Fun Family-Friendly Things To Do In London This May Half Term
Top spots for free and affordable family activities
Back to ItineriesExplore the West End's top spots for free and affordable family activities to enjoy this May half term. From art tours to book themed tea parties, here's our round-up of some of the best things to do with the kids this spring.
The National Gallery’s creative tours and workshops
Pay a visit to London's cultural heart and discover the Roden Centre at The National Gallery: a lively and welcoming space designed just for families and carers.
Explore art with hands-on fun this half term - dress up, build, draw, and explore masterpieces through playful activities crafted by artists who truly get kids and families. There's also a breakout space for those that need a place to recharge at The Social Space a cozy family lunchroom, open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Lean in to creativity with free workshops inspired by the Zurbarán exhibition. Join the drop-in Art Studio Family Workshop to experiment with textiles, prints, and patterns during two fun-filled sessions daily. Uncover hidden secrets in stunning artworks with Decoding Pictures Family Tour. Plus, the Creative Space Immersive Environment invites you to play with light and shade and explore the concept of 'chiaroscuro'.
26-28 May
- Art Studio Family Workshop: 11am–1pm & 2pm–4pm
- Decoding Pictures Family Tour: 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm
- Creative Space Immersive Environment: 11am to 4pm
For Young Readers and Writers
Calling all young book lovers and creative minds! Waterstones Piccadilly is buzzing with fantastic activities. Jump into a thrilling comic book workshop with Pablo and Splash alongside Sheena Dempsey. Step into a Wonderland-themed quiz hosted by Anna James, complete with tea party treats and crafts inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Or unleash imagination in the Star Kitties Workshops with Laura Ellen Anderson and create your very own mini-kitty-zine!
- Saturday, May 23rd at 11am: Comic book workshop with Pablo and Splash alongside Sheena Dempsey
- Sunday, May 24th at 3pm: Wonderland-themed quiz hosted by Anna James, with tea party treats and crafts inspired by Alice in Wonderland
- Monday, May 25th at 11am: Star Kitties Workshops with Laura Ellen Anderson to create your own mini-kitty-zine
Family Day Out at the National Portrait Gallery
Tuesday, May 26th is your chance to immerse in art inspired by Catherine Opie’s "To Be Seen" exhibition! Meet at the Ross Place entrance on Floor 0 for a day packed with fun from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Frame your favorite portraits in a portable gallery, explore family art trails, and craft metal-embossed cards in Room 18 on Floor 3. Strike a pose for a portrait in the Law Studio (Floor -2), chill out in the recharge space in the Studio Gallery (Floor -2), and get hands-on with recycled materials in the Clore Learning Studio (Floor -3).
Don’t miss a special book signing by Katy Hessel for "The Story of Art Without Men: An Illustrated Guide" at the main gallery shop from 11:30am to 12:30pm!
This half term, dive into a whirlwind of creativity and inspiration with this fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities across London. Get ready for unforgettable memories and loads of fun!
- Family activities: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
- Special book signing by Katy Hessel: 11:30am to 12:30pm at the main gallery shop