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Fun things to do with kids in London

Two children playing a board game in a museum
Young V&A, Museum of the Year Winner, 2024. The Arcade, Play Gallery

Planning a day out with the family over the May half term? Our list of the best places to visit with kids highlights the top spots in the city that will make a fun day out for all over the school holidays.

In London during the May half term? Got kids to entertain?

The venues on this list have all the ingredients for creating incredible memories for little ones – with family-friendly exhibitions, interactive galleries and outdoor activities to burn off some energy. Better still, they all offer great family facilities – from baby changing areas to buggy parks – so you can go with peace of mind that all your needs will be taken care of.

So, if you're looking for fun things to do with kids in London over the school holidays, check out this list to plan your next great day out together. Just don't forget to pack a National Art Pass Plus Kids to make great savings for the whole family.

Where can I take kids for a day out in London over the school holidays with a National Art Pass?

01
A man helping a boy with a science experiment in the Wonderlab at the Science Museum
Visitor and Explainer engaging with dry ice demo within Wonderlab The Equinor Gallery at the Science Museum

Science Museum

Themed Family Trails bring the Science Museum’s displays to life, and free interactive galleries such as The Garden (designed for ages 3-6) and multi-sensory Pattern Pod (under 9s) encourage discovery through play. Entry to the fabulous Wonderlab (recommended for ages 7-14) is paid – so book ahead – and don’t miss the much-loved Shake Bar on your way in.

02
A young girl and woman look into a museum case filled with taxidermy animals
Horniman Museum and Gardens, London, Museum of the Year finalist 2022

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Spot goats and alpacas on the Animal Walk, make music in the Sound Garden, or get playful with the interactive displays – all of this is completely free at the Horniman. And, if you're looking for maximum magic, book tickets ahead of your visit to the Butterfly House, Aquarium and family-friendly exhibitions such as The Robot Zoo, which uses animatronic models to bring animals' amazing abilities to life. Find meals for little people in the Horniman Café, plenty of picnic spots in the gardens and family facilities inside.

Please note: The Natural History Gallery is closed until 2026 for refurbishment.

03
A family visiting Osterley Park and House, London. Osterley is one of the last surviving country estates in London.
Osterley Park & House, a family visit

Osterley Park & House

Only a seven-minute walk from Osterley Park station on the Piccadilly Line, this National Trust estate comprises a stately house, parkland and formal gardens. Plus, there are lots of fun things for kids to do: Junior Parkrun, table tennis, bike hire for all ages and canoeing on Middle Lake. A perfect way to blow off steam outside the city.

04
A boy looking into a museum case filled with objects from children's adventure stories
Young V&A, Museum of the Year Winner, 2024. Adventure Display, Imagine Gallery

Young V&A

A museum designed with and for children, the Young V&A has three colourful galleries to explore, alongside special exhibitions geared towards families and young people such as Making Egypt, which explores the creativity of Ancient Egypt. Discover den-making, a marble run, interactive activities for toddlers, a stage, a dolls' house collection, the life-size puppet from War Horse, and much more. The Design Gallery is dedicated to older kids with design activities and workshops – and don’t miss the well-stocked shop for fun gifts to remember your day.

05
A family enjoys the new History Makers display at National Portrait Gallery, Museum of the Year finalist, 2024

National Portrait Gallery

As well as regular free Little Explorers sessions for under fives, the National Portrait Gallery offers illustrated family trails as playful ways to explore the galleries. The perfect starting point for little ones to get to grips with the portraits on display, these encourage children to create their own pocket gallery, or become young detectives and reveal a secret code within the portraits on show.

06
A cast of the skeleton of a Stegosaurus with its jaws open
Natural History Museum, Sophie, a Stegosaurus brought to life in the Earth Hall

Natural History Museum

As an introduction to the planet’s wonders, the Natural History Museum is hard to beat – from the giant whale skeleton in the entrance hall, through to the thrilling Dinosaurs gallery. The special exhibitions are particularly strong, and there’s a T. rex Restaurant among other family-friendly eateries. Finish your visit with a stop in the irresistible shop where we can almost guarantee that you won't leave empty handed.

07
Cartoon Museum, exterior

The Cartoon Museum

Under 18s get free entry at the Cartoon Museum, where the galleries are dedicated to British cartoons from the 18th century to today – and displays are geared towards giving visitors a giggle. With special exhibitions, regular events and loads of opportunities to get drawing, this is a creative introduction to the art of cartoons.

08
Two children on drawing while sitting on a bench in front of framed paintings on a red wall
"Kids Aloud" initiative at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Also free to under 18s, Dulwich Picture Gallery has developed a resource pack with and for families, stuffed with entertaining activities and Family Trails around the galleries and the building's surrounding gardens. The family events programme is jam-packed with fun things to do, and there are books and art activities for children available in the shop.

09
An art deco room at Eltham Palace with panelled walls and a circular rug
Eltham Palace and Gardens, interior

Eltham Palace and Gardens

If you love visiting picture-perfect historic buildings with stunning gardens but also need to keep the family entertained, this English Heritage property is the perfect day out. Go for the 'around the world' themed play area, family-friendly audio tour and vintage-inspired dress-up box in the former owners’ walk-in wardrobe. Check ahead for the children’s activities on special event weekends.