Creative Activities for Kids in London
Creative activities are great for your child's development and their relaxation. And that's true no matter their age!
Whether it's painting, sketching, writing or dancing that they enjoy, creative endeavours have a lot to offer growing minds and bodies.
They exercise parts of the brain that children might not usually use. Plus, there's that special feeling of accomplishment when you create something from scratch.
Below you'll find creative activities running right across London. Messy making and storytelling for the little ones, drama, crafting and design for school age children, and sewing, comics and photography for teens.
Some run weekly through term time. Others are one-off workshops or holiday camps during half term and the school holidays.
Creative activities are good for:
- Cognitive development
- Problem-solving
- Expressing emotions
- Having fun
- Self-esteem
- Motor skills
Have a browse at the latest creative activities below. Every listing shows the age range, the area and the price, so you can see at a glance what works for you.
Pumpkin Carving: Family Halloween
Calling all ghouls and goblins, young and old! Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween adventure at Chelsea Physic Garden! Join us for a wickedly fun pumpkin carving session where we'll uncover the mysteries of pumpkin plants and wander through the eerie autumn Garden. Then, step into our haunted garden shed to bring your pumpkin to life as a Halloween friend! All tools and materials are provided, and each participant will take home their own jack-o-lantern creation. Remember, sharp tools are involved, so each child must have a grown-up ghoul to assist. This frightfully fun workshop is perfect for children aged 5 and up. Don’t miss out—tickets required for both little monsters and their adult companions! About Chelsea Physic Garden Explore London's oldest botanic garden Established in 1673, by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is home to over 4,500 medicinal, edible and useful plants. Open Sunday – Friday, visitors can explore the historic glasshouses, discover the plant collection, or simply relax and enjoy the four-acres of green space in central London.
Tue 27 Oct - Thu 29 Oct
13:00 - 14:00
Halloween Activities • 5-12 years • From £15.00
SW3, Chelsea Physic Garden
Family Halloween Creepy Crafternoon
Calling all little goblins and grown-up ghouls! Get ready for a fang-tastic crafternoon at Chelsea Physic Garden this Halloween! Join us for a creative drop-in session where our facilitators will guide you through making some creepy crafts using natural materials. All materials will be provided, and each participant will take home their own Halloween crafts including a leaf fairy, pumpkin prints and cute (but spooky!) hedgehog creations. This terrifyingly good workshop is perfect for children aged 4 and up. Don't miss out-tickets required for both little ghouls and their adult companions!
Fri 30 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
13:00 - 14:00
Halloween Activities • 5-11 years • From £10.00
SW3, Chelsea Physic Garden
Family Halloween Silly Slime Making
Calling all tinkerers and spooky scientists! Join us for a wickedly fun workshop filled with gooey, gloopy and gruesome slime. Experiment with different textures and colours in this spooky, sensory hour of fun. All materials are provided, and each participant will take home a their own jar of slime. Remember, this is a family activity, each child must have a grown-up ghoul to assist. This wicked workshop is perfect for children aged 5 and up. Don't miss out-tickets required for both little monsters and their adult companions!
Wed 28 Oct - Wed 28 Oct
10:00 - 11:00
Halloween Activities • 5-11 years • From £10.00
SW3, Chelsea Physic Garden
Make it: Hats
Get curious and creative with Make it’s! These Saturday workshops offers families to chance explore what is means to be a designer! Design a Schiaparelli inspired hat inspired with fashion designer Matthew David Andrews. In this hands-on family workshop, create your own extraordinary hat, inspired by nature, art and the unexpected. Inspired by the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition, explore imagery from the natural world, extraordinary fashion creations and everyday objects to spark ideas for your own design. The first step is finding inspiration, discover how designers can transform the familiar into something completely new — and how a little imagination can turn a simple hat into a statement. Then it’s time to get designing. Sketch your ideas and experiment with shapes, colours, textures and details before choosing your favourite design to bring to life. Finally, the making begins. Lead by Matthew, bring your ideas to life. Working directly onto a hat, add felt, tissue paper, other fabric and craft materials. You’ll learn how small changes can make a big visual impact as your idea develops from a sketch into something you can wear. At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with your own magnificent hat — a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art that you designed and made yourself. You'll leave with new hat making skills and would have worked with a designer that has designed a hat for Lady Gaga! All materials will be provided, all sourced sustainably. No previous experience is necessary, just come along and join in! The 10:30 workshop is recommended for ages 5-7; 13:00 is recommended for ages 8-10 and 15:00 is recommended for 11-13. Each workshop is 90 minutes long. Tickets are £20 minimum for one adult and child pair. Children must be always accompanied by an adult. Please note that adults will be able to attend only if they've booked a child ticket too. Materials will be allocated to the children within your group. Adults will be working together with their children. This is a families event for adults to take part in with their children; no child can be left unattended. Please double-check that you are available for an event before booking tickets, we only offer refunds in exceptional circumstances. If the V&A needs to cancel the event due to an emergency, or for any reason beyond the control of the V&A, we will reschedule your booking for a later date. If it’s not possible to reschedule your booking, we will offer a full refund. If you have any further questions, please email the families team on families@vam.ac.uk.
Sat 21 Nov - Sat 21 Nov
10:30 - 16:00
Creative Activities • 11-13 years • £20.00
SW7, Victoria and Albert Museum
Drop-in Design: Your Future City
This October half term, families are invited to imagine, redesign and build shared public buildings and landmarks of tomorrow in this hands-on drop-in design workshop. What might a library look like in 2050? Choose a school, hospital, library, train station or something entirely new and reinvent it for the future. Take inspiration from Design 1900–Now galleries, which explore how design has changed the ways we live, work, travel, communicate and more, over the past 125 years. Work with surprising materials, shapes, structures and ideas found in the collection, to get designing and making your own futuristic buildings. Using recycled materials, bring your ideas to life by making a mini model of your dream building. Then add it to our city of the future that will grow and change over five days. This is a free, drop-in event for families to enjoy all together; no child can be left unattended. Suitable for ages 5+.
Tue 27 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
11:00 - 16:00
Creative Activities • 5-16 years • Free
SW7, Victoria and Albert Museum
Drop-in Design: The Circulation Department
Join us for October Half Term to create your own inventions for a future city, using images from the V&A collection and recycled materials, then turn them into wearable art! Every city needs new inventions. Fancy creating an invention for the future as art you can wear on your head? Join artist Gayle Chong Kwan to create your own wearable art inspired by objects from the Design 1900-Now collection. Use images from the V&A, recycled packaging, and add colours to make your art. Get inspired by Gayle’s work and the designers and inventions from our collection. Then become part of a moving exhibition as your design is added to a collection of new inventions! This is a free, drop-in event for families to enjoy all together; no child can be left unattended. Suitable for ages 5+.
Tue 27 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
11:00 - 16:00
Creative Activities • 5-16 years • Free
SW7, Victoria and Albert Museum
Design Baby Drop - In
Pop along to our Design Baby drop-in! A sensory play session for children aged 0-3 and their adults throughout the October half term. Play with experimental, open-ended materials and mix them up with your little ones! Share your experience with other families and create new connections. What does Architecture mean for babies and toddlers? Come along to this session to explore Architecture with your little ones through shape, space and texture. Explore textures and play with materials to make new structures and more. This session will be child-led and non-structured to allow your child to explore the space and materials freely, at their own pace. This event has been devised in collaboration with Play Build Play. Space is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents and carers are kindly asked to stay with their children at all times. This event with take place in the John Lyon’s Community Gallery, Level 0 of the V&A Learning Centre.
Tue 27 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
11:00 - 16:00
Sensory Play • 0m-3 years • Free
SW7, Victoria and Albert Museum
Pop-up Performance: Soundtrack to the City
Join Kemi Sulola to tinker, invent and experiment with sounds to create your own soundtrack to the city. Come along and spend time with Kemi Sulola, a musician and singer-songwriter known for working across jazz, reggae, motown, afrobeat, and hip-hop. As a family come along to be inspired by sounds of your city and ideas within the V&A’s Design 1900-Now collection, to create soundtracks for city living, Create sounds using unexpected-everyday objects which you will use as instruments to layer up, like an orchestra, with other families sounds. Each session families will record a song together to be played as a new soundtrack for our future city. Sessions start at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. Each session is approximately 45 minutes.
Tue 27 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 5-16 years • Free
SW7, Victoria and Albert Museum
Family Space with Sadie St Hilaire
From September – November join Family Space artist-in-residence Sadie St Hilaire for exciting family workshops exploring storytelling and world building. Family Space is a relaxed, creative workshop designed for families to explore and make together. Sessions are artist-led but you can join any time and take part at your own pace. • Creative, fun sessions for children aged 5–12 years with parents/carers • Free, donations welcome • No booking required, drop in anytime. You can register online in advance to save time on the day, further information below. • First come, first served. There may be a short wait during busy periods. The space is supported by the SLG’s Communities and Learning team and is designed to be welcoming, inclusive and informal. The residency will end in November with a moment to celebrate the collective work of participating families. About Sadie St Hilaire Sadie St Hilaire is a London-based illustrator, animator and arts educator whose practice explores drawing, storytelling and playful ways of making. She has worked with children, families and communities through creative workshops and collaborative projects. Sadie has worked with cultural organisations including the V&A, Drawing Room, Studio Voltaire and the Barbican, using activities such as illustration, animation, printmaking and zine-making to encourage creativity and experimentation.
Sat 31 Oct - Sat 31 Oct
11:00 - 13:00
Kids Activities • 5-12 years • Free
SE5, South London Gallery
Unguided Free Flow Painting
Looking for something new to try this weekend? Paint whilst making new friends or gather your group of old friends at this relaxed unguided painting class in London. You will be using acrylic paints on canvas. Don't worry if you've never tried these painting techniques before! No experience is needed and is perfect for anyone who just wants to get creative. Everyone is welcome - the solo dates, the artists, and the "I haven't touched a paintbrush since I was a kid" crew. We have drinks, cocktails, tea, coffee and snacks for sale at our fully stocked art bar. Freeflow Painting Booking Details: You can choose between the following items to paint onto during this session. Standard Canvas - New White Stretched Canvas - 30x40cm 23cm Bear - Paint on a Moshi Bear with a brush (if you're looking for fluid art check out Acrylic Pour) X-Large Canvas - New White Stretched Canvas - 40x60cm Ceramic Baubles ready to paint. (20th - 27th Dec) *Please note this is an unguided class. Knowledge required: Beginner-friendly. What to bring: • A canvas. • Easel. • Paints. • Brushes. • Aprons. • Your finished piece to take home. • Money to buy coffee/tea, drinks and snacks. Suitable for: • Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 1 years old). • An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.
Tue 27 Oct - Thu 24 Dec
11:00 - 13:00
Art • 4 years+ • £16.00
E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St
Sip and Paint
Join us for a fun, family-friendly Sip and Paint class in London, where creativity takes centre stage! Whether you’re painting for the first time or already love getting creative, this relaxed workshop is designed for all ages and abilities. Led by a friendly, professional artist, you’ll be guided step by step through a painting while learning simple techniques along the way. There’s plenty of room to add your own personal touch, so every artwork is completely unique. We’ll be using acrylic paints on canvas, and no previous experience is needed — this session is beginner-friendly and perfect for kids, families, friends, or anyone looking for a creative day out in London. All art materials are provided, so you can simply turn up and enjoy. On arrival, each participant will receive a complimentary drink: a soft drink for under 18s or a glass of prosecco for adults aged 18+. Additional refreshments will be available to purchase at the venue. Who is this workshop for? This class is ideal for families, individuals, or groups of friends looking for a relaxed and creative activity everyone can enjoy together. Please note: To keep the session running smoothly and enjoyable for all, we kindly ask that everyone arrives on time. Participants arriving more than 10 minutes late may not be able to join the class to avoid disruption. If the class does not reach the minimum number of participants, it may be cancelled or rescheduled. We appreciate your understanding.
Tue 27 Oct - Thu 31 Dec
19:00 - 21:00
Art • 13 years+ • £38.00
E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St
Hand Building Pottery
If you're looking for things to do in London to help you wind down and recharge ready for the week, then come and join us for a calming and fun pottery workshop. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience already, you are welcome to come along, have fun, and learn something new. You will be guided with in-depth tips and tricks by our resident artists. Explore the tactility of clay and intuitive making with your hands as you learn how to transform clay into beautiful finished pieces. To help you uncover your inner artist, you will try out some clay games. Each public date will include different activities, so you are welcome to come along to a few different sessions to really develop your skills. You can expect something new each week and try out more and more ambitious pieces, but you'll always enjoy the mindful benefits of this relaxing hobby. By the end of this London pottery class, you will have created something unique and special just for you. Please note: We have a bar and coffee shop on site. Please do not bring drinks from outside. Please treat our staff with respect and drink responsibly. Artplay London has the right to refuse entry if we believe you are highly intoxicated, in guidance with good practice. To ensure an uninterrupted and fun workshop for all participants, we kindly request that attendees arrive on time, as late arrivals exceeding a 10-minute delay will be turned away to avoid disruption to the ongoing class and inconvenience to others. Add-ons available for this class: Marinara Pizza (vegan) (£12) Margherita Pizza (vegetarian) (£13) Zucca Pizza (vegetarian) (£14) Pepperoni Pizza (£15) Prosecco (bottle) (£30) Sauvignon Blanc (bottle) (£34) Rioja (bottle) (£30) You can add these when you book (optional). What you'll get: Your pottery masterpiece to take home. Suitable for: This class is perfect for beginners - no prior experience is needed. This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a team-building activity, birthday or hen do. Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 9 years old). An adult must accompany any attending kids and must pay for a separate ticket.
Thu 29 Oct - Thu 24 Dec
16:00 - 17:30
Art • 9 years+ • £32.00
E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St
Candle Making Workshop
If you love nothing more than the relaxing scent of a good candle, why not come and craft your own at this blissful candle-making class in London? In this chilled-out workshop, you'll learn how to melt, mix, and pour wax to create candles from scratch. Your teacher will guide you step-by-step throughout your journey and provide all the equipment and tools, so don't worry if it's your first attempt at candle-making. You'll feel all of your worries melt away as you sit back and focus on getting creative with your group. Whether you deserve some self-care or are looking to treat a special someone with a relaxing experience gift, this workshop will leave you feeling calm and collected, with a beautiful candle to take home. Please be aware that candles need to be left to dry for 2 hours before they can be taken home. Please treat our staff with respect and drink responsibly. Artplay London has the right to refuse entry if we believe you are highly intoxicated, in guidance with good practice. To ensure an uninterrupted and fun workshop for all participants, we kindly request that attendees arrive on time, as late arrivals exceeding a 10-minute delay will be turned away to avoid disruption to the ongoing class and inconvenience to others. Add-ons available for this class Marinara Pizza (vegan) (£12) Margherita Pizza (vegetarian) (£13) Zucca Pizza (vegetarian) (£14) Pepperoni Pizza (£15) Prosecco (bottle) (£30) Sauvignon Blanc (bottle) (£34) Rioja (bottle) (£30) You can add these when you book (optional). What you'll get Your handcrafted candle to take home. Suitable for This class is perfect for beginners - no prior experience is needed. This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a team-building activity, birthday or hen do. This would also be a nice gift for her, a gift for mum, an anniversary gift, or a birthday gift.
Tue 27 Oct - Thu 31 Dec
19:00 - 20:30
Art • 13 years+ • £50.00
E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St
Happy Campers Junior October Camp
Our Junior Campers programme offers a warm, nurturing half-term experience designed especially for younger children. Each day introduces a gentle new theme, with activities carefully planned to support confidence, creativity and early learning in a playful, age-appropriate way. Children enjoy story-led arts and crafts, sensory play, music and movement, imaginative role-play, early problem-solving and hands-on exploration — all within a calm, supportive environment that helps little ones feel secure, happy and engaged. Halloween is one of our favourite celebrations, and we’re planning a spectacular week of imaginative adventures, circus fun, exciting workshops, and creative art projects! Daily Themes: Pumpkins & Woodland Wonders, Room on the Broom, Pirates & Hidden Treasure, Funny Monsters & Silly Aliens, Little Monsters’ Halloween Party A joyful, confidence-building half-term experience where Junior Campers learn, create and thrive at their own pace. Monday 26 October – Pumpkins & Woodland Wonders Tuesday 27 October – Room on the Broom Wednesday 28 October – Pirates & Hidden Treasure Thursday 29 October – Funny Monsters & Silly Aliens Friday 30 October – Little Monsters’ Halloween Party
Tue 27 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
10:00 - 14:00
Holiday Camp • 3-4 years • From £55.00
NW8, St. Mark's Church Hall
Life Drawing
Join us for a relaxed, untutored life drawing evening inside the museum galleries. Surrounded by our collection and temporary exhibitions, it’s a calm and inspiring space to draw at your own pace alongside new models every month.
Wed 28 Oct - Wed 15 Dec
18:30 - 20:30
Art • 18+ • £15.00
N1, Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
Family Art Day
These family-friendly activities will invite you to discover our exhibitions and displays through hands-on experiences, creative challenges, and interactive explorations. From fusing art and everyday life to transforming images with colour, families will engage with the displays and unlock the power of visual language together. Join us for an unforgettable journey where art sparks conversation and creativity! About Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art opened in London in 1998. A Grade II listed Georgian town house, it was originally restored with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Further recent renovations have opened up the space of the ground-floor entranceway, bookshop and café, while its six galleries and art library have also been fully upgraded. The Collection is known internationally for its core of Futurist works, as well as figurative art and sculpture dating from 1890 to the 1950s. The exhibition programme continues to address artists, movements, and questions in ways that change our understanding of Italian art and culture.
Sun 1 Nov - Sun 28 Nov
10:00 - 12:00
Creative Activities • 0m-11 years • £9.50
N1, Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
Country Hoedown Musical Theatre Holiday Camp
Creative holiday camps for Reception to Year 6. School holidays just got a whole lot more magical. Our themed holiday camps combine singing, dancing, drama, games, crafts and imaginative adventures inspired by favourite movies, musicals, stories and music trends. We pride ourselves for creating safe, confidence-building spaces where children can make friends, express themselves and have fun. Designed for children in Reception to Year 6, every day is packed with creativity, movement, laughter and teamwork, helping children grow in confidence while making unforgettable memories during the school holidays. As an Early Years Ofsted registered provider, Musical Mayhem is committed to delivering high-quality childcare, safeguarding and inclusive creative experiences families can trust. We accept all childcare vouchers, including Government Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare payments. Sing. Dance. Create. Shine. About Musical Mayhem Musical Mayhem London is a Southwark-based performing arts club offering fun, inclusive classes for all ages – with sensory classes for babies and toddlers, through to children’s musical theatre sessions, performing arts holiday workshops, and adult dance fitness classes. As an independent Community Interest Company (CIC), we’re passionate about making the joy of dance, drama and music accessible to everyone. We are also registered with Ofsted, ensuring our provision meets recognised standards of care, safety and quality. Founded in 2014 by Lyndsey Rogerson, Musical Mayhem has spent over a decade striking the perfect balance between learning, creativity and joyful mayhem. When you join one of our classes, you become part of the Musical Mayhem Family – a supportive community of children, parents, carers and adults who love to move, play and perform. We’re proud to be a trusted support network for families across London, offering free community events throughout the year, alongside our acting, singing and dance programmes. Many of our students have grown with us, from taking their earliest classes and now turning into confident, inspiring young adults – and that’s the real magic of Musical Mayhem.
Tue 27 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
09:00 - 16:00
Creative Activities • 4-12 years • £237.50
SE16, Dockland Settlements
Autumn Adventurers Camp
Join us for an action-packed camp filled with spooky fun, creativity, games, challenges and outdoor adventures! 👻 We have lots of exciting activities planned, including: 🧪 Spooky Slime Making – creating our very own gooey, ghoulish slime! 🧙 Potion Making – mixing up some magical and mysterious potions 🎃 Halloween Baking & Crafts – spooky treats and creepy creations 🦇 Bat Hunt with Prizes! – can they find all the hidden bats? There will be prizes for our best bat hunters! 🎨 Creative Arts & Crafts ⚽ Games, Challenges & Outdoor Fun About Twinkle Stars We’re an after-school club in Honor Oak/Forest Hill, created with love by two local mums who understand the challenge of finding great childcare. When we couldn’t find the right fit for our own children, we decided to create a safe, fun, and nurturing space for local families just like ours. At Twinkle Stars, there’s something for every child to enjoy! From sports and arts & crafts to slime making, baking, gardening, and so much more, our activities are designed to keep kids engaged, happy, and learning through play. Our spacious, grassy garden is a favourite spot, and we take every opportunity to enjoy it! We’re passionate about making our club feel like a home away from home. Healthy, delicious snacks are always on the menu - updated weekly and crafted to keep your little ones fueled for fun. Check out our sample menus in the gallery. As an Ofsted-registered club, we make it easier for families to access financial support. You can use Tax-Free Childcare, and parents on Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs. Our mission is simple: to give parents peace of mind by providing the best possible after-school care, in a safe and stimulating environment where children can thrive.
Tue 27 Oct - Thu 29 Oct
09:00 - 17:00
Holiday Camp • 4-10 years • £50.00
SE23, Twinkle Stars
Children's Drawing & Painting
Our children's art classes run on a termly basis, providing children aged 6-9 with an introduction to the basics of drawing and painting. Each week children will build on their skills learnt in previous weeks, developing their confidence and ability. Taught by experienced, supportive, and friendly teacher Aynur Erdal, this class is the perfect opportunity to introduce your child to the world of art. We welcome any students wishing to join for the whole term at a rate of £195 or after the beginning of the term with a pro rata rate of £15 per class until the end of the term. You are also welcome to book an initial taster class at a half-price rate of £7.50 ahead of booking the whole term.
Mon 2 Nov - Mon 7 Dec
16:45 - 17:45
Creative Activities • 6-9 years • From £7.50
N6, Lauderdale House
Young Artists' Club
These classes must be booked as a block, ticket options can be chosen on our website. Weekly classes for young artists who are showing real interest in developing their creative skills. We take a step-by-step approach to cover a range of traditional skills such as drawing, painting and collage and students will use a range of materials including pencils, charcoal, oil pastels, water colours and acrylics. Each week we work on unique projects covering different themes. Students are encouraged to create beautiful artworks working from a variety of reference material, relating their practice to art history as they progress. The courses are led by Sophie Newnham, an experienced children's teacher with her own practice as a botanical art specialist. About Chiswick Art School We believe art should be a lifelong practice and everyone is welcome to join our classes. However, our tutors are experienced professional artists with their own careers and if your ambition is towards exhibiting and beyond we can help you get there. Chiswick Art School was founded in 2015 at Pavilion Studios, Dukes Meadows to provide instruction in art techniques and support for practising artists. Since then the range of courses has grown: we now offer oil and acrylic painting, watercolours, botanical art, sculpture, pottery, raku, drawing skills, portraiture, landscape and plein air, printmaking, illustrations, art for wellness and classes for beginners and children.
Sat 14 Nov - Sat 12 Dec
10:00 - 12:00
Art • 9-14 years • From £35.00
W4, Chiswick Art School
Make-Do Play - Abbey Gardens
Free child-led play for all ages. In these unstructured sessions in a gorgeous community garden children are free to explore the space and play however they like. Play opportunities include loose parts, mud kitchen, dressing-up, woodwork with real tools, sensory play, open-ended crafts, painting and den making. About Make Do Play CIC Make-Do Play CIC exists to provide children and their families with unstructured free play, for free. Today’s children face many barriers to play including lack of safe green spaces, an increasingly risk averse society and an over-emphasis on formal extra-curricular activities. We follow a playwork approach, creating spaces where children are given the agency to play however they wish. Where there is no right or wrong way to play, where no play is too loud or too boisterous or too messy. Play is not a tool to achieve adult determined learning goals, it belongs to children, who play in their own ways for their own reasons. We deliver regular family play sessions and after school clubs in community gardens across London, as well as providing free play at community festivals and events.
Tue 27 Oct - Tue 27 Oct
10:30 - 13:30
Creative Activities • 1-10 years • Free
E15, Abbey Gardens
Bollywood Dance Classes for Adults
Lights, camera… DANCE! Step into the dazzling world of Bollywood with our brand-new adult classes, led by the sensational @rush_brahmbhatt. Whether you grew up with Bollywood films or just love the energy, music, and colour, this class is your chance to experience the joy of India’s most iconic dance style right here in London! You’ll: ✨ Groove to upbeat Bollywood hits ✨ Learn expressive choreography that tells a story ✨ Boost your fitness while having fun ✨ Meet new people and celebrate culture in a welcoming space Perfect for anyone who loves to move – from complete beginners to experienced dancers – these classes are all about joy, expression, and a splash of glamour. 📍 For adults of all levels
Fri 30 Oct - Sun 18 Jul
18:00 - 18:00
Dance • 18+ • Free trial
E20, Chobham Academy
Happi Kids Autumn Holiday Club
Join us for a Fun and Creative Holiday Club filled with engaging activities designed to inspire and entertain children during the school break. From Halloween-themed crafts and black history month activities to arts and crafts sessions, children will have the opportunity to explore their creativity every day. The program also includes exciting multi-sports, team games, outdoor play, and fun day trips, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all participants. The holiday club runs from October 26 to October 30, 2026, at Royal Docks Academy. Sessions are available from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with options for full or half-day attendance. The full-day fee is £35, and half-day costs £20. Discounts are available for siblings and for booking an entire week, making it a fantastic value for busy families. Come join us for a week of fun, friendship, and creative exploration!
Tue 27 Oct - Fri 30 Oct
08:30 - 13:00
Holiday Camp • 5-11 years • £20.00
E16, Royal Docks Academy
Happi Kids Autumn Holiday Club - Trip Day
Join us for a Fun and Creative Holiday Club filled with engaging activities designed to inspire and entertain children during the school break. From Halloween-themed crafts and black history month activities to arts and crafts sessions, children will have the opportunity to explore their creativity every day. The program also includes exciting multi-sports, team games, outdoor play, and fun day trips, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all participants. The holiday club runs from October 26 to October 30, 2026, at Royal Docks Academy. Sessions are available from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with options for full or half-day attendance. The full-day trip fee is £42 Discounts are available for siblings and for booking an entire week, making it a fantastic value for busy families. Come join us for a week of fun, friendship, and creative exploration!
Thu 29 Oct - Thu 29 Oct
09:00 - 18:00
Holiday Camp • 5-11 years • £42.00
E16, Royal Docks Academy
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Creative activities for toddlers
Creative activities are great for toddlers because they help to expand their imaginations, develop their autonomy (which they crave at this age!) and enhance their self-expression.
You can expect lots of making using a wide variety of tools, along with open-ended storytelling, freestyle dancing and singing. Children who like building will find sessions using blocks, clay and other open-ended materials.
Just remember to keep their developmental stage in mind to set them up for success. Tools might need to be bigger to allow for easier grip, and stories may need to be simplified for their understanding.
Plus, you get to leave the mess out of the home. Always a bonus!
Creative activities to try at home with your toddler
- Finger painting
- Sculpting play dough or clay
- Building unique structures with blocks, LEGO or magnetic tiles
- Cutting and pasting to create a simple craft
- Drawing with chalk outdoors
- Singing, dancing and acting out stories together
- Making puzzles from cardboard and markers
- Baking and decorating simple treats, like cookies or cupcakes
Creative activities for kids
For kindergarten and school age children, some of the best creative activities include inventing things from everyday materials, coming up with their own fantastical stories or comics, and exploring different craft and design styles.
All of these help improve their motor skills and encourage them to think outside the box to come up with unique ideas.
Around London you'll find drama workshops where children discover the magic of theatre, sewing and fashion sessions for budding designers, and making sessions that turn recycled bits and pieces into something new.
What are creative learning activities?
Creative learning activities promote learning and growth through creative and imaginative projects. Craft activities like weaving your own wall hanging can help kids learn about patterns, while drama games like mirroring each other's movements help to develop empathy.
Creative activities for teenagers
Teens are at a stage where they're trying to figure out their own identity and what makes them unique. Creative activities are a great way to express themselves and discover new passions.
Popular options include writing their own books or poetry, photography, handmade room decor, and experimenting with new cooking or baking recipes. In London you'll also find sewing lessons where teens make cushion covers and clothes, and comic camps covering story, character and design.
Fun craft ideas for teens to try at home
- DIY jewellery and clothing, like tie-dye T-shirts or hand-beaded jewellery
- Personalised room decor, such as photo collages, fairy lights or woven wall hangings
- Drawing and painting using different mediums like watercolour, markers or pastels
- Decorating a phone case with paint, glue, cross-stitch or pressed flowers
Creative activities for the whole family
Being a grown-up doesn't mean you have to stop being creative! Plenty of London sessions are designed for you and your child to do together.
You'll find parent and child sewing workshops, family making sessions in galleries and museums, and comedy and drama workshops that have you both bonding and growing creatively through laughter and fun.
Why do children need creative activities?
Children need creative activities as a way to have fun, express themselves, nurture their imagination and help with their development. (2)
Working with paints or sewing equipment can hone key design and motor skills, while building a spaceship out of recycled materials encourages thinking outside the box and problem-solving.
There's also that incredibly satisfying feeling when you create something with your own two hands. A great self-esteem booster for your young one!
FAQs about creative activities
What counts as a creative activity?
Anything that uses your child's own ideas and imagination to produce something unique. That covers drawing, painting and crafting, but also drama, music, dance, sewing, writing and design. The common thread is that there's no single right answer, which is what makes these sessions so good for confidence.
What age can children start creative classes?
Earlier than most parents expect. Plenty of London sessions welcome babies and toddlers, often with a parent alongside. After that it's less about age and more about what the session asks of them. Little ones explore materials and make a happy mess. School age children start planning what they want to make. Teens work on their own projects and style.
Why are creative activities good for children?
They help children develop their imagination, autonomy and confidence. Because there are minimal rules, children can practise setting their own goals and use problem-solving to reach them. A child can paint a pink cow or write a one-line poem, and there's no right or wrong. That freedom is what builds self-esteem, and creative play also helps children get better at managing their own behaviour and reactions.
What's the difference between creative activities and art classes?
Art classes focus on the visual arts, so painting, drawing, pottery and sculpture. Creative activities is the wider group, taking in drama, music, making, sewing and storytelling as well. If your child specifically wants to paint or draw, our art and crafts page is the better place to start.
