{"id":7206,"date":"2025-06-12T16:56:14","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T15:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/events.loopla.com\/?p=7206"},"modified":"2025-11-21T12:30:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T12:30:35","slug":"london-festivals-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/london-festivals-summer","title":{"rendered":"The Best London Festivals This Summer: A Family Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Summer is here, and that means festival season is kicking off across London. From live music and theatre to food stalls and family activities, there\u2019s a packed schedule of events to enjoy\u2014rain or shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we’ve scoured the city for the top London festivals for families this summer\u2014think puppet shows, garden trails, comic cons, and enough music and mischief to keep the whole crew buzzing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re nipping out for the day or plotting a full-on weekend adventure, there\u2019s a festival here with your name on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Joe Wicks Festival at Kew<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A full day of movement, mindfulness and feel-good vibes led by Joe Wicks himself. Expect high-energy workouts, healthy food stalls and plenty of space for kids to run around, stretch or just roll about in the grass.

Date:<\/strong> Sun 6 July
Time:<\/strong> 9.30am \u2013 6.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Kew Gardens
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a342.00 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Kaleidoscope Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Held up at Ally Pally, this one-day festival mixes music, comedy, street food and arts. There\u2019s a designated family area too, so kids can join in without the full festival overwhelm (and the views are hard to beat).

Date:<\/strong> Sat 12 July
Time:<\/strong> from 1.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Alexandra Palace
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a370.40 per person<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Uptown Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With a big-name line-up (Boy George is headlining) and a strong family-friendly atmosphere, Uptown Festival mixes music with food trucks, fairground rides and activities to keep kids happy while you dance.

Date:<\/strong> Sun 27 July
Time:<\/strong> 2.00pm \u2013 10.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Blackheath, London
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a352.50 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Silent Disco SkateJam & Street Food Festival in the Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a silent disco\u2014on skates. Plug in your headphones, pick a playlist and roll around to your own beat (without annoying the neighbours). Just one hour long, but there\u2019s street food waiting when you\u2019re done.

Date:<\/strong> Sun 15 June
Time:<\/strong> 4.00pm \u2013 5.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Cygnet Square
Prices:<\/strong> free

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Kew Fete 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bunting, brass bands and a tombola or two\u2014Kew Fete is proper old-school summer fun. There\u2019s plenty for children to do, loads of local food and a well-stocked beer tent for grown-ups in need of a sit down.

Date:<\/strong> Sat 21 June
Time:<\/strong> 11.00am \u2013 6.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Kew Green
Prices:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Summer Festival in Hyde Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hyde Park opens up with a ten-day stretch of free events during British Summer Time. There are family zones, creative workshops, pop-up performances and food stalls. And if nothing else, it\u2019s a great excuse to hang out in the park.

Date:<\/strong> Mon 30 June \u2013 Thu 10 July
Time:<\/strong> 10.00am \u2013 7.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Hyde Park
Prices:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Dragonfly Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Set in the London Wetland Centre, this summer-long festival is full of nature-themed activities. There are pond dips, dragonfly trails, storytelling sessions and craft workshops\u2014all with a good chance of spotting the real thing buzzing past.

Date:<\/strong> Sat 21 June \u2013 Mon 22 Sept
Time:<\/strong> 10.00am \u2013 5.30pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> WWT London Wetland Centre
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a316.29 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, it\u2019s a garden show\u2014but there\u2019s more here for kids than you might expect. Bug hunts, outdoor play spaces and gardening activities are dotted among the flower displays, and children under 16 go free with an adult ticket.

Date:<\/strong> Tue 1 \u2013 Sun 6 July
Time:<\/strong> 10.00am \u2013 6.30pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Hampton Court Palace
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a338.85 per adult (under 16s free)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n


Young V&A Summer Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A full weekend of design, play, and creativity at the newly reopened Young V&A. With drop-in workshops, performances and plenty of colour, this one\u2019s especially good for primary-aged kids with busy imaginations.

Date:<\/strong> Sat 5 \u2013 Sun 6 July
Time:<\/strong> 11.00am \u2013 5.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Young V&A
Prices:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Family Festival: Summer in the Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Set in Greenwich Park, this two-day event offers live performances, craft stations, storytelling tents and family games. It\u2019s completely free and a good pick if you\u2019re after something relaxed but lively.

Date:<\/strong> Sat 12 & Sun 13 July
Time:<\/strong> 10.00am \u2013 8.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Greenwich Park
Prices:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

In The Neighbourhood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This four-day event in Victoria Park includes hands-on activities for children, from climbing onto tractors to getting involved in crafts and face painting. There\u2019s also live music, street performances, and a range of food stalls, making it an easy option for a family day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date: <\/strong>Mon 9 – Thurs 12 June
Time: <\/strong>11.00am – 7.30pm
Ages: <\/strong>All ages
Where: <\/strong>Victoria Park
Prices: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

BFI Film on Film Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your kids are curious about how films used to look before everything went digital, this one\u2019s worth a visit. There are screenings, hands-on workshops, and plenty of ways to get kids (and grown-ups) thinking differently about cinema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date: <\/strong>Thu 12 – Sun 15 June
Time: <\/strong>11.30am \u2013 3.30pm
Ages: <\/strong>5 yrs+
Where: <\/strong>BFI Southbank
Prices: <\/strong>free – \u00a34.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Children\u2019s Puppet Festival 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hosted at the Little Angel Theatre, this summer-long puppet celebration features performances, workshops and plenty of imaginative storytelling. Best suited to younger children\u2014but enchanting enough for grown-ups too.

Date:<\/strong> Mon 28 July \u2013 Sun 31 Aug
Time:<\/strong> various times
Ages:<\/strong> 2\u201311 yrs
Where:<\/strong> Little Angel Theatre
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a39.50 per person<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

London Film & Comic Con 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Superheroes, sci-fi and serious cosplay energy take over Olympia for the weekend. There are stalls, photo ops and panels with actors and artists\u2014ideal for kids (and adults) who know their Marvel from their Manga.

Date:<\/strong> Sat 5 \u2013 Sun 6 July
Time:<\/strong> 9.00am \u2013 7.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Olympia London
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a329.00 per adult

<\/a><\/a>See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Festival of Archaeology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

History-lovers, this one\u2019s for you. From mud and mosaics to Roman roads and Viking tales, this UK-wide festival includes plenty of family-focused events across London\u2014many of them outdoors and hands-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date:<\/strong> Sat 19 July \u2013 Sun 3 Aug
Time:<\/strong> various times
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> UK-wide
Prices:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

London Youth Games Community Sport Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think mini Olympics, but for everyone. Held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this free event gives kids the chance to try out new sports, meet local clubs, and burn off energy in a seriously fun setting.

Date:<\/strong> Sun 6 July
Time:<\/strong> 10.00am \u2013 4.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Prices:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

As You Like It: East London Shakespeare Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shakespeare, but make it a picnic. This outdoor performance of As You Like It<\/em> brings live theatre to the park with music, dancing, and a relaxed vibe that\u2019s genuinely family-friendly. Ideal for kids who can sit still (mostly).

Date:<\/strong> Sat 28 June
Time:<\/strong> 2.00pm \u2013 9.45pm
Ages:<\/strong> 3 yrs+
Where:<\/strong> Alexandra Park
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a316.50 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Little Simz\u2019 Meltdown<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Curated by artist and rapper Little Simz, this 10-day takeover at the Southbank Centre is packed with live music, talks and art. It\u2019s a great pick for teens who want to hear something new\u2014and for parents who want to pretend they\u2019re still cool.

Date:<\/strong> Thu 12 \u2013 Sun 22 June
Ages:<\/strong> 14 yrs+
Where:<\/strong> Southbank Centre
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a322.00

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Camberwell Arts Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art pops up all over Camberwell for this friendly local festival. Expect colourful street art, open studios, markets and family workshops\u2014ideal for a weekend wander with a bit of creativity thrown in.

Date:<\/strong> Sat 14 \u2013 Sun 22 June
Ages:<\/strong> 10 yrs+
Where:<\/strong> Camberwell
Prices:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Classic Boat Festival 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over 40 vintage boats gather in St Katharine Docks for a weekend of maritime charm. It\u2019s low-key, lovely, and gives children the rare chance to clamber aboard historic vessels\u2014plus there\u2019s food, music and dockside views.

Date:<\/strong> Fri 5 \u2013 Sun 7 Sept
Time:<\/strong> Fri 3.00pm \u2013 5.00pm | Sat 11.00am \u2013 5.00pm | Sun 11.00am \u2013 4.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> St Katharine\u2019s Dock
Prices:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Open House Festival 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ever wanted to peek inside one of London\u2019s historic buildings or unusual private homes? This is your chance. Open House gives families access to hundreds of buildings not usually open to the public\u2014and it\u2019s completely free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date:<\/strong> Sat 13 \u2013 Sun 21 Sept
Time:<\/strong> TBC
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> London-wide
Prices:<\/strong> free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Pet Show Live<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A full-scale pet show featuring everything from dogs and cats to reptiles, ponies and parrots. There are live demos, meet-and-greets, and plenty of chances to ask questions (especially useful if your child is campaigning for a new pet).

Date:<\/strong> Sat 20 & Sun 21 Sept
Time:<\/strong> Sat 9.30am \u2013 5.30pm | Sun 9.30am \u2013 4.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Olympia Kensington
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a324.00 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Big Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Held on Alex James\u2019 farm in the Cotswolds, this weekend combines live music, Michelin-star food and a proper kids\u2019 field with games, workshops and plenty to climb on. It\u2019s one of the best family festivals outside London.

Date:<\/strong> Fri 22 \u2013 Sun 24 Aug
Time:<\/strong> all day
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Alex James\u2019 Farm, The Cotswolds
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a393.50 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Elderflower Fields Family Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This woodland festival in Ashdown Forest is all about getting outdoors. Expect tree climbing, forest school, sports, music and late-night marshmallows. It\u2019s aimed squarely at families and sells out fast.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date:<\/strong> Fri 22 \u2013 Mon 25 May 2026
Time:<\/strong> all day
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a3164.90 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

CarFest including KidsFest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A huge family-friendly festival that blends cars, music, comedy and kids\u2019 entertainment. It\u2019s got a designated KidsFest zone, plus live shows, circus acts and endless ways to burn off energy.

Date:<\/strong> Fri 22 \u2013 Sun 24 Aug
Time:<\/strong> all day
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a3234.00 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Barnes Children\u2019s Literature Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This well-loved literary weekend features author talks, storytelling, workshops and bookish fun across Barnes. A dream day out for curious young readers\u2014and their grown-ups too.

Date:<\/strong> Sat 21 & Sun 22 June
Time:<\/strong> 10.00am \u2013 5.30pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Barnes
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a310.10 per person<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Raver Tots Outdoor Festival Barnet 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Part rave, part family day out\u2014this high-energy event includes glowsticks, confetti, foam cannons and kid-friendly dance floors. Events run at multiple locations throughout the summer.

Date:<\/strong> 15 June, 20 July, 10 Aug, 17 Aug, 25 Aug, 31 Aug
Time:<\/strong> from 1.00pm
Ages:<\/strong> all ages
Where:<\/strong> Multiple locations including Reading & Richmond
Prices:<\/strong> from \u00a335.00 per adult<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Which summer festivals are best for your family?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With so much on offer, it can be hard to know which to pick. So here\u2019s a quick cheat sheet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n