May Half-term holiday 2023: Six fun events for kids in London

May half term is coming up, which is good news for teachers and kids, but for parents it means seven days of keeping little ones occupied.

Luckily for Londoners, there are endless opportunities for family fun, whatever the weather.

From family raves to fun at the zoo, we’ve rounded up some of the best child friendly activities the capital has to offer from Saturday May 27 to Sunday June 4.

London Zoo Spring Family Festival

ZSL London Zoo, Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY May 27-June 4 Free with entry

Running from May 27 until June 4, this free event celebrates everything nature, music and arts and crafts. Whether you are visiting the Lilac Lounge for a relaxing mindfulness class/baby sensory session or popping into the Daisy Den for an arts and crafts workshop, there will be an abundance of activities to be found. Plus, each day they hold a new Animal Talk, in which they showcase an animal from London Zoo and tell us a little about them.

Twelfth Night with CBeebies

Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT May 30-31Tickets: £5-£35

After a smashing debut last year, CBeebies are back at The Globe, this time producing an adaptation of the Shakespeare comedy, Twelfth Night. This fabulous production is aimed at children aged 3-5 and promises to be a barrel of laughs, featuring CBeebies’ favourite stars.

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

West Hall, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY May 27 Tickets: £0-£13.09

If you’re feeling like an invigorating start to the week, Big Fish Little Fish are celebrating their 10th birthday with one of their classic family raves at Alexandra Palace on May 27. The event runs from 1.30pm-4pm on the Saturday afternoon and promises face painting, crafts and even a rough and tumble play area. With live DJ performances, foam and bubbles, this party will combine the best parts of everyone’s interests.

Plants and Potions: Children’s Workshop

Royal College of Physicians of London11 St Andrew’s Place, NW1 4LE May 31 Tickets: £12

The Royal College of Physicians invites children aged 7-11 to partake in a creative workshop, teaching them all about ancient medical practices and touring the plants of the RCP’s medicinal garden. Children will be able to create their own pomanders, a ball of aromatic substances to perfume a room and traditionally was believed to ward off infections. Available for only Wednesday May 31, tickets are £12 for children and accompanying adults go free.

Gruffalo at the Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX June 1 to 4 Tickets: Adults: £22 Children: £16.50

The ever-lovable tale of The Gruffalo is once again coming to the stage at the Southbank Centre between June 1 and 4. Of the twelve shows, four are adapted for differently abled children; two will be BSL interpreted, another will be audio described and there will also be a sensory adapted performance for neurodivergent children. They even provide a Touch Tour before the 2pm Sunday show, which allows blind and partially-sighted visitors to feel elements of the set and props to enhance their experience of the performance. Child tickets are £16.50 and adults attend for £22.

Discovery Days: Time Travellers

Hyde Park May 30 to June 1 Free

Hyde Park is hosting another set of outdoor activities from May 30 to June 1 between 11am-3pm. There will be much to entertain yourselves with, including calligraphy, bunting decorating and plant print creating, all within the setting of one of the beautiful Royal Parks. The events are free and all you have to do is register your interest, and pop along whenever suits.