There’s so much going on this month so if you’re planning to spend the May half term in London with kids then you’re in luck!
This year, the May half-term runs from Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May for most schools in London. Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to.
Our Highlights for the May half term in London
The following are some of our favourite things going on during the month of May in London.
- The new Museum of Illusion opens on Tottenham Court Road in time for the May half term.
- In Other Worlds at the Barbican promises to be a great exhibit to enjoy with kids.
- The newly opened V&A East Museum is high on our list of places to visit.
- We’re equally excited about Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep opening at the NHM.
- Fairy Tales at The British Library is not new but it’s a great one for the May half term.
- Learn all about Caribbean history and culture at the London Transport Museum.
- Unplug your phone and stead back in time at the London Museum where traditional Victorian entertainment is all the rage.
- Head to the ZSL London Zoo and take part in a massive paint-by-numbers collaborative art work..
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The best things to do during the May half term in London with kids
Like most school holidays in London, expect the city to be busy over the May half term. If there are particular events, exhibitions and shows that you would like to see then I suggest booking them in advance. These include the London Eye, Sea Life London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and the Natural History Museum.
Exhibitions & Experiences in London
There are always great exhibitions to enjoy in London, these are our top picks for May half term 2026.
The Museum of Illusion
First there was the Twist Museum, then came the Paradox Museum and now London has a new museum that promises mind-boggling fun. Located on Tottenham Court Road, the Museum of Illusions promises plenty of Insta-friendly illusions guaranteed to keep the kids happy for an hour or two.
In Other Worlds at the Barbican
The Barbican always has fun exhibits and this May half term is no exception. Opening on 21 May, In Other Worlds is a family-friendly immersive exhibition by filmmaker and speculative architect Liam Young who invites viewers to imagine what the future of humanity could look like.
V&A East Museum
The recently opened V&A East Museum should be high on your list for May half term, especially if you are visiting London with teens. In addition to the free, permanent Why We Make galleries there’s the new temporary exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story, which traces British culture through Black British music from 1900 to now.
Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep at the Natural History Museum
Opening on 22 May, the new exhibition at the Natural History Museum explores the legends of Earth’s prehistoric oceans. Meet the gnarly-toothed pliosaur, come face-to-face with the speedy ichthyosaurs and discover the T.Rex of the sea, the fearsome mosasaur.
Felted Veggies at the Foundling Museum
Discover how to wet felt at this fun family workshop at the Foundling Museum this May half term in London. Led by a professional artist, you’re invited to create a nature scene through the magic of wet felting. There are two session running from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. The workshop is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years and you’re advised to dress for mess!
Wes Anderson: The Archives at the Design Museum
Fans of Wes Anderson films won’t want to miss this retrospective exhibition devoted to the filmmakers distinctive cinematic output. Produced in collaboration with la Cinémathèque française, the Design Museum has been granted unprecedented access to Wes Anderson’s personal archives from the last three decades.
The exhibition runs until 26 July 2026.
Fairy Tales at the British Library
Adventure through magical worlds and enchanted stories this May half term in London at this spellbinding exhibition. With interactive displays, theatrical design, story sharing spaces, costumes and activities, this is a wonderful way to explore timeless tales that have captured imaginations for generations – just be careful not to wake the troll!
The exhibition at The British Library runs until 23 August, 2026.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends
Shaun the Sheep fans should make a beeline for the Young V&A this half term in London and their new exhibition that explores behind the scenes of Aardman Animation. Held to celebrate the animation studio’s 50th anniversary year, this family-friendly exhibit peeks behind the scenes of everyone’s favourite stop-motion animations to find out how the clever folk at Aardman bring clay to life.
The exhibition runs until 15 November.
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures at the Horniman Museum
Inspired by Jules Verne’s novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, the Horniman Museum invites families to board the legendary Nautilus submarine and dive into an extraordinary underwater adventure. Meet incredible sea creatures, explore uncharted waters and discover hidden wonders of life beneath the waves.
Voyage to the Deep runs until 1 November 2026.
May half term at the National Maritime Museum
There are lots of fun things taking place at the National Maritime Museum this May half term in London. Workshops and activities including learning about the tools that sailors once used to explore the world (long before Google maps!); arts and crafts session where you can create your own starry prints inspired by the Milky Way; the chance to create your own constellation story and much more.
There are different activities taking place each day over the May half term holidays (you can see the full schedule here) and all of them are free with no need to book in advance.
Star Trek at 60 at the Science Museum
2026 marks 60 years since Star Trek first hit the TV screens and this May half term the Science Museum is celebrating. There’s a free trail to discover with iconic objects from the TV series and films. They are also hosting a Start Trek at 60 film season showing all thirteen films. These should be booked in advance.
Picnic Picks at the Museum of Brands
Kids go free this May half term at the Museum of Brands. Children are invited to explore the museum’s famous Time Tunnel to see if they can find colourful picnic-themed objects hidden among the displays. Once you’ve found them all, there’s an arts and crafts station where you can design and colour your perfect picnic basket. See more information here.
Family activities at the V&A
The Victoria & Albert Museum is hosting a number of fun creative activities over the May half-term break.
Options include making brooches inspired by Schiaparelli and mushrooms in Fungi Fashion; creating your own nature inspired tarot card in Tarot Making; using recycled and reused materials to take part in a pop up performance; and much more. Most of these are free, drop-in activities – you can see the full schedule here.
Design Camps at the Design Museum
The Design Museum’s popular Design Camps are back this May half term in London with a handful of workshops to choose from all inspired by the current Wes Anderson exhibition. These workshops include stop motion with clay, drawing and storytelling, digital illustration and sustainable prop making.
These day-long workshops are aimed at 7 to 10 year olds and 11 to 14 year olds. These camps sell out quickly so it’s worth booking in advance.
Creative Space at The National Gallery
A number of fun family activities are taking place at the National Gallery this May half term inspired by the exhibition Zurbarán. Held in the Roden Centre for Creative Learning, the hands-on workshops will encourage children to experiment with light and shade.
These are free, drop-in sessions for children of all ages held on Tuesday 26 May, Wednesday 27 May and Thursday 28 May from 11am to 4pm. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Caribbean Connections at the London Transport Museum
2026 marks 70 years since London Transport started recruiting employees from the Caribbean and to mark the anniversary this May half term, the London Transport Museum is celebrating Caribbean history and culture. Expect a week-long calendar of family-friendly activities including arts and crafts, costumed characters, stories and more, all inspired by the Caribbean community.
Included in museum admission.
Family Activities at the London Museum
It’s time for a digital detox this May half term in London with kids when you visit the London Museum. These school holidays, the museum is celebrating traditional Victorian entertainment where you can step back in time and learn how to craft a paper theatre, make an optical illusion toy, learn how to be a music hall comedian, and more!
These free activities take place through the week-long holidays; advanced booking is recommended for ticketed events.
The Jolly Postman at the Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is always fun for the whole family and this May half term is no exception. Daily drop in sessions take place over the school holidays in the Mail Rail depot where children can design their own postcard and write a message on the back. Combine this with a tour of the museum’s exhibition, a play in the Sorted! play area and a ride on the Mail Rail. See more information here.
Spring myths and merriment at The British Museum
Celebrate spring this May half term in London with kids with a trip to the British Museum and their free, three-day family festival.
Taking place over three days from 26 to 29 May, the festival features Morris dancing, storytelling, creative workshops and arts and crafts sessions led by contemporary artists. Different activities take place at different times on different days so check the website for details. Activities are non-ticketed but it’s a good idea to book a free timed ticket for Museum entry as it will be busy during the half term holidays.
Days Out & Activities
Paint-By-Numbers at ZSL London Zoo
If you’ve ever fancied seeing your name in the Guinness Book of World Records then you should head to the ZSL London Zoo this May half term.
For nine days only the zoo will transform into a vibrant creative hub where families are invited to help create a massive, collaborative artwork. Inspired by nature, wildlife and famous people in the zoo’s history, this paint-by-numbers activity is being held to celebrate the zoo’s 200th birthday – and they hope to smash an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title.
The activity is included in the zoo ticket price.
Henry Moore: Monumental Nature at Kew Gardens
If you go down to Kew Gardens this May half term in London you will be rewarded with the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore’s work ever presented.
Over 30 enormous sculptures will be set throughout the gardens as well as over 70 works on paper, models and small pieces that will be on display in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. Afterwards, take the kids to the Children’s Garden, one of the best playgrounds in London.
Chelsea in Bloom
Chelsea in Bloom opens on 18 May and runs until 24 May, so you will just catch the festival as the May half term holiday starts. I would recommend heading there earlier in the week, however, before all the flowers start to wilt.
Also taking place this month – again just before the May half term holidays – is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which opens on 19 May until 23 May.
Half Term activities at the Royal Mews
There are fun arts and crafts activities taking place at the Royal Mews in central London this May half term. In addition to dressing up as a coachman, tacking up the resident wooden pony and posing for a photograph inside a carriage in the State Stables, there’s the May Mews discovery trail to follow and arts and crafts sessions taking place in the Livery Room.
Activities take place on 23, 24 and 31 May and are included in standard admission.
Time Travellers in Hyde Park
Travel back through time through the Royal Park’s history with fun drop-in events taking place between 26 and 28 May. Activities include creating a plant print using a mallet, designing a park of the future, trying to master calligraphy and meeting Queen Victoria.
Activities take place between 11am and 3pm. Time Travellers is a free, drop-in event but it’s worth registering your interest in advance.
Duke and Disorderly at The Tower of London
The year is 1826 and the Duke of Wellington has just been made Constable of the Tower and it’s a mess! But he has big plans to bring order to the Tower, including shutting down the Royal Menagerie and the many taverns operating onsite. But what do the locals think?
Join the Duke as he attempts to brings some order to the Tower of London this summer – don’t forget to see the crown jewels while you are here.
Budding Builders at Westminster Abbey
Taking place on Thursday 28 May is a free event held in England’s oldest garden. Budding builders are invited to learn about the architecture of Westminster Abbey with some hands-on activities including sculpture building and creating a rose window. A storytelling session will also take place.
This is free but booking is required. The session takes place from 10am to 1pm.
May half term at the Queen’s House
There are some half-term activities taking place at the Queen’s House this half term including the chance to meet some of the real life chatters from history who once lived and worked in the building. These include Mistress Babbington who was in charge of running the Queen’s House following the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660.
Other fun activities include building your own galaxy using recycled materials, designing a star medal, and storytelling sessions.
Activities take place from 24 – 31 May and are free to enjoy.
Family fun at the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is always a great place to be during the school holidays and this May half term is no exception.
There’s lots going on including shows, playgrounds, storytelling and more. Highlights include author and poet Michael Rosen’s birthday party on 23 May, The Maker on 30 and 31 May and Prancer the Dancer’s DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow on the 30th.
Mystery Mission at Eltham Palace and Gardens
Eltham Palace is in trouble this half term! A top-secret message has gone missing and the palace is inviting all children to help find it before it falls into the wrong hands. This fun trail will see you cracking codes and deciphering clues, possibly with the help of a mysterious secret agent who will be wandering the grounds.
Half term activities take place from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May between 10am and 5pm. Book online and save 15%
Family Workshops at The Globe Theatre
Have family fun with a Tempest-themed family workshop this May half term in London with kids. Aimed at children aged 5 – 8, this fun workshop brings The Tempest to life with games and activities.
Or, you can experience the whirlwind comedy of the Twelfth Night in a family workshop aimed at children aged 5 – 8 years old. Both workshops are also available for children aged 9 – 11 years old and there’s an additional A Midsummer Night’s Dream: On Stage Family Workshop for children aged 9 – 11 years.
Other activities include Telling Tales with children’s author Max Evans and another Telling Tales event with children’s author Ravena Guron.
Several sessions take place at the Globe Theatre each day between 23 and 30 May.
Family fun at the Cutty Sark
Set sail on board the Cutty Sark this May half term for fun on the high seas. Meet some of the characters who once lived and worked on board the ship and hear stories about their life at sea.
You can also take part in a series of workshops such as building your own kaleidoscope, designing your own celestial crown and creating a hanging mobile.
Activities take place on select dates from 23 to 31 May and are included with entry to the ship. See more details here.
Hamley Bear and the Secret Treasure Mission on board Thames Rockets
Designed just for kids this May half term is this fun partnership with Hamley Bear – from the Hamley’s Store no less – and Thames Rockets. Departing from London Eye Pier, this 50-minute long tour along the river is a family-friendly adventure where you need to find clues as you learn all about London. Led by a princess and a pirate guides, it’s a fun – and speedy – way to explore the city.
The Hamley Bear and the Secret Treasure Mission is only taking place on Sunday 24 May so make sure to book your tickets in advance (and don’t forget your fancy dress!).
Family Activities at the Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden always run fun family events and this May half term holiday is no exception. Choose from a range of hands-on activities to keep younger children entertained.
Take part in a family chocolate workshop, get painting with plants, learn how to make soap, craft your own cyanotype and more.
The activities take place on various dates over half term, check website for details and book your tickets in advance.
Gozzle at the WWT London Wetland Centre
Join Gozzle the gosling’s wetland adventure this Easter at the London Wetland Centre.
Inspired by book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, children are invited to follow an interactive trail to discover what it takes to become a grown-up goose. Strike funny animal poses, hop along stepping tones to practice your balance, test your sense of smell, and look out for the 15 mini Gozzles hiding along the route – and more!
Gozzle will be at the London Wetland Centre until May 31.
Shadow Puppets at Tower Bridge
Head to Tower Bridge on 26 May and learn more about Tower Bridge and the many unusual objects that have gone over and through the bridge over the years. Kids are then invited to made shadow puppets and recreate the stories.
This drop in activity is included in admission and takes place between 10am and 4pm. It is aimed at children aged 6 to 10.
Festivals
The Big Bahooey at Hampton Court Palace
If you’ve ever felt like running away and joining the circus then here is your chance! Taking place from 23 to 25 May in Hampton Court Palace, the Big Bahooey promises a fun family day out, jam-packed with juggling, plate spinning and wire walking alongside a silly silent disco, a fun singalong, a cardboard workshop and much more.
The Big Bahooey takes place 24 May to 26 May and is included in admission price.
Shows & Plays
Family Day at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre
Head to Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre for a day of family fun. There are two sessions to choose from, starting at either 9.30am or 2pm and both session include access to a series of events including a daytime party with Fly-Kid, Harp in the Park and the Back to Baby Family Concert.
We’re most excited about The Marvellous Myth Hunter (morning session only) and the chance to become an honorary member of The Myth Hunter Academy.
The Unicorn Theatre
Perfect for children aged 7+ is Planet Omar which will be on stage at the Unicorn Theatre from 21 May. The play follows the adventures of eight-year-old Omar who has a wild imagination, a big heart and a knack for getting into trouble as he moves into a new neighbourhood. This show has had fantastic reviews and promises to be great show for families.
The Little Angel Theatre
There’s lots to choose from at the Little Angel Theatre this month including The Flying Bath aimed at children aged 2 to 5 and Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape aimed at children aged over 5. Check the website for exact dates and timings.
Family workshops at the Polka Theatre
Taking place during the May half term in London at the Polka Theatre are a handful of one-off workshops for families. These include Baby Beatbox!; Create and Epic Fable!; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Drama Masterclass. Check the website for details.
The Arts Depot
There are two great shows playing at the Arts Depot in north London this May half term including Tales from Acorn Wood by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and There’s a Monster in Your Show. Also taking place over the school holidays are a handful of workshops including Game Design, Yoga & Art, and Character Ballet.
