You may think that it is still too early to talk about how to spend the May half-term in London but if you have children knowing beforehand what fun activities are available to keep both you and your gang going from Saturday, May 26 to Sunday, June 3 could make a huge difference in the quality of your time together as a family.
Even if you are keeping an eye on the pennies, you will undoubtedly be spoilt for choice with plenty of free stuff! Below are some brilliant family-friendly things you can do, including exciting events happening all around London and shows to see, suitable for all ages.
1. Underbelly Festival
Image taken from: Underbelly Festival
The South Bank brims with top quality entertainment for toddlers and older children alike. Everything from “Aliens Love Underpants” and comedy from “Harry & Chris” and “The Very Circusy Caterpillar” to circus show “Soap” will keep you great company. And while the toddlers get grooving in Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall, their older brothers and sisters can enjoy a superb spectacle called “The Amazing Bubble Man”! Just hurry up! Tickets are sold like crazy.
2. Sensational Butterflies
The Natural History Museum in Brompton hosts a specially constructed tropical enclosure that will allow kids to see all sorts of exotic and rare species of butterflies originating from Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americans, such as the blue morpho and the swallowtail, from up close. That aside, your loved one can take part in challenges, activities, and games that will immerse them into the world of these fantastic fluttering insects and every stage of their (admittedly, short) lives. It is an exceptional activity to share with older children, though, as they need to make sure they don’t squash any butterflies under their feet (yes, there are THAT many!).
3. The Horniman (Forest Hill – free activity)
You know you can always count on the Horniman Museum for fab family events, especially over half-term. This year, feel free to go pond dipping, join drop-in arts and crafts sessions, expand your knowledge on buzzing creatures (the Friends of the Earth’s Great British Bee Count does an excellent job informing people of ways to help solitary bees and bumblebees), and listen to performances. Also, the “Color: The Rainbow Revealed” exhibition is definitely worth checking out too! From Saturday, May 26 to Friday, June 1.
4. Peter Pan (Regent’s Park)
Image taken from: Open Air Theatre
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is back in business, which also signifies that summer is almost around the corner! This half-term, the London institution has a breath-taking show for the little ones. The production of “Peter Pan” is simply magical. But, that’s merely it. “Dinosaur World live” and “Little Shop of Horrors” are both highly anticipated too. The interactive spectacle and musical performance respectively are bound to steal hearts. From May 17 until June 15.
5. Aviva Premiership Rugby Final 2018
If you are a rugby-mad family, then do head to Twickenham and see all the action live this half-term. The biggest match of the year comes Saturday, May 26, but, there are also lots of exciting moments to be lived both before and after the match at The Fan Village. Last year, it was a kids’ paradise with its pop-up pitch and interactive games zone!
Image taken from: Premiership Rugby
6. “Solo: A Star Wars Story”
Star Wars enthusiasts rejoice. Starring Emilia Clarke and Alden Ehrenreich, this Star War spin-off will answer your questions related to the popular and so loved sequels. How did Han meet Chewie? How did Falcon first get into waistcoats? Things like that are no longer guarded secrets. Opens May 24.
And, speaking of science fiction movies, a matinee screening of “Star Trek” taking place between June 2 and June 3 at the Royal Albert Hall (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra that will be playing along to the soundtrack) will keep older children loving Star Trek movies on their toes!
Other kid-friendly activities for half-term:
- Spring Rising: Children’s workshops and supper clubs– Take your offspring to Old Spitalfields Market this Monday the 14thof May and you won’t be sorry. A superb learning and eating combo event with workshops that teach how to make a delicious crepe Fantasy Flower. The day closes with a hearty supper of mini pork, popcorn chicken, and, of course, an ice cream sandwich. Good to go until May 28, 2018.
- Fulham Palace – This bustling visitor attraction that once served as the country retreat of the Bishops of London impresses with its profound plethora of exciting activities (many of them also children-perfect). Remember three dates (1) May 27, (2) May 30, and (3) May 31. The older children will have the chance to join a hands-on session examining how the Bishops used tobacco and pipes, enjoy a Tudor-themed activity day that includes dressing up, games, and crafts, and explore the palace during WWI (London History Day) respectively.
Tip: Once you are done entertaining the little ones, you certainly deserve some me-time to spend with your sweetheart or friends. In this case, the Brunel Museum’s Midnight Apothecary event will treat you with heart-filling botanical cocktails and lots of Greek street food. Head to the museum’s rooftop garden and let the fun for you begin! Until Saturday, September 29.
Enjoy your half-term!
And, remember, if you need a fast, comfy, and safe ride to any of the destinations mentioned above (or any other of your likes), we are just an email (or call) away!