The summer holidays are finally here and if you are planning to stay in the city this August, there is plenty for the family to do! Here is a list of our absolute favourites…
Summer Family Activities
Discover the ‘Green Journey’ installation and sustainability-inspired creative workshops at London Transport Museum until 3rd September 2023. Learn how climate change affects London and discover the transport innovations, green jobs, and small actions people can take at home to make a difference. Families can also join sensory storytelling sessions, creative ‘Build Better’ workshops and a stamper trail around the Museum galleries. And what’s more, kids go free!
Delve into the Jurassic and meet the modern-day relatives of the animals that lived alongside dinosaurs in this fantastic animal handling show at the Natural History Museum, including snakes, lizards and tarantulas.
Don’t feel like going anywhere today? Worry not! We’ve got you covered. Colour, cut and build to create your own design project at home this summer. The Design Museum is offering printable activities for you and your little ones. Check out their website to see what’s on this week.
Discover Replay – A Limitless Recycled Playground – a space built entirely out of waste materials, repurposed for fun by the Herd Theatre at South Bank Centre. Children and their families are invited to play in this space full of things you can move, change, combine, wear and reimagine. And if you feel peckish afterwards, snack on some tapas while overlooking the Thames at La Gamba, a Tapas restaurant inspired by traditional Spanish recipes and flavours with a focus on the north-western corner of Galicia. Perfect for sunset drinks and dinner.
If you prefer greenery, the LookOut Discovery Centre in Hyde Park is welcoming families for their popular drop-in Discovery Days between the 15th and 17th of August, for a variety of Peter Pan-themed activities such as pirate orienteering challenges, making nest boats and building a home for elves and fairies.
And summer would not be summer without the Kensington and Chelsea Festival which returns again this year until 31st August. It will offer a large range of activities across the borough including dance, music, outdoor arts, films, circus, opera, theatre, art, and more. Visit their website to see the programme.
Outdoor Cinemas & Family screenings
Enjoy the magic of cinema under the stars this summer with the Luna Cinema. The UK’s largest open-air cinema announces its 2023 summer season, with a new programme of outdoor screenings at Kensington Palace. The programme features a brand-new lineup of both classic and new film favourites including, the spectacular The Great Gatsby, Oscar-winning Top Gun: Maverick, and more.
If you are looking for a family screening, The Garden Cinema is a fabulous independent cinema with a very varied and unique screening schedule – only showing films of all genres that are true to life and well made. The children’s programme for August includes Finding Nemo, Up, Space Jam, Robin Hood and Surf’s Up.
Parks and Fountains
Enjoy a picnic in one of Kensington Mums’ favourite parks or, if you need to cool down a little, dip your toe in one of West London’s public fountains. There’s nothing quite like sticking your feet in cold water to chase away that intense feeling of heat. You can also hire a boat on the Serpentine in Hyde Park, which is open daily between 10 am and 8 pm in August! check their website to find out more.
Art & Culture
Join a free character-led Historical Walk of Marble Arch with its iconic architect John Nash and find out more about the fascinating history of the Grade II listed monument, as well as this corner of London’s association with Royal processions, free speech, and protests.
Or why not enjoy the Ultimate Immersive Art Experience at Frameless. Situated in Marble Arch, Frameless is the largest permanent multi-sensory experience in the UK, which features 4 galleries and 42 of the world’s greatest works of art presented in ways never seen before.
Staycation
Fancy escaping city life for a few nights? why not go for a family staycation at Royal Crescent in Bath? Nestled in the heart of Bath and situated in the centre of one of the world’s greatest Georgian crescents, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a 5-star haven of elegance and tranquillity. Steeped in history that spans over 250 years, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa has 45 rooms to offer, uniquely designed with spectacular views.
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