Summer Holidays in London: Keeping the Kids Entertained

Last updated: 3 August 2026

Discover the best family attractions in London this summer, from SEA LIFE and London Zoo to free museums, West End shows and hands-on adventures. London is filled with attractions that captivate children and provide the whole family with unforgettable experiences. Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to discover these attractions. London offers experiences for children of every age, from interactive museums to hands-on adventures, the city is the place to explore in the summer holidays.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Aquarium visitors silhouetted against a large underwater tank filled with schools of fish, rays and other marine life, with beams of blue light shining through the water.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium Home to over 500 species, SEA LIFE London Aquarium brings everyone face-to-face with marine life from all over the world. Children can watch sharks pass above their heads through the Ocean Tunnel, meet a colony of Gentoo Penguins, and get hands-on in the rockpool. Located on the South Bank just beside the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is just a 10-minute walk from Waterloo Station and only 20 minutes on the bus from The Wellington by Blue Orchid Hospitality. The London Eye There aren’t many attractions in the city which introduce London quite like a trip up the London Eye. A gentle and relaxing 30-minute rotation reveals the panoramic views across the city, with iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace all visible from the pod. For children, spotting famous landmarks from above becomes part of the experience while parents can relax and enjoy seeing London’s skyline from a new perspective. Morning or evening visits often provide a calmer environment and less busy queues to allow more time for sightseeing and activities. Travelling by bus, the London Eye is only 20 minutes away from The Wellington by Blue Orchid Hospitality. London Zoo Set within Regent’s Park, London Zoo allows families to discover over 8,000 animals from all over the globe. From tiny leafcutter ants and African bullfrogs to giant silverback gorillas and crocodiles, London Zoo has something to impress every child, as well as adult. Every visit introduces something new from fascinating reptiles to tropical habitats. Children can learn about conservation through daily animal talks and feeding sessions, and large outdoor play area with a new immersive role-play experience, Zoo Town, allowing children to play and explore at their own pace. London Zoo is approximately a 20-minute tube ride and 10-minute bus ride away from Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hospitality, making it an easy addition to a family day out. Hamleys A trip to Hamleys is as much an attraction as it is a toy store. Spread out across seven floors on Regent Street, each floor holds interactive demonstrations, activities and games that capture children’s attention from the moment you step into the store. From live toy demonstrations to hands-on experiences, this major attraction adds a memorable addition to a family day in London. By jumping on the Victoria line, The Wellington by Blue Orchid Hospitality is just a short walk and a 5-minute tube ride to Hamleys making it convenient for a last stop on a busy day before heading to wind down at the hotel.

Theatre and Live Entertainment

Interior view of a grand theatre with a red curtain, ornate gold detailing, tiered balconies and illuminated seating areas.
An afternoon or evening in London’s West End offers families the chance to experience some of the world’s most loved theatre. With colourful sets and songs to get the whole family singing, seeing a West End production will be a highlight of any summer holiday. Guests who book directly with Blue Orchid Hospitality can enjoy 10% off selected West End theatre tickets, making it even easier to include an unforgettable show as a part of a family day out. For those looking for the closet Blue Orchid Hospitality hotel to the West End, The Wellington Hotel can be reached in around 20 minutes by public transport, while Tower Suites can be reached directly on the district line. Disney’s The Lion King continues to captivate audiences with its unforgettable setting and family-loved soundtrack, whilst Matilda the Musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic novel, combines outstanding young performers and humor to create a night of entertainment for the whole family.

Explore London’s Free Museums

Elephant sculpture displayed inside a grand museum atrium, with ornate balconies, marble columns and decorative architectural details in the background.
London is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, and many of them can be enjoyed free of charge. The The National History Museum remains a family favourite destination when visiting London. Children can stand below the ginormous blue whale skeleton, explore different species of dinosaurs and even learn about volcanoes and earthquakes. Interactive displays are placed throughout the museum to encourage children’s curiosity, allowing them to learn hands on. Just a 10-minute walk away (and only 20 minutes from The Wellington) The Science Museum offers another engaging activity for families. With award-winning exhibitions and interactive galleries exploring everything from space to technology. Families looking for an even more immersive experience can also visit Wonderlab, where live science demonstrations and interactive experiments introduce scientific concepts through play.

Hands-On Activities

Arcade racing game machines with illuminated screens, steering wheels and red racing seats in a colourful, neon-lit arcade.
Babylon Park Shrek’s Adventure! London is a go-to experience for kids who are fans of the Shrek films, as well as other DreamWorks movies. It combines live actors and shows, immersive storytelling and interactive sets. Families can meet iconic movie characters such as Shrek, Fiona and even characters from other films such as Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon. Whether you choose to walk for 25 minutes or take a bus for 10 minutes, The Wellington by Blue Orchid Hospitality is right around the corner.

Enjoy a Family Stay with Blue Orchid

Spacious hotel residence living room with a round marble dining table, seating area, contemporary furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the London skyline.
After a day spent exploring and discovering London’s best attractions for families, returning to a comfortable hotel provides the opportunity to relax before another day of adventures and prevents the late-night travel home. Blue Orchid Hospitality’s hotels offer central London locations with amazing transport connections, making it simple to explore attractions across the city with a comfortable base. Whether visiting landmarks, interactive museums, or enjoying a show at the West End, a family stay at a Blue Orchid Hospitality hotel places memorable experiences within easy reach. Book direct with Blue Orchid Hospitality for the best available rates.

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