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London events for kids: summer 2022

By Lucy Brooks on 26/7/2022

From a Secret Garden exhibition to a dotty Yayoi Kusama experience especially for families, this summer brings lots of new things to do with kids. We round up the best London events for children of all ages.

Kids Weeks: Children Go Free to London Shows

Children go free to a whole host of West End shows every August with the Kids Week promotion. Any under 17 accompanied by a paying adult gets a free ticket, and two additional children can attend half price. From Come From Away and The Life of Pi, to The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, there's something for all ages. Make the most of the bargain and spark their love for theatre this summer.

Click here to see the participating shows

WHEN

1 - 31 August 2022

Something Magical with Disney on Stage, Covent Garden

Discover five pop-ups spread around Covent Garden, celebrating Disney on Stage. Fans of Frozen, The Lion King, Beauty and The Beast and Mary Poppins will love to see their favourites brought to life. The free trail gives you a close-up look at the bedazzling costumes used on stage, featuring puppetry and plenty of sparkles. While not necessarily a destination by themselves, the pop-ups are a great addition to a West End adventure, trip to the theatre or day at the Transport Museum.

Click here for the interactive map

WHEN

14 July - 4 September 2022

WHERE

Covent Garden

Notting Hill Carnival Family Day

Back with a bang after a long Covid hiatus, Notting Hill Carnival promises to bring colour and fun to bank holiday weekend. Sunday is family day, which is typically a little calmer than the rest of the party - but still expect crowds. The Children Parade starts at 9am with a crowd of kids parading fabulous costumes. There are plenty more child-friendly activities taking play at Notting Hill's Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park, along with live music, shows and food stalls.

WHEN

Sunday 28 August 2022

WHERE

Notting Hill

Cats and Dogs at the Horniman Museum

There's more to our pets than meets the eye. This interactive family exhibition invites visitors to explore what it feels like to be a cat or a dog. Spanning animal behaviour, human bonds, scientific content and cultural roles - with plenty of games and stimulations - the exhibitions helps children understand and appreciate their four-legged friends.

WHEN

Until 30 October 2022

WHERE

Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill London SE23 3PQ

This Bright Land, Somerset House

Billed as a celebration of community and culture, This Bright Land festival takes over Somerset House with performances, music, talks, workshops and screenings, along with a 35 metre observation wheel. While there's an exciting line-up of nighttime parties and beauty pop-ups for the grown ups, the best family activities are free during the days. There're treasure hunts, games and child-friendly film screenings. Best of all, the courtyard fountains have finally been turned back on - so make sure you pack a change of the clothes for any kids who won't be able to resist making a splash.

WHEN

1 - 29 August 2022

WHERE

Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA

Kids Summer Splash, Royal Victoria Dock

Who needs the seaside when Royal Victoria Docks has swimming, sand and deck chair chilling especially for August. This free summer festival centres around the lido, which has the perfect shallow end for little ones. There's also a programme of activities including mermaid crafts, maritime-themed story time and beach yoga sessions.

WHEN

1 -21 August

WHERE

Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AG

Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room, Tate Modern

Help to transform a blank white room into a haze of rainbow dots. Visitors to Yayoi Kusama's The Obliteration Room are given a sheet of colour dot stickers and given free rein to decorate. Along with spreading colour and chaos, families also have the chance to help create a new work of art in the growing garden that is taking over the Turbine Hall.

Free

WHEN

23 July - 29 August 2022

WHERE

Tate Modern
Bankside, London, SE1 9TG

The Beach Club at JW3

Hampstead's pop-up beach brings plenty of sandcastle fun this summer. Deck chairs and tonnes of tonnes of golden sand mean you can enjoy seaside vibes without leaving town. And the free Beach Club on at 2pm on Mondays and Wednesdays offers interactive games, singing and yoga for children aged 0-4. No booking needed, just turn up.

WHEN

4 July 2022 - 31 August 2022

WHERE

341-351 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6ET

The Secret Garden, Garden Museum

Celebrating Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic The Secret Garden, this immersive exhibition is packed with interactive games and trails to teach children all about the restorative power of plants. Running throughout the summer holidays, the exhibition is accompanied by a programme of craft, gardening and cooking activities to get children and families involved.

WHEN

6 July - 4 September 2022

WHERE

Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB

Kids Club at Picture House Cinemas

The Kids Club programme at Picture House Cinemas - which you'll find all around London - is perfect for rainy days, or swelteringly hot days (hello, air con!). Tickets are just £3 and accompanying adults go free, making a trip to the cinema a total bargain. Films including Encanto, The Lego Movie and Chicken Run are screened at family friendly times.

WHEN

Throughout the summer holidays

WHERE

Picture House Cinemas

Summer on the Square, National Gallery

The National Gallery hosts a series of free, family friendly workshops to boost creativity this summer. All sessions are drop in and suitable for any age. Our highlights include 'zine making, experimental drawing and movement inspired by works in the gallery.

Click here for the full programme

WHEN

11 - 29 August

WHERE

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Wc2N 5DN