What's On in London, East

Summer by the River 2026

Venue: London Bridge City

Website: www.londonbridgecity.co.uk

London Bridge City welcomes the return of Summer by the River, reimagining the Thames riverside as a dynamic playground of sport, entertainment and summer celebration with music entertainment, open-air...

Outdoor Trail

Venue: Valence House Museum

Address: Becontree Avenue

Website: www.valencehousecollections.co.uk

This season, the museum garden is calling all explorers! Journey through the changing seasons in the heritage herb garden and orchard, then discover how communities grew their own food at the authentic...

Summer Screens: Film Club

Venue: Canary Wharf

Website: www.canarywharf.com/whats-on/film-club-2

Visit Canada Square Park for their summer Film Club running throughout June, July, and August. Popular family films will also be back on Saturday mornings, offering the perfect start to a weekend with...

Into the Wild

Venue: Valence House Museum

Address: Becontree Avenue

Website: www.valencehousecollections.co.uk

Join Into the Wild, an outdoor group for ages 0–4 taking place under the Tulip Tree. Enjoy bug hunts, scavenger hunts, pram walks, picnics and much more!10.30-11.30am Every Thursday during June-August.

House of Dreamers

Venue: Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront

Website: www.excel.london

House of Dreamers invites visitors into a magical world through 16 interactive installations that blend design, colour and technology, with the goal of reconnecting people with their imagination, inner...

Astronomers Take Over

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Astronomers Take Over is a new space gallery for families at the National Maritime Museum that hosts astronomy activities while works are carried out at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This playful hands-on...

Character Encounters

Venue: Cutty Sark

Website: www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark, Nannie, the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, or new dockworker characters, who all...

City Cruises

Venue: Greenwich, Tower, London Eye, and Westminster Piers

Website: www.cityexperiences.com/london

Enjoy a great day out for all the family and take in the capital’s iconic riverside landmarks. With the Hop on Hop off pass you can strike the perfect balance between accessing main attractions and enjoying...

Free Activities for the kids

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.lbbd.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/events-and-activities-children/free-holiday-activities

Kids aged 4-16 can enjoy FREE activities and days out for kids that spark creativity, keep them active, and fill their tummies with a meal. For children and young people who live or go to school in Barking...

Mighty Mega

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Mighty Mega is a longstanding free Saturday morning club for disabled children and children with SEN, and their families or carers — with sessions featuring visiting artists from various art forms, including...

Mini Farmers Club

Venue: Hackney City Farm

Website: www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk

Held every Saturday morning from 10.30am–12.30pm. It’s a great way for younger kids to learn about nature, make arts and crafts and get to know the animals, under the careful supervision of a livestock...

Minigolf by Craig & Karl

Venue: Canary Wharf

Address: Montgomery Square

Website: https://canarywharf.com

Head to Montgomery Square for a fun-filled round on Canary Wharf’s iconic, colourful nine hole mini golf course. Created by artists Craig Redman and Karl Maier, this vibrant, one-of-a-kind course is...

Role2play

Venue: 75 Fulbourne Road

Website: www.role2play.com

Packed with exciting role-play areas, little ones can explore, imagine, and learn through child-led play. From serving customers in the café to caring for animals, fighting fires, or becoming a doctor...

Unboxing the Universe

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

A multi-sensory live science show that turns big space questions into exciting moments of discovery. The show features live demonstrations from Royal Observatory astronomers, and provide answers to the...

Vikings: The Immersive Experience

Venue: Dock X, Canada Water

Website: www.vikings-immersive.co.uk

Suitable for all generations, this experience will enthral history enthusiasts and families alike. Younger visitors have the opportunity step into the ‘Junior VR’ adventure, witnessing the story of...

Hackney Downs Park Family Funfair

Venue: Hackney Downs Park

Website: www.irvinleisure.co.uk

Book your tokens online in advance to save money with discounts. The number of tokens per ride varies. Tokens are on sale at the fair and online. Contactless payment is available on all rides.

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Explore a limitless world of play, invention and imagination in a recycled playground for children and their grown-ups.In REPLAY’s self-led experience, you can build your own worlds, invent your own...

Essex Summerfest

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

From iconic adult tribute acts on day one to kid friendly tribute artists on day two, the family fun day. This festival truly is the best value festival in the area, with all money raised supporting local...

Mullets, Quiffs and Quirky Haircuts with Nick Sharratt

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Nick will be sharing his brand-new picture book, Mullets and taking a look at the hairstyles of characters in other favourite picture books like Shark in the Park and You Choose. There’ll be drawing,...

West Ham Park's Parkfest 2026

Venue: West Ham Park

Website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Organised by the Friends of West Ham Park this promises to be a fun day for all ages and includes live music on the bandstand, cricket and tennis tasters, Children's activities, including forest school...

Alice in Wonderland

Venue: Riverside Studios, Hammersmith

Website: www.aliceinwonderlandlive.com

Join Alice on her unforgettable adventure as she shrinks and grows, meeting peculiar characters at every turn.With creative stagecraft that will leave you spellbound, this visually breathtaking experience...

The Gruffalo

Venue: Lyric Theatre

Website: www.thelyrictheatre.co.uk

Tall Stories’ much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler returns by popular demand, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. Songs, laughs...

West Ham Park Funfair

Venue: West Ham Park

Website: www.irvinleisure.co.uk

Book your tokens online in advance to save money with discounts. The number of tokens per ride varies. Tokens are on sale at the fair and online. Contactless payment is available on all rides.

Alfresco Arts: Bake Me a Fairy Tale

Venue: Canary Wharf

Address: Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Website: https://canarywharf.com

Run, run as fast as you can, fairy tale chaos has come to Canary Wharf. Join Rosie Tells Tales to save a story from disaster! Become a story chef in this gingerbread-spiced interactive adventure, packed...

London Kids Theatre Week

Venue: Various venues

Website: https://officiallondontheatre.com

Kids Week is an annual event in London where children aged 17 and under can see participating theatre shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The event runs throughout the summer holidays...

Summer holidays: electric pioneers

Venue: London Transport Museum

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Enjoy family activities exploring the electrical innovations that have powered London’s public transport for more than one hundred years. It’s a summer packed with discovery, creativity and fun for...

Summer Inflatables Day 2026

Venue: Haven House Children’s Hospice

Website: www.havenhouse.org.uk

Join Haven House for a fun-filled Summer Inflatables Day – a joyful day of bouncing, laughter and smiles for the whole family. Set in the beautiful gardens, this relaxed, family-friendly event is perfect...

John Parnhams KidzWorld

Venue: Fairlop Waters

Website: www.parnhamfunfairs.co.uk

This popular, family-run traveling funfair tours various locations across Greater London and Essex. Tailored specifically for younger children, it features rides, bouncy castles, games, and attractions...

Summer Bible School

Venue: Newbury Park, Ilford

Website: www.elcfc.co.uk

It is happening again this year! Join in this summer for three fun-filled afternoons of singing, stories, crafts, and games. Suitable for 5-11 year olds. Free to attend. Email: info@elcfc.co.uk / Telephone:...

Summer Daze Festival

Venue: Canary Wharf, various locations

Website: https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/summer-daze-festival

A brand-new summer festival bringing together theatre, comedy, live music and family-friendly activities. Families can dive into a packed line-up of activities, from high-energy family raves and a dedicated...

Circus Skills Workshop

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.thameschase.org.uk

Step right into the magic of circus fun with the Rhythm and Balls Juggling and Circus Team. Join them for an exciting, hands-on morning in the Barn and Quad where children can discover amazing circus skills...

Fantastic Mr Fox

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre

Website: https://visionrcl.org.uk

Adapted by the country’s top children’s playwright, David Wood, Fantastic Mr Fox is an ideal family show based on the book by Roald Dahl. While children of all ages are welcome, this production is...

Mile End Park Funfair

Venue: Mile End Park

Website: www.irvinleisure.co.uk

Book your tokens online in advance to save money with discounts. The number of tokens per ride varies. Tokens are on sale at the fair and online. Contactless payment is available on all rides.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Venue: Canary Wharf

Address: Union Square

Website: www.canarywharf.com/whats-on/alfresco-arts_theatre

440 Theatre bring their trademark high energy comedy to Shakespeare’s magical tale of love and mischief. With just four actors, bold characters, and lightning fast storytelling, expect joyful chaos and...

A World Elsewhere

Venue: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com

This summer, the Olivier Award-nominated creators of Rough Magic and Midsummer Mechanicals invite you on an epic journey into the greatest world of all: the imagination. Get all the family together...

Caribbean Takeover

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Join the Caribbean Social Forum for a range of hands-on workshops and activities will be available for families, including carnival headwear making, fibre and textile workshops and participatory folk song...

Give and Take Day

Venue: St Giles' Cripplegate

Website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Throughout the year, the Recycling Team run Give and Take Days at different locations across the City. Do you have items in a reusable condition you no longer need? Looking for something new? This is your...

Luna Loves London

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Luna Loves London is an immersive exhibition full of storytelling, play and imagination. It has been made by Discover with the dream-team of Joseph Coelho OBE and Fiona Lumbers – the creators of the...

The Three Musketeers

Venue: The Temple - Wanstead Park

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of scheming, romance and broad comedy. The Play contains scenes of peril, politics and passion! Suitable for...

Guy Fox drawing challenge

Venue: Shoe Lane Library

Website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge with at Shoe Lane Library and join Kourtney Harper of Guy Fox for a drawing workshop designed for the whole family. All materials, including pencils and paper, will...

Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.visionrcl.org.uk/megamix

Vision Redbridge offers an exciting programme of workshops and taster sessions for ages 5 to 16. Some activities cost £1.50 including swimming fun at Loxford Leisure Centre and Mayfield Leisure Centre,...

Children's Seaside Crafts

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.thameschase.org.uk

Children will dive into creativity as they design and decorate their very own seaside-themed picture frames, along with a selection of fun ocean-inspired crafts—perfect for capturing those summer memories.Spaces...

Depot family tours

Venue: Museum Depot, Acton

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

From the tons of poo that came with the first horse buses to the mystery of why trains have ‘bogies’, you’ll hear tales that bring transport history to life. Perfect for the whole family, but best...

Dog Man: The Musical

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re ten, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the...

Fortnite Laser Tag

Venue: Laser Mayhem

Website: www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Fortnite Laser Tag sessions are back! With bigger and better game modes, enhanced loot crates and first-person shooter action. Pyrotechnic smoke to represent "The Storm", as well as, all your favourite...

Family Gaming - Just Dance

Venue: Canary Wharf

Address: Canada Square Park

Website: https://canarywharf.com

Team up with up to 4 friends and rule the dance floor. All gaming events are free to take part in, player numbers are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Family Gaming sessions...

Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain

Venue: Apollo Theatre

Website: www.birminghamstage.com

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So get ready for Horrible Histories live on stage with the best of Barmy Britain. It’s the history of Britain with the nasty...

The Little Mermaid

Venue: Greenwich Theatre

Website: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Driven by curiosity and forced into a terrible deal with the Sea Witch, follow the heroine as she discovers the world above the sea and learns just what it means to trade her voice for a chance to walk...

SENsory LEGO® Play

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Get creative with LEGO in exciting new ways and enjoy fun and hands on activities. This session is SEN friendly and welcoming to all families. For ages 3+. Free to drop-in at anytime, 11am-4pm. Also 15...

Story Street x the LEGO Group

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Story Street is kindly supported by the LEGO Foundation, and is free to access with Discover Entry tickets. 1,000 free tickets to Discover and Story Street x the LEGO Group will be distributed to Newham...

The Little Mermaid Jr

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre

Website: https://visionrcl.org.uk

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.

Alfresco Arts: We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt

Venue: Canary Wharf

Address: Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Website: https://canarywharf.com

All aboard The Hoppity Bunnies boat for a swashbuckling interactive adventure. Explore the sea shores, sing shanties and search for seaside treasure with Rosie Tells Tales. Celebrating the 10th anniversary...

Yoga Storytelling

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

Step into a world of movement and imagination with storyteller Rachel Keeling-Vincent.These yoga inspired stories invite children to stretch, wiggle, and giggle their way through each interactive tale....

Alice in Wonderland

Venue: Soho Theatre

Website: www.aliceinwonderlandlive.com

Join Alice on her unforgettable adventure as she shrinks and grows, meeting peculiar characters at every turn. With creative stagecraft that will leave you spellbound, this visually breathtaking experience...

Wonder Builds: Community Build of the Week

Venue: Discover Children's Story Centre

Website: www.discover.org.uk

With changing weekly themes ranging from forests to cities and more, selected by Discover’s Children’s Forum, you can let your imagination run free at the Brilliant Brick Base. Every Thursday in August,...

Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical

Venue: Brookside Theatre

Website: www.brooksidetheatre.ticketsolve.com

Don't miss your chance to see this rib-tickling musical filled with laugh-out-loud moments and characters that will warm your heart - it's suitable for all of the family! The show is based on The Diary...

LUSH Science Workshop

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.thameschase.org.uk

This summer, LUSH invites young scientists to explore the magic of chemistry in a hands-on bath bomb workshop. Through playful experiments, colourful ingredients, and signature LUSH scents, children will...

Summer Camp

Venue: Salisbury Manor Primary School

Website: https://mbcommunitycic.com

Activities include football, multi-sports, arts and crafts, smoothie making, Nerf activities, team games and discos. £15 per day. £5 hot lunch available. Sibling and full-week discounts available. Free...

Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

The young performers of Kinetika Bloco become the Vanguards for a summer of music that has bent genres, sparked new dance styles and forged new sounds. It begins with this evening’s free performance,...

Alice in Wonderland Make and Take Workshop

Venue: Canary Wharf

Address: Jubilee Park

Website: https://canarywharf.com

Get creative at this hands-on crafty workshop. Inspired by the characters from Alice in Wonderland, budding artists can create their own models or puppets of the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and more. Ages...

The Cat In The Hat

Venue: Soho Theatre

Website: www.sohotheatre.com

From the moment his tall, red and white-striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and...

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Venue: Big Penny Social

Website: www.elsf.uk

Bursting with mischief, chaos, romance and magic, this family-friendly outdoor production reimagines Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy with a bold splash of contemporary flair. Escape into the enchanted...

CBeebies House Party Live

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Join the superstars of CBeebies – Evie, Joanna, George, Mister Maker, Duggee and Mr Tumble – as they throw an epic party just for YOU! Get ready to rave…with dancing, singing, streamers, giant jellies...

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger...

Back to School Party with Party Monsters

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.thameschase.org.uk

Finish off the school summer holidays with a bang with magic, bubbles, snow, games, dancing, balloons, and so much more! It’s the perfect way for children to celebrate the end of summer—whether they’re...

The Pirates of Penzance

Venue: The Temple - Wanstead Park

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

Frederick was born in a leap year on 29th February and is contracted to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday, not his 21st year. Can the inept Penzance constabulary protect him? Packed with hilarious...

Amazing Animals

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Step into a world, bursting with imagination, as creatures leap onto the stage through master puppetry and a dash of theatrical magic. Packed with toe-tapping music and hilarious antics this fun-filled...

Haven House Mud Run 2026

Venue: Nuclear Races

Website: www.havenhouse.org.uk

The 5k route features 17 approachable obstacles and the 1.5km features 12 obstacles, you're free to run, jog or walk the distance making this event perfect for all fitness levels. There is also a 1.5km...

The Selfish Giant

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Every day after school, they come and run about, laughing and playing games under the blossom on his peach trees, listening to the delightful songs of the birds! So he puts up a big wall and an even bigger...

Magic and Marvels

Venue: Greenwich Theatre

Website: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Prepare to be amazed by the one-man extravaganza presented by the extraordinary and multi-skilled performer, Michael Jordan. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the realm of wonder and enchantment...