The summer holidays are in full swing, so we’ve rounded up 20 things to do in August to keep the whole family entertained, from tiny tots to too-cool tweens. Whether you’re chasing dinosaur footprints around a stately home, dancing along Notting Hill Carnival’s family-friendly route, or catching a West End matinee, this is your one-stop guide to the best family days out in London this August.
1
Story Street x The LEGO Group
Discover’s much-loved LEGO® play street is back and better than ever, co-created with local schoolchildren for a summer of building, dress-up play and musical performances on the street outside.
Where: Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ
When: 1 to 31 August, 11am-4pm daily
More information: discover.org.uk
Photo credit: © 2025 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.
2
Fairy Tales
Step into the pages of your favourite stories at this interactive British Library exhibition, complete with the Three Bears’ breakfast table, a genie’s wishing spot and a wicked witch’s potion cupboard.
Where: British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
When: 1 to 23 August
More information: events.bl.uk | City Kids listing
Photo credit: British Library
3
Boleyn Is Back
Queen Anne Boleyn herself returns to the Tower ahead of her Coronation Day — brave courtiers can ask her a question and, if they’re polite enough, bag a rare royal selfie.
Where: Tower of London
When: Until 14 August
More information: hrp.org.uk
Photo credit: Historic Royal Palaces
4
Summer Family Festival
A free week of hands-on art-making inspired by the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award, with collage, sculpture, painting and printmaking workshops for budding young artists.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE
When: 3 to 7 August, drop-in, free
More information: npg.org.uk
Photo credit: National Portrait Gallery
5
Family Day: Knights and Dragons
Calling all squires — learn what it takes to become a knight of the realm, craft your own dragon to take home and quest around England’s oldest garden in search of historic dames.
Where: Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA
When: 4 August
More information: westminster-abbey.org
Photo credit: Westminster Abbey
6
Dog Man The Musical
Dav Pilkey’s crime-fighting canine leaps from the page to the stage in this hilarious new musical, perfect for fans of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
When: Until 16 August
More information: southbankcentre.co.uk
Photo credit: Image is a registered trademark of Dav Pilkey
7
DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™
Celebrate the Boy Who Lived with 1,200 illuminated drones dancing to the iconic Harry Potter™ score in this first-of-its-kind open-air night-time spectacle — warm coats essential.
Where: Sandown Park Racecourse
When: 7 and 8 August, doors 7:15pm
More information: book here
Photo credit: DroneArt Show
8
Dinosaurs are Forever
Five reimagined Megalosaurus skeletons roar back to life across the grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrating the local discovery of the first ever named dinosaur.
Where: Blenheim Palace
When: From 10 August to 1 November
More information: blenheimpalace.com
Photo credit: Blenheim Palace
9
Tom Gates EPIC Adventure
Create, doodle and roam through an activity hub bursting with mischief, from a giant interactive doodle wall to a live set by Tom’s band DogZombies and a code-cracking woodland trail.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
When: Until 31 August
More information: kew.org
Photo credit: Kew Garnens – Tom Gates © 2011 & TM Liz Pichon Ltd, licensed by TG Entertainment Ltd.
10
Paint with Food
Turn Caribbean ingredients into vibrant natural paints and colour your own postcard masterpiece in this free drop-in workshop, part of the Family Festival of Caribbean Culture.
Where: London Museum Docklands
When: 22 August, 11am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm, free
More information: londonmuseum.org.uk
Photo credit: London Museum Docklands
11
Imagining Animals
Watch the Tower of London transform as extraordinary creatures are brought to life through puppetry, music and movement in this spellbinding outdoor performance.
Where: Tower of London
When: 19 to 31 August (excluding 25)
More information: hrp.org.uk
Photo credit: © Significant Object 2026 / Historic Royal Palaces
12
CBeebies House Party Live
Evie, Joanna, George, Mister Maker, Duggee and Mr Tumble throw the ultimate CBeebies party, complete with dancing, giant jellies, bubbles galore and a BSL interpreter at every show.
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
When: 26 August
More information: southbankcentre.co.uk
Photo credit: BBC Studios
13
Hever in History
Living history encampments, falconry displays and a spectacular jousting tournament mark 40 years of jousting at Hever, with Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn leading the daily procession.
Where: Hever Castle
When: 29 to 31 August
More information: hevercastle.co.uk
Photo credit: Hever Castle
14
Notting Hill Carnival Children’s Parade
Little ones can join Children’s Mas in dazzling handmade costumes, dance to steel bands and soca rhythms, and tuck into Caribbean street food at Europe’s biggest street festival.
Where: Westbourne Park (quieter viewing at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park and Powis Square)
When: 30 August, 10am-5pm
More information: nhcarnival.org
Photo credit: Notting Hill Carnival
15
Summer Holidays At Cutty Sark
Discover a sea of stories aboard this historic tea clipper, with daily creative workshops, storytelling and performances celebrating the people and cultures connected to the maritime world — including relaxed, sensory-friendly sessions for SEND families.
Where: Cutty Sark, Greenwich
When: Until 31 August, daily, 10am-5pm
More information: rmg.co.uk
Photo credit: Royal Museums Greenwich
16
Round The Dock: Dockside Den
A free, packed summer programme by the water, from Brixton Chamber Orchestra sessions and drumming workshops to pond dipping and adventures with Sharky & George.
Where: Canada Water
When: Until 31 August, daily
More information: canadawater.co.uk
Photo credit: Canada Water
17
Swingers Crazy Golf
Kids can swing into the school holidays with discounted crazy golf every Sunday to Friday before 6pm, or upgrade to the full Swingers Experience with unlimited carnival games.
Where: Swingers West End
When: Until 31 August
More information: swingers.club
Photo credit: Swingers
18
The Gruffalo
Tall Stories’ beloved musical adaptation returns for its 25th anniversary, following Mouse on a daring hunt for hazelnuts through the deep dark wood.
Where: Lyric Theatre
When: Until 6 September
More information: thelyrictheatre.co.uk
Photo credit: Craig Sugden
19
Cats
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jellicle cats leap into the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park for a brand-new production of the record-breaking musical, directed by Drew McOnie.
Where: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
When: Until 19 September
More information: openairtheatre.com
Photo credit: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
20
Horrible Histories – Live At The Museum!
Take a gruesome, giggle-packed tour through 180 priceless Egyptian treasures with Ramses II himself, before the infamous Mummy Rap brings the house down.
Where: NEON, Battersea Power Station
When: Until 13 September
More information: horrible-histories.co.uk
Photo credit: NEON, Battersea Power Station
All events verified as of 1 August 2026. Always check dates, times and prices directly with venues before travelling.
