Best Family Events in London This June 2026: Free and Paid

June is a brilliant month to be a family in London. Whether you're after something free on a weekday morning or a special paid-for experience to mark the start of summer, there's genuinely something for every age and budget this month. Here's our pick of the best family events in London this June 2026.

Free Events for Families in London This June

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration Family Celebration -- 27th June (Free)

The brand-new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration opens this month in a stunning former waterworks with three galleries, a cafe, and a children's library. Head down on 27th June for the All Join In: Family Celebration, designed to introduce families to everything the gallery has to offer. Free entry.

https://www.quentinblake.com/centre-for-illustration

International Day of Play at Young V&A -- 11th June (Free)

The Young V&A in Bethnal Green is celebrating International Day of Play with a full day of creative activities. There are Sound Explorers workshops for under-2s, Pattern by Pattern drop-ins for under-5s, and Play After School sessions for older children. All free, no booking required.

https://www.vam.ac.uk/young-vam

Horniman Museum 125th Anniversary Events -- throughout June (Free)

The Horniman in Forest Hill is marking its 125th birthday with a packed programme of free family events throughout June, culminating in a free birthday festival on 27th June. One of South London's most loved family venues -- and everything is included in the free entry.

https://www.horniman.ac.uk

London Open Gardens -- 6th and 7th June (Free)

Usually private gardens across London open their gates for one weekend, with family-friendly activities at Cable Street, King Henry's Walk, and more. Several normally locked playgrounds also open to the public -- a real treat for curious children.

https://www.londongardensonline.org.uk

Luke Jerram: Stepping Out at Southbank Centre -- from 10th June (Free)

This interactive musical artwork transforms the staircase by the Royal Festival Hall into a sonic playground. Commissioned for the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary -- great for all ages and completely free to explore.

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Basstone Playground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park -- 13th and 14th June (Free)

An interactive family art installation featuring hidden speakers, the world's first LED and sound maypole, and opportunities for dance and play across three themed zones. Free and outdoors -- perfect for a summer weekend.

https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

Folk Family Day at Museum of the Home -- 21st June (Free)

Mark the Summer Solstice with a full day of storytelling, songs, screenings, and family activities at this much-loved Hoxton museum. Part of the wider What the Folk? Fest programme.

https://www.museumofthehome.org.uk

Dulwich Picture Gallery Summer Family Festival -- 21st June (Free)

A full day of hands-on creativity across the gallery and gardens -- art adventures, crafty workshops, and garden discoveries for all ages. One of the loveliest free family days in South London.

https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Paid Events Worth the Spend

M.C. Escher: The Exhibition at Somerset House -- from 5th June (Paid)

Escher's mind-bending optical illusions are genuinely fascinating for older children and teenagers. Somerset House has designed this exhibition with interactive displays to make it accessible for families. Running until 6th September -- plenty of time to plan a visit.

https://www.somersethouse.org.uk

Half Moon Theatre: Family Shows throughout June (Paid)

The Half Moon in Limehouse has an excellent family programme this month: Take Flight, a multi-sensory aerial show for babies aged 0-2 (5th-6th June); Hopeful Monsters for ages 5+ (19th-20th June); and Rapunzel for ages 3+ (25th-27th June). One of London's best children's theatre venues.

https://www.halfmoon.org.uk

Barbican Family Film Club -- every Saturday (Paid)

The Barbican's Family Film Club continues through June with a brilliant line-up: Tiddler and The Snail and the Whale (6th), Discovery Festival shorts for young ones (13th), the silent comedy classic Safety Last with live musical accompaniment (20th), and The Magic Faraway Tree (27th). Always a lovely outing.

https://www.barbican.org.uk

Julio le Parc: Light. Colour. Action. at Tate Modern -- from 11th June (Paid)

Striking interactive light and colour installations that genuinely delight children -- visitors become active participants rather than passive observers. A good one for curious primary school-age children. Running until May 2027, so no rush, but a brilliant rainy day option.

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

House of Dreamers at Immerse LDN -- from 27th June (Paid)

Sixteen immersive dreamscapes including a giant pink ball pit, a fairytale forest, light-projected waterfalls, and cloud swings. Genuinely magical for children aged 3 and upwards -- and the kind of thing that feels special even for parents.

https://www.immerseldN.com

The Art of Mini Golf at Battersea Arts Centre -- from 17th June (Paid)

Nine playable mini golf holes designed by leading women artists, exploring the game's subversive history. Aimed at adults but ages 9+ are welcome -- a genuinely unusual and memorable afternoon out. Running until 26th July.

https://www.bac.org.uk

Tips for Making the Most of London Events in June

• Book ahead for anything popular -- the Half Moon and Barbican in particular sell out quickly for weekend shows.
• Many free events don't require booking but do fill up. Arrive early for festival-style days like the Dulwich Summer Family Festival.
• June weather in London is unpredictable -- always have a back-up indoor option if you're planning something outdoors.
• Check venue websites directly for the most up-to-date information on timings and any changes to programming.

Browse the full events and venues listings on mummy.london for more family-friendly things to do across London this month, and explore our borough guides if you're looking for something closer to home.