What to do in London with kids this Bank Holiday weekend

The early May bank holiday is one of the best moments in the London calendar for families. Warmer weather, outdoor theatre, festivals and special one off events mean there is plenty to fill the long weekend whether you have toddlers, primary school children or teenagers in tow.

Saturday 2 May: theatre, music and big outdoor fun

Families looking for energetic outdoor entertainment can head to The UK's Biggest Inflatable Obstacle Course at Wembley Park, where children aged five and over can bounce, climb and race their way through a giant inflatable course.

Open air culture returns to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre with Sherlock Holmes: Open Air Theatre, ideal for older children aged twelve plus who enjoy mystery and adventure.

Animal lovers should not miss London Zoo's Big Birthday Bash at London Zoo, promising special activities, themed entertainment and plenty of opportunities to explore the zoo.

Younger audiences are well served with theatre designed especially for children. Tortoise and the Hare and A Tale of Us both take place at Polka Theatre, long recognised as one of London’s best venues for young audiences.

Toddlers will love The Flying Bath at Little Angel Theatre, while classic storytelling arrives aboard the water based Puppet Theatre Barge with The Enormous Turnip.

Music loving families can enjoy Aardman in Concert at Cadogan Hall, celebrating beloved animation characters through live performance. For babies and preschoolers, Bach to Baby Family Concert at St Gabriel's Pimlico offers a relaxed introduction to classical music.

Garden enthusiasts can head to Plant Festival 2026 at Chelsea Physic Garden, where families can explore plants, workshops and outdoor activities.

Sunday 3 May: science, film and festivals

Science takes centre stage with Ministry of Science LIVE at Richmond Theatre, combining demonstrations and experiments designed to spark curiosity in children aged six and above.

Film fans can enjoy a relaxed screening of Up at The Garden Cinema, with a pay what you can ticket model that makes cinema more accessible.

Outdoor festivals continue across London. Go Green Fest 2026 at Fulham Palace focuses on sustainability, nature and family workshops, while London’s first Korean food festival arrives at King's Cross Canopy Market for a weekend of street food and cultural celebration.

Music and theatre options include Nocturne: Norwegian Folklore Musical at Jacksons Lane, and MakeBeth at artsdepot.

Families also have a final chance to experience Spring in the City at the London Eye, combining city views with seasonal activities.

Monday 4 May: fresh ideas for the bank holiday finale

If Saturday and Sunday have been packed with events, Monday is the perfect moment to slow the pace and enjoy some of London’s year round family attractions. These options work particularly well for a bank holiday when families want flexibility without fixed performance times.

Start the day at Kew Gardens, where wide open spaces, treetop walkways and glasshouses make it ideal for children to explore nature while adults enjoy a calmer atmosphere. The Children’s Garden is especially popular with younger visitors and tends to feel less hurried on a Monday morning.

For hands on discovery, head to the Science Museum. Its interactive galleries, flight simulators and family friendly exhibitions make it one of the easiest places to spend several hours regardless of the weather. Advance booking helps during bank holiday periods.

Families with curious builders and inventors may prefer the Young V&A, recently redesigned with play based galleries focused on imagination, design and creativity. It works particularly well for primary age children and offers plenty of space to explore at their own pace.

If you want something more active, hire bicycles in Hyde Park and follow the wide cycling paths around the Serpentine. Pedalos on the lake often reopen for the warmer season, giving families an easy outdoor activity without needing to leave central London.

Animal encounters are another strong bank holiday option at Hackney City Farm, where children can meet goats, chickens and donkeys before exploring nearby cafés and markets in east London.

For a classic London experience, consider a river journey with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Travelling along the Thames doubles as both transport and sightseeing, keeping children engaged while offering views of many of the city’s landmarks.

Finally, film loving families can settle into a relaxed afternoon screening at the BFI Southbank, which regularly programmes family cinema during holiday periods and provides a quieter alternative to busy multiplexes.

Monday’s appeal lies in its flexibility. Whether you choose gardens, museums, farms or a river adventure, the final day of the bank holiday is an opportunity to enjoy London together without rushing between scheduled events.

Free family events across the weekend

London excels at free family entertainment and this weekend is no exception.

Creative children can build a LEGO Star Wars N 1 Starfighter at Battersea Power Station, while the popular canal festival returns to Little Venice with boats, performances and waterside fun.

Art lovers should visit Crayola World of Creativity at Oxo Tower Wharf Gallery, and Japanese culture takes over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the Yokimono Market.

Outdoor play continues with Minigolf by Craig and Karl at Canary Wharf, while Mexico Vivo Fest brings food, music and performances to Hackney Bridge.

History enthusiasts can explore the rarely opened Barts North Wing at St Bartholomew's Hospital, and families visiting South Kensington can follow the Shakespeare Trail: All the World's a Stage at the V&A South Kensington.