Keep the kids entertained in London this summer holiday

The All In London Blog

The summer holidays are upon us which means 6 weeks of… bored kids. We've compiled a list of the best events and attractions in London to keep all ages entertained this summer. Plus, you don't have to break the bank... as some of them are even free! (The ice-creams in between all the entertainment will still cost you a fortune though.)

Here are some of the best...


More London Free Festival at The Scoop
Until 30th Sept
The Scoop at More London is an outdoor sunken amphitheatre with seating for 800. Throughout the summer months it regularly hosts a variety of free events - from free films, free music and free theatre to local community events and activities. The Scoop at More London is open to everyone.

Dinosaurs Unleashed at The 02
Until 31st Dec 2011
Dinosaurs last roamed the Earth 65 million years ago. Now they're back! Unleashed at The O2. Grab your chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and most fearsome creatures the Earth has ever seen. Dinosaurs Unleashed is the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur adventure that gives you a unique chance to experience some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring creatures.

Doctor Who Experience
Until 30th Nov 2011
Step inside the TARDIS to take a starring role in your very own Doctor Who adventure at the Doctor Who Experience. At London's Olympia Two, the Doctor Who Experience will be an unmissable adventure featuring an exhilarating and unique walk-through experience and an awe-inspiring exhibition.

A Cockroach Tour of the Science Museum
Until 31st Dec
Visitors to the Science Museum will be able to dress up in realistic cockroach costumes to begin a journey through the Museum, exploring the impact on the climate of scientific and technological developments from the perspective of one of the oldest, most resilient life forms on the planet.

Summer at Kew Gardens - See the World this Summer
Until 15th Oct 2011
This year, we are inviting you to pack your bags and head down to Kew Gardens, where you can experience those far flung climes without having to venture even as far as the airport. From the heat of the Brazilian rainforest to the cool of the Alpine region, and from the elegance of Japanese architecture to the arid wilderness of the desert regions, a trip to Kew will bring you climates and regions from around the world without the strain on your bank balance.

Spend your summer in space
Until 31st Aug 2011
This summer, make space at the Science Museum your holiday destination of choice. From 23 July – 31 August, pick up a passport as you enter the museum and follow the new space trail – embarking on a voyage of discovery through six of the museum’s galleries, where you can pick up some amazing facts about space and collect codes in order to grab a special souvenir at the end.

Batman Live
24th Aug - 4th Sept 2011
For the first time in DC Comics history, see Batman the world's most popular DC Super Hero as you've never seen him before, in an all-new, live-action arena adventure, set to take the world by storm. Premiering in the UK in Summer 2011, Batman Live - World Arena Tour is a multi-million pound stage production of unprecedented scale and a must-see for families and Batman fans everywhere.

Jolly Day Out
26th – 29th Aug 2011
Jolly Day Out provides an eclectic array of Summer Festival fun, top bands, award-winning kids’ shows with unexpected pleasures hidden around every corner.

Notting Hill Carnival 2011
28th – 29th Aug 2011
It's that time of the year again for London's most colourful street canival... with great music, great food and a great atmosphere!


Attractions and Things To Do:

London is host to hundreds of attractions - for instance there's: the London Eye, London Zoo, the London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, The Tower of London, the London Bridge Experience, the London Aquarium, the Thames RIB Experience and many, many more; get inspired by seeing them all in our city guide.


Shopping & Markets:

Got teenagers to entertain? Long gone are the days of playing in the street with a tyre and a stick… chances are they love nothing more than a darned good shopping expedition. So grab your wallet or purse and make a bee-line for Harvey Nics and Harrods! Only joshing… but you can take a look at the many, many, MANY shopping opportunities in London in our shopping guide.


See a West End Show:

Whether it's a classic like The Mousetrap, Les Mis, Mama Mia, Dirty Dancing or Billy Elliot or even a celebrity-packed new production like Shrek The Musical (starring Amanda Holden, Richard Blackwood and Nigel Harman), Driving Miss Daisy (starring James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave) or Betrayal (Kristen Scott-Thomas) why not head for the bright lights of the West End for a show?! Great productions for kids at the moment include The Wizard Of Oz, The Lion King, Legally Blonde and The Tiger Who came To Tea. See our West End ticket section for ideas on the best shows in town.


See the full line-up of family events in London this summer >>>


… and if that isn't enough food for thought see our Kids In London blog with plenty of great ideas for keeping everyone out of trouble!

Posted Date
Aug 4, 2011 in The All In London Blog by All In London