September 2025
After spending the summer holidays juggling work and childcare, September is a month most parents look forward to. (1)
School returns, kids are back in a routine, but what to do with the little ones during evenings or weekends?
Whether your child is into art, nature or history, London in September offers plenty of chances to banish the back-to-school blues.
We’re particularly excited about the Totally Thames Festival, the brand-new Banksy exhibition and a train journey that takes passengers back in time. Read on for details on these events and more.
60+ Brilliant things to do in London with kids this September
Dino Disco for Kids
Date: Fri 26 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages welcome, recommended for ages 6-12
Where: Museum of London Docklands
Prices: £5 per child, adults free with a child
Roar onto the dancefloor at this dinosaur-themed disco, packed with prehistoric party tunes, glow sticks and dino-tastic activities. Kids can strut their best T-rex moves while parents enjoy the playful museum setting. A fun way to burn off some Saturday afternoon energy!
Chelsea History Festival 2025
Date: Wed 24 – Sun 28 Sept 2025, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Ages: All ages (family programme available)
Where: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3
Prices: Free entry to the festival; individual events £0–£40
Back for its seventh year, this dynamic history festival brings together over 80 events across three iconic venues: the National Army Museum, Chelsea Physic Garden, and Royal Hospital Chelsea. Expect lively talks, guided walks, concerts, performances, and workshops led by award-winning authors and historians. There’s plenty of family fun woven alongside scholarly programming—as always, something for every curious mind.
Celebrate Film 100: Guinness World Records Attempt
Date: Sat 27 Sept 2025 — Activities from 10 am, record attempt at 2 pm
Ages: All ages (family-friendly)
Where: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Prices: Free general entry; Ticketed experiences from £7
Join a one-day cinematic celebration with screenings, film pop-ups, and a Guinness World Record™ attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as screen characters — from Star Wars to Bridgerton. VIP ticket holders enjoy extras like a red carpet, access to the stunning Painted Hall, interactive prop stations, film walking tours, exclusive vintage posters, and discounts in the shop. The day continues with a silent disco and themed tea (ticketed).
Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey at Kew Gardens
Date: Fri 20 – Sun 29 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Prices: Included with standard garden entry (from £14 per child, £21.50 per adult)
Step into the world of Downton Abbey through spectacular floral installations dotted around Kew Gardens. Designers use thousands of fresh blooms to recreate iconic characters and costumes from the series, making it a colourful trail for the whole family. A lovely way to mix flowers, history and outdoor exploring.
Space Exhibition Opening at the Science Museum
Date: Opens Sat 20 Sept 2025
Ages: 6+
Where: Science Museum, South Kensington
Prices: Free (donations welcome)
See iconic spacecraft, satellites and out-of-this-world objects in this brand-new permanent gallery. Families can get up close to real space tech and discover how humans explore the cosmos. Great for budding astronauts and science fans alike.
Nature Adventurers: Immersive Outdoor Sessions
Date: Sat 13, 20 & 27 Sept 2025
Ages: 8–12 years
Where: Hyde Park Learning Centre, Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Prices: £40 per child per session
A new adventure awaits! Outdoor explorers dive into hands-on conservation lessons, from meadow sweeping and minibeast hunts to willow weaving, den-making, den-building, pond-dipping, and bird watching. Each week explores a different nature theme across both the Learning Centre grounds and the wider parks. Drop your young adventurer off with lunch and a drink for a day full of discovery.
Bach to Baby Family Concerts
Date: Dates throughout Sep 2025
Ages: 0-4 years
Where: London venues
Prices: From £16.00 for an adult and up to 2 children
Bach to Baby brings world-class musicians into family-friendly spaces—from iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall to community settings—where little ones can dance, and explore while enjoying exceptional live musical performances. It’s the perfect way for parents to take a break with great music in tow. Find one near you this September.
Little Explorers | National Portrait Gallery
Date: Thu 18 Sept 2025
Ages: Under 5s with their grown-ups
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square
Prices: Free, booking required
A relaxed creative workshop designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers to explore portraits through play, storytelling and art-making. Expect plenty of sensory materials, simple crafts and songs to make the gallery experience fun and engaging for little ones. A brilliant way to introduce under-5s to art.
Classic Boat Festival 2025
Date: Sat 6 – Sun 7 Sept 2025, 10:30 am – 5 pm
Ages: All ages
Where: St Katharine Docks, Tower Bridge, London
Prices: Free entry for visitors
Prepare for a truly magical floating spectacle in the heart of London this autumn. Over 60 beautifully preserved vintage vessels — including Dunkirk Little Ships, historic tugs, Thames sailing barges, motorboats, and the Navy’s HMS Trumpeter — gather across the centre and west basins.
Families can get up close to admire the types of boats, listen to owners’ stories, and enjoy a salute of horns at opening and closing each day.
On land, there are live talks hosted by Tom Cunliffe and special guests, plus stalls featuring nautical antiques, entertainment and food along Marble Quay. A perfect weekend out for families who love history, boats or just something uniquely London.
Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaur
Date: Now to Sun 2 Nov 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Lightroom, King’s Cross
Prices: From £30.00 per person
Step into the world of Apple TV+’s Emmy-nominated Prehistoric Planet as 360° projection technology brings dinosaurs to life around you. Travel through deserts, skies, and deep oceans alongside creatures from ammonites to Tyrannosaurus rex. This immersive visual storytelling includes never-before-seen CGI scenes, bespoke illustrations, and original music by Hans Zimmer and Bleeding Fingers Music. A breathtaking blend of education and entertainment for dinosaur fans of all ages.
celebrASIA at Battersea Power Station
Date: Fri 5 – Sun 7 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Battersea Power Station, London SW8
Prices: Free entry (individual workshops and the Feasting Table ticketed)
This vibrant festival brings the flavours, arts, and spirit of Southeast Asia to the heart of London. You can feast on delicious street food pop-ups, join riverside “Feasting Table” dinners crafted by guest chefs, and browse an artisan market showcasing 30+ independent Southeast Asian makers. Families can explore a “Grand Tour” trail—collecting passport stamps as they learn about different countries. There’s also live performances, parades in traditional dress, arts and crafts workshops, book signings, and walkabout entertainers, all set among the iconic architecture of the Power Station.
Frieze Sculpture Exhibition
Date: Wed 10 Sept – Sun 5 Oct 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Regent’s Park
Prices: Free
A stunning outdoor exhibition of large-scale contemporary sculptures set among the trees and lawns of Regent’s Park.
Families can wander at their own pace, spotting weird and wonderful artworks — a great way to introduce kids to modern art in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Visit a Felt Fish & Chip Shop
Date: until Sun 14 Sept (open Wed–Sun)
Ages: All ages
Where: Lyndsey Ingram Gallery, Mayfair W1
Prices: Free entry
Step inside Lucy Sparrow’s fully hand-stitched fish and chip shop, a playful and nostalgic reimagining of one of Britain’s most loved institutions. This immersive installation features over 65,000 felt artworks, from menus and portraits to 15 distinct shapes of chips in five colours, all meticulously crafted. Visitors can “order” their supper at the fabric counter, relax on handmade banquette seating, and enjoy Sparrow’s trademark mix of art, theatre, and fun.
Under 5s Day at Keats House
Date: Sat 6 Sept 2025, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ages: Under-5s with their grown-ups
Where: Keats House, Hampstead NW3
Prices: £3 per adult; children go free
This relaxed, drop-in day is perfect for toddlers and their carers to explore John Keats’ home with a playful twist. Apart from discovering the poet’s historic house, little ones will find cosy activity corners stocked with crafts, toys, soft flooring and refreshments.
Guests are welcome to relax and roam — just note adults must attend with a child, and only limited tickets are available on the day.
The Zoo That Comes To You
Date: Sun 14 Sept 2025 (11:00 am & 2:00 pm performances)
Ages: Recommended for ages 5+
Where: artsdepot, Finchley
Prices: From £13.75 per ticket
Two wildlife lovers accidentally turn their sanctuary into a traveling zoo — and now they want to bring the entire menagerie directly to you! This charming, puppet-filled show combines live music, playful characters, and gentle messages about conservation in a story that’s both humorous and heartfelt. At just one hour long (no interval), it’s the perfect length for curious young minds to stay captivated.
The Colorbeat Drums: Movie Soundtracks
Date: Fri 5 Sep 2025
Ages: 5+
Where: The Shaw Theatre, St. Pancras
Prices: From £32 per ticket
An energetic drumming show where famous film soundtracks are reimagined with booming beats and colourful rhythms. Children can clap, dance and even have a go themselves in interactive moments. Perfect for music-loving families who enjoy a good cinematic score.
Sensory Feast
Date: Fridays and Saturdays in September 2025
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Spagnoletti, King’s Cross
Prices: From £85.00
A dining adventure where your table becomes a magical stage: projection mapping and story-driven visuals transform your plates, cutlery—even the tabletop—into moving, enchanting scenes. Between courses, the story unfolds around you in vivid animation set to a captivating soundtrack, while each dish unfolds a chapter of the tale in flavour and design. Ideal for families, date nights, and celebrations looking for something extraordinary.
Kensington Gardens Harvest Festival
Date: Sat 6 Sept 2025, 12 pm – 4 pm
Ages: All ages welcome
Where: Kensington Gardens Allotment, Kensington Gardens
Prices: Free (registration requested)
Get hands-on with autumnal fun in a colourful allotment in the heart of the park. Families can dig for potatoes (weather permitting!), plant seeds in newspaper pots to take home, join guided walks through the growing beds, and enjoy nature-themed storytelling, games, crafts, and quizzes — with plenty of friendly volunteer hosts to guide the way.
The event is free thanks to generous support; just register so the team can plan. Dress for the weather and let me know of any access needs in advance.
Pet Show Live
Date: Sat 20 & Sun 21 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages welcome
Where: Olympia London W14
Prices: Adults from £20, kids go free
Pack your weekend with paw-some fun at the UK’s largest consumer pet show!
Meet furry, feathered and scaly friends—as well as their expert keepers—for live demos, pet talks, grooming showcases, and breed displays. Highlights include a Dog Activity Arena, Guinea Pig Village, Reptile Education Zone, Literary Corner, and opportunities to hear from TV animal experts.
Attend the Dog Influencer’s Lounge or relax in the VIPet Lounge for extra treats. It’s an immersive, educational, and entertaining weekend for all animal lovers.
Little Explorers | Kew Gardens
Date: Mon 8 Sept 2025 & Mon 6 Oct 2025
Ages: 2–5 years (with a parent or carer)
Where: Victoria Gate entrance, Kew Gardens
Prices: £16 per child
Stretch your legs and curiosity in Kew’s outdoor classroom designed just for little adventurers! These 90-minute seasonal sessions—from storytelling to seed planting, sensory play, nature hunts and crafts—encourage hands-on discovery in the natural world. Each session follows a relaxed routine, rain or shine (so dress accordingly) and must be booked in advance due to small group sizes.
Totally Thames Festival
Date: Mon 1 – Tue 30 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Events and projects along the River Thames, London
Prices: Many events free; some ticketed activities
Thames Festival Trust is the charity behind Totally Thames, the month-long celebration of the river each September. Their work goes beyond the festival too—supporting art, education, heritage and community projects that connect people with the Thames all year round. From giant river art trails to school workshops and heritage projects, they make London’s river come alive for everyone.
We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show
Date: Wed 10 Sept – Sat 12 Oct 2025
Ages: 5+
Where: Shaw Theatre, King’s Cross NW1
Prices: From £37
Watch Sleeping Beauty transformed into a breathtaking ballet of light and movement. Glow-in-the-dark costumes and projection create a luminescent stage where dancers embody the classic fairy tale in luminous choreography. A spellbinding one-hour performance—intermission free—that fuses traditional ballet with modern visual flair.
Heritage Train Journeys: Metropolitan Line Special
Date: Fri 5 – Sun 7 Sep
Ages: All ages
Where: Various stations along the Metropolitan Line
Prices: From £27.50 per adult, £17.50 per child
Step back in time aboard a beautifully restored steam train running along the world’s first underground railway. Families can enjoy the thrill of vintage travel with historic carriages, whistle blasts and period-dressed staff. Seats sell quickly, so it’s worth booking well in advance if your kids are train fans.
Family Event: Buzzing About Wasps
Date: Sat 13 Sept 2025
Ages: 6+
Where: Grant Museum of Zoology
Prices: Free, booking required
A hands-on workshop to discover the secret superpowers of wasps and why they’re vital for our ecosystem. Expect close-up encounters, games and surprising facts to challenge the “stingy villain” stereotype. Ideal for curious kids who love insects and science.
Take to the Pitch | Arsenal Stadium
Date: Select September dates
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Emirates Stadium, Holloway, London N7
Prices: From £32
This unique 90-minute experience lets you step onto the legendary turf at Emirates Stadium and take part in a 40-minute drills and skills session—just like the players.
Safe footwear (moulded boots or astroturf trainers) is required. Children under 6 may still join as spectators via a ‘Viewing Ticket,’ while a companion adult with a child aged 6–15 must purchase the full experience ticket.
Close-Up at The Magic Circle
Date: Fri 5 Sept 2025, 7:30 pm
Ages: 10+ recommended
Where: The Magic Circle, London NW1
Prices: From £35.00
Step into the legendary home of British magic for one of its most popular nights. In intimate rooms, some of the country’s best magicians perform dazzling sleight-of-hand and close-up illusions right under your nose.
VIP tickets include prime seats and a complimentary drink to make the night even more special. A rare chance to peek inside this members-only club and experience world-class magic up close.
Fun Kids Science Weekly – LIVE
Date: Sat 27 Sept 2025, 12:30 pm
Ages: 8+
Where: Bloomsbury Theatre, UCL, London
Prices: Tickets at £19.50
Join Dan Simpson from the Fun Kids radio show for a wildly entertaining science adventure—live on stage!
Expect hilarious experiments, extraordinary guests, even a real meteorite.
Over one action-packed hour, you’ll discover how the world works (and beyond). Keep in mind the show includes flashing lights and audience participation, so check content warnings in advance if needed.
Step Inside 25 Birthday Weekend
Date: Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Somerset House, Strand, London
Prices: Free entry
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Somerset House invites the public inside—literally. Over this free weekend, every corner of the building, including hidden artist studios, opens up to the public. Expect dance, music, exhibitions, film, tours, performance and family-friendly workshops throughout the site—perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Afternoon Tea at the Science Museum Reopens
Date: From Sat 20 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Science Museum, South Kensington
Prices: Kids’ Afternoon Tea from £22 (booking required)
Afternoon tea returns to the Science Museum café with a playful, science-inspired twist. Expect rocket-shaped sandwiches, atom-themed cakes and plenty of treats to fuel your exploring. A fun extra to add onto a family museum day out.
The Great River Race
Date: Sat 20 Sept 2025, approximately 10:15 am – 2:15 pm
Ages: All ages
Where: From Millwall Slipway to Ham Lands, Richmond
Prices: Free to watch from the riverside and bridges
London’s River Marathon is a spectacular boat race spanning 21.6 miles (34 km) along the Thames, from Millwall in East London to Ham Lands in Richmond. Nearly 300 colourful boats—ranging from athlete-powered skiffs to fancy-dress charity crews—row under 28 iconic bridges in a playful yet competitive spirit.
It’s a festive river spectacle for the whole family. Spectators can cheer on crews from bridges like Tower and Westminster, or head to Richmond’s finish line for riverside food, drink, and a disco to celebrate the racers.
Want to row instead? The event welcomes all levels—from juniors to veterans—with a variety of boat categories, including traditional cutters and gig boats. Fancy dress and fundraising are high on the fun factor too.
Little Gift
Date: Sun 28 Sept 2025 (11:00 am & 2:00 pm performances)
Ages: Recommended for ages 3+
Where: artsdepot, North Finchley
Prices: From £13.75 per ticket
A tender, whimsically staged tale of friendship that unfolds when a quiet, cautious old man’s world is turned upside down by a surprise visitor. With playful puppetry, music and storytelling, this 50-minute show touches on themes of connection and joy with warmth and a touch of magic. Perfect introduction to live performance for little ones—and grown-ups who love heart.
River Dipping at TideFest
Date: Sun 14 Sept 2025, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Ages: All ages (family-friendly workshop)
Where: Kew Bridge
Prices: Free (booking required)
Join Thames21 for a hands-on exploration of Thames wildlife at this family-friendly, free river event.
Roll up your sleeves and discover creatures living in the Thames — around Kew Bridge on the Strand‑on‑the‑Green foreshore. Ideal for curious kids and grown-ups who want to see nature in action along the riverbank.
The Smeds and the Smoos
Date: Fri 18 July – Sun 7 Sep
Time: 10.30am | 11.00am | 2.00pm | 4.30pm
Ages: 3 yrs+
Where: Lyric Theatre
Prices: from £11.60 per person
A colourful stage adaptation of the much-loved Julia Donaldson book, with music, laughs and a message about friendship and difference.
London Design Festival 2025
Date: Sat 13 – Sun 21 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages (family-friendly highlights)
Where: Across 10 London Design Districts
Prices: Mostly free, with ticketed exhibitions and installations
For one week every September, London transforms into a vibrant global design capital. Expect city-wide installations, exhibitions, workshops, design trails and creative pop-ups across ten themed districts.
This year’s highlights include:
- “Beacon” by Lee Broom, a mesmerizing lighting installation that pulses to Big Ben’s chimes at Royal Festival Hall’s entrance.
- Brompton Design District, curated around the theme “A Softer World”, showcasing gentle, intimate design in residential settings.
With shows hosted across institutions like the V&A and Design Museum, plus city streets and public spaces illuminated by interactive exhibits, it’s an inspiring festival that’s accessible to the whole family.
David Gibb’s Family Jukebox
Date: Sun 21 Sept 2025 (sessions at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm)
Ages: Recommended for ages 3+
Where: Studio Theatre, Arts Depot, North Finchley
Prices: From £13.75 per ticket
Singer-songwriter David Gibb invites families on a musical adventure filled with whimsical storytelling, toe-tapping tunes, and audience participation.
Songs reference wildly imaginative scenes like dragons under beds and chocolate cars—set to styles spanning jazz, folk, reggae and rock. With just 50 minutes (no interval), it’s a compact, joyous introduction to live music for young children.
The Enormous Crocodile
Date: Fri 15 Aug – Sun 7 Sept
Time: 10.30 am | 2.00 pm
Ages: 3 yrs+
Where: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, NW1
Prices: from £17.40 per person
Roald Dahl’s classic comes to life in an outdoor show full of wit, charm and larger-than-life puppetry. Ideal for families looking for a magical theatre experience.
Baby, Bird & Bee
Date: Wed 17 – Sun 21 September 2025
Ages: 6–18 months
Where: Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
Prices: From £13 per person
Sit alongside your baby and watch as a gardener tends an imaginary garden—planting, watering, accompanied by a playful bird and buzzing bee—while your little one marvels at the sights and sounds unfolding around them.
This magical, sensory experience lasts around 25 minutes, followed by a 20-minute stay-and-play opportunity. The sessions are specially designed for maximum engagement of babies in the 6–18 month range.
Ballroom Boogie
Date: Sat 13 Sept 2025 & Sat 8 Nov 2025, 2:45 pm
Ages: All ages (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Where: Southbank Centre
Prices: Free
Kick off your weekend with a family-friendly DJ-led dance party in the Clore Ballroom! Expect lively tunes, group movement games, and a welcoming atmosphere where families can dance freely. It’s part of Southbank’s Open Doors series.
Bermondsey Street Festival
Date: Sat 20 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Bermondsey Street, SE1 (street closed to traffic)
Prices: Free
Experience a vibrant “village fete in the city” right in the heart of London. The car-free street is transformed with arts and crafts stalls, tasty food vendors, street entertainers, music on the main stage (11 am–7 pm), a Maypole in the Leather Market Gardens, and a dog show—perfect for kids, four‑legged friends, and the whole family to enjoy together.
Little Green Fingers
Date: Sat 20 Sept 2025
Ages: 3–7 years
Where: Fulham Palace House & Garden
Prices: £5 per child (accompanying adults free)
Budding gardeners can get hands-on with planting, digging and discovering the magic of nature. Led by the Fulham Palace gardening team, kids learn how plants grow and get to take home something they’ve planted themselves. Tip: these sessions are very popular and usually sell out fast.
Family Station: Explore and Play
Date: Sun 28 Sept 2025 (last Sunday of every month)
Ages: All ages, especially under 12s
Where: British Library, London NW1
Prices: Free drop-in
Start your building-wide adventure at the British Library’s Family Station, where creativity lives in a playful, hands-on form. Explore sensory toys, pop-up reading corners with braille and tactile editions, art materials to build and draw, and specially designed trails that help children discover the Library through touch, sight, and sound. Informal and family-led, you’re free to stay as long—or as little—as you like.
WordPlay
Date: Fri 19 Sep – Fri 12 Dec 2025 (fortnightly)
Ages: 0–2 years (with their grown-ups)
Where: Southbank Centre
Prices: Free
Designed as part of Southbank Centre’s Open Doors series, WordPlay is a playful, sensory session that combines original songs, storytelling, and a soft, squishy set design by Rosie Elnile.
Ideal for under-threes, these short performances (10:15 am start, 45 minutes) are specially crafted to encourage connection, creativity, and early communication. All sessions are relaxed performances — enter, exit and make noise freely.
Meet the Instruments
Date: Sun 28 Sept 2025
Ages: 4–10 years
Where: Southbank Centre
Prices: From £18 per ticket
An interactive music session where children can try out real instruments and hear them played by professional musicians. From violins to trumpets, kids can discover how different sounds are made and even join in with a mini-performance. A brilliant hands-on way to spark a lifelong love of music.
Greenwich Park Orchard Open Day: ‘Seed Saving’
Date: Sat 20 Sept 2025, 11 am – 3 pm
Ages: Family-friendly (all ages welcome)
Where: The Queen’s Orchard, Greenwich Park
Prices: Free entry
Celebrate the harvest season right in the heart of the park at this relaxed and educational open day.
Drop in any time to explore the Queen’s Orchard in its autumnal glory, visit the seed‑swapping station (bring your own seeds to exchange!), and chat with horticulture volunteers about how seeds are saved for future growing.
Little ones can enjoy a scavenger hunt, learn how plants disperse seeds, and taste freshly pressed apple juice from orchard fruit.
Chiswick House Dog Show
Date: Sun 21 Sept 2025, 11:00 am – 4:15 pm
Ages: All ages (great for families and dogs)
Where: Chiswick House and Gardens, London W4 2RP
Prices: Free entry for humans; £6 per class entry for dogs
London’s biggest fun dog show returns for its 21st year, with volunteer-powered charm and wagging tails galore. Compete in one of 17 quirky categories — from ‘Waggiest Tail’ to ‘Best Young Handler’ and fancy-dress classes — while wandering over 50 stalls packed with treats, toys, dog-themed gifts and food. All profits go to the Chiswick House & Gardens Trust to maintain this scenic historic space.
Harvest Time at Brixton Windmill
Date: Sun 28 Sept 2025, 1 pm – 5 pm
Ages: All ages (great for families)
Where: Brixton Windmill, SW2
Prices: Free entry
Celebrate the wheat harvest at London’s only working windmill with live music, food and artisan treats. Expect milling demonstrations, Morris dancing by Brixton Tatterjacks, and hands-on workshops like corn-dolly making and baking hedgehog buns. There’s also live music, craft activities, beers from Brixton Brewery, and goodies from the café and shop. A wonderfully local, vibrant community festival.
Open House Festival 2025
Date: Sat 13 – Sun 21 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Venues across London
Prices: Free (booking required for some sites)
London’s biggest architecture festival, where families can explore usually hidden buildings, from grand historic landmarks to quirky community spaces. Kids love the behind-the-scenes tours and special family trails. A brilliant way to see the city from a new perspective — and it won’t cost a thing.
Open Weekend at Chelsea Physic Garden
Date: Sat 27 – Sun 28 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages (especially great for families)
Where: Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS
Prices: Free entry (pre-booking required)
Step into London’s oldest botanical garden for a free family weekend packed with hands-on fun and history. You can enjoy pond dipping, creative craft stations and storytelling sessions, plus meet historical characters who bring botany and medicine from centuries past alive. It’s all drop-in — no need to pre-book activities — and the garden closes at 5 pm each day.
Pop-up Performance: Kuchipudi Indian Dance Workshop
Date: Sat 13 Sept 2025
Ages: 5+
Where: V&A South Kensington
Prices: Free, drop-in
A lively workshop where families can learn the basics of Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance style full of rhythm and storytelling. Kids will love trying new moves and seeing live demonstrations from professional dancers. No experience needed — just enthusiasm!
Marie Antoinette’s Style Exhibition
Date: Opens Saturday, 20 September 2025
Ages: 8+
Where: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Prices: From £23.00
Dive into the opulent world of fashion’s most iconic queen. This exhibition explores Marie Antoinette’s enduring influence through the lens of over 250 years of design, fashion, film, and art. Expect lavish gowns, intricate accessories, and a captivating visual journey that brings the elegance and drama of 18th‑century Versailles into modern life.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Date: Fri 12 – Sun 28 Sept 2025
Ages: 10+
Where: Wilton’s Music Hall, Tower Hamlets
Prices: From £15 per ticket
Oscar Wilde’s witty comedy gets a fresh staging in London’s oldest surviving music hall. Teens will enjoy the sharp humour and eccentric characters, while in historic surroundings. A brilliant mix of classic theatre and quirky atmosphere.
Alton Towers Scarefest
Date: Sat 27 Sept – Sun 2 Nov 2025 (selected dates)
Ages: All ages (some attractions have age restrictions)
Where: Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire
Prices: From £34 per person (online); walk-up price £68
The UK’s biggest Halloween festival transforms Alton Towers into a world of spooky fun and terrifying thrills. Families can enjoy gentle daytime activities like Trick O’ Treat Town with HARIBO & MAOAM, the Freaky Friends playground and the CBeebies Land Monster Ball. As night falls, the park comes alive with scare mazes, spooky zones and rides in the dark — from Nemesis Reborn to the all-new Toxicator. It’s a full day and night of frights, with short breaks available if one day isn’t enough.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail at Ham House and Garden
Date: Mon 1 Sept – Sun 12 Oct 2025
Ages: Recommended for ages 3–6
Where: Ham House and Garden, Richmond
Prices: Included with standard admission (Tickets from around £9.40)
Wiggle through the garden on a playful, illustrated trail inspired by Eric Carle’s classic book. Pick up your trail sheet at the start and follow colourful markers and giant fruit cut-outs that teach counting, the days of the week, and the magic of the butterfly life cycle. End your journey with a joyful photo op in front of eye‑catching, giant butterfly wings. A fun, interactive adventure created by Bakehouse Factory that delights both kids and nostalgic grown-ups.
Make It: Party Accessories (V&A)
Date: Sat 13 Sept 2025
Ages: 6–12 years
Where: V&A South Kensington
Prices: Free, drop-in
Children can get crafty in this hands-on workshop, designing and making their own colourful party accessories inspired by the museum’s fashion collection. A fun way to get creative while exploring the V&A’s treasures.
Free Entry to Hampton Court Palace Gardens
Date: Sat 13 – Sun 14 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Richmond
Prices: Free entry to gardens on select ‘garden open days’
Explore the beautiful 60 acres of formal gardens and parkland at Hampton Court for free during this special open weekend. Children can run through the historic grounds, find the famous maze and spot wildlife along the river. A brilliant free family day out.
The Peter Rabbit Adventure
Date: Fri 25 July – Sun 7 Sept
Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Ages: all ages
Where: Hampton Court Palace
Prices: from £28.00 per adult
Solve puzzles, meet Beatrix Potter characters, and explore nature trails in this immersive storytelling trail across the historic palace gardens.
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Date: Wed 20 Aug – Sun 7 Sep
Time: 2.00pm | 7.00pm
Ages: 5 yrs+
Where: Sadler’s Wells, EC1
Prices: From £17.50 per person
Step through the wardrobe into a magical world of snowy forests and talking animals in this stage adaptation of the classic story. A family favourite filled with adventure, bravery and wonder.
Summer Shipyard Tours
Date: Sun 3 Aug – Sun 7 Sep
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Ages: all ages
Where: The Golden Hinde, SE1
Prices: from £10.00 per person
Take a guided tour of the Golden Hinde and learn about shipbuilding and life at sea. Great for families looking for hands-on history.
PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure
Date: 3–26 September (midweek, term-time)
Ages: Best for ages 2–5
Where: Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Prices: From £29.00 per person
A playful, pup-powered exploration featuring your favourite Paw Patrol friends — Chase, Skye, Rubble and Marshall. Follow the “Pup Passport” trail, meet characters, and enjoy pre-schooler rides alongside the zoo and aquarium. Advance booking means big savings.
Peckham Festival
Date: 20-21 Sept 2025
Ages: All ages
Where: Peckham, South London
Prices: Free
Peckham Festival is a vibrant community celebration spotlighting the creativity of the local area, featuring artists, makers, and community groups. Since its inception in 2016, this grassroots festival has remained free to attend and proudly operates as a Community Interest Company. It’s a joyful, inclusive event that supports local talent and brings people together in a spirit of community and culture.
Coldplay: A Film for the Future
Date: Thu 21 Aug – Mon 8 Sep
Time: 3.00pm | 4.00pm | 6.30pm | 7.00pm
Ages: all ages
Where: Lightroom, King’s Cross
Prices: from £25.00 per adult
This immersive film experience blends Coldplay’s music with dynamic visuals and storytelling. Perfect for fans and families looking for something different.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF)
Date: Sun 22 Aug – Sun 6 Sep
Time: various times
Ages: all ages
Where: Greenwich Park, SE10
Prices: free
Enjoy outdoor theatre, circus, and interactive installations across South East London. There’s something magical to discover each day.
Twelfth Night, or What You Will
Date: Fri 8 Aug – Sat 25 Oct
Time: 2.00pm | 7.30pm
Ages: recommended 12 yrs+
Where: Globe Theatre, SE1
Prices: from £10.00 per person
Shakespeare’s classic comedy is performed in the open-air Globe, with live music and mistaken identity galore. A fun and clever intro to the Bard.
In London, September is also a great month for variety when it comes to family fun. The milder weather draws many parents and children to cosy indoor activities around the city. But equally, as autumn nears, some of its leafier, outdoor locations come into their own.
Of course, the back-to-school costs of uniforms, stationery and more have tightened budgets for many parents. So if cost is a concern for you, we included a range of free activities in our list of fun London events. We hope you and your child found something to love here!
Want more ideas like these?
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