What to do in London with children this May

Week 1 of May (4th-10th)

Jung Festival @ Canopy Market
London’s first Korean food festival reaches its final day on Bank Holiday Monday, filling King’s Cross with street food stalls, desserts and relaxed seating ideal for wandering rather than committing to a formal meal. Running from 1–4 May, it works particularly well as a flexible daytime outing where families can drop in, try new flavours and enjoy the long weekend atmosphere before it closes. Age suitability: everyone.

Karate Kid The Musical @ New Wimbledon Theatre
This energetic stage adaptation of the classic coming-of-age story continues its early May run in Wimbledon, combining inventive choreography with a familiar underdog narrative about balance, resilience and confidence. Running from 30 April to 9 May, weekday performances offer a calmer theatre experience compared with busy weekend crowds, making Monday a good opportunity to visit. Age suitability: 6+.

The Flying Bath @ Little Angel Theatre
Beginning its extended summer season, this musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and David Roberts’ story transforms an ordinary bath into an airborne adventure filled with songs, puppetry and imaginative storytelling. Running from 2 May until 12 July, it is designed specifically for younger audiences and suits families looking for gentle, playful weekday theatre. Age suitability: 2–5 years.

Tortoise and the Hare @ Polka Theatre
Polka Theatre’s lively retelling of the well-known fable runs throughout May, using puppets, music and energetic performances to hold younger attention spans from start to finish. Showing from 2–31 May, weekday visits provide a relaxed introduction to live theatre while still delivering plenty of humour and movement. Age suitability: 3–7 years.

Up Movie @ Garden Cinema
Pixar’s emotional adventure concludes its Bank Holiday screenings on Monday, pairing the film with a post-show children’s activity that extends the experience beyond the cinema seat. Running from 2–4 May under a pay-what-you-can model, it offers an easy and accessible outing for families wanting something simple yet memorable. Age suitability: 5+.

London Zoo Big Birthday Bash @ London Zoo
Celebrating 200 years of London Zoo, this extended birthday event continues through Bank Holiday Monday with themed activities, family programming and plenty of opportunities for children determined to visit their favourite animals first. Taking place from 2–4 May and included with zoo entry, it turns a standard zoo visit into a festive city-wide celebration. Age suitability: all ages.

I Want My Hat Back Trilogy @ Little Angel Theatre
Jon Klassen’s beloved hat stories are brought together on one stage in a witty puppet production filled with dry humour and visual charm. Running until 9 May, weekday performances offer a quieter chance to experience this clever adaptation that works equally well for children and accompanying adults. Age suitability: 3–6 years.

Week 2 of May (11th-17th)

Dulwich Festival 2026
This annual neighbourhood arts festival transforms Dulwich into a welcoming cultural hub filled with open houses, performances, walks and community events spread across multiple venues. Running from 8–17 May, the festival encourages slower exploration over several visits rather than a single packed day, making it particularly appealing for families who prefer relaxed cultural outings. Age suitability: everyone.

Toto Kerblammo! @ Unicorn Theatre
Opening in early May, this thoughtful play follows a child secretly keeping her dog in a new flat, exploring rules, kindness and compromise through imaginative storytelling. Running from 8–24 May, the production offers theatre aimed at slightly older children ready for stories with emotional depth alongside humour. Age suitability: 10+.

Fantastic Fungal Festival @ The Royal Institution
The Royal Institution’s family science programming continues the spirit of hands-on discovery with a performance exploring the strange world of fungi, including the famous zombie ant fungus. Taking place on 9 May, the event combines storytelling with interactive learning led by scientists and educators. Age suitability: 4–11 years.

War Horse @ Peacock Theatre
The National Theatre’s celebrated production arrives mid-month, featuring life-sized puppet horses and powerful storytelling set during the First World War. Opening on 16 May and running through 30 July, weekday performances allow families with older children to experience one of London theatre’s most visually striking productions in a calmer setting. Age suitability: 10+.

Toto The Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape @ Little Angel Theatre
Launching on 17 May, this lively adaptation of Dermot O’Leary’s children’s book combines music, comedy and intricate puppetry to tell the story of a nearly blind cat with remarkable ninja skills. Running until 19 July, it provides an energetic theatre option for families planning cultural outings later in the month. Age suitability: 5+.

Week 3 of May (18th-24th)

Giffords Circus @ Chiswick House and Gardens
Giffords Circus arrives in west London with its intimate big-top experience where performers work just metres from the audience, creating a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere. Running from 21 May to 1 June, weekday performances offer a slower-paced alternative to large arena shows while still delivering spectacle and charm. Age suitability: everyone.

Michael Rosen’s Birthday @ Southbank Centre
The Southbank celebrates the beloved poet and author turning 80 with a full day of storytelling, performances and guest appearances designed to bring generations together. Taking place on 23 May, the event captures Rosen’s playful energy and offers a rare opportunity to experience live literary celebration in a family-friendly environment. Age suitability: 5+.

evim [my home] @ The Place
This gentle sensory dance performance introduces younger audiences to movement inspired by Rumi and whirling dervish traditions, blending music, motion and atmosphere. Presented on 23 May, it provides a calm alternative to high-energy children’s shows and encourages imaginative engagement through feeling rather than narrative. Age suitability: 2–7 years.

Week 4 of May (25th-31st)

The Fairy Tale Fan Club @ British Library
A live storytelling event featuring humorous twists on classic fairy tales arrives at the British Library late in the month, combining readings with playful discussion. Taking place on 26 May, the show suits curious older children who enjoy stories that challenge familiar endings and invite audience imagination. Age suitability: 8+.

Fairy Tales Exhibition @ British Library
Running throughout spring and summer until 23 August, this exhibition explores fairy tales through manuscripts, illustrations, theatre costumes and interactive displays. It works particularly well as a weekday cultural visit that families can revisit over time as children discover new details with each visit. Age suitability: 3–10 years.