South Bank London

Easter holiday fun for families


From magical stage shows to free events, hands-on museum visits and immersive experiences, there are plenty of fun activities for all the family happening in South Bank during the Easter holidays. For ideas on where to eat out with the kids, see our family-friendly dining guide.

Half-price family tickets at Florence Nightingale Museum

WHEN: OPEN TUE–SUN (CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND GOOD FRIDAY)
This Easter the museum is launching a new family activity pack and museum trail that brings the exhibits to life for kids through interactive games, puzzles, challenges and quizzes. Even better yet throughout the school holidays the museum is offering half-price entrance for families. To claim your £15 family ticket (valid for 2 adults and up to 4 kids), use the code family2024 when booking online. Find out more here.

Plastic Drastic Fantastic

WHEN: SAT 6 APR & SUN 7 APR AT 11:30AM & 2:30PM 
Drawing on South Asian dance, this contemporary dance theatre work for families at the Southbank Centre explores the wonders and woes of plastics - from the fantastic possibilities they offer to their drastic consequences on the environment. A thought-provoking, non-verbal dance show recommended for kids aged 7+. Use our discount code EASTERDANCE at the online checkout to get tickets for just £8!

Paddington bear wearing a blue coat and red hat, carries a small dog and suitcase while riding down an escalator on the London underground

Paddington Film in Concert

WHEN: SAT 30 MAR AT 2PM & 5:30PM
Marmalade sandwiches at the ready! Watch the original 2014 Paddington film on a giant HD screen, as the London Concert Orchestra plays Nick Urata’s calypso-infused score live at the Royal Festival Hall. A brilliant introduction to live orchestral music for all the family.

The Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remixed

WHEN: SUN 7 APR 12PM–6PM
Take part in Street Dance the Maypole, creating ripples and breaks around a bespoke, ribboned, 12-foot freestanding maypole installed on the Southbank Centre’s Riverside Terrace. Learn a funky routine to live music and enjoy high-energy live DJ sets from Guava Jamz. Entrance is Free.

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

WHEN: WED 3 APR–SUN 7 APR AT 11AM, 2PM & 4.30PM
From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, this award-winning show is back on tour, coming to the Southbank Centre directly from the West End. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik, the supernatural Baku, the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think), an adorable Unicorn and a majestic Griffin.

Robot Dreams

WHEN: 24 MAR– 4 APR
Spanish director Pablo Berger's wondrous animated film Robot Dreams is coming to the BFI Southbank. Told entirely without dialogue it is a joyful and surprisingly moving story of a dog who becomes best friends with a robot, that is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Also look out for special family screenings of Wonka and The Boy and The Heron.

In the Spring Garden

WHEN: WED 3 APR FROM 11AM
Suitable for kids aged 3+ celebrate the start of spring with activities and exploration in the Southbank Centre’s blooming Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden. Drop in and celebrate spring as the garden comes to life again with drop-in artist-led activities and pop-up performances.

The Wiggly Wild Show at Garden Museum

WHEN: THU 11 APR AT 11AM
The Wiggly Wild Show is part of the Garden Museum's regular Branch Out programme of free events. Get up close to some giant minibeasts including millipedes, Madagascan cockroaches and even dragons! The drop-in session starts from 11am and although booking is not required it is advised to arrive early as the sessions run on a first come first served basis. Entrance is free.

National Theatre family tours

WHEN: TOURS ON MON, WED, SAT AT 11AM FROM 1–13 APR
Throughout the Easter holidays (from 1-13 April) you can book to join a special guided tour of the National Theatre designed especially for children aged 7 to 11. The tour includes the chance to visit either the Olivier or Lyttelton theatres, as well as the theatre workshops, wardrobe and props spaces with plenty of theatrical interactive opportunities for the kids along the way. Prior booking is highly recommended.

An Egg-cellent Onion Adventure

WHEN: 29 MAR–15 APR
Don’t miss your chance to meet the one and only Muffin Man, as he whips up a batch of his famous hot cross buns, and join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and their pals for a fairytale adventure that includes 12 interactive fairytale-themed shows. In celebration of the Easter holidays visitors to Shrek’s Adventure! will also have the chance to join in a fun ‘Easter onion hunt’ across the attraction.

Duckpin bowling at BrewDog Waterloo

Throughout the school holidays, kids eat for free at BrewDog Waterloo (book online with the code KIDS EAT FREE- EASTER to redeem the offer). While you are there you can also keep the kids busy with a game or two of duckpin bowling at the bar's bowling lanes. Smaller pins, lighter balls and shorter lanes make for a fast and fun game that's super quick and easy to get the hang of.

Easter at The London Dungeon

WHEN: OPEN DAILY
Hop over to the dark side at the London Dungeon this Easter, where the hunt for thrills takes on a sinister spin. Uncover unsettling ‘tails’ of London’s darkest past. Take the plunge on the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and come face-to-face with spine-chilling historic characters including Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett herself… who may just have a few hot cross buns of her own to share.

A board games bonanza at Draughts

Located in the colourful Leake Street graffiti tunnel, Draughts is South Bank's very own dedicated board games bar. From Connect 4 and Dobble to stone cold classics like Cluedo and Monopoly they stock every board game you could possibly think of - and then some (there are said to be 1000+ games in stock!).

Seahorse Hotel at SEA LIFE London Aquarium

WHEN: 29 MAR–14 APR
Throughout the Easter holidays, the aquarium hosts the special Seahorse Hotel activation. SEA LIFE is on a mission to help seahorses continue to live safely in our oceans and all the family are invited to help take part by solving puzzles and challenges and learning all about the underwater world of these amazing creatures (all Seahorse Hotel activities are included in the entrance price).

The London Dungeon Escape Room 

Break out of prison and avoid the hangman's noose in this exciting Guy Fawkes-themed escape room. Locked in prison, you and your crew have just 60 minutes to escape the cell by solving fiendish clues and puzzles, including some tricky physical elements. Taking things up another level, this is the UK’s only escape room that also has a ride! The experience is recommended for players aged 12+.

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