The Best Summer Activities in London For Kids

School’s out for summer, and London’s about to become one gigantic playground. The capital is ideal for family days out, thanks to the huge array of parks to play in, stores for treats, dazzling West End shows, and of course, grub that you all will love (fish and chips, anyone?). We’ve plucked all the best things to do in the capital this summer, so that instead of being hot and bothered, you’re all hot and having fun. Here’s how…

1. Picnic at one of London’s royal parks and gardens

There are eight official royal parks in London, all free to enter and beautifully maintained, making for the perfect spaces for picnics and fun under the sun. They include the huge Hyde Park (don’t miss the free British Summer Time Open House); Regent’s Park, which is home to the London Zoo; and St James Park, where the resident pelicans have hatched their first chicks in 360 years! Pack a picnic, or better still, grab a Poppies Camden or Soho takeaway deal nearby to enjoy out on the grass.

2. Jump into a game show with The Crystal Maze Experience

Millennial parents – hands up if you remember the 90s game show, the Crystal Maze? Now you and the family (aged 9 and above) can partake as contestants, in the giant venue right on Shaftesbury Avenue. Your team will each take turns in 2 to 3 minute challenges, categorised as mental, physical, skill, and mystery, and then all together play in the finale: the iconic Crystal Dome. Don’t miss Poppies Soho round the corner for a pre or post game meal.

3. Explore the Buckingham Palace State Rooms

Every summer, the world’s most famous home is open to the public. You and your little Princes and Princess can enter magnificent State Rooms this year from 9th July to 27th September. Highlights include a Throne Room, a Ballroom, and a verdant Palace Garden. When inside, be sure to tell the kids to look up, as most of the State Rooms have gilded and intricately decorated ceilings worth admiring.

4. Discover the museums of South Kensington

An excellent budget family day out, there is something for everyone when it comes to discovery in South Kensington. The National History Museum offers a trove of dinosaur skeletons and interactive nature exhibits; the Victoria and Albert Museum will impress budding fashionistas with iconic dresses and historic corsets in the fashion galleries; and kids will love learning about Stephenson’s Rocket and the Apollo 20 command module at Science Museum. These three mammoth museums are each just steps apart.

5. Have a family feast at Poppies Fish and Chips

Who doesn’t love fish and chips? At Poppies, we cook the classics in traditional style, with top quality, fresh ingredients. Each of our four venues – Portobello Road, Spitalfields, Camden, and Soho – is outfitted in retro style, taking you back to the golden years of British grub. As it’s summer, we’ve partnered with Mister Twist, so you can cool down with a proper nostalgic British soft serve ice cream after the meal.

6. Celebrate the 15th birthday of Matilda The Musical

It’s hard to believe that Matilda The Musical turns 15 this year, but indeed the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book has been wowing audiences and scooping awards since October 2011. If you or the kids haven’t seen it, make it the summer holiday extravaganza. The brilliant musical tells the story of an extraordinary little girl with quiet powers, standing up to her family and a terrifying (but hilarious) headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Trust us, there are jokes in it for big kids, too.

7. Hop aboard the Cutty Sark

The little ones will love learning aboard London’s historic clipper ship, the Cutty Sark, permanently dry-docked in charming Greenwich. Originally constructed for the China tea trade, this was one of the fastest sailing ships of the era. Children can follow the trails, wander through the cabins, and learn all about the cargo that was carried back in the 19th century. When you’re done, sit down with a sumptuous afternoon tea beneath the ship’s copper hull.

8. Sit down with a summer blockbuster at London’s cosiest cinema

Finally, after all that physical activity, why don’t we all sit down? Portobello Road’s Electric Cinema is one of London’s most luxurious cinemas, with plush leather armchairs and back-row sofas, plus waiters who bring drinks directly to your seats. There’s no better way to see summer 2026 blockbusters like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Minions & Monsters. If your kids are under two, you can also come for Parent and Baby Mondays when films are played on lower volume with subtitles, so toddlers can be as loud as they want without getting told off.