5x Fun Things to do in London with Kids - Summer 2025
- Art Play London
- Aug 19, 2025
- 6 min read
London in summer? Absolute magic. The streets buzz with energy, the parks are greener than ever, and there’s something happening on every corner. But if you’re a parent, you know that summer also comes with a big question: “How do I keep the kids entertained without losing my sanity (or my entire wallet)?”
We’ve got you covered! Covering West, Central, and East London (whether you're based there or just fancy exploring the city) this guide will give you five fun things to do with kids in London this summer. From interactive art experiences to messy creative play, these activities will keep little hands busy, curious minds engaged, and parents happily caffeinated.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Things to do in West London with Kids
Explore Chelsea Art Festival - Featuring Art Play’s Creative Corner
If you’re looking for a day out that’s both cultural and fun, Chelsea Art Festival is the place to be this summer. But wait, before you think “art fairs are boring for kids,” let us stop you right there. This year, Art Play is bringing the fun to Chelsea with an interactive creative corner designed especially for little ones.
Imagine this: while you’re browsing stunning paintings and sculptures (and maybe daydreaming about that perfect piece for the living room), the kids are happily painting, sticking, and experimenting with colours under the guidance of friendly Art Play facilitators. No mess at home, no stress for you - just pure creative freedom for the little Picassos.
Why kids (and parents) will love it:
Hands-on activities: Think mini easels, bright paints, and lots of giggles.
Educational fun: They’ll learn about colours, textures, and shapes without even realising it.
Convenient for parents: You can explore the fair while knowing the kids are having a blast.
Bonus tip:
Pair your visit with a stop at Duke of York Square for some ice cream or a picnic on the green. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and let off steam after their arty adventure.
📍 Location: Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road
📅 When: Summer dates for 2025 will be announced soon - keep an eye on the Chelsea Art Fair website and Art Play socials.
🔗 Find out more:
Things to do in Central London with Kids
Step Into Illusions at the Twist Museum – Plus Art Play’s Colourful Workshop
If your kids love surprises, illusions, and things that make them go “WHOA!”, then the Twist Museum is a must. This place is like stepping into another dimension—walls that look like floors, mirrors that play tricks on your eyes, and rooms that make you question reality.
And here’s where it gets even better: Art Play is hosting a special pop-up workshop inside the museum this summer. After the kids have had their fill of mind-bending illusions, they can join a fun, colourful art session inspired by what they’ve just seen. Imagine them creating their own optical art masterpiece - spirals, bold lines, and crazy patterns galore.
Why this is a summer winner:
Instagram heaven: Kids (and adults) will LOVE the photo ops here.
Keeps the theme going: After exploring illusions, they’ll actually make art that tricks the eye.
All-weather fun: Perfect for those unpredictable London summer showers.
Pro parent hack:
Book your tickets online in advance - Twist Museum can get busy during the school holidays. And trust us, you’ll want to allow plenty of time for those photo moments.
📍 Location: Oxford Street, Central London
📅 When: Summer holidays 2025 - check Art Play’s event page for workshop slots.
🔗 Find out more: https://twistmuseum.com/stories/blog-paint-play-perceive/
Things to do in East London with Kids
Get Messy at Art Play’s Messy Makers Sessions
Parents, admit it: sometimes you just need an activity that lets kids go wild with paint, glue, glitter, and clay… without destroying your house. Enter Art Play’s Messy Makers sessions in East London.
These sessions are designed for younger children who love sensory play and getting creative. Think squishy textures, bold colours, and zero limits. They’ll paint with brushes, sponges, fingers - basically anything goes! And the best part? You don’t have to clean it up. (Can we get an AMEN for that?)
Why kids go bananas for Messy Makers:
Freedom to explore: No “don’t touch that!” rules here - everything is meant to be touched.
Boosts creativity and motor skills: All that squeezing, smudging, and splashing is actually brilliant for development.
Fun group vibe: Kids love meeting other little artists.
Sessions run throughout the summer, and spots fill up fast - because parents know a good thing when they see it.
📍 Location: AArt Play Studio, Old Spitalfields Market
📅 When: Multiple sessions during July & August - check the Art Play website for availability.
🔗 Find out more: https://www.artplay.co.uk/service-page/messy-makers
Create Summer Fashion at the Kids’ Tie-Dye Workshop
Summer and tie-dye go together like ice cream and sprinkles. If your kids love fashion (or just love making a colourful mess), Art Play’s Tie-Dye Workshop is going to be their new favourite thing.
They’ll get their hands on bright, eco-friendly dyes and learn how to twist, fold, and scrunch fabric to create their own unique patterns. T-shirts, tote bags - you name it, they can make it groovy. Best of all, they get to take their creations home, which means one-of-a-kind summer fashion, made by them.
Why this workshop rocks:
Creative AND practical: They’ll wear their own art all summer long.
A great boredom buster: Perfect for older kids who want something “cool” to do.
Eco-friendly vibes: Art Play uses non-toxic dyes, so it’s safe and sustainable.
📍 Location: Art Play Studio, Old Spitalfields Market
📅 When: Selected dates across summer 2025 - book early because these workshops always sell out.
🔗 Find out more: https://www.artplay.co.uk/service-page/kids-tie-dye-workshop
Things to do in South London with Kids
Picnic & Play at Battersea Park (with a Twist)
Okay, this one isn’t technically an Art Play event, but we couldn’t leave it off the list because Battersea Park in summer is pure gold for families. Think boating on the lake, the amazing adventure playground, and acres of space for running, biking, and scootering.
Pro tip for 2025: Pack a picnic, grab some art supplies (or one of Art Play’s mini activity kits), and turn it into a creative day outdoors. Set up under a tree, let the kids draw what they see - birds, trees, boats - and boom: you’ve just created your own mini art workshop in the park.
Want to level it up? Stop by the park’s zoo for some animal inspiration first. It’s small, super cute, and perfect for younger kids.
📍 Location: Battersea Park, West London
📅 When: Anytime the sun is shining (fingers crossed for lots of that this year!).
🔗 View on maps:
Extra Ideas for Super-Organised Parents
Still want more? Here are a few extra family-friendly London gems for summer 2025:
Diana Memorial Playground (Kensington Gardens): Pirate ship + sand = instant joy.
Southbank Centre’s summer festival: Always buzzing with free arts and crafts activities.
Hackney City Farm: Meet the animals and grab a bite at their lovely café.
Kew Gardens: The Children’s Garden is an absolute winner on sunny days.
Why Art Play Activities Are a Must for Summer 2025
Here’s the thing: London is FULL of family-friendly stuff, but finding activities that are genuinely engaging for kids (and not painfully boring for parents) can be tricky. That’s why we love Art Play’s approach - it’s creative, colourful, and totally inclusive.
Whether it’s getting messy with paint, making fashion at a tie-dye workshop, or bringing art to life at Chelsea Art Fair, these sessions give kids a chance to express themselves, build confidence, and learn something new—all while having fun.
And for parents? You get a little breather, a chance to snap some adorable photos, and the joy of seeing your child light up with pride at what they’ve created.
Quick Recap: 5 Fun Things to Do with Kids in London This Summer
✅ Chelsea Art Fair + Art Play creative corner (West London)
✅ Twist Museum + Art Play workshop (Central London)
✅ Art Play Messy Makers (East London)
✅ Art Play Tie-Dye Workshop (East London)
✅ Battersea Park picnic & play (West London)
Ready to Book Your Summer Fun?
Check out Art Play’s website for the latest workshop dates, prices, and booking info. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks and creative tips to keep the kids entertained all season long.
This summer is going to be bright, bold, and beautiful - let’s make it an arty one!
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