Things to Do in London with Kids When It’s Hot
London might not be famous for its tropical temperatures, but when a heatwave arrives, many parents suddenly find themselves searching for ways to keep children entertained without melting in the process. Thankfully, the capital is packed with family-friendly attractions that offer everything from cooling water play to creative indoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for energetic adventures, cultural days out or simply somewhere with air conditioning, here are some of the best things to do in London with kids when the weather turns hot.
Splash, Paddle and Cool Off
Nothing beats water when the temperature rises.
One of London’s most popular family destinations during warm weather is the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. Children can paddle through the flowing water while parents relax nearby under the shade of the surrounding trees.
Many London parks also feature excellent splash parks and paddling areas. Victoria Park Splash Pool in East London is a favourite with local families, while the splash area at Granary Square near King’s Cross combines fountains, open space and plenty of places to sit.
For older children, consider a visit to one of London’s outdoor swimming spots. London Fields Lido, Tooting Bec Lido and Brockwell Lido offer the chance to swim outdoors and enjoy the summer atmosphere. At The Docks. The Summer Splash lido will serve up a summery sanctuary in the heart of the city, and unlike more of the capital’s other outdoor swimming pools, this one will be completely free to visit.
Active Adventures Without Overheating
When children have energy to burn, choosing activities that avoid the midday sun can make all the difference.
Richmond Park offers beautiful shaded walks where families can spot deer while staying cooler beneath the trees. Hampstead Heath is another excellent choice, particularly around the wooded areas and ponds.
For something more unusual, try kayaking or paddleboarding along sections of London’s waterways. Several providers along Regent’s Canal offer family-friendly sessions for beginners.
If your children enjoy climbing, indoor climbing centres such as Mile End Climbing Wall provide a fun challenge while keeping everyone out of the strongest sunshine.
Discover London’s Air-Conditioned Museums
One of the best-kept secrets of a London heatwave is that many museums are wonderfully cool inside.
The Natural History Museum remains a family favourite, with dinosaur skeletons, fascinating exhibits and plenty to explore over several hours.
The Science Museum offers hands-on galleries and interactive exhibits that appeal to children of all ages. Young children particularly enjoy the interactive play areas, while older kids can experiment and learn through science-based activities.
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green has been specifically designed with children in mind and combines creativity, design and play in a beautifully presented space.
Many museums are free to enter, making them an excellent budget-friendly option during the school holidays.
Get Creative Indoors
Sometimes a slower-paced day is exactly what’s needed.
London is full of creative spaces where children can make, build and experiment. Pottery painting studios such as Biscuiteers, Social Pottery and local ceramic cafés allow children to create personalised keepsakes while staying cool indoors.
The Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford combines imaginative play, storytelling and interactive exhibits. It’s particularly suitable for younger children and encourages creativity through play.
Many local libraries across London also run free summer craft sessions, reading challenges and creative workshops during school holidays.
Explore London’s Markets and Food Halls
Hot weather can be the perfect excuse to explore some of London’s family-friendly food destinations.
Borough Market offers fresh juices, smoothies, fruit stalls and plenty of tasty treats. Children often enjoy sampling foods from around the world while parents appreciate the vibrant atmosphere.
At Seven Dials Market and Mercato Metropolitano, families can choose from a wide range of food options under one roof, making it easy to please everyone.
A cooling ice cream stop can become an attraction in itself. London’s famous Gelupo, Chin Chin and Ruby Violet often have queues on hot days, but many families agree they’re worth the wait.
Visit London’s Green Spaces
Even in the middle of summer, London’s parks provide welcome relief from the heat.
Kew Gardens (above picture showing the children’s garden) offers vast open spaces, shaded woodland walks and beautiful glasshouses. Children love exploring the treetop walkway and discovering unusual plants from around the world.
Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden provides a peaceful escape with waterfalls, ponds and colourful peacocks.
Meanwhile, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park combines open green spaces, fountains and play areas, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.
Enjoy Evening Adventures
One advantage of summer is the long daylight hours.
Instead of heading out during the hottest part of the day, consider planning activities for the early evening. A picnic in Victoria Park, a family cycle ride along quieter routes, or a sunset walk along the South Bank can be far more comfortable once temperatures begin to drop.
Children often enjoy spotting London’s landmarks from a different perspective as the city starts to light up for the evening.
Make the Most of Summer in the City
A hot day in London doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. With splash parks, museums, creative workshops, lidos, gardens and shaded parks spread across the city, there are countless ways to keep children entertained while staying cool.
The key is to mix active adventures with plenty of breaks, carry lots of water and embrace some of the fantastic family attractions that make London such a brilliant place to explore. With a little planning, even the hottest day can become a memorable family adventure.If you’d like, I can also create a version optimised specifically for East London families, which could help target more local Google searches.
