This month we have bank holidays (hurray), half term and a host of things to do in London from treasure hunts to flower shows, Vikings to knights and artists and scientists. As well as activities for the children, we’ve also included some things for you that they can tag along to (or not). Lap up our 20 things to do in May and lock in those calendars!
1
Vikings: The Immersive Experience
Follow the story of Queen Kraka, peasant girl, warrior, and leader. Wander through a life-size forest and learn using interactive installations, board a Viking longship, and let the journey unfold around you through stunning 360° cinematic projections.
Where: Dock X, Unit 1, Canada Water Retail Park, Surrey Quays Road, London, SE16 2XU
When: Sunday-Thursday 9am–4pm; Friday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Ticket Price: General admission £23, Child £19
Find out more here
2
Richmond May Fair
Visitors to the 2026 Richmond May Fair can look forward to an expanded selection of artisan and charity stalls, an even wider range of international cuisine, traditional fun fair with a Big Wheel as well as the Victorian carousel. This year’s Dog Show will conclude with a new attraction,The Sausage Game.
When: 9 May, 10am to 5pm
Where: Richmond Green, Richmond upon Thames
Find out more here
3
Mark’s Spectacular Science Show
British science broadcaster, astronomer and author Mark Thompson brings a science show like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!
When: 30 May at 3.30pm (also The Kenton, Henley on Thames on 26 May and The Hammond Theatre, Hampton on 27 May)
Where: Leicester Square Theatre
Ticket price: From £18 at Leicester Square Theatre
Find out more here
4
Audley End Enchanted Railway
Hop on board this miniature steam train to discover delightful scenes of little bears enjoying a variety of activities along the way. The magic continues with fairy and elf hunting in the Fulfen Forest as well as wand making. This year there is also punting down the river.
When: 4 & 5 May
Where: Audley End, Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Ticket price: Adult tickets £17, children £13, family ticket (2 adults/2 children) £55.
Find out more here
5
Polka Theatre Half-Term Workshops
Polka Theatre has organised a range of half-term workshops for kids of all ages. Grown-ups and their 0 to 4 year olds can explore rhythm, sound and movement in Baby Beatbox!; Create an Epic Fable, a workshop for 5 to 8 year olds inspired by Tortoise and the Hare that invites children to create their own fable through improvisation, music, and role-playing. Finally, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Drama Masterclass, in collaboration with Shakespeare’s Globe, including activities for ages 8 to 12 focused on performance skills, movement exercises, and group collaboration to enhance understanding of Shakespeare’s magical world and theatre techniques.
When: 26, 27 & 28 May
Where: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB
Ticket price: £13 to £55
Find out more here
6
Kings Road Treasure Hunt
Stripe & Stare and a selection of Buy Women Built brands have created a treasure hunt to celebrate female entrepreneurship. Each participating store will offer an exclusive in-store promotion. Stores taking part are: Stripe & Stare, RIXO, Astrid & Miyu, Trinny London, NRBY, Aspiga, Sarah Chapman, Wyse, Blink Brow Bar and Margaret Dabbs.
Where: Kings Road, Chelsea
When: 9 & 10th May
7
Little Dish x The Doodle Boy
Head to London’s South Bank to join Joe Whale AKA The Doodle Boy and his giant 6m x 4m billboard ‘canvas’ and use the pens provided to add colour and doodles to the design. The activation celebrates the launch of Little Dish’s recipe: Chicken Katsu Curry Noodles, and its limited edition pack which has been designed by The Doodle Boy.
Where: The Queen’s Walk on the South Bank, just north of the London Eye and next to Jubilee Gardens.
When: 2 May, 10am to 6pm
Find out more here
8
Luminarium: LUXART by Architects of Air
Step into a breathtaking world of light and colour as Power Station Park is transformed by a monumental inflatable luminarium. Explore interconnected domes filled with shifting hues and immersive design, designed to spark wonder, reflection and creativity. Tickets are £10 per person and include access to a plethora of fun events inside.
Where: Battersea Power Station
When: 23 to 31 May
Find out more here
9
Frameless x National Portrait Gallery
Stories – Brought to Life, is a 15-minute immersive experience using digital technology, animation and photography to present portraits from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection. Features Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, William Shakespeare, Amy Winehouse and Malala Yousafzai.
Where: FRAMELESS London, Blank Canvas Gallery, 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP
When: 21st May and running until 12th September
Ticket Price: Adult from £27.50 / Child from £18 – Special advance/online price. On the day from – Adult £29.50 / Child £20
Find out more here
10
Jousting Tournament
Experience the sights, sounds, and excitement of a medieval battlefield with old English traditions featuring knights, noble steeds, archery, and falconry.
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PS
When: 2 to 4 May
Price: Adults from £31, children from £15
Find out more here
11
Bubble Explorers
Join the Science Museum’s Explainers for brand-new show Bubble Explorers, an interactive live show designed especially for young children and their families. Watch bubbles drift, stretch and shimmer as little ones learn how they form, move and change. Filled with hands-on moments, surprising demonstrations, and plenty of chances to join in, this live show introduces early years’ audiences to science through curiosity and participation.
Where: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
When: 23 May to 12 July, Daily, Various times
Ticketed, £4.50, ages 2 and under go free. Recommended for ages 7 and under
Find out more here
12
War Horse
War Horse is back at the National Theatre. It tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. A timeless story of love, courage and friendship is brought to life by astonishing life-sized horses from Handspring Puppet Company and a stirring musical score.
Where: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
When: 16 May to 30 July
Good to know: Recommended for ages 10+
Find out more here
13
Affordable Art Fair
Ever-popular Family Mornings include an art treasure hunt, face-painting, as well as full access to the Fair and the Kid’s Creative Corner where they can create their very own artwork.
When: 6 to 10 May (family sessions 10-12pm on Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, London NW3 1TH
Ticket price: Free
Find out more here
14
Virtual Orchestra: William Tell
Audiences are invited to step inside one of the world’s leading orchestras at the launch of a new immersive virtual reality experience. The Philharmonia Orchestra’s Virtual Orchestra: William Tell puts participants at the heart of the orchestra as they perform Rossini’s exhilarating overture.
When: Wednesday 27 & Thursday 28 May
Where: The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
Find out more here
15
The London Eye x LEGO® Blossoms
While the pods are transformed into spring-inspired escapes you can also build your own posy of LEGO® Botanicals Daisies on board. , where lush blossoms frame the panoramic skyline from 135 metres above the River Thames.
When: 2, 3 and 4 May
Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Ticket Price: From £29 (from £59 for the LEGO® experience)
Find out more here
16
Go Green Fest
‘Go Green Fest’ is a relaunched, family-focused version of Fulham Palace’s annual green meet event. This one-day community festival invites visitors to celebrate sustainability, gardening and biodiversity. It will include a range of activities for all ages, alongside exciting entertainment and delicious food and drink.
When: Sunday 3rd May, 11am – 4pm
Where: Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Ave, London SW6 6EA
Ages: All ages
Ticket price: £5.00 adult, £3.00 child
Find out more here
17
Elderflower Fields Festival
Spend an adventure-filled weekend at family festival Elderflower Fields in the beautiful Sussex countryside. Elderflower Fields celebrates its 15th anniversary, inviting families to reconnect with nature and switch off from the demands of modern, tech-filled life. Widely recognised as the perfect first festival experience for families.
When: May 22 to 25
Where: Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Ticket price: Adult weekend pass £186.10 (£175 + booking fee)
Child weekend pass £96.00 (£90 + booking fee) . Child age 0 to 3 go free.
Find out more and book here
18
Ramses and The Pharaoh’s Gold
Visitors can expect ornately carved sarcophagi, royal masks, animal mummies, exquisite jewellery, amulets, and the original wooden coffin that once held Ramses II’s mummy, alongside state-of-the-art storytelling galleries and an immersive VR journey through Abu Simbel and Queen Nefertari’s tomb.
When: Daily
Where: NEON at Battersea Power Station, Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ
Ticket price: Adults from £24.90, discounted tickets available for children and seniors
Find out more here
19
Vauxhall City Farm May Fair
Step into spring with a weekend full of farmyard fun for all ages including sheep shearing, wool spinning, a games arena, live msic, activity sheets and games, cuddle corner, BBQ, face painting and a family farm trail
When: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May, from 10:30am – 5pm (the farmyard will close at 4pm).
Where: Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS
Ticket Price: Entry is free with a suggested donation. Most activities are free, some have a nominal fee to participate.
Find out more here
20
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show
London’s social calendar kicks off with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 with the biggest headline for us that gnomes are making a return! Enjoy the show with a ticket or take a walk round the Kings Road where shops and cafes embrace plants and flowers with extraordinary decorations.
Where: London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR
When: 19 to 23 May
Ticket Price: From £84
Find out more here
