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Two children peer through a summer play installation
A family enjoying a summer day out at Morden Hall Park | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly places to visit in London

Discover the top places for family days out in and around London this summer. Make memories to treasure as you get active with our Summer of Play during the school holidays, follows trails and connect with nature together in the great outdoors, or enjoy immersing yourself in the history of famous historic houses.

Planning ahead: Summer in London

Gorgeous Georgians at Osterley Park and House 

Step back in time on this family-friendly interactive trail, inspired by the bestselling Horrible Histories® book. Discover the quirks and scandals of Georgian life with ten fun-filled activities from Wacky Wigs and Outrageous Outlaws to Posh Potties and Marvellous Make-Up. Runs until 31 August 2025.

Illustration of a lady from Horrible Histories' Gorgeous Georgians, dressed in a pink dress and a towering white wig decorated with flowers.

Summer of Play 

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, and create happy memories together with the whole family. However you choose to play, your adventure starts today.

Two children peer through a summer play installation

Morden Hall Park - Busy Bumblebees Trail, daily until Sun 31 August 

Follow this free, self-led trail through the rose garden to learn about Britain’s bees. With flaps to lift, facts to find, and bonus bee challenges, it’s a brilliant way for families to explore nature together.

Children collecting sticks at Morden Hall Park, London

Rainham Hall BioBlitz: Bugs, Bees and Butterflies. 27 August, 11am-3pm. 

A Bug-tastic day out for the whole family. Mini beast and plant detectives, creating bug houses and other craft activities. In partnership with Thames Chase Trust. Free, no need to book.

Butterfly on dandelion

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Ham House and Garden, 1 Sep - 12 Oct 

Join us for one of nature’s greatest transformations as you become the world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book The Very Hungry CaterpillarTM. Wiggle along the trail to spot juicy fruits and tasty snacks before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Free with usual admission.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™

Park Explorers for under 5s term time on Mondays at Morden Hall Park 

Our Park Explorers group is for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents/carers. Together we learn about the natural world around us, with a different outdoor theme each week.

Pond dipping in the River Wandle at Morden Hall Park, London

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt ™ Halloween Adventure at Osterley Park and House. 11 Oct to 2 Nov, 10am-5pm. 

Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the bunnies are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Osterley with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. This trail is ideal for preschoolers and young children. Trail free with normal admission.

An illustration showing four bunny characters from the We're Going on a Ghost Hunt ™ book

Plan your family day out

Ham House and Garden 

Head to the Outer Courtyard where little people will love getting stuck into the Mud Kitchen, using imaginative play to create culinary masterpieces. The Wilderness is a wonderful place to explore too, with over a mile of Hornbeam hedges arranged in a maze-like pattern.

A family walking through the vegetable garden at Ham House

Osterley Park and House 

From bike rides to den building, discover the full range of family-friendly activities and events taking place at Osterley Park.

A family playing frisbee in the grounds of Osterley Park and House London

Morden Hall Park 

Explore the natural play area, spot wildlife from the boardwalk and enjoy a family walk at Morden Hall Park, with pushchair friendly routes available. Wander into the second hand book shop for a treasure trove of stories.

A family on the bridge at Morden Hall Park, London

Outdoor activities in London 

There are plenty of ways to get active with all the outdoor activities available at National Trust places in London.

A smiling boy rides a red bicycle on a parkland trail

Walking in London 

From acres of parkland at Osterley Park to the meadows, wetlands and woodlands of Ham House, discover where to go for the best walks in London.

A family and their dog walking along the boardwalk through the wetlands area at Morden Hall Park in London

Places to eat in London 

Discover some favourite tea-rooms and cafés in London and plan where to stop for a tasty treat on your next adventure

A family sat outside the Orangery Cafe at Ham House during summer

Summer crafts and activities

How to build a bee box 

Bee populations have been dwindling in recent years, and building homes is just one way of encouraging them to stick around. Follow these steps to build your own nesting box to attract bees to your garden.

Adding the finishing touches to the bee box

Summer berry Swiss roll 

Try this gluten-free summer berry Swiss roll recipe for a showstopper that's full of the flavours of summer — the perfect dessert for an afternoon tea or garden party.

Summer berry Swiss roll laid on a table with plates and forks

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer 

Plan an adventure this summer with our activity guides for children. Try everything from floating in a boat, to rock-pooling, identifying animal poo and fossil hunting.

Children enjoy a swing at Osterley Park and House, London
Exterior view of Fenton House and Garden, London. The gardens include an orchard, kitchen garden, rose garden and formal terraces and lawns.

Discover more in London

From thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all, if you know where to look.