Your diary might be packed with after school clubs for your tot, but with the summer holidays around the corner, finding activities for your older kids can be tough. To make things easier, we’ve come up with this fun list of things to do (some of them you might even want to take part in too!)
Up at the o2, London
Fancy viewing London from the clouds, or 52m above the ground to be precise? Up at the o2 now allows children from aged 9 to climb with a parent, so forget that fear of heights and get ready to scale one of London’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll be provided with all the gear you need for the climb, and will be given a full safety demo beforehand.
NWAA's Bubble Rush, Merseyside
Held at Wavertree Park, Liverpool, this fun run is all in the name of raising money for the North West Air Ambulance Charity. Everyone is welcome at the NWAA Bubble Rush event and you can walk, run, toddle or dance through this pushchair and wheelchair-friendly fun run. There’s no age limit and the course is accessible to all so the whole family can take part. Kids will have loads of fun in all the foam and you can do up to two laps of the course.
The Eden Project, Cornwall
From parent toddler clubs, to space themed summer holiday adventures, there really is something for everyone, of every age. What’s more, Cornwall is beautiful if you want to turn it into a longer trip. You can find out more about all the latest events by visiting edenproject.com.
Walk with Dinosaurs in the Isle of Wight
If you’ve got mini explorers on your hands, why not take them to the undisputed dinosaur capital of the UK? The Isle of Wight is one of the top six ‘dinosaur locations’ in the world and there are plenty of fossil tours and guides you can explore.
London Zoo, London
You’re never too old to fall in love with the Zoo. What’s more, this summer there are plenty of events happening for young animal fans, particularly their 'Poo at the Zoo' discovery experience where they can learn all about the fascinating world of wildlife waste. Children under three go in for free, or if you’re a frequent visitor to the zoo, it might be worth investing in a family pass.
Legoland, Windsor
If you haven’t been to Legoland yet, what have you been doing with those bank holiday weekends? Your older kids might pretend to be bored at first, but as soon as they see the Lego cars, they’ll have forgotten that. With plenty of activities for all the family, be sure to read this handy guide beforehand. Little ones under three go in for free.
Highland Safaris, Perthshire, Scotland
If you're exploring up north in the Scottish Highlands, then a Highland Safari is not one to be missed this summer. On this fun excursions, you and your little ones may be lucky enough to see some rare red deer, famous grouse, mountain hare, or even a golden eagle as you travel through forests, mountains, and moors. There's even miniature replicas Land Rovers for little ones of all ages to have a go at on a safe of road course.
Crystal Palace Park Trust, London
Crystal Palace Park is a magical day out for families, blending wide open space with a sense of adventure. Children will love spotting the life-sized dinosaur sculptures hiding among the trees, a true favourite with curious little explorers. With a maze to get lost in, a lovely playground, and even a small farm, there's something for all ages to enjoy. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic, a bit of history, and lots of fresh air fun.
London Transport Museum, London
All aboard for a brilliant family day out! The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is packed with fun, colour and adventure, making it a top pick for kids this summer. Little ones can climb aboard vintage buses, pretend to drive a tube train and explore the mini play zones designed just for them. There is even a dedicated play area for under 7s, perfect for burning off that summer energy.
Tickets are great value for families. Adults pay once (around £24) and get unlimited visits for a whole year, while kids go free. With interactive galleries, a fun stamp trail to follow and plenty of buttons to press, this museum turns learning into a big adventure. Plus, it is just a short walk from Covent Garden’s lovely cafes and street performers, so you can make a whole day of it.
Discover children’s story centre, Stratford London
Step into a world of imagination and book your tikcets at Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford, a magical place where books come to life and little ones become part of the story. Perfect for children aged 0 to 11, this hands-on centre is full of creative play spaces, storytelling sessions and immersive exhibitions inspired by favourite authors.
This summer, kids can crawl through secret tunnels, climb into imaginative play zones and even go on an interactive story trail. It is all designed to spark curiosity, creativity and lots of giggles.
Tickets cost £9.50 for adults and children aged 1 and over, while babies under 12 months go free. Access to the current immersive exhibition is included in the price. It is easy to reach by public transport and has a lovely café for those all-important snack breaks. A dreamy day out for little bookworms and big imaginations.
Warner Bros. studio tour – The making of Harry Potter, Hertfordshire
From walking through the Great Hall to peeking inside the Hogwarts Express and even sipping a Butterbeer, it’s a magical experience that will delight little witches and wizards (and grown-ups too). Kids will love exploring the real sets, costumes and props used in the films, with interactive extras like broomstick flying and wand battles adding to the excitement.
Tickets start at £53.50 for children and £55.50 for adults, with family packages available. It’s a truly unforgettable day out that brings the Harry Potter stories to life, so grab your wands and get ready for a summer adventure full of wonder and wizardry.
Lucky Voice, Islington London
Looking for a fun and lively spot to enjoy with your little ones this summer? Lucky Voice Islington offers a fantastic family-friendly experience where kids can soak up music, laughter, and lots of good vibes. With special kids’ events and workshops happening throughout the season, it’s a brilliant way to spark your child’s love for singing and performing.
Kids' karaoke parties are available on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm, with packages starting at £25 per child. Each package includes two hours in a private karaoke room, soft drinks, and snacks. Parents can relax in the bar area or join in the fun. For those looking to add a special touch, options like cake, mocktails, and even princess appearances are available for an additional fee. l
Whether your child dreams of being on stage or just wants to try something new, it’s a fun-packed day out full of music, laughter, and memories to take home.
Hever Castle, Kent
Hever Castle in Kent is the perfect family adventure, full of history, fun and fairy tale charm. Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the castle has stunning gardens, a thrilling water maze and a gorgeous lake where you can even hire a rowboat. Little explorers will love the adventure playground and interactive Tudor activities dotted around the grounds.
Family tickets start from £48.80 when booked online, and under 5s go free. With so much space to run, play and imagine, Hever Castle makes history feel exciting and alive, perfect for curious minds and big imaginations. Don’t forget to pack a picnic or treat yourselves at the lovely cafés on site.
