Looking for things to do during May half term in London with kids? In this guide, you’ll find a list of events and activities for kids in London coming up during the May half term holidays 2026.
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When are the May half term school holidays?
This year the May half term school holidays in London are from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026. Monday, 26 May is the spring bank holiday.
What’s On May Half Term in London with Kids
Plan your May half term break with this list of things to do with kids in London during May half term 2026.
First Year at Hogwarts at WB Studio Tour London
7 May – 7 September 2026
Celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with a brand new feature at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. From original props to authentic sets, embark on a magical journey through the Studio Tour and re-live iconic moments from the very first film.
Experience the Backlot Stage for a brand-new show, the Secrets of Sound Effects, and explore how sound effects help bring the magic to life on-screen.
At the demonstration stage, you will also see how flying lessons and Quidditch matches were filmed.
Related: Dark Arts at Harry Potter Studio Tour
The Harry Potter Studio Tour also has a new photo opportunity, with a Game of Wizard Chess display featuring moving chess pieces and the original Knight that Ron sacrifices himself on.
Pick up a newly expanded Activity Passport that has a list of supplies to look out for in Diagon Alley and keep an eye out for interactive displays in the enchanting shop windows!
Book tickets to visit WB Studio Tour London
May Half Term at WWT London Wetland Centre
23 – 31 May 2026
With over 105 acres of nature reserve to explore, WWT London Wetland Centre is a wonderful place to enjoy a day out in London with kids year-round.
Related: London Wetland Centre Barnes with Kids
London Wetland Centre Barnes is currently running an interactive trail, based on Gozzle the gosling, from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilve’s new picture book. Follow the trail to explore the wetlands and discover what it takes for Gozzle to become a grown-up goose.
As well as taking part in the trail, visitors can enjoy other Gozzle activities including vet checks and storytelling, along with pond dipping, mini beast hunts and daily otter talks.
Book tickets to visit WWT London Wetland Centre
The Big Bahooey at Hampton Court Palace
23 – 25 May 2026
Over the bank holiday weekend, the Big Bahooey returns to Hampton Court Palace, featuring a line-up of world-class entertainment for a weekend of circus comedy and street spectacle.
The gardens of Hampton Court Palace will be transformed into a family-friendly festival of fun, with jaw-dropping stunts, slapstick comedy, live music and street food.
Take part in pop-up performances, learn tricks of the trade – from juggling to wire walking – or get crafty in make-and-take creative workshops.
Related: Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace
Entrance to the Big Bahooey is included in standard admission to Hampton Court Palace.
Book tickets to visit Hampton Court Palace
Caribbean Connections at the London Transport Museum
23 – 31 May 2026
Celebrate Caribbean history and culture at the London Transport Museum. 2026 marks 70 years since London Transport began recruiting employees in the Caribbean.
This half term, discover how Caribbean communities helped keep London moving and enjoy hands-on fun for all ages.
Related: London Transport Museum with Kids
Family-friendly activities this half term include creative arts and crafts inspired by Caribbean heritage and exploring the exhibition, Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean workforce.
See the full programme and book tickets to visit the London Transport Museum
Create Something Wild at London Zoo
23 – 31 May 2026
Be part of something special this May half term and help create a massive, collaborative artwork at London Zoo for a GUINESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt!
London Zoo will be transforming into a vibrant creative hub over nine days, all in celebration of ZSL’s 200th anniversary this year. Every visitor is invited to paint one individual piece of artwork to contribute to a large-scale installation that will draw inspiration from the natural world.
Related: Family Days Out at London Zoo
In addition to the main artwork, there will be a range of smaller drop-in and self-guided activities perfect for younger children. Activities include face painting, animal drawing classes and a wild costume challenge.
All activities are included in the zoo admission price and suitable for children of all ages.
Book tickets to visit ZSL London Zoo
Capybara Discovery Week at Hobbledown Heath
23 – 31 May 2026
Enjoy a fun day out at Hobbledown Heath over May half term with their special Capybara Adventure Quest and themed activities! Get to know the capybaras at special keeper talks, take part in a treasure hunt and trail and spin the Capybara surprise prize wheel for the chance to win goodies and special surprises.
Hobbledown Heath boasts fantastic outdoor and indoor play areas and plenty to do year-round! Explore the crate maze and water tower at Buckbridge Market, climb up the treehouses of Wildnerness Wood or pan for crystals in the river at the Mining Village.
One of the highlights at Hobbledown Heath is the Great Barn, West London’s biggest indoor play centre. This magnificent play area features a colorful crochet Whammock, nets to climb, digital and interactive play areas and tall slides.
Older kids can also enjoy aerial adventures available to book as a ticket add-on at Hobbledown Heath’s sister attraction, Gripped. Activities include zip trekking, the net adventure park, high ropes and speed slides.
Book tickets to visit Hobbledown Heath
Royal Air Force Museum
23 – 31 May 2026
Discover the people, ideas and aircraft that changed the skies in a week of hands-on fun at RAF Museum London. Heroes of the Air invites young explorers to build, test and fly as they uncover what it takes to become an aviation hero.
Related: Royal Air Force Museum London with kids
Ticketed activities include Junior Jet Builders (£5 per child, 23 – 27 May), where future engineers can put their ideas to the test using LEGO bricks to design and build their own aircraft, and Remote Control Helicopter Flying (£5 per child, 28 – 31 May).
Plan your visit to the Royal Air Force Museum
Discovery Days at The Hyde Park Learning Centre
26 – 28 May 2026
Join in on free, educational activities at the Hyde Park Learning Centre over May half term. Drop in anytime between 11am to 3pm.
Travel back in time through the Royal Parks’ history. Special Time Travellers activities include creating a plant print using a mallet, designing a park of the future and trying your hand at calligraphy.
Related: Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens
By pre-registering online, you will receive a reminder email in the days leading up to the event with more information about the Discovery Days activities. Pre-registering does not guarantee entry. All visitors are welcomed on a first come, first served basis.
Register your interest at the Hyde Park Learning Centre
May Half-Term Kids Theatre Shows in London
Here’s a list of what’s on for kids at London Theatres during the May half-term break.
This post is currently being updated for the May 2026 half term break.
Museums in London for Kids
Top Museums in London for Kids – plan a visit to one of London’s top family-friendly museums
Read on for more family days out inspiration with our reviews on top museums in London for kids;
Family Day Out at the British Museum
Visiting the Horniman Museum and Gardens with Kids
Wonderlab at the Science Museum London
London Transport Museum with Kids
Day Out at the National Maritime Museum
Dino Snores for Kids at the Natural History Museum
Royal Air Force Museum London with Kids
Cutty Sark Activities for Kids
London Museum of Water and Steam with Kids
National Portrait Gallery London with Kids
May Half Term in London for Kids 2026 Map
I am pinning the top places in London for things to do during the summer half term in my “May Half Term in London with Kids 2026” Google Map Guide. For a direct link to the map to bookmark, click here. To explore the map, click on the door sign with an arrow just before the map title.
This post was updated on 15 May 2026 with London family events and activities coming up over May half term break.
Pin for Later – Things to Do May Half Term London
