Two of our FoG parents (Nik Hood and Marcela Ferreira) have very kindly put together an amazing list of activities to keep you busy during the summer holidays! There’s a mix of local things to do, plus what’s on in central London. Most things are free or if there’s a cost involved, the price is listed. Have a great summer!
Summer 2019 – Activities and trip ideas
Head to central London
Check out the view at Sky Gardens (free to enter but booking required in advance)
Find the London Mithraeum at Bloomberg SPACE (free)
Explore the Tate Modern (free entry)
Visit the Leake Street graffiti tunnel under Waterloo Station,
National Theatre workshops Mr Gum Family Workshops on Villains and Heroes / Learn the songs of Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear (7 years +, tickets £6) Various dates in August. Year 3 have been reading Mr Gum this year.
Southbank – check out Disco Loco family friendly free parties throughout summer.
Science Museum’s ‘Summer of Space’ – Year 1 have been learning about space this term.
V&A Museum free trails to follow, family games, backpacks and a big pool for paddling on hot days.
Royal Academy – free activities for families selected Sundays throughout the summer
Tower Bridge Experience – residents of Southwark take proof of address and enter this incredible day out for just £1 each!
Royal Opera House Family Sundays (Adults £8 Children £6)
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (free)
South East London Museums
Horniman Museum has free exhibitions, except for the Aquarium, Lego Exhibition and Butterfly House, but those are also free if you are a member.
You can also book Crazy Golf – £6 adult / £4 child / £13.50 group ticket (up to 4 people).
Sunday 28th July 2-6pm Family Rave at the Horniman with Big Fish Little Fish (Adult £15 / Child £12.50
Choose which museum to visit in Greenwich – Maritime (free), Queen’s House (free), Royal Observatory (Adult £14.40 | Child £7.20) and the Cutty Sark (Adult £13.50 | Child £6.75)
The Imperial War Museum is perfect for older children. During the summer there are special Meet the Veterans, and Story Seekers events (both free) or you can take their Documentary Challenge (£10 per family).
Try the local galleries
Check out the art in the Pavilion events (£3 per child/adults free)
Art Sundays are free
Big Family Press – Creative drop-in sessions at the Fire Station on the first Saturday of the month. Children aged 5–12 and their families can learn how to riso print, share their stories and make a DIY publication for the archive using a range of exciting materials sourced from the local area. (free)
Sunday Spot Play – Family Members (7, 14, 21 July) Drop in to the studio on Sunday afternoons to relax and play with objects themed around non-human family members such as a robot pet dog named Aibo. Sessions are self-directed and open to all, but cater specifically towards children aged 0-5 years. (Free 2-4)
Sunday Spot Works with Dan Curtis 28th July (2-4) Join artist Dan Curtis to make a giant sculpture across the studio walls and out into the garden. Using transparent materials, such as fantasy film and coloured cellophane, experiment with light and shadows to create an immersive installation. This workshop is suitable for children aged 3-12 years. (Free)
South East London Green Spaces
Dulwich Park and try the Pedalo – Children are £3 each, adults are £4 each
Peckham Rye (for the new playground and café)
Beckenham Place Park (for woodland walks, swimming in the lake)
Crystal Palace Park (for the Dinosaurs and the maze)
Mother Goose Wildlife Garden
Dulwich Woods (for making dens)
Brockwell Park (get the kids on the mini train for £1)
Blackheath (for flying kites)
Olympic Park Stratford (free fun with fountains, trails, bike riding and great playgrounds. Pay to go on boat trips, inflatable obstacle course in the Olympic pool, ride The Orbit slide)
London Fountains
Southbank’s Appearing Rooms, City Hall and Somerset House all have great fountains during the summer
The Granary Square fountains in King’s Cross are also worth a visit – and they light up at night!
The Diana Memorial Fountain is open from 10-8pm
If you don’t fancy heading uptown, why not try the jets and water spray at Myatts Fields, or the kid’s lido pool in Ruskin park?
Don’t forget the libraries!
Get books for the Summer at Canada Water Library
Forest Hill, East Dulwich and Nunhead all have great kids’ sections.
Or you can visit the mother of all libraries instead. The British Library has downloadable free family trails that lead you around, helping you uncover the library through puzzles, drawings and games, as well as family events for kids aged between 5-11.
Other things to try
Ice Skating at Streatham Ice Rink
Peckham Plex cinema tickets are £4.99 per person
Take an Emirates cable car at Greenwich Peninsula (Adult £8.40 / Children £5)
Check out Surrey Docks City Farm and Vauxhall City Farm (free)
Southwark residents have free swimming sessions at Dulwich Leisure Centre and Peckham Pulse – all day Friday and after 2pm Saturdays and Sundays (proof of address and ID required)
Oval cricket – watch Surrey in the T20 blast series kids cost £1 (Adults from £25)
Go watch Dulwich Hamlet v Tottenham Hotspur on 20th July (Adults £12.96 / Children & Conc £5.40)