices; either visit the booth in Leicester Square or find tickets online to all the top shows for up to 50 per cent off the usual price.
Day 4
Visit The British Museum (free entry) and explore its world-famous collections of art and antiquities. Under-fives get a free themed backpack with activities and there are object trails to keep kids engaged.
Nearby King’s Cross has plenty to keep little ones busy. Harry Potter fans should pass by Platform 9 3/4, and if it’s hot check out the water fountains in Lewis Cubitt Square. Fifty five arching jets burst with water and kids can dash through tunnels of spray and play in shallow pools. But watch out for dinosaurs! Grab a map at Lightroom gallery and look for clues to discover the hidden creatures’ whereabouts. Hand in your completed map and receive a prehistoric surprise.
✔ Hack of the Day:
Until 17 August there are free daily film screenings at Everyman on the Canal in Granary Square, with plenty of family-friendly picks.
Day 5
Canary Wharf has a packed schedule of family fun this summer. In Montgomery Square, it’s free to play the brightly coloured nine-hole mini-golf course designed by artists Craig Raedman and Karl Maier. And Canada Square Gardens hosts Alfresco Arts – an exciting mix of activities, theatre and music to keep the kids entertained. On 16 August, there’s a playful poetry workshop inspired by food, while family films will be shown on Saturday mornings.
Later, make your way to Sky Garden (entry is free but you must book in advance) to watch the sunset over London and enjoy the highest public garden in the city.
✔ Hack of the Day:
Many chain restaurants offer deals throughout the summer holidays. Kids eat for free with a paying adult in Yo! Sushi and Pizza Express,
and at Pizza Hut there is an unlimited kids’ buffet every day until 3pm.
Day 6
Vibrant and creative east London has loads to inspire this summer. Go urban art spotting in Shoreditch and Brick Lane or visit the Young V&A in Bethnal Green – a free museum that lets children and families imagine, play and design together. Explore the art and design of the Ancient Egyptians in the summer exhibition Making Egypt (£10).
Nearby Whitechapel Gallery’s exhibition Popcorn! is another free interactive experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the sonic world. Head to Spitalfields Market for vintage treasure hunting and affordable street food before hitting Victoria Park for more playgrounds, a skatepark and pedal boat rental on the lake.
✔ Hack of the Day:
From 19-21 August, Victoria Park’s free In the Neighbourhood festival has a sports day, literature day and a culture day.
Day 7
Spend the day in historic Greenwich, starting at the free National Maritime Museum with interactive exhibits and a children’s gallery. Let the kids run wild in Greenwich Park, with views across London, before having a picnic or lunch from Greenwich Market.
From 22 August, the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival brings street theatre, circus, dance and games to Greenwich Park. See an all-female high-wire walk – and you don’t have to spend a penny. Afterwards, stroll the Thames Path and admire the Cutty Sark from the free public areas beneath the hull for close-up views of the famous tea clipper.
✔ Hack of the Day:
Flash your Oyster card and you can get two tickets for the price of one at either the Cutty Sark or the Royal Observatory.
