Jump into summer with a jam-packed programme of events and attractions in South Bank these school holidays!
From family-friendly shows and interactive activities to exploring attractions such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall, there's plenty to keep the kids busy.
Read our guide to great family-friendly activities coming up in South Bank this summer and make it a summer holiday to remember....
Until 30 July at National Theatre
Adapted by Nick Stafford and featuring ground-breaking puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, War Horse has won more than 25 major awards, including the Tony Award for ‘Best Play’, and has been seen by over 8.8 million people worldwide. A timeless story of love, courage and friendship, this play is quite simply a magical theatre experience that's perfect for your big family theatre experience. Suitable for kids aged 10+.
30 July to 16 Aug at Queen Elizabeth Hall
Bringing some fantastic family fun to the Southbank Centre this summer is this new musical based on the hit children’s book series Dog Man, about a crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man and ALL HERO! With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime… and chew on the furniture. Dive into the epic musical adventure of Dog Man, featuring the hilarity and heart of author Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. Suitable for kids aged 5+.
Tue 25 Aug at Royal Festival Hall
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 and bubbles galore….and of course, a CBeebies Bedtime Story. The must-see family show is produced by the team behind CBeebies House and CBeebies Bedtime Stories, and directed by CBeebies superstar, Justin Fletcher. Tickets from £20.
London is one of the best places to enjoy world-class immersive experiences and interactive adventures, and some of the city's most famous attractions are located right here in South Bank. To avoid disappointment it is highly recommended that you book your tickets for these experiences online in advance.
Join Paddington Bear and the Brown family for a very special day out!
Step into Paddington’s world at this official immersive theatrical experience at County Hall. The journey begins with the hustle and bustle of Paddington Station from where you'll be whisked away on a marmalade-themed adventure. The experience promises numerous themed rooms to explore, interactive games, abundant character interactions, and lots of surprises along the way.
Wonders of the marine world at one of the UK's best aquariums
Dive in and explore an underwater world of glittering scales, waddling feet and razor-sharp teeth at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. There's everything from a face-to-face encounter with sharks to meeting turtles, making this a super exciting day out for any youngsters with an interest in marine life.
A fun immersive adventure for fairytale fans
Shrek’s Adventure! London is one of London's biggest child-orientated immersive experiences. See, hear, touch and smell the action by exploring 12 fairytale-themed live shows, collecting the special ingredients you need in order to make it home safely from this fairytale world of the Far Far Away.
Gruesome storytelling and thrilling underground rides
See, hear, feel and smell the chillingly amusing characters of ye olde London as they come to life through 19 interactive shows and two underground rides at this wildly entertaining walk-through experience. This one's a fun day out for teenagers with a stomach for gruesome tales and stomach-churning rides, all themed around the darker moments of London's colourful history.
Break out of prison in this Guy Fawkes-themed escape room
The exciting new Escape Room at The London Dungeon sees visitors locked in the Tower of London and left with just 60 minutes to escape the cell and avoid the hangman’s noose… It's the ultimate escape room adventure with fiendish clues and puzzles and some tricky physical elements. Taking things up another level, this is also the UK’s only escape room that includes a ride! The experience is recommended for players aged 12+.
Set sail on a full-throttle speedboat tour of the Thames
Jet off down the river and London's most adrenaline-thumping tour with the Thames Rocket speedboat. The 50 minute Ultimate London Adventure experience heads out from the London Eye pier for a spin down the river passing all the biggest sights. Once at Tower Bridge the speedboat kicks up a gear for a full-speed 35mph surge down to the river bends to London's Docklands. There are no age restrictions although an adult must accompany children under 14.
Parks, playgrounds, fountains and beaches - there are plenty of places to let the kids run off some steam. Pack a picnic, pick up a takeaway at one of the many chains such as LEON, Pret, Gail's or M&S or grab a bite from one of this summer's many street food trucks along the Queen's Walk.
Cool down this summer at Southbank Centre's dancing fountain installation.
This always popular summer installation sees different fountains switched on and off at unpredictable intervals, creating watery ‘rooms’ that kids will love to explore. Your kids will inevitably get completely drenched running in and out of the fountain, so be sure to bring some dry clothes and a towel. The Appearing Rooms pop up on the Riverside Terrace in front of the entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The fountains are switched on Wed-Sun from 10am until 31 Aug (depending on the weather).
The ideal place to let the kids run off some steam
Take a pit stop at the Jubilee Gardens adventure playground at the foot of the London Eye. Refurbished in 2022 with large-scale new installations designed to let young imaginations run wild, there's also lots of sensory play and fun games that reference local London icons. The adventure playground caters for all children from toddlers to age 11 and also has accessible areas that allow children with disabilities to also join in the fun.
Buskers, carousels and beach walks along London's famous riverside promenade
Where else in Central London can you confidently let the kids run around without fear of busy roads? The wide pedestrianised Queen’s Walk stretches from Lambeth Bridge to Blackfriars and beyond, serving up brilliant views all along the way. Stop for a selfie with Big Ben by Westminster Bridge, let the kids enjoy a ride on the old-fashioned merry-go-round, and when the tides are out step down onto Ernie's Beach for a spot of mudlarking.
A lesser-known South Bank park with a great kids playground
South Bank’s largest but perhaps least known park is tucked away between the St Thomas' Hospital and the Lambeth Palace, less than 10 minutes walk from the London Eye. In addition to a small community garden and whimsical public art pieces the park boasts an excellent children's playground, as well as ping pong tables (don't forget to bring your own bats and balls). There are also tennis courts available for hire if you fancy a match.
There's more to family days out in the city than sightseeing! From bowling and board games to boules and karaoke, here are some ideas for making memories this summer holidays that are ideal for families tweens and teens who enjoy getting competitive.
Keep the kids busy on a rainy day at this quirky board games bar
London’s original board games bar Draughts, located inside the famous Leake Street graffiti tunnel, is the ideal spot to wile away a rainy afternoon in South Bank. There are more than 1,000 different board games to choose from, covering every possible interest, meaning even the fussiest kids will never be bored, plus dedicated kids food menus.
Treat the kids to a karaoke party at The Sidings
London’s favourite karaoke bar brand Lucky Voice has a branch at The Sidings next to Waterloo Station. If you have teens and tweens (the experience is recommended for kids 11+) who are big pop music fans, then booking a karaoke room for the family can be a super fun way to pass an afternoon - especially if London's famously fickle weather is playing up! Available Sun-Fri from opening to 6pm - and on Mon-Wed afternoons throughout the school holidays - you can book a room for two hours of singing, shouting and letting that inner popstar run free.
Fun and games for all the family at London's biggest bar
London’s biggest bar, the epic BrewDog Waterloo at The Sidings at Waterloo Station is a great stop for families with duckpin bowling lanes and an awesome slide that takes you down from the bar’s upper level to the ground floor. There's a great value kid’s menu and kids eat for free with every adult meal during the summer school holidays. For dessert the indoor ice-cream van is irresistible!
Book a lane for a family game of boules
Boulebar is South Bank's home of all things petanque. The dedicated open-air boules club is located behind the National Theatre next to Waterloo Bridge. Kids are welcome on the courts up until 6pm and booking costs from £13 per player for 90 minutes on the court.
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day out sightseeing in South Bank.
