Summer is one of the best times to visit London: the weather is nice, days are longer, and there’s plenty of things to do outdoor.
In summer, you can get most of parks, playgrounds, museums with programs dedicated to children, markets, and events: London offers countless opportunities to enjoy time together.
Having lived in London for seven years with my family, I know it well, even from the perspective of those who visit with children. During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to discover the most family-friendly places and activities and enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace.
In this article, I’ll talk about what to do in London in the summer. You’ll find a selection of practical and family-friendly ideas: suggestions suitable for all ages and perfect for those who want to experience the city slowly and let themselves be surprised.
If you’re visiting London for the first te, I also recommend reading this post, where you’ll find all the essential information you need to organize your trip.
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Table of contents
Exploring London’s parks in summer
One of the things I love most about summer in London is the opportunity to spend so much time outdoors. The city has several beautiful parks, each with its own unique personality.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is a true natural oasis that will make you forget you’re still in London. You could visit with the kids to admire the free-roaming deer, have a picnic, and relax away from the chaos of the city. Once here, it’s also worth visiting the Richmond neighborhood and taking a pleasant stroll along the river.
You might also be interested in: London with kids: deer roaming free in Richmond Park
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
These two close parks form one of the largest green spaces in the city center. If you’re visiting London in the summer, they’re the perfect place to take a break between attractions, relax with the family, and let the kids play safely.
Once you reach Hyde Park, you can stroll through its expansive lawns, have a picnic in the shade, or rent a pedal boat with the kids—they’ll surely love it.
Kensington Gardens is home to the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, one of London’s most beautiful playgrounds. Inspired by the world of Peter Pan, it boasts a large wooden pirate ship, sandboxes, and sensory areas.
You might also be interested in: London’s best playground
Kew Gardens
If you’re planning a summer visit to London, Kew Gardens is a must-see.
Here, you can admire splendid flowers, meticulously maintained gardens, and even a real pagoda, and explore exotic environments in the tropical greenhouses.
Don’t miss the Treetop Walkway, a suggestive 18-meter-high suspended walkway that offers a unique perspective on the park.
For the little ones, the Children’s Garden is a true paradise. It’s a huge play area designed to stimulate the senses, with themed zones, water features, adventure trails, and large spaces for free running.
Finally, you could organize a picnic and have lunch on the lawns or stop at one of the on-site restaurants and cafés.
You might also be interested in: Kew Gardens in London: discover them with this practical guide
Tip: Kew Gardens is very busy in summer. Book your tickets online and enjoy your day at a more relaxed pace!
Outdoor activities to do in London in summer with kids
Summer is the perfect time to soak up the London atmosphere, especially if you’re traveling with children. The city offers countless options for those who want to spend time outdoors.
London zoo summer activities for kids
London Zoo organizes fun activities for children during the summer.
I’d especially like to point out Zoo Crew (July 23rd to September 1st). Animal-loving children will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work at London Zoo. Participants will be able to take on the roles of zookeepers, researchers, and scientists, learning about animal care.
Also not to be missed is Animal Adventure, London Zoo’s area dedicated to children, where they can, among other things, encounter porcupines, pigs, alpacas, llamas, and goats up close, and cool off in the Splash Zone with its water features.
Outdoor performances in London
If you’re looking for a truly captivating experience, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre offers a variety of outdoor performances from May to September.
Some titles are also designed for children, such as The Enormous Crocodile (running from August 15 to September 7, 2025), a stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous book.
Find the full program here.
King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard in summer: family-friendly activities
Once an industrial area, Coal Drops Yard is now one of London’s most innovative and dynamic spaces. Located just a few minutes’ walk from King’s Cross Station, it’s the perfect place to spend a day shopping, relaxing, and enjoying good food. Here you’ll find independent boutiques, bookstores, design shops, and many restaurants with outdoor seating.
On summer days, the atmosphere comes alive with free events, open-air cinema, art installations, and activities designed for children, too.
For those traveling with dinosaur-loving children, I’d especially recommend:
- Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs: an immersive exhibition, scheduled from July 9th to November 2nd 2025, which takes adults and children to discover the world of prehistoric giants;
- Il King’s Cross Dinosaur Trail: A fun, step-by-step journey to explore together. From May 2nd to September 30th, 2025, by downloading the map from Lightroom, you and your children can follow the clues, answer the questions, and, once you’ve completed the journey, receive a prehistoric surprise..
If you’re visiting London in the summer with children, on the hottest days, I also recommend heading to nearby Granary Square, a large plaza filled with over 1,000 fountains, where kids can cool off with a splash of water (remember to bring a change of clothes for the kids!).
Finally, you can continue along Regent’s Canal, a pedestrian path that connects King’s Cross to Camden Town. The walk is quiet and shaded and offers beautiful views.
To see what awaits you at Coal Drops Yard, click here.
You might also be interested in: Canal Cruise in London with kids
Street food and open-air markets in summer
If you’re in London in the summer, don’t miss these open-air markets, perfect for a tasty break.:
- Southbank Centre Food Market – Open Friday through Sunday, this market is a true paradise for street food lovers. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of international specialties..
- Borough Market – London’s most famous food market is perfect for a lunch break with quality fresh produce. I recommend visiting during the week to avoid the weekend crowds..
- Camden Market – Here you’ll find dishes from around the world, artisan stalls, vintage items, and a unique atmosphere. In the summer, the area comes alive with events and live music..
You might also be interested in: Where to eat on a budget in London
Museums with summer activities for families
Science Museum – Summer of Space
If you’re in London this summer, you can’t miss the Science Museum, which has numerous space-themed activities planned, perfect for families:
The Space Show (Saturday, July 26th to Sunday, August 31st, 2025): an exciting live show packed with science demonstrations;
Free Summer Space Trail (until August 31st, 2025): children can follow a fun trail inspired by the Disney and Pixar film Elio. To participate, simply pick up the map next to the Elio poster behind the Energy Hall and complete the mini-challenges, searching for space objects throughout the museum. Once you’ve completed the trail, you’ll receive a free badge.
London Transport Museum – Summer Holidays: Rail Adventures
This summer, the London Transport Museum is celebrating 200 years of London’s railways, from the first underground to the opening of the Elizabeth Line. For the occasion, the museum is offering a variety of family activities, including storytelling, creative workshops, and workshops for both adults and children.
Check out the upcoming events.
Summer festivals and events to mark in your calendar
Notting Hill Carnival 2025
Every year on the last weekend of August, London comes alive with the vibrant rhythms and colors of the Notting Hill Carnival, one of Europe’s most spectacular events.
Sunday is dedicated to families, and at 10:00 a.m., the Children’s Parade begins, with an award ceremony for the most beautiful costume.
The most anticipated event, however, is the Final Parade on Monday, a spectacular parade with eccentric costumes and blaring music.
If you’re planning a trip to London in the summer, you can’t miss this unique event..
Southbank Centre Summer
Every summer, the Southbank Centre hosts a rich program of events, performances, interactive installations, and workshops for children.
Among the 2025 offerings, I’d like to highlight the Limitless Recycled Playground, open until August 24, 2025.
You can enjoy a unique play experience with your children. This space, created by The Herd Theatre and made entirely from waste materials, has been transformed into a creative playground and is designed to stimulate the imagination.
The experience lasts about an hour and requires a ticket.
For more information, click here
BBC Proms
BBC Proms, the historic summer series of classical music concerts held at the Royal Albert Hall, also includes events designed for younger audiences.
Among these, we recommend CBeebies Prom: Ocean Adventure, a musical show dedicated to the animal world featuring children’s favorite characters.
Summer day trips near London
If you want to get away from the city, summer is the perfect time to explore some nearby destinations with your family.
Here are some ideas for a day trip from London.
Brighton
Just an hour’s train ride from London, you can easily reach Brighton, a beautiful seaside town located on England’s southern coast.
Here, you can relax on the pebble beach, stroll along the pier, and reach Luna Park.
I also recommend taking the time to visit the Royal Pavilion, characterized by its Indo-Saracenic architecture..
You might also be interested in: What to see in Brighton with kids
Seven Sisters
In just two hours from London, you can reach the Seven Sisters, the striking cliffs overlooking the English Channel, located on the south coast of England, in East Sussex. During the trip, you can admire truly spectacular views and take a pleasant walk in the fresh air with your family..
You might be interested in: 20 Family day trip from London
Hever Castle
Hever Castle, about 90 minute-drive from London, is another great day trip from London with kids.
Little ones will especially appreciate the two mazes: the historic English Yew Maze and the fun Water Maze, a water maze surrounded by greenery.
Also not to be missed are the beautiful play areas and the Tudor Towers Adventure Playground, an imposing nine-meter-high wooden structure complete with a moat, drawbridge, and three turrets.
Before you leave, check the events calendar on the website. Fun family activities are often organized here.
With beautiful parks, playgrounds, interactive museums, outdoor activities, and the opportunity to plan pleasant day trips, London in summer has so much to offer, especially for those looking to enjoy special family moments. All you have to do is choose what to do and enjoy the London summer!
If you’re planning your trip to London and need help, I can help. I can create a customized itinerary for you, taking into account your interests and needs. For more information, click here.
