Enjoy a 15% discounted family escape packed with daily breakfast, free and discounted kids’ meals, swimming sessions, and a Singa plush companion.
May half-term is just around the corner, and the weather is promising some gorgeous opportunities to get out and explore the City with the little ones.
There's so much in store from free family activities and outdoor walks to food offers, an art workshop, and much more! It's a great opportunity to spend some quality time with the kids and make core memories while learning a thing or two.
1. Discover the Guildhall Art Gallery with their half term family day and Young Creators Day
City Creators Family Day (Saturday 23 May)
Enjoy a free family fun day with art, activities and inspiration with activities across both the gallery and the Roman amphitheatre.
Activities include:
- Crafting with materials inspired by the City’s artworks and architecture
- Exploring light and shadow through creative drawing
- Building 3D forms from shapes found in the City
- Creating your own City collage
- Relaxing in a story corner with a selection of art and history books
Age: This event is for all ages; there will be family groups and independent adults taking part in activities.
Time and tickets: Activities are free; however, booking is advised. Walk-ins are encouraged. The event takes place on 23 May from 11am–4pm.
Half Term Family Day (Wednesday 27 May)
Guildhall Art Gallery are also hosting a May Half Term Family Day exploring their latest exhibition from Jock McFayden and Jem Finer.
You're invited to draw inspiration from the pieces of 'Underground (and Surface)' where you'll be able to paint your own version of London and capture rhythm from the everyday sounds of the City. You can also help to create a giant train track and test it with remote-controlled trains!
Age: This event is aimed at those aged 3–13 and their families.
Time and tickets: Tickets are free with booking recommended. The family day will take place on 27 May from 11am–4pm.
2. Enjoy the weather and join the City Visitor Trail
Spend the day wandering the Square Mile and use the City Visitor Trail Map to find the hidden gems of the City. There's even a family map with stickers to encourage independent discovery of the history in the area.
It's a free activity which you can combine with other stops along the trail. Head to the City Information Centre to get your map and get started.
Age: The trails can be enjoyed by all ages, and are highly customisable. The City Information Centre staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and help you plan an itinerary around the City.
The City Information Centre located by St Paul's Cathedral.
3. Get creative at the Barbican Library and Cinema
Free Barbican Library events (Various days throughout the week)
Hosting a weekly programme of events for various ages, the Barbican Library offers rhyme time, toy time, story time and even a monster art club. The programme spans different days throughout half term, so make sure to check the full details on the Barbican Library's web page.
Ages: Each session is aimed at different ages. Sessions start from age 0 for story time to all ages for the Thursday game club.
Time and tickets: Sessions span the week at different times, with full details on the Barbican website. Reservations are not required.
Barbican Family Film Club (Every Saturday)
This one is perfect for any little film lovers. The Barbican Cinemas host a Family Film Club with plenty of seating and a relaxed cafe area. You can see their showings for the half term on the cinema's website.
Ages: This is suitable for all ages, but interests may vary by the film being shown.
Time and tickets: Films start at 11am every Saturday and should be reserved in advance.
4. Climb a giant at Tower Bridge (Tuesday 26 May)
Visit Tower Bridge and uncover the secrets of one of London's most famous landmarks. Plus, with your entry ticket, you'll get access to the half term shadow puppets workshop. This means you can immerse yourself in the history of London, while encouraging creativity and play all within a landmark of London.
Ages: All ages are welcome, but the activity is aimed at those 6–10
Time and tickets: The shadow puppets event takes place between 10am–4pm on Tuesday 26 May. It's a drop-in session, but you can book your Tower Bridge tickets in advance.
5. Become a young archaeologist and unearth Roman London (Thursday 28 May)
Join London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE for a free family day and become an archaeologist for a day. There'll be the opportunity to handle real Roman artefacts, examine the clues they hold and discover what they tell us about London life 2,000 years ago.
Age: This event is suitable for those aged 5–11, with all ages welcome.
Time and tickets: You can book a free 30 minute slot in advance between 10am–4pm on 28 May, while no reservations are needed for standard entry.
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE (April) - Isabel Wayman
6. Have a break in a green space, or indulge in the City's culinary delights
Bring a picnic and enjoy the sights
With all that exploring, you're bound to get hungry along your way. The City has some of the best spots to take a breather and enjoy a picnic in the sunshine.
You can bring a blanket and set yourself down in any number of breathtaking spots like St Paul's Churchyard, St Dunstan in the East, Barbican Lakeside, Guildhall Yard, and so many others.
You'll be able to enjoy a nice break from the walking and exploring, and you can even visit one of the many local coffee shops to grab a pastry and a nice drink.
If you're after some help to find your next picnic spot, check out our green spaces page to get yourself started and inspired.
Have a treat
Some of London's finest culinary delights can all be found within the Square Mile. From world-famous restaurants to hole-in-the-wall spots to grab and go. If you need some sustenance and want to enjoy some local offers, here are some great places to start:
Cento Alla Torre: If you're opting for a sit-down treat, you can take advantage of the kids eat free offer at Cento Alla Torre. This Italian spot boasts a huge menu with some of the best Italian wares around. For a limited time during this half term, two little ones can eat totally free for every paying adult, so that makes it even more worth it!
Pan Pacific: How about an afternoon tea with a twist? At Pan Pacific, kids can decorate their own sweet treats and showcase their creativity with this afternoon tea offer created just for the little ones. Their lovingly decorated creations come alongside a drink, sandwiches and pastries, and of course you'll get to indulge in one of the best afternoon teas around too. Talk about an experience.
Host Cafe: A gorgeous and quaint coffee shop located inside an active church. This non-profit spot serves amazing pastries, soups and focaccia, and of course, great coffee! Inside St Mary Aldermary Church in the heart of the City, it serves as the perfect spot for a slice of calm within the midst of the bustle. There's ample seating, toilets, and wifi to serve as a worthy visit for your City trekking.
If you're looking for something else, from cafes to restaurants and everything in between, you can use our restaurants page to dive into all the options you'll have with a day in the City.
7. Cup of tea? Explore the history of a brew at the Bank of England Museum (Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May)
After your afternoon tea, why not continue the trend with some tea-themed family activities at the Bank of England Museum? The Bank of England Museum are hosting free, drop-in family activities inspired by their temporary exhibition 'The Chitra Collection: At the Tea Table'.
You'll be able to design your own teapot and explore how tea has been enjoyed, shared, and celebrated across cultures.
Time and tickets: Entry is free with no reservations required, you can drop in anytime between 9am–5pm Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May.
8. Pop to a pop-up market at Leadenhall Market (Sunday 31 May)
Taking place only once a month, May's pop-up flea market lands during half term and is a perfect excuse to explore the wanderlust of Leadenhall Market.
The location itself is an icon of London, and taking a walk through the cobbled centre is enough to inspire any young mind, but on top of that, on Sunday 31 May you'll also be able to sift through stalls full of antique goods.
You never know what you're going to find, from mid-century furniture, antiques and retro homeware to lighting, rugs and one-off pieces that add character to any home, even if you're not after bringing something back, the browsing is worth the visit alone.
Age: Anyone of any age can enjoy diving through the stalls full of history.
Time and tickets: The market is open 12–5pm on Sunday 31 May with no reservation or booking required.
Leadenhall Market's Vintage and Flea Market
9. Enjoy a programme of sillyness and chaos at the Tower of London (Daily)
In 1826, the Duke of Wellington was put in charge of the Tower and set out to oust the mayhem of the Tower community.
This half term, live performances will bring this story to life across the Tower and immerse you within the community that lived within the Tower walls. The performances are set to be immersive, rogue, and chaotic, and if that doesn't sell it, you can still explore the Tower's regular offerings all under one ticket.
Age: The performances are suitable for all ages
Time and tickets: Performances are included within your entry ticket for the Tower, and take place between 11am–4pm daily until 30 May.
The Tower of London © Historic Royal Palaces
Practical info
If you're not sure where to start, or just want some tips and advice on your visit, head to the City Information Centre where one of the staff will be happy to assist with any queries, bookings or itinerary questions.
