{"id":7206,"date":"2026-06-10T16:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T15:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/events.loopla.com\/?p=7206"},"modified":"2026-06-24T15:49:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T14:49:55","slug":"london-festivals-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/london-festivals-summer","title":{"rendered":"London&#8217;s best family festivals: A summer guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Family festivals bring together food, activities and entertainment, all in one place. In other words, they basically plan a whole day out for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;ve just finished our yearly sweep of London&#8217;s best family festivals. 2026&#8217;s line-up is full of street parties and outdoor shows. But the biggest surprise perhaps was how many are completely free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So we broke things down into paid family festivals, free ones and neighbourhood events. To jump ahead, just click below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#free\">Free family festivals<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#paid\">Paid family festivals<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#local\">Local family festivals<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you know exactly what you&#8217;re after, here&#8217;s a quick table:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who for?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Loopla&#8217;s pick<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Toddlers<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.littleangeltheatre.com\/little-angel-theatre-childrens-puppet-festival-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Little Angel Theatre Puppet Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Bookworms<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/londonkidslitfest.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">London Children&#8217;s Literature Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Nature lovers<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwt.org.uk\/wetland-centres\/london\/whats-on\/dragonfly-festival-at-london-wetland-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dragonfly Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Musical fans<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westendlive.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">West End Live<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Budding artists<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatchigallery.com\/exhibition\/the-sun-and-the-moon-summer-solstice-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saatchi Gallery Summer Solstice Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Aspiring singers<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjp.org.uk\/whats-on\/sounds-sublime-choral-festival-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sounds Sublime Choral Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Best big family festival<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kaleidoscope-festival.com\/line-up\/families\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaleidoscope Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">North London families<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hampstead Summer Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">East London families<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/festival.org\/gdif-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Greenwich+Docklands International Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">South London families<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visitclaphamjunction.com\/events\/the-northcote-road-summer-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Northcote Road Summer Festival<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">West London families<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kewfete.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kew Fete<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Related:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loopla.com\/blog\/things-to-do-toddlers-london\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.loopla.com\/blog\/things-to-do-toddlers-london\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Things to do with toddlers in London<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loopla.com\/blog\/london-shows-for-toddlers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">London&#8217;s best toddler shows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loopla.com\/blog\/best-playgrounds-in-london\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best playgrounds in London<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Paid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>London&#8217;s best paid family festivals for summer 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>London Children&#8217;s Literature Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Book-Festival-Image-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Book-Festival-Image-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Book-Festival-Image-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Book-Festival-Image-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Book-Festival-Image-1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UK&#8217;s largest <a href=\"https:\/\/londonkidslitfest.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">children&#8217;s literature festival<\/a>. Across two days in Barnes, dozens of authors and illustrators run talks and workshops in halls, churches and a marquee. This year&#8217;s names include Hugh Bonneville, Liz Pichon and Robin Stevens. Some events are already sold out, so we recommend booking early or keep a back-up in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(We also recommend signing up to our <a href=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/london-loop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">newsletter for London parents<\/a>. That way, you get more notice when the really popular events go on sale.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 27 \u2013 Sunday 28 June 2026<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Barnes, SW13<br><strong>Prices:<\/strong> Events from \u00a310<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/londonkidslitfest.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>East London Shakespeare Festival: A Midsummer Night&#8217;s Dream<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/midsummer-nights-dream-elsf-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/midsummer-nights-dream-elsf-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/midsummer-nights-dream-elsf-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/midsummer-nights-dream-elsf-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/midsummer-nights-dream-elsf-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/midsummer-nights-dream-elsf-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year, one of Shakespeare&#8217;s funniest plays will be showing outdoors in parks all over London (despite this festival&#8217;s name). This adapted version of A Midsummer Night&#8217;s Dream will have slapstick, songs and plenty of audience participation, so kids don&#8217;t get bored. We recommend bringing chairs or a blanket, as seats aren&#8217;t provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> 5 June \u2013 23 August 2026<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Various London parks<br><strong>Prices:<\/strong> Varies by venue<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elsf.uk\/productions\/a-midsummer-nights-dream-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kaleidoscope Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The family area at <a href=\"https:\/\/kaleidoscope-festival.com\/line-up\/families\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaleidoscope<\/a> is a mini festival within a festival. Along with (arguably) London\u2019s best views, you get to enjoy silly science, disco yoga and the world\u2019s tallest bubbleologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 11 July 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Alexandra Palace Park, N22<br><strong>Prices:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a370.40<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kaleidoscope-festival.com\/line-up\/families\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Big Beat Playground Summer Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dance music festival built for families is a rare thing. This year, <a href=\"https:\/\/bigbeatplayground.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Big Beat Playground<\/a> has a new home at Finchley&#8217;s Victoria Park. But you can still expect the old favourites: confetti cannons, willow weaving, have-a-go circus sessions and giant Jenga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 11 July 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Victoria Park, Finchley, N3<br><strong>Prices:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a315.05<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/bigbeatplayground.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dragonfly Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The London Wetland Centre\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwt.org.uk\/wetland-centres\/london\/whats-on\/dragonfly-festival-at-london-wetland-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">summer festival<\/a> is our top pick for little nature-lovers. The six-week event involves pond-dipping, outdoor games and dragonfly safari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 18 July \u2013 Monday 31 August 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> WWT London Wetland Centre, SW13<br><strong>Prices:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a318.85 (10% off when you book online)<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wwt.org.uk\/wetland-centres\/london\/whats-on\/dragonfly-festival-at-london-wetland-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sounds Sublime Choral Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/choral-tots-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/choral-tots-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/choral-tots-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/choral-tots-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/choral-tots.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjp.org.uk\/whats-on\/sounds-sublime-choral-festival-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">day of choral music<\/a> at St James&#8217;s Church Piccadilly curated by one of Britain&#8217;s leading choirs. There are lots of ways to join in for kids who like to sing, as they do workshops as well as concerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 11 July 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> St James&#8217;s Church Piccadilly, W1J<br><strong>Prices:<\/strong> Workshops \u00a35 \u2013 \u00a310 (some concerts free)<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sjp.org.uk\/whats-on\/sounds-sublime-choral-festival-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Little Angel Theatre Children&#8217;s Puppet Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A month-long puppet festival marking the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.littleangeltheatre.com\/little-angel-theatre-childrens-puppet-festival-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Little Angel<\/a>&#8216;s 65th birthday. The show we&#8217;re most excited about is the world premiere of The Sorcerer&#8217;s Apprentice, performed with marionettes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Tuesday 28 July \u2013 Sunday 30 August 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Little Angel Theatre + Little Angel Studios, N1<br><strong>Prices:<\/strong> Adults \u00a315.50, kids \u00a313.50<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.littleangeltheatre.com\/little-angel-theatre-childrens-puppet-festival-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"free\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best free family festivals in London for summer 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wanna Play? Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"548\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wanna-play-festival-1024x548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wanna-play-festival-1024x548.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wanna-play-festival-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wanna-play-festival-768x411.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wanna-play-festival.jpg 1273w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandrapalace.com\/whats-on\/wanna-play-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wanna Play? Festival<\/a>, kids can dream up play spaces in workshops led by architects and designers. The Alexandra Palace event will also have live graffiti, a Skate Jam and breakdancing lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 13 June 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Alexandra Palace Park, N22<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandrapalace.com\/whats-on\/wanna-play-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>LSE Festival Family Day<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/events\/lse-festival\/2026\/lse-festival-family-day-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">family day<\/a> on the LSE campus, part of the university&#8217;s annual festival. This year&#8217;s theme is &#8220;How to save the planet.&#8221; It&#8217;s a serious question but they tackle it through games, cookie decorating, face painting and beaver workshops. Some of these activities are ticketed (and selling out fast).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 20 June 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> Varies by activity<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> LSE Campus, WC2A<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/events\/lse-festival\/2026\/lse-festival-family-day-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>West End Live<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"646\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/west-end-live-family-festival-1024x646.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/west-end-live-family-festival-1024x646.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/west-end-live-family-festival-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/west-end-live-family-festival-768x485.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/west-end-live-family-festival-1536x970.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/west-end-live-family-festival.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two days of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westendlive.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free musical theatre<\/a> in Trafalgar Square, performed by real West End casts from big shows. It&#8217;s the cheapest way to find out which ones your kids would actually sit through. We suggest going on Sunday, the quieter day and a safer bet with little ones in tow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 20 \u2013 Sunday 21 June 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Trafalgar Square, WC2N<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westendlive.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Windrush Homecoming Celebration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windrush-2026-homecoming-festival-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windrush-2026-homecoming-festival-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windrush-2026-homecoming-festival-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windrush-2026-homecoming-festival-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windrush-2026-homecoming-festival.jpg 1380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A free day of Caribbean music, carnival costumes, crafts and food in Kentish Town to mark Windrush Day. There are sports activities for kids, plus DJs and live performances for everyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 20 June 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Talacre Gardens, NW5<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovecamden.org\/whats-on\/windrush-homecoming-celebration-b2f659d3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>BST Hyde Park Open House<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between the big BST Hyde Park concerts, they do free midweek <a href=\"https:\/\/www.royalparks.org.uk\/whats-on\/bst-hyde-park-open-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Open House<\/a> days with family activities. This festival covers a wide age range. Kids can try cricket with Lord&#8217;s coaches, watch Paddington at the outdoor cinema or pretend to drive a real digger. They even have baby sensory sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Monday 29 June \u2013 Thursday 2 July &amp; Monday 6 \u2013 Thursday 9 July 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Hyde Park, W2<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.royalparks.org.uk\/whats-on\/bst-hyde-park-open-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Young V&amp;A Summer Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This festival marks <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vam.ac.uk\/event\/N5eWzqxkQz\/summer-festival-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Young V&amp;A<\/a>&#8216;s third birthday, at the children&#8217;s museum in Bethnal Green. Circus performers, a community orchestra and South Asian dance will be popping up across the galleries all afternoon. Elsewhere, kids can drop into circus workshops on the lawn or make a bracelet for a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 4 July 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Young V&amp;A, E2<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vam.ac.uk\/event\/N5eWzqxkQz\/summer-festival-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Camden Mela<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovecamden.org\/whats-on\/camden-mela\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Camden Mela<\/a> is a free celebration of British South Asian culture at Coram&#8217;s Fields. A mela is a South Asian fair, and this one will involve live Bangladeshi music and dance. You also have more than 50 stalls to browse, selling food, fashion and handicrafts. Being in Coram&#8217;s Fields, you get to explore one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/best-playgrounds-in-london\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best playgrounds in London<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Sunday 12 July 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Coram&#8217;s Fields, WC1N<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovecamden.org\/whats-on\/camden-mela\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Coram&#8217;s Fields Play Day 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/landscape_cropped-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/landscape_cropped-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/landscape_cropped-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/landscape_cropped-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/landscape_cropped-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/landscape_cropped.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking of <a href=\"https:\/\/coramsfields.org\/event\/playday-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coram&#8217;s Fields<\/a>: the park turns 90 this year, and Play Day is their birthday party. It&#8217;s a free afternoon of games and activities celebrating every child&#8217;s right to play. Adults can only get in if they bring a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Wednesday 5 August 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Coram&#8217;s Fields, WC1N<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/coramsfields.org\/event\/playday-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>King&#8217;s Cross Summer Sounds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eleven days of free live music at Coal Drops Yard, now in its 11th year. You can see everything from folk and jazz to classical but the best time for families to go are the Sundays, from 1pm to 6pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of London&#8217;s best outdoor spaces in summer, Coal Drops Yard is a personal favourite with us. You&#8217;ve got great food markets, two kids&#8217; playgrounds, free p\u00e9tanque and a screen on the canal showing films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Thursday 13 \u2013 Sunday 23 August 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Coal Drops Yard, King&#8217;s Cross, N1C<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kingscross.co.uk\/event\/summer-sounds-music-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Black On The Square<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A free celebration of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.london.gov.uk\/events\/black-square-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Black British culture<\/a>, held on Trafalgar Square at the end of summer. Full details are yet to be confirmed but last year involved a family zone with hands-on kids&#8217; activities. More generally, you can expect music, performance and street food, all in one of London&#8217;s most iconic settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 5 September 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Trafalgar Square, WC2N<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.london.gov.uk\/events\/black-square-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Greenwich+Docklands International Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/festival.org\/gdif-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GDIF 2026<\/a> is 17 days of free outdoor theatre, circus and dance across east and south-east London. One of our favourites from last year was <em>Above and Beyond<\/em>, where eight parkour performers scaled the buildings of Woolwich accompanied by a live choir. This year they have <em>Do Birds Dream Of Flying<\/em>, an aerial dance show performed at the tip of a rotating, swinging ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Friday 21 August \u2013 Sunday 6 September 2026<br><strong>Ages:<\/strong> All ages<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Various east and south-east London venues<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/festival.org\/gdif-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"local\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Local family festivals across London this summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Marylebone Summer Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/marylebone-summer-festival-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/marylebone-summer-festival-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/marylebone-summer-festival-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/marylebone-summer-festival-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/marylebone-summer-festival.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For dog lovers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marylebonevillage.com\/whats-on-and-features\/item\/1463-marylebone-summer-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marylebone Summer Festival<\/a> is probably our best recommendation in terms of family festivals. It&#8217;s a one-day street festival taking up the high street and beyond, plus Paddington Street Gardens for live music in the evening. It will involve wellness sessions, a family area and this year&#8217;s new addition: <em>Bark in the Park<\/em>, a programme just for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Sunday 14 June 2026<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Marylebone High Street &amp; Paddington Street Gardens, W1U<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marylebonevillage.com\/whats-on-and-features\/item\/1463-marylebone-summer-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kew Fete<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our top pick for West London families looking for an old-school fete. <a href=\"https:\/\/kewfete.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kew Green<\/a> will be taken over by bunting, a vintage fairground and more than 120 stalls. The highlight for many is the Friendly Dog Show, judged by a celebrity each year. There&#8217;s also a tug of war that anyone can join, kids included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday 20 June 2026<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Kew Green, TW9<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewfete.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hampstead Summer Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two-week <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hampstead Summer Festival<\/a> is bigger than ever. This year it will involve five events taking place at Keats House and Heath Street. The family highlights are the Garden Party (with a magician, birds of prey and giant chess) and the Big Fair, which will have 110 stalls and a kids&#8217; circus school. There&#8217;s family-friendly open-air theatre too, though that one&#8217;s ticketed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> 21 June \u2013 5 July 2026<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Keats House Garden &amp; Heath Street, NW3<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Northcote Road Summer Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Battersea&#8217;s traditional shopping street will swap its traffic for stalls, street food, arts and crafts, and live music for a day. The <a href=\"https:\/\/visitclaphamjunction.com\/blog\/the-northcote-road-summer-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Northcote Road Summer Festival<\/a> will also have a big screen showing the Wimbledon finals, plus strawberries and cream on sale. The other fixture is the annual Dog Show, where local pups take to the catwalk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Sunday 12 July 2026<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Northcote Road, SW11<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/visitclaphamjunction.com\/events\/the-northcote-road-summer-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Grand Junction Family Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" src=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/grand-junction-family-festival.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/grand-junction-family-festival.jpg 600w, https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/grand-junction-family-festival-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandjunction.org.uk\/events\/family-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grand Junction Family Festival<\/a> is a two-day community event at a Grade I listed church in Paddington. They will have maypole dancing workshops, face painting, crafts and DJs. On each day there&#8217;s a different family theatre show: <em>Let&#8217;s Talk About Socks<\/em> on the Wednesday, <em>Wolf Boy<\/em> on the Thursday. Both are free but you need to book tickets ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Date:<\/strong> Wednesday 26 \u2013 Thursday 27 August 2026<br><strong>Where:<\/strong> Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene&#8217;s, W2<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/grandjunction.org.uk\/events\/family-festival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The quickest way to find free family fun in London<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With pop-ups offering free food and fun activities happening every week, London is one big festival for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To avoid missing family events near you, <a href=\"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/london-loop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sign up for Loopla&#8217;s newsletter<\/a>. Every week we uncover special offers, hidden gems and popular events to book before they sell out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Family festivals bring together food, activities and entertainment, all in one place. Here are the best ones in London, free, paid and local.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":7211,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,51,58],"tags":[49],"class_list":["post-7206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-whats-on","category-free-fun-london","category-school-holiday-activities-london","tag-featured-homepage-hero"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7206"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9163,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7206\/revisions\/9163"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}