HomeUK Travel46 issues to do at Could half-term in London...

46 issues to do at Could half-term in London with children


With summer time on the horizon and (hopefully) some solar, you’re at all times spoiled for alternative with issues to do at Could half-term in London with children – particularly as vacation dates stretch into early June this 12 months. UPDATED 2024

Tower Bridge seen against a blue sky with pink blossom in the foreground - the best things to do at May half-term in London with kids

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In London, half-term runs from Could 25-June 2, together with financial institution vacation Monday on Could 27 – anticipate town to be busy on the primary weekend particularly.

However from the large museums to locations to get outdoor, particular occasions and exhibitions, I’ve picked a number of the greatest days out at Could half-term in London with children.

The Paddington Bear Expertise

Paddington followers have a brand new deal with to look ahead to for 2024, with the launch of the Paddington Bear Expertise within the County Corridor constructing on London’s South Financial institution.

The immersive expertise opens on Could 31, and travels by means of London to assist Paddington and the Browns put together for the Marmalade Day competition. Visiting Paddington Station, Windsor Gardens and even Darkest Peru, there’ll be a lot of interactive enjoyable for teenagers – plus the possibility to munch on a marmalade sandwich.

The expertise lasts round 70 minutes, with additional time to benefit from the Marmalade Day celebrations, in addition to visiting Mr Gruber’s store – or a variation on it! – to select up some souvenirs.

My daughter points up at the White Tower in the Tower of London with blue skies in the background - there are Coronation themed activities taking place here this May half-term in London with kids

Medieval Mayhem on the Tower of London

It’s time for some Could mayehm with myths, fairytales and even a mini pageant on the Tower of London, as a part of the particular Medieval Mayhem occasions.

Head to the South Garden at1pm and a pair of.30pm day by day for the 15-minute performances (with an additional one at 11am at weekends and faculty holidays) the place medieval Londoners are busy on the brink of serve the Queen.

With a mini pageant lined up concerning the ravens and a magical big, you’re assured enjoyable and a few very memorable tales alongside the best way.

Runs to June 23, included in admission, free for members. Prebooking is suggested.

Tickets with free cancellation can be found from Tiqets, with a reduction when you e-book by means of this hyperlink utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for the Tower of London and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for a visit to the Tower of London with kids, only 99p'

Reptile file breakers at London Zoo

May you soar additional than a frog? Or slither sooner than a snake? London Zoo is celebrating the opening of its new exhibit, The Secret Lifetime of Reptiles and Amphibians this Could, with additional household pleasant actions.

In addition to studying extra concerning the record-breaking strengths of most of the reptiles and amphibians inside, guests are being challenged to see how they match up.

Then, on the primary garden behind the brand new exhibit, you possibly can take a look at your individual expertise with a collection of enjoyable video games, operating from Could 25 to June 2. Included in zoo entry which should be prebooked.

Birds: Sensible and Weird on the Pure Historical past Museum

If reptiles are taking centre stage at London zoo, it’s time for birds to step into the highlight on the Pure Historical past Museum, with their new exhibition opening simply in time for half-term.

Birds: Sensible and Weird appears at how birds have developed over historical past, the secrets and techniques to their success and their shocking (and sometimes stunning) ways to outlive.

Exterior of the National History Museum in South Kensington - the Titanosaur exhibition is one of the best things to do at May half-term in London with kids

There’s loads of interactive enjoyable, together with swirling round with a murmuration, chirping to the daybreak refrain and sniffing a pungent seabird egg – when you’re courageous sufficient.

It’s also possible to meet the oldest trendy chook on the planet, discover out what a pigeon has in widespread with T-Rex, and extra about a number of the 11,000 species alive at the moment – which do every part from present the soundtrack to our mornings to ones which suck blood or bathe in acid…

Opens Could 24 and runs to January 5, 2025. Tickets price £16.50 for adults and £9.95 for teenagers, together with skip-the-queue entry to the museum. Prebooking is strongly beneficial.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for London's iconic sights and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for finding some of the iconic sights of London with kids, only 99p'

Cruise alongside the Thames

See a number of the largest sights in London from the water, with an amazing deal on Metropolis Cruises boat excursions.

Get 50% off grownup and little one 24-hour river move tickets when you e-book earlier than Could 24 utilizing the code welcome50. It’s also possible to get 20% off utilizing code CC20, which is legitimate till the top of 2024. The low cost applies to sightseeing boat cruises. Take a look at the full set of Thames cruises and experiences to e-book.

One of the City Cruises boats on the Thames in London with the Shard and HMS Belfast in the background - one of the best boat trips in London with kids

Youngsters Rule! quest at Eltham Palace

English Heritage’s Youngsters Rule at Eltham Palace is again once more for Could half-term in London, with loads of video games and household enjoyable and an opportunity to satisfy Anne and George Boleyn.

When you’ve discovered all about courtly etiquette, have a go at Tudor dancing or strive your hand at writing poetry as you uncover extra about Anne’s rise within the Tudor Courtroom.

There’s a lot extra to find at Eltham Palace past the Tudor Queen – strive on some Nineteen Thirties garments inside Virginia Courtaulds’ wardrobe, take shelter within the wartime bunker within the basement, and uncover extra concerning the homeowners pet lemur. There’s additionally the picket out of doors play space and the bottom of the lavish home to find.

Runs from Could 25-June 2, save 15% on entry when you prebook tickets. Free for English Heritage members.

View across West India Dock on our visit to the Museum of London Docklands with kids - there are a string of free trails to enjoy this May half-term in London with kids

Trendy enjoyable on the Museum of London Docklands

It’s time to unleash your artistic aspect on the Museum of London Docklands this Could half-term with a string of household workshops and actions impressed by all issues modern.

Be impressed by the Style Metropolis exhibition to brighten some 70s-inspired clothes on the Style with flares craft exercise, from Could 25-June 2. The free drop-in periods happen at 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm. Or you will get arms on with objects from the style archives all through half-term week too.

Strike a pose your self on Could 28 and 30 on the purple carpet trend present, take pleasure in immersive storytelling from Sadie the seamstress on Could 28-30, create a pom pom on Could 31, whereas little ones may also get arms utilizing supplies for dance and play.

There are a string of othertaking place over the vacations on the Museum of London Docklands too, from interactive storytelling to creating pom pom equipment and stitching your individual patch on varied dates from April 3-12.

Some occasions want free tickets, so examine on arrival. There’s no cost for entry to the museum itself both – excellent when you’re in search of free issues to do at Could half-term in London with children.

Image showing a graphic of the London Eye on the Essential Guide to London with kids ebook cover, and the words 'click to buy my 33-page guide to London. Itineraries, tips and all you need to know before a visit to London with kids' linking to my the London with kids shop page

Routes and Roundels on the London Transport Museum

Consider the London underground and also you’ll instantly image its iconic roundel brand – and this Could half-term on the London Transport Museum, you possibly can uncover extra about its historical past with the Routes and Roundels occasions going down.

Greater than 100 years after it was launched as a easy platform identify board, you’ll discover the image on every part from bus stops to cycle rent docking stations and uniforms in addition to tube stations.

And there’ll be a string of actions operating from Could 25-June 4 impressed by the historical past – hunt out the historic roundels hidden across the museum galleries, with some fascinating information to find, or craft your individual design throughout weekday periods. At weekends, there’ll even be storytelling aimed toward children below 7.

There’s additionally the same old alternative to climb aboard classic tube trains, learn to drive a contemporary Elizabeth line prepare, head to the All Aboard play zone, and take a look at extra about London’s transport historical past.

Get a reduction on entry to the London Transport Museum when you e-book by way of tiqets utilizing my code, MUMMYTRAVELS6.

View of some of the vintage vehicles in the main hall of the London Transport Museum - there are activities at London Transport Museum if you're looking for things to do at May half-term in London with kids

Household path on the Royal Mews

There’s a brand new path on the Royal Mews this Could half-term, in addition to crafts actions for households to throughout durung their go to,

In addition to seeing a number of the historic carriages utilized by the Royal Household, together with the 260-year-old Gold State Coach, which took the King and Queen again to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey after the Coronation, children can sit in a duplicate carriage, tack up a picket pony and gown up in livery.

Alongside the best way, the Mews Meander path will problem households to identify all of the horse cut-outs dotted round, in addition to sharing a number of quirky information concerning the Mews. There are additionally crafts on Could 26 and 27.

The path is accessible from Could 25-27 and Could 30-June 2, whereas the crafts happen from 11am to 3pm on Could 26 and 27, on a drop-in foundation and are included within the value of admission.

A snapshot in time at The King’s Gallery

Head to the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace for a royally good Could half-term time out, with household actions impressed by the present exhibition, Royal Portraits: A Century of Royal Pictures.

Be impressed by Queen Alexandra, herself a eager photographer, and create a photograph collage utilizing photos from her personal album – something from adorning a fan, or creating an image of Buckingham Palace.

A Snapshot in Time is free with admission and runs on Could 31 and June 1. The drop-in exercise takes place from 11am to 3pm each days, no must prebook.

Meet the characters on the Cutty Sark in Greenwich

Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is internet hosting a lot of family-friendly occasions to assist maintain children entertained this Could half-term. 

Households can meet vibrant character actors from Cutty Sark’s previous all through the vacations, get busy designing boats and construct your individual ship, in addition to listening to sea shanties being carried out. The occasions are all included in entry, however happen on totally different dates from Could 25-June 2 so examine earlier than you go to if you wish to do one thing specific.

There’s a reduction on tickets for the Cutty Sark when you e-book by means of my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6

View of the Cutty Sark clipper ship in Greenwich - there are extra activities like All Hands on Deck if you're looking for things to do at May half-term in London with kids

Could half-term on the Nationwide Maritime Museum

Get impressed by engineers on the Nationwide Maritime Museum this Could half-term, with a string of themed actions, impressed by well-known folks and far-flung locations.

You can create your individual marble runs impressed by the best way Marshall Islanders navigate, or find out about stone buildings world wide (in addition to making your individual), in addition to being impressed by Inuit know-how, indigenous musical devices and even climate-friendly houses within the desert.

Or there’s additionally an interactive musical storytelling session concerning the life and innovations of Britain’s most well-known nineteenth century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

There’s a unique exercise every day, so examine earlier than you go to if you wish to do one thing specific. All rthe drop-in occasions all free, and happen from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm from Could 26-June 2.

When you’re in Greenwich, there are extra free occasions at the Queen’s Home, the place you could be impressed by architects and design your individual palace

Horrible Histories at Hampton Courtroom Palace

Hampton Courtroom Palace is filled with Rotten Royal this half-term, with a collection of particular new Horrible Histories performances from Could 25 to June 1.

With revolting rulers and monstrous monarchs, from a date with Edward I to a hard-partying Queen Victoria, to not point out an entire string of different loopy characters from centuries previous, the hour-long open-air performances happen at 12 midday and 3pm every day.

Tickets should be prebooked and are separate from palace entry, though you will get discounted entry to discover the palace and grounds. You possibly can rent cushions when you don’t need to sit on the grass (or deliver your individual – no folding chairs allowed although),

View up to the ornate clock on one of the towers at Hampton Court Palace - there will be special Jubilee Jousts taking place in the gardens for a great days out at May half-term in London with kids

Discovery Day at Hyde Park

Get outdoors with the household and join with nature this Could half-term on the Royal Park’s Royal Discovery Days – this 12 months, themed round Time Travellers.

Head to Hyde Park between Could 28-30 for the drop-in periods going down between 11am and 3pm, with quite a lot of actions to strive.

You possibly can meet Queen Victoria, design your individual park of the longer term, strive your hand at calligraphy or create a plant print. Free, no must prebook.

My daughter walks across the wild walk ropes course at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes - the Survival Week activities are great for a day out at May half-term in London with kids

Bing’s Nature Explorers at WWT London Wetland Centre

Drop by the WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes to find out about nature and wildlife with a bit assist from Bing and his associates.

Bing and Flop might be encouraging younger guests to turn into a Nature Explorer, with exercise trails, storytelling and an opportunity to satisfy a number of the characters from the youngsters’ TV present.

With challenges to finish, information to be taught and a sticker for many who tick all of it off, there’s a lot to maintain little ones entertained, together with interactive storytelling at weekends and through faculty holidays, plus mini reveals from operating till June 2.

There are indoor and out of doors play areas too to maintain everybody entertained. All actions included in admission (or free for WWT members).

Verify out a few of our adventures at WWT Barnes, the London Wetland Centre with children

Robin Hood at Morden Corridor Park

Morden Corridor Park has a number of household actions operating over half-term, beginning with the weekend of wildlife earlier than some interactive theatre.

Head to the Rose Backyard the place you’ll want to assist rescue Robin Hood from the evil Sir Man of Gisborne, with challenges to strive plus riddles and puzzles to unravel – will you be in time to save lots of him?

Takes place between 11am and 4.30pm on Could 29-31, with the hourly performances beginning each half-hour. Tickets for the Shadow Highway Productions performances price £12.50 for youngsters, £3.50 for adults.

Geared toward age 4+ and prebooking is beneficial. Entry to Morden Corridor Park itself is free.

At sister Nationwide Belief property Osterley Home, there’s additionally the Little Individuals Massive Desires path, with tales of trailblazers and dreamers who’ve made a huge impact on the planet to encourage children. Runs to June 18, included in admission.

View of the grounds at Morden Hall park, where the National Trust property bee quest trail is a great option if you're looking for things to do at May half-term in London with kids

Chelsea in bloom

With a lot going down in London throughout Could, it might be straightforward to miss the RHS Chelsea Flower Present, operating in direction of the top Could and overlapping with the beginning of half-term.

Free to go to, you possibly can catch the very finish of this competition of flowers on Could 25 and 26, with the retailers, eating places and lodges in Chelsea all breaking out the blooms to compete within the floral artwork present. This 12 months’s Chelsea in Bloom theme is Floral Feasts.

Household workshops at Chelsea Physic Backyard

The favored household chocolate workshop is again at Chelsea Physic Backyard this Could half-term, in addition to two different enjoyable household actions.

Appropriate for youngsters 5+, the workshop on Could 27 will train them how cacao beans develop and the way they’re made into chocolate, in addition to letting children design their very own chocolate treats with a collection of herbs, flavourings, and spices.

Or head to the Pleasant Bugs Meet and Greet on Could 28 or uncover Bushy Flowers and Fuzzy Crops on Could 30. Have to be prebooked, ticket costs differ.

Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank in London, a recreation of the original Elizabethan theatre - there are various workshops and events taking place this May half-term for kids in London

Shakespeare’s Globe Household Workshops

For an interactive and academic approach to get your children within the works of William Shakespeare, be a part of the Globe’s Household Workshops this Could half-term in London.

Led by a number of the theatre’s proficient actors, lecturers, and administrators, these sensible workshops will discover the language, characters, and themes of the performs in quite a lot of partaking actions and video games. They’re the right approach to introduce little ones to one of many world’s most iconic playwrights.

With a number of performs to select from – together with Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night time’s Dream – and choices for various age teams (5-8 and 9-12), it’s straightforward to tailor to your children. 

The Globe’s household storytelling periods are one other nice Could half-term exercise in London for teenagers, aimed toward age 5-12, plus there’s a sword-fighting and dressing demonstrations operating throughout half-term too. Have to be pre-booked, dates differ with workshop tickets priced £10.

Meet the crew of the Golden Hinde

Head aboard The Golden Hinde – the reproduction of Sir Francis Drake’s ship on the Thames close to London Bridge – the place there’s an opportunity to meet the crew.

Three totally different crew members, the Pilot, the Gunner and the Barber Surgeon will discuss you thru what life was like aboard a Tudor ship, in addition to supplying you with a short coaching to do their job as you find out about The Golden Hinde’s journey.

Operating all through the day from Could 27-June 2 (excluding Could 30), the three mixed talks final 45 minutes though you possibly can drop out and in in addition to having time to discover the Tudor galleon. Included in ticket value

These talks are included within the ticket value. After the crew talks you possibly can proceed to discover the ship at your individual tempo.

Or older children will love Escape from The Golden Hinde. The escape room introduces you to the 2 histories of the ship – the unique one which sailed in 1577, and the reconstruction constructed within the Nineteen Seventies.

Gamers have an hour to unravel the puzzles, with half-term periods on Could 25-26. 30-31 and June 1-2. Geared toward children aged 10+ though youthful ages may also participate.

Take a look at my evaluation of Escape from the Golden Hinde

A replica of the Golden Hinde, the galleon which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world in, docked in London - the new Escape Room is a great day out at May half-term in London with kids

Dinosaur rEvolution on the Horniman Museum

The most effective issues to do in London for Easter with youthful kids is to pay a go to to the Horniman Museum, for the Dinosaur rEvolution exhibition.

Asking questions on what dinosaurs actually seemed like – maybe we must be imagining T-rex with feathers moderately than the same old greens and browns, and asks whether or not they had been higher off having horns, spikes and even quills!

There are 5 giant animatronic fashions, an opportunity to see casts of fossil skeletons and skulls and even some touchable graphics, to not point out dress-up and video games.

Entry to the Horniman Museum is free, however tickets to Dinosaur rEvolution prices £9 for adults, £6 for youngsters (free for under-threes). Runs to November 3.

The museum’s pure historical past gallery is quickly closed however the aquarium, butterfly home and gardens are additionally open to discover. There’s additionally a Flower Energy rave with Massive Fish Little Fish on Could 25

Display of uniforms at the Postal Museum, which is also running special Easter activities in London for kids

 Dressed to Ship on the Postal Museum

Channel your inside designer on the Postal Museum this Could, with a crafts impressed by the particular exhibition Dressed to Ship.

The exhibition itself is operating till September 2024, however there are some particular actions to let children get arms on as properly, whether or not you fancy designing a sustainable metropolis or remodel cardboard into your individual creation impressed by postal innovations from the previous.

Classes are drop-in, so no must prebook, however it’s first come first served, so you should definitely get to the museum early.

Included within the commonplace museum ticket – get a reduction when you e-book by means of my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Sensible Banknotes on the Financial institution of England Museum

When you’re in search of free issues to do throughout Could half-term in London, head over to the Financial institution of England Museum the place their household actions are impressed by banknotes.

Operating from Could 29-30, you possibly can design your very personal good banknote at one of many free drop-in workshops, operating from 10.30am to three.30pm .

There are additionally free trails to assist discover the museum, together with an I Spy path for below 5s plus choices for older children together with teenagers.

The historic red building of the V&A around the garden - the Hallyu exhibition is one of the great options this May half-term in London with kids

Household workshops on the V&A

Get impressed by images on the household workshops on the V&A in South Kensington this Could half-term.

There are three separate workshops, all free, centered round digicam and images. Construct your individual paper digicam impressed by the early days of images at Artful Cameras earlier than seeing it by means of augmented actuality to find it in motion.

Or for teenagers aged 5+, be a part of artist Sian Fan to create a paper outfit that’s half sculpture and half costume, impressed by the V&A’s images assortment, or strive Experiments in Pictures, creating pictures utilizing supplies, instruments and expertise from early images to the fashionable day.

Entry to the museum can be free. The workshops run from Could 29-31, from 11-4pm.

Household actions on the Nationwide Gallery

The Nationwide Gallery is celebrating its 2 hundredth anniversary in 2024, with an entire string of occasions for households this Could half-term.

With every part from putting gold (in artwork) and sensory enjoyable with loads of probability to get arms on and play, it’s a good way to deliver artwork to life for youthful children

The totally different occasions happen on Could 29 and 30, with drop-in periods between 11am and 4pm. Entry to the museum and the assorted actions is free, however numbers are restricted and it’s first come, first served.

The exterior of the National Gallery in London, seen from Trafalgar Square against a blue sky - my ultimate guide to London's museums and tips for London museums with toddlers and kids

Time Journey Membership on the Nationwide Archives

An ideal time out for teenagers who love historical past, the Time Journey Membership on the Nationwide Archives in Kew features a collection of household actions from crafts to the possibility to see a number of the assortment’s unique data.

This Could half-term, there’s an opportunity to make a journey to the Victorian seaside on Could 28 (for age 5-7), impressed by paperwork from the archive, in addition to discovering out if Victorians actually did love the circus on Could 30 (for age 8-11).

Add in crafts with the Time Journey Craft Membership on the identical dates and the Musical Archive household day on June 2, and there’s a lot to maintain everybody amused. Tickets price £2-5, prebooking strongly beneficial.

Second World Struggle week on the Royal Air Pressure Museum

Uncover all concerning the RAF and life in the course of the Forties, culminating within the D-Day Weekend on the RAF Museum London this Could half-term.

The Second World Struggle week features a tour of one of many hangars, as a part of the eightieth anniversary of D-Day (aimed toward age 8+, prebook tickets) in addition to a brand new free path voiced by Woof Commander Antis the Canine and Flight Lieutenant Percy the Parachuting Penguin!

Runs from Could 25-June 2. Entry to the museum is free, though there’s a price for the particular excursions.

Planes on display in one of the hangars at the Royal Air Force museum in London, which is holding its Second World War week this May half-term in London

Water wonders at London Museum of Water & Steam

For probably the most uncommon days out in London with children, head to the little Museum of Water & Steam in Brentford, west London, the place you possibly can take pleasure in some totally moist enjoyable throughout Could half-term.

There are guided museum excursions each weekday afternoon at 1pm with an opportunity to be taught concerning the historical past of London’s water (restricted house, add your identify to the sign-up record while you arrive) in addition to drop-in crafting within the waterworks gallery all week.

Or be a part of the Cyanotype Workshop each weekday at 11, making art work utilizing the facility of the solar and water (climate dependent, might be cancelled in rain or sturdy wind). Plus the water wheel might be operating and the small and huge splash zones will even be open all week.

Tickets price £15 for adults, £5 for youngsters aged 5+, all actions included in entry.

The Monumental Crocodile at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre 

Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, of the grasping crocodile who’s decided to snack on unsuspecting kids, has been tailored as a musical with puppets and equally tasty tunes this half-term.

As the opposite jungle creatures try to foil his secret plans and intelligent tips, there’s simply the proper stability of enjoyable and thrills for teenagers, to see if the crocodile will get his method or not.

Happening at Regent’s Air Open Air Theatre, The Monumental Crocodile is appropriate for youngsters age 4+. Runs from Could 17-June 8.

The Color of Dinosaurs on the Polka Theatre

There’s an amazing new present coming to the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, with The Color of Dinosaurs operating over Could half-term.

Palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther and a five-strong band enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs in an hour-long present that includes a kaleidoscope of funky music, real-life tales and interesting science.

Geared toward age 6-12, it appears at every part from what color dinosaurs actually had been, to celebrating our personal variations, helped alongside by the crew of neurodivergent and disabled performers bringing the story to life. Runs from Could 11-June 9.

Spot’s Birthday Occasion on the Arts Depot 

Spot th canine is coming to the Arts Depot in North London, in a beautiful manufacturing for youthful theatre-goers, full with a lot of interactive enjoyable.

Spot’s Birthday Occasion is aimed toward children aged 2-5, as Steve the Monkey, Tom the crocodile and Helen the hippo assist to rejoice Spot’s birthday celebration – anticipate occasion hats, dancing and loads of music.

The present lasts 50 minutes, and runs from Could 25-29, with varied reveals at 11am and 2pm.

Extra Could half-term days out with children in London: ongoing

Legion: Life within the Roman Military on the British Museum

The British Museum has partnered with Horrible Histories for its new exhibition, operating till June 23. Legion: Life within the Roman Military, can have a specifically designed Horrible Histories-themed path, plus loads of modifications to get arms on, all led by Rattus – right here often called Claudius Terrattus.

My daughter looks at a colourful figure of a Roman solider in a recreated stone carving at the entrance to the British Museum's new exhibition, Legion: Life in the Roman Army - my Legion exhibition review

Taking youthful guests on his journey of turning into a solider within the Roman Military, it’s an opportunity to be taught a number of the trial and tribulations confronted by those that would have served on the entrance line of the Roman Empire – with all the same old grotesque, gory and stomach-churning historic information you may anticipate.

With family-friendly objects picked out on the best way, in addition to the truth of on a regular basis life for Roman kids in addition to fighters, it’s a extremely enjoyable time out for younger historical past followers this Easter. Free for youngsters below 16 accompanied by a paying grownup.

There are additional free themed actions going down on the museum throughout half-term as properly, together with the possibility to make a mosaic or be a part of a drawing workshop.

Take a look at my evaluation of visiting the British Museum’s Legion exhibition with children in addition to my downloadable mini information to Roman London

Japan: Myths to Manga on the Younger V&A

One other nice choice for teenagers and tweens, the exhibition on the Younger V&A – Japan: Myths to Manga – takes guests on a visit by means of Japanese historical past, plus there are some additional household actions impressed by the reveals.

The exhibition explores how Japan’s folklore and panorama have influenced every part from tradition and design to know-how.

That includes every part from My Neighbour Totoro and the well-known print, Within the Hole of a Wave off the Coast at Kanagawa, to quirky trend and gaming, it’s one of many first main exhibitions on show for the reason that Younger V&A reopened in July.

Prebooking is very beneficial. Tickets price £10 for adults and kids aged 4+, concessions accessible. The household periods run on chosen dates from March 30-April 5, together with clay and origami workshops.

My daugher looks at the Pokemon exhibit in Japan: Myths to Manga exhibition at the Young V&A Museum - one of many fun days out at May half-term in London with kids

The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Expertise

Bear in mind, bear in mind the fifth of November… or moderately than remembering it, how about experiencing it for yourselves? The Gunpowder Plot is an immersive layered actuality expertise wherein you’ll journey again in time and try to cease the notorious plot to explode the Homes of Parliament. 

Appropriate for teenagers aged 12+, the Gunpowder Plot makes use of a mixture of VR know-how, particular results, immersive theatre, and bodily sensations to take you again to London in 1605. 

The expertise takes place within the Tower Vaults, beneath the Tower of London, the place Man Fawkes and his fellow trailers had been imprisoned and tortured after their plan was foiled.

Flip It Up on the Science Museum

When you didn’t have probability to see it but, Flip It Up: The Energy of Music, is now operating till September.

The family-friendly expertise appears at how music impacts us, a number of the strange devices invented over time, in addition to giving guests the possibility to create their very own items.

There’s a separate cost for this occasion (from £10 for adults, £8 for teenagers): entry to the primary museum continues to be free, prebooking suggested throughout half-term.

Take a look at my evaluation of Flip It Up on the Science Museum

Part of the first display of various devices to listen to music at Turn It Up in the Science Museum, London - my Turn It Up review after a day out with kids

Bubble Planet

Head to Wembley for probably the most enjoyable actions in London this Could half-term, at Bubble Planet.

Within the immersive expertise, now prolonged to the top of June, you’ll move by means of themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even strive a scorching air balloon flight simulator, in addition to utilizing VR know-how to take you to a different planet – with all 10 rooms having the widespread theme of bubbles.

For extra issues to do at Wembley Park with children, take a look at my high picks

Frameless

The UK’s largest, everlasting digital artwork exhibition in Marble Arch, Frameless lets children – and massive children – expertise artworks like by no means earlier than.

Set inside a 30,000 sq. foot house, with 4 separate galleries, guests can uncover key moments in artwork historical past, with state-of-the-art projection and movement sensor know-how to deliver to life work from artists together with Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.

The Artwork of the Brick

When you’ve received younger Lego followers, The Artwork of the Brick exhibition is again in London once more for an additional probability to see similar of the unbelievable brick creations – appropriately sufficient at a location on Brick Lane.

Spot every part from a Lego T-Rex nearly 5m tall to artworks recreated in Lego bricks, utilizing a million bricks to construct greater than 100 creations in whole. Plus there’s a play space the place you will get arms on and inventive your self. Presently runs to mid July.

My daughter in one of the immersive rooms at the Korea-themed Delight Art Experience in London

Delight: Media Artwork Exhibition

The pop-up Delight Media Artwork Exhibition close to London Bridge takes you on an immersive whirl by means of Korean historical past and tradition, plus an opportunity to just about step into Seoul – it’s at present because of finish on Could 26, so it’s your final probability to go to.

There are 12 totally different zones utilizing artwork to point out totally different parts of Korean life, from fantasy to extra meditative rooms, together with an app that includes a enjoyable AR path – scan Korean characters to unlock digital candy treats and win a prize.

In all probability greatest for tweens and teenagers, given the worth (although all ages can have enjoyable). Enable round an hour to discover.

Dopamine Land

Don’t miss the possibility to enterprise into Dopamine Land, earlier than it closes in London – now prolonged to June 16.

The multisensory expertise combines media, know-how and play, with a collection of vibrant installations to assist all ages get in contact with their inside little one – and all designed to lift a smile on a gray day.

Twist Museum of Illusions

The illusions at Twist Museum are excellent for a wet day throughout Could half-term in London with children – or a sunny one for that matter.

With over 60 reveals displaying totally different illusions and shows to trick all of your totally different senses, the interactive expertise is enjoyable for all ages. 

Take a look at our evaluation of a go to to Twist Museum London with children.

My daughter inside a room with apparently warped floors and walls at the London Museum of Illusions - a visit is one of many things to do at May half-term in London with kids

Frameless

The UK’s largest, everlasting digital artwork exhibition in Marble Arch, Frameless lets children – and massive children – expertise artworks like by no means earlier than.

Set inside a 30,000 sq. foot house, with 4 separate galleries, guests can uncover key moments in artwork historical past, with state-of-the-art projection and movement sensor know-how to deliver to life work from artists together with Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.

Disney 100: The Exhibition

The exhibition celebration 100 years of Disney is again for a second run at Excel, with the Walt Disney Archives placing a string of unique artworks, costumes, props, memorabilia and extra from its vault of treasures for Disney 100: The Exhibition – now prolonged to June 23.

With 10 themed galleries, together with shows from the earliest classics corresponding to Snow White and the seven Dwarfs to trendy releases together with Encanto, it additionally options Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel.

The 20,000 sq. foot exhibition is healthier for barely older children moderately than little ones who’ll be in search of extra interactive enjoyable and assembly the characters, however it’s unmissable for die-hard Disney followers. Prebooking suggested.

The Tower Bridge Cat e-book path

The Tower Bridge ca interactive path by means of the Tower Bridge exhibition might be operating day by day throughout Could half-term, letting you wander within the pawprints of Tower Bridge Cat Bella.

There’s additionally the possibility to stroll on the well-known glass flooring of the higher degree as you absorb the views, and head into the engine room of London’s most well-known bridge. Maintain a watch out for the particular household craft periods which frequently happen throughout faculty holidays too.

Prebooking tickets is beneficial, and it’s also possible to purchase all of the Tower Bridge Cat books right here, together with an ABC journey that’s excellent for toddlers and pre-schoolers and tales for major faculty age children to take pleasure in.

For extra issues to do round Tower Bridge with children, take a look at my high picks

The Covent Garden map from Treasure Map Trails - one of several options for central London for a cheap day out at May half-term in London with kids

Observe a Treasure Map Path

These pretty vibrant treasure hunt-style maps embody three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you employ the code MUMMYTRAVELS.

A enjoyable approach to discover London with children, the hunts problem you to identify every kind of quirky sights, from indicators and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a enjoyable fantasy design to rework the true life streets.

There’s additionally a lot extra to entertain children throughout Could half-term in London on the typical household sights – take a look at my choose of the perfect 59 issues to do in London with children together with every part from Shrek’s Journey and the Sea Life aquarium to HMS Belfast, the Sky Backyard to the London Dungeon in addition to concepts for a wet day in London and free issues to do in London,

*Up to date 2024*

Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Primary picture/Golden Hinde courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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