What's On in London, South West

Dinosaur rEvolution

Venue: Horniman Museum and Gardens

Website: www.horniman.ac.uk/event/dinosaur-revolution

The first UK showing of Dinosaur rEvolution explores the relationship between dinosaurs and birds in a colourful exhibition, including five large animatronic models, many accurate cast fossil skeletons...

Summer by the River

Venue: Hay's Galleria and The Scoop

Website: www.atlondonbridge.com

Includes free film screenings, craft workshops, live theatre and Encanto Sing-alongs. On 3-4 Aug, the Fiya House Hip Hop Weekender will be the place to be at The Scoop, boasting free interactive workshops...

Sam WU is NOT Afraid of Ghosts

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Adapted for stage from Katie and Kevin Tsang’s best-selling book, join Sam and his deadly pet snake sidekick as he faces his fears and tries to defeat the Ghost King once and for all at the premiere...

Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Adapted for stage from Katie and Kevin Tsang’s best-selling book, join Sam and his deadly pet snake sidekick as he faces his fears and tries to defeat the Ghost King once and for all at the premiere...

How to Catch a Star

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend. This is the story of his adventure. Based on the beloved book by award-winning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, Branar...

Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone

This year’s Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity! From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. Regional variations may apply, so...

The Big Butterfly Count

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. No green space is too small - a back garden, a small terrace...

Just Vibez: The Friday Fete

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Get grooving as the Just Vibez collective brings Carnival to the Riverside Stage with soca, steel pan, carnival costumes, dancehall, reggae and more. 4-10.30pm. Suitable for all ages. Free.

Theatre on Kew: The Dream Faries - Adventure to Bubble Land

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/theatre-on-kew-dream-fairies

In an enchanting world of song and dance, the adventurous Tinkerbell meets up with the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The audience is invited to dress up and join in the fun. Go as a fairy,...

Bluebell Railway Music Festival

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

A music festival with a difference! Combine a unique train journey through the High Weald of Sussex by steam train with live music on a summer’s day and into the evening! Enjoy a fantastic selection...

Horrible Science

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/horrible-science

Kew is making science fun for all this summer with awesome activities and fascinating facts, inspired by the Horrible Science series. This will be a celebration of science like you’ve never known it...

Medieval Season at Eltham Palace

Venue: Eltham Palace and Gardens

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palace-medieval-season

Join Eltham Palace every day of the summer holidays to learn what life was like in medieval times. From storytelling to have-a-go archery, there's something for children of all ages during Medieval Season....

Re: Dance 2024

Venue: The Scoop

Address: London Bridge City

Website: www.londonbridgecity.co.uk

An exciting all-day event produced by Impact Dance as part of Summer by the River Festival 2024. This is the 4th year of RE: DANCE taking place and giving an opportunity to showcase youth dance talent,...

Theatre on Kew: The Wind in the Willows

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/theatre-on-kew-the-wind-in-the-willows

This critically acclaimed, outdoor theatre production set against the magical backdrop of our stunning Lake, is packed with much-loved colourful characters, music, song and laughter. A favourite of children...

Uniqlo Tate Play, Oscar Murillo, The Flooded Garden

Venue: Tate Modern

Website: www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern

This summer, artist Oscar Murillo will transform the Turbine Hall into an enormous painting garden. Oscar invites everyone to take part in creating a vibrant work of epic proportions. Pick up a paintbrush...

Lark in the Park

Venue: Sidcup Place

Website: www.larksidcup.com/

Lark in the Park is a community event provided by churches in Sidcup. It provides kids' clubs, youth activities, fun days, creative zone, over 60s venue, community action projects, evening events and much...

Puppet Workshop

Venue: Hay's Galleria

Address: London Bridge City

Website: www.londonbridgecity.co.uk

Join Rat and Toad for a workshop inspired by Kenneth Grahame's timeless classic, 'The Wind in the Willows'! Delve into the adventure and create your very own Rat and Toad. Immerse yourself in this charming...

Ready, Steady... Pow!

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Be brave at Polka and get inspired by their adaption of Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts practice different drama techniques, create your own action characters and learn some stage combat! 10am-12pm or 2-4pm....

Summer Holidays at Mycenae House

Venue: Mycenae House

Website: www.mycenaehouse.co.uk

Keep the children entertained throughout the summer holidays with an array of activities and classes for families & children, including Music, Drama, Engineering, Games, Theatre, Coding, Concerts and more!...

Summer of Play at Ham House

Venue: Ham House

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/ham-house-and-garden

Get into this summer’s sporting spirit with fun play stations dotted around the spectacular gardens at Ham House. Includes throwing, ball sports, racing and gymnastics, each zone has a range of different...

Comic Book Art and Writing Masterclass

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Join this masterclass on comic book art and writing where you will get the opportunity to work with a professional creative. You will cover learning how to draft your ideas on paper, drawing and writing...

Reptiles at The Bluebell Railway

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

The reptiles will be located in the booking hall and waiting room at the station. They will be free to view, although a donation is required to hold/interact with the animals. See them 11am and 3.30 pm...

CBeebies Prom - Wildlife Jamboree

Venue: Royal Albert Hall

Website: www.royalalberthall.com

Join Duggee, Bluey, the Octonauts and lots more of your CBeebies friends to celebrate the natural world in music and song at the spectacular Wildlife Jamboree. These are relaxed performances, designed...

Character Actors at the Queen’s House

Venue: Queen's House

Website: www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/queens-house/character-actors

Discover different characters from history with their own fascinating stories to tell. Meet Mistress Babington and discover what life was like in the royal residence, or encounter Inspector Canvas and...

Kingston Museum’s Saxon Fayre 2024

Venue: The Ancient Market Place

Address: Kingston upon Thames

Website: www.kingstonheritage.org.uk

Explore the skills and trades from 410 - 1066.You can find opportunities to dress up, buy handmade crafts, learn about history and have a go at different activities throughout the day, so go along and...

Safe Harbour

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

The sessions are an opportunity for families to have fun together in a friendly and welcoming space. Created in consultation with support organisations including We Are Family, and local foster and adoptive...

Summer of Play

Venue: Cutty Sark

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

Get playful on Cutty Sark with family-friendly activities as part of the Summer of Play, comprising of crafts, construction play, storytelling, and more, including musical or movement sessions. Free with...

Summer of Play

Venue: National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Explore oceans and seas to discover the magic of water during a range of playful activities at the National Maritime Museum, then head to the Queen’s House for creative workshops, music and storytelling.

The Gruffalo, The Witch and the Warthog

Venue: Rose Theatre

Website: www.rosetheatre.org

Britain’s most popular children’s author presents a show full of magic, music and excitement. Along with four actors, including her guitar-playing husband Malcolm, Julia brings six of her stories to...

Children's Garden Quiet Sessions

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on

Kew close the Children’s Garden to the public to allow children with special educational needs and disabilities, like Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or sensory processing needs, and their parents or carers...

Family Theatre: Peter Pan

Venue: Morden Hall Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park

Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and a laugh-a-minute script, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the family entertained...

Toy and Rail Collectors Fair

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Address: Horsted Keynes Station

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Catering for everyone from avid collectors, and enthusiasts, to just about anyone who is interested in (or just curious about) collectable toys, model trains and vintage railway artefacts.Admission is...

Fun Fest Kingston

Venue: Kingston and Worcester Park

Website: www.kingstonoffice@funfestholidayclub.co.uk

With a menu of exciting activities to choose from every morning and afternoon, children can plan their own individual holiday programme. From Nerf Gun Challenge, Harry Potter experiences and Great Outdoors...

Jigsaw Summer Camps

Venue: Venues include Balham, Battersea and Wandsworth

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Students take part in dance, drama and singing classes, prop making workshops, friendship building activities and more! With classes for ages 3 - 16 years, a Jigsaw Holiday Camp will be the perfect choice...

Polka Youth Theatre Summer School

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Budding actors can spend a week training and working with a professional Theatre Director to explore a variety of drama techniques, learn new skills and create a new piece of theatre that will be performed...

Rose Youth Theatre Summer Schools 2024

Venue: Rose Theatre

Website: www.rosetheatre.org

There’s a great selection of courses to choose from to get stuck into during the holidays.Work alongside like-minded young actors with a professional director to create a scripted production that will...

Discovery Days: Wild About Water

Venue: Hyde Park

Website: www.royalparks.org.uk

This summer Hyde Park are welcoming families to their Learning Centre, a safe fully enclosed site with toilet facilities, for the popular free drop-in Discovery Days! Drop in anytime between 11am-3pm to...

Free family fun day at Charlton Athletic

Venue: Charlton Athletic

Address: The Valley

Website: www.cafc.co.uk

Head to the home of Charlton Athletic for an exciting day with lots of activities for everyone. The event is free and if you pre-order your tickets by clicking the QR code above all under 11s in your booking...

Play Outdoors Tuesdays

Venue: National Maritime Museum

Website: www.rmg.co.uk

Drop into the grounds of the National Maritime Museum on Tuesdays during the summer holidays and take part in playful activities perfect for under 5s. These self-directed activities will encourage families...

Costa Del Croydon

Venue: Centrale and Whitgift Shopping Centre

Website: centraleandwhitgift.co.uk

Croydon will transform the rooftop of the Centrale shopping centre’s multi-storey car park into an urban beach paradise. Families can enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages. Highlights include...

Costa Del Croydon

Venue: Centrale and Whitgift Shopping Centre

Website: www.centraleandwhitgift.co.uk

Croydon will transform the rooftop of the Centrale shopping centre’s multi-storey car park into an urban beach paradise. Families can enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages. Highlights include...

Summer Cycle 2024

Venue: Kew Gardens

Website: www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/summer-cycle

This summer, for one evening only, get on your bike and explore the whole of Kew Gardens. As bicycles are not usually allowed in the Gardens, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy Kew’s most beautiful...

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Venue: Cadogan Hall

Website: www.cadoganhall.com

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly...

Creation Family Fun: Wild Westminster

Venue: Westminster Abbey

Website: www.westminster-abbey.org

Investigate the Natural World this summer in this historic walled garden in central London. If you and your family wonder at wildlife and treasure trees you will find something to nurture your green fingers...

Meet and Greet Favourite Characters

Venue: Rotunda

Website: www.rotundakingston.co.uk

Rotunda is the perfect trip for all the family, with plenty of activities to keep all the family entertained and restaurants all under one roof including Pop Playrooms, Tenpin, Odeon and much more! Meet...

Summer in the Courtyard

Venue: Somerset House

Website: www.somersethouse.org.uk

Somerset House are welcoming everyone to the courtyard, providing a space for families to enjoy the sunshine alongside food and drink pop-ups and the magnificent fountains, switched on across select dates...

Dinosaurs at Bluebell Railway

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Get ready for a thrilling adventure as the Dinosaur pals return to The Bluebell Railway for two exhilarating days of roaring fun in both June and August. Regardless of the weather, you’ll have the opportunity...

Discovery Days: Meadow Madness

Venue: Hyde Park

Website: www.royalparks.org.uk

Join Hyde Park this week to explore the beautiful meadows. Drop in anytime between 11am-3pm to take part in a variety of activities including meet the minibeasts, smash plants with a mallet to create a...

Hey Presto! Family Concert

Venue: Mycenae House

Website: www.mycenaehouse.co.uk

Learn all about the woodwind family through this enchanting, interactive family concert. Chameleon use storytelling to create an exciting performance that is guaranteed to engage children and get them...

Zoolab - Jurassic Encounters

Venue: Hall Place and Gardens

Website: www.hallplace.org.uk

Get up close to the animals such as Tarantulas, cockroaches, snakes and more and learn all about life in the Jurassic period. Learn about some of the animals that that shared the earth with the dinosaurs....

Creation Family Fun: Commonwealth Celebration

Venue: Westminster Abbey

Website: www.westminster-abbey.org

Share in a celebration of world cultures in the walled garden of the Commonwealth Church.Get a flavour of the vibrant diversity of the Commonwealth this summer through stories, crafts and incredible performances...

How to.... Make a Space Rocket

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Inspired by How to Catch a Star and along with Polka’s expert drama and science practitioners, you will not only be able to make a space rocket, you will understand how rockets work and see them shoot...

Tuff Nutterz

Venue: Tooting Bec Lido

Website: www.tuffnutterz.co.uk/our-eventsuk

Tuff Nutterz is fun for the whole family. A place to come and relax while the kids have a blast. Measuring 300 metres long, this supersize inflatable maze is packed with 30 fun and challenging obstacles...

Unicorn Weekend at The Bluebell Railway

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Experience the enchantment of unicorns, not only in fairy tales but this weekend at the Bluebell Railway. The exclusive unicorn-themed weekend is ready to add a touch of magic to your journey. Authentic...

Festival of Fairytales

Venue: Garden Museum

Website: www.gardenmuseum.org.uk

Children will be free to explore the Festival of Fairytales and enjoy pop-up performers, creative arts workshops, live storytelling and theatrical performances, or get their hands dirty exploring the power...

Discovery Days: Peter Pan

Venue: Hyde Park

Website: www.royalparks.org.uk

Help to uncover the treasure in the centre of Hyde Park. Drop in anytime between 11am-3pm to take part in a variety of activities including a pirate orienteering challenge, making your own nest boat, build...

Polka Puppet Summer School

Venue: Polka Theatre

Website: www.polkatheatre.com

Go and learn about different styles of puppetry in this 3-day puppet-making summer school. Explore, play and perform your own puppet show stories in front of family and friends. Suitable for ages 5-8 years....

Family Theatre: The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

Venue: Morden Hall Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park

Quantum Theatre is bringing Morden Hall Park a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved tale — The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. This charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why...

Creation Family Fun: Nature Tales

Venue: Westminster Abbey

Website: www.westminster-abbey.org

Step back in time to the medieval walled garden to begin your journey into this story safari. Join some of London’s leading yarn spinners and hear beastly bygone tales, make art inspired by creative...

Bat Walk

Venue: Morden Hall Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park/events

Enjoy a walk around the park after dark as you look and listen for bats. Learn about bats and borrow a bat detector to hear their calls and see if you can spot them fluttering above. Suitable for ages...

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

Venue: Rose Theatre

Website: www.rosetheatre.org

Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book…Based on...

The Selfish Giant

Venue: Puppet Theatre Barge

Website: www.puppetbarge.com

Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant is brought to life in this beautiful adaptation by James Boswell. Performed with great skill and humour using marionettes (string puppets), what better place than The...

Charity Model Train and Toy Fair

Venue: Falconwood Community Centre

Website: www.bexleych.wixsite.com/bexley-charities-78/toy-and-train-fair

There will be sales stands with new and pre-enjoyed model railways (Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol, Farish, Fleishmann); spare parts; books; stamps; Sci-fi; Tinplate, die-cast vehicles (Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox...

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival 2024

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.festival.org/gdif-2024

GDIF is back this Summer with FREE outdoor theatre, dance, circus and installations. Discover theatre on the shore of the Thames, an eight-hour aerial performance on top of a melting block of ice, dance...

Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase

Venue: Southbank Centre

Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Join this joyful, energetic spectacle of young people dancing and playing steel pans, brass, woodwind and drums, in this celebration of music and connection. 7pm. Free.

Walkies at Wisley

Venue: RHS Garden Wisley

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Visit RHS Garden Wisley this International Dog Day for a special Walkies at Wisley with your four-legged friend. The garden is open from 6pm–8pm so you can explore the outdoor areas with your canine...

Ministry of Science Live! Science Saved The World

Venue: Rose Theatre

Website: www.rosetheatre.org

Over the last few years Science has led the way in getting our lives back to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! Join them and look at how science shapes...

Family Bat Walk

Venue: Hall Place and Gardens

Website: www.hallplace.org.uk/event/family-bat-walk-4

Join this dusk walk through the gardens to hear and see these nocturnal creatures. Bat detector supplied. Followed by tea and cake. Dress for the weather and for walking over uneven ground. £14 adult,...