M+CULTURE: Top 10 Free Things to Do with Kids in London This Summer
Looking for something more enriching than another soft play session or overpriced trampoline park? London’s summer cultural calendar is packed with free family-friendly events that offer imagination, inspiration, and just the right amount of chaos. From dreamscapes at Tate to oyster shell painting in Walthamstow, here are ten things to do with the kids that you’ll actually enjoy too.
1. Explore Surreal Dreamscapes at Tate Britain
Where: Tate Britain, Millbank
When: Everyday during school holidays
Tate’s Play Studio: Dream Worlds invites children to dive into their imagination. Created by artist Rosemary Jane Cronin and inspired by surrealist thinking, this interactive installation encourages kids to build costume collages, note down their dreams, and explore tarot cards based on works of art. Free. More info
2. Celebrate Young Creatives at the RA
Where: Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly
When: 15th July–10th August
The Young Artists’ Summer Show 2025 returns with powerful work by 4–18-year-olds across the UK. From bold abstracts to quietly brilliant portraits, it’s a reminder of how perceptive and expressive children can be when given the space. Free. More info
3. Move, Slide and Snuggle at Soft Studio, Tate Britain
Where: Tate Britain, Millbank
When: Open every day during school holidays from 23 July. Closes 31 August
Part sculpture, part sensory experience, this dreamy installation by HoLD Art Collective invites little ones to move to a gentle soundscape, snuggle into weighted fabric objects, and explore surreal textures. Inspired by Dorothea Tanning’s work. Free. More info
4. Dance Beneath the Silhouettes at Southbank
Where: Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre
When: 23rd July–25th August
Qudus St Patrick: The Space Between 2025 reimagines the dancefloor as a living, breathing experience. Under a sculptural soundwave canopy, dancing silhouettes move in rhythm, casting shadows across the terrace. Thought-provoking and very fun. Free. More info
5. Go Hands-On at London Museum Docklands
Where: London Museum Docklands
When: 25th July–31st August
The museum’s Summer Holidays programme includes becoming an archaeologist for the day, crafting around themes of identity, and a joyful retelling of the Great Fire of London. Free. More info
6.Make Gilded Oyster Shell Art at the William Morris Gallery
Where: People’s Pavilion, William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow
When: Saturday 23rd August, 1–4pm
Part of Morris Mania, this joyful Family Day invites kids (aged 5+) to transform oyster shells into shimmering artworks using classic William Morris designs like Strawberry Thief and Seaweed. With decoupage paper, gold paint, and nature-inspired flair, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Free. More info
7. Wander Through DreamState at Shoreditch Town Hall
Where: The Ditch, Shoreditch Town Hall
When: Monday 28th July and Saturday 2nd August (free entry week)
Step into eight rooms of magical storytelling by Ministry of Stories meet neon leopards, time-travelling trees and talking houses. Suitable for all ages (yes, even grown-ups). More info
8. Create Your Own Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Charing Cross
When: 4th–8th August
The gallery’s Summer Family Festival includes zine-making, historical costume design, magical mask collage and plenty of storytelling inspiration. Free. More info
9. Dance it Out at the Popcorn! Listening Party
Where: Whitechapel Gallery
When: Saturday 9 August, 11am–1pm
A joyful, music session for grown-ups and kids alike. Expect everything from experimental dance tunes to punky costume performances and DIY instrumentals inspired by artist Jenny Pengilly’s show Popcorn! Free. More info.
10. Dance it Out at FUN DMC’s 10th Birthday
Where: Southbank Centre, Riverside Terrace
When: Monday 25th August
Celebrate a decade of FUN DMC with disco, garage, hip-hop and R&B for all ages. There’s even a beatbox workshop and dance instructors to help get little feet moving. Free. More info