What's On in London: September 2025
TRAVELWHAT'S ON
September is a wonderful time to explore London with young children. With the summer crowds fading and a fresh season beginning, the city is full of family-friendly events perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. From creative workshops to live music and hands-on play, here’s a guide to the best activities happening this month.
Creative Workshops and Museums
Make It: Party Accessories – V&A South Kensington
Until Saturday 13 September
Children can create shiny party accessories using foil and balloon string, inspired by the museum’s Cartier exhibition. A free, drop-in craft workshop ideal for little hands and big imaginations.
REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground – Southbank Centre
This interactive indoor playground is made entirely from recycled materials. Designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration, it’s perfect for toddlers who love sensory play and movement.
Theatre and Music for Under-5s
Rug Rhymes: Autumn – National Poetry Library
From 5 September
Join puppets Federico and Firebird for gentle spoken-word performances, poetry, and rhymes designed especially for toddlers. A calm and creative start to the autumn season.
Meet the Instruments – Aurora Orchestra at Queen Elizabeth Hall
Sunday 28 September
Children are invited to see, hear, and even touch real orchestral instruments in this welcoming and engaging family concert. A superb introduction to live music for young audiences.
Bach to Baby – Various Locations Across London
These informal classical music concerts are designed for children under five. Held in relaxed settings with no need to keep still or quiet, they offer high-quality music in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Storytelling and Historical Fun
Time Travel Tots: Musical Storytelling – The National Archives
Tuesday 24 September
A lively mix of music, dance, and storytelling brings history to life for children aged 2 to 5. Sessions are £4 and designed to be both fun and educational.
Vauxhall City Farm – Vauxhall
Open year-round
This city farm offers a hands-on experience with alpacas, goats, chickens, and more. Free to enter, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to introduce little ones to animals in the heart of London.
Family Theatre and West End Shows
London’s theatre scene has plenty on offer for families in September, with shows like Matilda, Frozen, The Lion King, Wicked, and Disney’s Hercules all running. Many productions cater to children, with matinee performances and shorter runtimes.
Kids Week, which often extends into early September, allows under-17s to attend selected shows for free with a paying adult. Some performances even include child-friendly extras such as backstage tours or cast Q&As.
Festivals and Special Highlights
London Design Festival – 13–21 September
This citywide festival includes installations and pop-up workshops, some of which are suitable for families. Look out for interactive design experiences for creative toddlers and preschoolers.
City Pop-Ups and Outdoor Play
September often brings family-friendly events to London’s public spaces. From arts workshops along the Southbank to storytime pop-ups in Royal Parks, many of these drop-in events are free and geared toward younger children.