Exciting Family Events In London’s Best Parks This Summer

Parents are beginning to start planning days out with their children over the summer holidays. For those hiring a minibus to London, the good news is there is always something to do in the capital, especially in an environment that all children love – its parks. 

Here are some exciting child-friendly events that are being held in London’s open spaces this summer:

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

When the skies are clear and the sun is shining, there is nothing better to do in the city during the summer than watching outdoor theatre productions. 

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the capital’s gems, hidden within the central park. 

It has tiered seating for 1,200 theatregoers, with shows running from May through to September. There will be three more productions available to watch this summer, including Noughts & Crosses until July 26th, Brigadoon from August 2nd to September 20th, and The Enormous Crocodile from August 15th to September 7th. 

The latter performance has been produced by Roald Dahl Story Company, along with Leeds Playhouse and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and is set to be a favourite among families with young children. 

It is suitable for children over the age of two, with performances at 1030 and 1400 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and at 1015 on Saturdays. 

The 55-minute show will be a great event for the kids on a day out in London, helping to break up sightseeing and give them something special to remember from their visit. 

Play in the Park – Kensington Gardens & Regent’s Park

Until August 14th, Kensington Gardens and Regent’s Park are hosting the Play in the Park project. 

This involves lots of nature-inspired activities to encourage children to venture outdoors, learn about their natural surroundings, and discover wildlife. 

The drop-in sessions are free and do not require booking, but it is important to check the location and dates before going. The next Play in the Park event will be held at Buck Hill in Kensington Gardens on July 26th, followed by one at Gloucester Gate Playground in Regent’s Park on August 14th. 

They are running from 1100 to 1500, giving families the opportunity to turn up whenever they want during their visit to the capital. 

Great events at Greenwich Park

While most visitors to London head to Hyde Park in central London, or St James’ Park, just outside Buckingham Palace, many do not make it to Greenwich Park, situated in south-east London. 

However, it would be a mistake to miss it, as the 183-acre Royal Park is a beautiful place to explore. 

It boasts herb gardens, landscaped lawns, a boating lake, deer, and two fantastic playgrounds, giving everyone in the family something to see and do. On top of this, it is home to the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, and the Royal Observatory. 

You can go inside the Queen’s House, which was built in the 17th Century for Queen Anne of Denmark, and the National Maritime Museum, boasting more than two million items from maritime history, for free. 

There is also the Ranger’s House, statue of General Wolfe, and Queen Elizabeth I’s famous ancient oak tree to visit. 

What really makes Greenwich Park somewhere special to come to over the summer, however, are its great family events.

On the Cutty Sark, for instance, there are storytime sessions and engaging workshops until August 31st.

At the Queen’s House, families can enjoy a range of arts and crafts, stories and songs, and see historical character actors, keeping the children entertained while parents learn more about the history of the home. 

The National Maritime Museum is also hosting an ocean-themed event until the end of August, which will include free activities for children. 

Lastly, those visiting the Royal Observatory can watch Ted’s Space Adventure during the school holidays. This live planetarium show has been designed for under-7s and will definitely be a favourite if your little one is interested in space! 

Peter Pan, Hyde Park Learning Centre

Hyde Park is perhaps the most popular of all the London parks, with around 13 million people visiting it every year. 

There are so many beautiful things to explore in the park, from the Rose Garden to the Round Pond, Serpentine Lake to Speakers’ Corner, Diana Memorial Fountain to the Wildflower Meadow. 

Whether you choose to go boating, watch performances on the bandstand, take in the art galleries at Serpentine Gallery, or wander through its beautiful gardens, families will never be short of things to do here. 

To make the park even more appealing to youngsters over the summer, the Hyde Park Learning Centre is hosting Discovery Days: Peter Pan. 

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for four weeks, there will be outdoor activities children can take part in, such as building a fairy house or making a nest boat. They can also do a pirate orienteering challenge and have a go with catapults. 

The activities will take place between 1100 and 1500, with storytelling sessions at 1200, 1300 and 1400. 

These drop-in events do not require booking, although registering beforehand is a good idea.