Things to Do in London with a Toddler This May Half Term

May half term in London is one of our favourite times of year. The city lights up with events, the parks are glorious (weather permitting), and there is genuinely so much on for little ones. Whether you are after something free, something indoors for a rainy Tuesday, or a proper day out, this guide has you sorted.

Free Museums That Toddlers Actually Love

London's free museums are a gift for parents - especially when you are working with nap schedules and snack demands. A few we love for the under-fives:

Young V&A in Bethnal Green is hands-down one of the best free days out for toddlers in London. The play and sensory spaces are designed with under-eights in mind, there is buggy parking, baby changing, and a lovely cafe. It is on the Central

and Elizabeth lines so easy to reach from most of London.

The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is a perennial favourite - the dinosaurs never get old, whatever age your child. Free entry to the permanent collection, and there is a special exhibition this half term: Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? (paid extra, but the free galleries are brilliant on their own).

London Museum Docklands is running a packed half-term programme from 27-30 May including monster puppet making, storytelling and crafting sessions. Free, and just a short hop on the DLR.

Get Outdoors: Best Parks and Green Spaces

Brockwell Park in Herne Hill (South London) is hosting Brockwell Bounce on 28 May - a free outdoor event with trampolines, storytelling, slime-making, fairground rides and more. Brilliant for toddlers and older siblings alike.

Greenwich Park has a wonderful nature play area and hosts a Welcome Day with London Play on 29 May - free, drop-in activities inspired by the park's wildlife. The park itself is gorgeous for a buggy walk and the views across to Canary Wharf are something else.

Richmond Park is an all-weather favourite - deer, open space, and the Isabella Plantation is stunning in late May.

Half-Term Events and Activities Worth Booking

Story Explorers at the British Library (free, from 16 May) - designed for ages 2-9, this exhibition lets families explore imaginary worlds, read alien zines and discover an alphabet of animals.

Holiday Make Studio at Tate Modern (free, 24 May-1 June) - a drop-in creative session where little ones can mix colours, stamp, paint and collage. No booking needed.

Moomin House Build on the South Bank (free, 27 May-1 June) - a replica Moomin House on the Southbank Centre Riverside Terrace. Kids can help with the sawing and hammering (supervised). A genuinely magical one for curious little ones.

Rainy Day Backup Plans

• Discover Children's Story Centre in Stratford - an indoor creative space designed for under-eights
• Soft play venues - most London boroughs have a good one; check our baby and toddler classes listings for ones near you
• Your local library - many run free Rhyme Time or storytime sessions during half term

Quick Tips for Half-Term Survival

• Go early - museums are much quieter before 11am
• Pack snacks and a change of clothes
• Check borough-specific events - many London councils put on free half-term activities
• Book anything that needs booking - free events fill up fast
• Plan around nap time - the tube or a bus ride can be the nap itself

Make the Most of the South Bank

The South Bank is one of the best free destinations in London at any time of year. Between the Moomin House build, the Holiday Make Studio at Tate Modern, the riverside walk and plenty of grassy spots to let off steam, you could easily spend a full day between Waterloo and Blackfriars without spending a penny.

FAQ

When is May half term 2026 in London? May half term 2026 runs from Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May. Most London state schools follow these dates, though always worth checking with your specific school.

What free things can you do with a toddler in London during half term? Loads! The Young V&A, Natural History Museum, British Library, Tate Modern drop-in workshops, Greenwich Park events and the South Bank Moomin House build are all free this year.

What age is this guide aimed at? This guide is focused on toddlers (roughly ages 1-4), but many of the activities are great for a wider age range including older siblings.

Do I need to book half-term activities in London in advance? For free drop-in events, usually not - but spaces do fill up. Always worth checking the venue website a few days before you go.