Best kids events in London for summer 2023

The countdown is on and the summer holidays are looming. Knowing how to entertain little ones throughout the long hot days is no mean feat!

When you've heard 'but...mum' a million times, you may feel like you need to hide in a cupboard, but why not try some dopamine-hit entertainment that is guaranteed to keep them interested for more than 30 seconds.

We've rounded up the best events in London to suit all budgets, themes and fun.

From art clubs to science experiments , theatreland to foodie treats, we've curated where to go and what to do. Parent downtime guaranteed.

And better yet: some of them have started now, so you don't have to wait until schools break up to embrace the summer spirit.

Cost: free When/Where: June 10 and 11, Marylebone village, W1

If you want something budget friendly for all the family then Marylebone Village Festival on June 10 and 11 will be just the (free) ticket. Showing a screening of Disney's Encanto teamed with a dog show, food stalls, live music performances, alfresco bars, and shopping, there's plenty to do for all age ranges and its set in the bustling central London 'village' of Marylebone.

Cost: from £11.50When/where: all summer, Westfield, W12

Why is it that kids love to play jobs? When it comes to careers, Kidzania offers the ultimate experience to become doctors, vets, cleaners, policemen and more incorporated into play.

Kidzania is a kid's activity experience centre based in Westfield shopping centre and offers art lessons, movie making, and a dance club for ages 1 to 15.

It is always advised to buy a ticket prior to attending as it can get pretty busy, but once in your little ones can play to their heart's content.

From carwashing to cooks they will learn all the ropes and score points for skills learnt. Now if only they would do that at home...

Cost: £25When/Where: all summer, Park Lane, W1

Pinky fingers up, afternoon tea just reached a new demographic. For little people that may need an afternoon treat (erm, and the adults) then the children's afternoon tea in The Palm Court will give some much-needed indulgence.

Included in the spread are creations inspired by London's most iconic landmarks including the London Eye, London Red Bus and Big Ben, as well as classic bite-size sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a choice of hot chocolate or tea.

Oh, and they do cocktails for the parents too. Sold.

Cost: from £10When/Where: all summer, Science Museum, South Kensington

Prepare to have your inner geek ignited as you venture through a wonderland of electrifying gaming experiences at the Science Museum.

If you're going to do a screen-based activity this summer then mixing it with a bit of history and knowledge may be just the thing. Embark on an epic journey of gaming, spanning five glorious decades, and if you want to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane there are games like Pong and Mario Kart too.

And for those craving a taste of new tech, strap on the latest in virtual reality headsets. Plus it's the perfect addition to a rainy day.

Cost: from £16.15When/where: June 11, Hurlingham Park, SW6

Want to feel fancy but also keep the kids amused? Enter Polo in the Park family day. Held at the prestigious Hurlingham Club, it offers equestrian finery with tons of family activities.

Kids can run riot, indulging in games and activities with party entertainers, Sharky and George while you sip something fizzy on a deck chair close by. Winning.

Cost: From £14When/where: all summer, Actors Centre, Covent Garden

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If you love being in the great outdoors and want to relax alfresco then may we suggest some family-friendly Theatre in Covent Garden?

Theatre in the Garden runs a yearly programme which is perfect for kids three plus to be swept away by a specially curated season.

Prepare for an immersive experience brimming with Shakespearean comedy, where Bard's timeless wit and humour come alive under the open sky.

From Romeo and Juliet, to Doctor Dolittle, to Peter Pan, there is also a fusion of puppetry and storytelling.

Cost: From £38When/Where: Wednesdays to Sundays from June 10 – September 10. Brigits Bakery Tours, central London

Imagine a pitstop London tour, afternoon tea and the Beano combined? Enter Brigits Bakery Tours.

Touring London and seeing all the hotspots including Big Ben and Hyde Park, kids can enjoy a carefully curated Beano-inspired menu of sweet and savoury indulgences to satisfy their palate.

There will also be a Beano entertainer who will share all the facts and info about London landmarks as you fly around town, all in celebration of the Beano's 85th birthday.

Cost: freeWhen/where: all summer, Bethnal Green

If you are old enough to remember the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green a few years ago then you will know it has been closed for some time. But good news, it will soon emerge and transformed into a new vibrant centre of culture for little ones.

The new Young V&A will open on the 1st of July and will be a playground where children, families, and young people can discover art specifically curated for tiny tots up to teens.

Displaying over 2,000 works from the V&A's art, design, and performance collections, there will be plenty to do.

As well as the galleries there will be hands-on workshops and an open design studio beckoning aspiring young artists to learn new skills.

As well as the latest trends families can discover contemporary displays tackling topical issues, and for those budding game-changers, a dedicated games design studio, for teens to try.

Plus they have lovely grounds around the museum. Where do we sign up?

Cost: free When/Where: all summer, Tate, Millbank

Got a budding little artist and need to kill a few hours? Then head down to the Tate and discover the joy of drawing in fun and unconventional ways.

Ready to test your artistic skills against the clock? Think you can draw something remarkable in a mere 10 seconds or a leisurely 5-minute span?

The Uniglo Tate aims to do all this and more. And the best? It's entirely free.

Cost: From £9When/where: August, Muswell Hill

With a rich history spanning over a century, Zippos Circus has delighted audiences worldwide with its awe-inspiring performances, daring acrobatics, and mesmerising displays of showmanship.

This year they are touring the UK, having a pitstop in London and Twickenham over the August period.

From motorbikes to fast juggling, knife throwing and whip cracking, this daredevil show will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Cost: FreeWhen/Where: Greenwich and Docklands, August 25- September 10

Hosting near the end of the summer, the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival offers plenty of unique activities for you and your little ones.

This year's theme is "Acts of Hope", offering a free festival of uplifting moments for reflection, creativity and celebration. You can take a theatrical journey on a London bus, marvel as illuminated swans perform a water ballet and enter an immersive shipping container with a trampoline for a roof.

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