With the weather (finally!) getting nicer, we’ve rounded up all the best outdoor events for little ones in London this summer. From garden raves, to village fêtes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy…

TOTFest® X Edx Education

11 June – 8 July

Educational toy brand Edx Education has teamed up with TOTFest® – the festival for tiny tots. Little ones will be able to immerse themselves in fun and learning in the Edx Education tent, which will be filled with the brand’s award winning toys.

The TOTFest® festival season kicked off earlier this year in Yorkshire, with further events taking place in the
Midlands, Berkshire and Hertfordshire from 11 June – 8 July. Perfect for little ones aged 1-5.

totfestfestival.com | shopedx.co.uk

Family Day at Chestertons Polo in the Park

Sunday 11 June 2023

Families are invited to a fun-filled morning ahead of the Polo finals in the afternoon at Hurlington Park, Fulham. London’s biggest family party is led by Sharky & George and will include the strawberry bootlace race, capture the flag, tug-of-war,
space hopper steeplechase, edible bug eating, and rock, paper, scissors, hoop hop showdown, and the hugely competitive giant water fight.

The Little Hooves Club will also provide soft play, inflatables, face painting and arts and crafts. For sporty little ones, Chelsea FC will be hosting skills sessions throughout the morning. Children can also learn more about polo from Oxford Polo Club.

polointheparklondon.com

Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT

18 May – 10 September 2023 | London Wetland Centre

The London Wetland Centre celebrates Quentin Blake with an exciting programme of nature-inspired creative challenges, art workshops, competitions, and exhibitions this summer.

The activities are aimed at all-ages and abilities and new events will be announced throughout the year as part of the partnership with the much-loved illustrator.

wwt.org.uk

Museum of the Home Summer Party

1 July 2023 | Museum of the Home

Museum of the Home in Hoxton is hosting their Summer Party on 1st July. The event on the museum’s rolling lawns will have a village fête theme with an East London twist.

With something for the whole family, there will be giant board games, children’s entertainment, a bouncy castle, and opportunities to win raffle prizes. Local food trucks will provide Guyanese and Lebanese flavours from Roti Brothers and Lil Watan. There will also be stalls for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from Luke’s Cider, Signature Brew, and Uncommon.

The day will end with a Big Fish Little Fish rave, complete with bubble machines, face painting, fancy dress, and DJs.

museumofthehome.org.uk

Beats and Blooms Family Rave with Big Fish Little Fish

15 July 2023 | Horniman Museum

Celebrating ten years of Big Fish Little Fish, dubstep pioneer Benga will be behind the decks in the Horniman Museum gardens for a family rave like no other!

Joining Benga will be Atlanta Allure & Mark Force and Mark XTC. Little ones can also make a rave crown with Nifty Natty Crafts, attend a book reading and signing with author Uju Asika, and have some fun with the Skipping Sikh. Plus there will be face painting with Doxa Faces, Urban Crazy Golf, and Bring Your Baby park quizzes.

horniman.ac.uk

Theatre on Kew: Alice in Wonderland

22 July – 28 August 2023 | Kew Gardens

Set within the magical surroundings at Kew Gardens, this specially commissioned, part-promenade theatre will be enjoyed by the whole family.

Adapted by Bradley Cole with original music by Guy Holden, you’ll join Alice as she journeys down the rabbit whole, meeting the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, and Cheshire Cat along the way.

kew.org

London Open Gardens

10 – 11 June 2023 | Various locations

Over 100 unique and hidden green spaces open their (usually closed) doors to the public over the weekend. There’s something for everyone to explore – with historic, traditional, contemporary and experimental gardens on display.

Gardens with kid’s playgrounds include Portman and Pembroke Squares, Cleveland, Belgrave, and Crescent and Queen’s Gate Gardens.

londongardenstrust.org

In The Neighbourhood All Points East

20 – 23 August | Victoria Park

In collaboration with Tower Hamlets council and the local community, All Points East’s free-to-enter programme of activities is back for 2023.

This year there will be a great line up for families including outdoor cinema, live music and entertainment, street food, pop up bars, theatre, arts, sports and wellbeing, children’s activities and loads more.

allpointseastfestival.com

The Free Lost Species Family Trail

Until 30 June | Coal Drops Yard

Explore Kings Cross with a puzzle-filled journey inspired by The Lost Species Project by Lucy Orta. This walking trail explores the flora and fauna and wildlife living in the area and makes for a fun-filled afternoon with little ones this summer.

kingscross.co.uk

Discover Ferns: Plant a Dinosaur Habitat

25 July 2023 | Chelsea Physic Garden

To celebrate the restoration of their glasshouses, Chelsea Physic Garden are offering a series of ‘discover’ family sessions. Focusing on ferns, in this session little ones will learn all about dinosaur habitats. They will also make a mini dinosaur habitat to take home.

chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Royal Docks Summer Splash

31 July – 20 August | Royal Victoria Dock

Back for another year, London’s historic docks will be home to a large outdoor lido this summer, complete with a shallow end for the youngest swimmers. There will be plenty for families to enjoy including super sandpits, deckchairs, and more.

royaldocks.london

For more what’s on, click here.