This issue is brought to you in collaboration with Horrible Histories® Gorgeous Georgians trail at Osterley Park & House.

How is it half term again already? If cabin fever’s setting in and the budget’s looking bleak, don’t panic. London is full of brilliant family adventures that won’t cost you a thing. You just need to know where to look, and luckily, I’ve got a nose for the good stuff.

Here are London’s best free outings for curious families, from cultural icons to community treasures. I’ve picked five ideas a day, noting if they run on other days. Every one of them is free, though I’m sure donations are always welcome. Some need booking, others you can just show up for. So scroll on down to find a week of wonder that won’t break the bank.

The coolest cultural picks for curious kids all handpicked for time-strapped parents. Love what you’re reading? Share the secret.

Gorgeous Georgians trail at Osterley Park & House

AD | Horrible Histories® has taken over the National Trust’s Osterley Park and House - and May half term is the perfect time to visit! Follow the Gorgeous Georgians Trail to discover the scandalous world of the Georgians, complete with all the nasty bits.

Most of the trail is outdoors, winding through Osterley’s beautiful gardens and shady woodland, before finishing up inside the real Georgian mansion. Along the way, you’ll pile on powdered wigs, spin the Wheel of Woe to reveal gruesome childhood jobs, and play Putrid Pirates games in the great outdoors. Museum Girl particularly enjoyed the Posh Potty, which lets rip with some impressively regal fart sounds! Click here to see footage from our visit. 

It’s a fun, low-stress way to squeeze a history fix into your family’s outdoor adventures. And once you’ve completed the trail, there’s still loads to do: think glorious picnic spots, a new Creative Community art project, a café for those all-important ice creams, cycle paths, and a natural play area nestled amongst the trees. 

The trail is included with entry (which is free for National Trust members). The Gorgeous Georgians trail runs daily until 31 August 2025. Click here for opening times and prices.

Horrible Histories® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc and is used under authorization. All rights reserved. Written by Terry Deary. Illustrations © Martin Brown.

FREE May Half Term 2025 Activities in London

Here’s this week’s bundle of boredom-busters. All are free and either still bookable or drop-in friendly, so you can plan ahead or play it by ear. Click through for times and any booking details.

And if these suggestions aren’t tickling your fancy, check out my complete May half term guide with 101+ things to do, including paid activities.

Bank Holiday Monday 26 May 2025

1. On the Rye Festival at Peckham Rye Park, SE15: Mini ravers, rejoice! Expect steel drums, face painting, and a baby-friendly bop with Toasty Tots, plus crafts and carnival vibes from JUMBI & Fam Fam. Drop in.

2. Cheer FA Cup Winners Crystal Palace on parade through Selhurst Park, then head to Boxpark Croydon CPFC FAMILY FUN DAY! for bouncy castle, face painting, arts and crafts and more! Drop in parade/ book Boxpark.

3. Let’s Get Creative - Birds & Painting at Orleans House Gallery, TW1: Join artist Jane Plowright to paint birds on canvas using traditional and playful techniques. Session takes place in woodland, weather permitting, or indoors. Drop in, ages 4-11.

4. Soft Studio by Hold at Tate Britain, SW1: Slide, wrap, and rest in a soft, sensory world inspired by Dorothea Tanning. Dreamy sounds and sculptural shapes invite calm and creative play. Drop in. Previously shown at Tate Modern. Best suited for under 6s. Open daily 24 May-2 June, then Friday to Mondays throughout June and July.

5. LEGO® Life Forms at Natural History Museum, SW7: Design and build your own ideas on how we can discover extraterrestrial life. Drop in, queues possible. Runs 26-30 May 2025. Part of May Family Festival: Space (until 1 June 2025).

Tuesday 27 May 2025

1. Family Day: bold and bright at National Portrait Gallery, WC2: Make a bold tote, collage your own card game, paint historical puppets, or craft a glittering Tudor brooch. Plus gallery trails. Drop in on a first come, first served basis.

2. Discovery Days: Time Travellers at Hyde Park Learning Centre, W2: Hammer out plant prints, design future parks, meet Queen Victoria and try calligraphy in the great outdoors. Drop in. Runs 27-29 May 2025.

3. Interactive Storytelling: Roman Gods and Myths! at London Mithraeum, EC4: Step beneath the City streets for music, drama and tales of Roman gods at the Temple of Mithras. Book. Ages 4-9. With Quiet Hour at 13.30.

4. Family Event: Pangolin Puppets at Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1: Help build a life-sized pangolin puppet ahead of THE HERD, a giant puppet parade arriving in June. Discover why these scaly mammals need protecting. Book/drop in. Ages 5+.

5. Mythical Sea Masks at National Maritime Museum, SE10: Craft ocean deity masks with paper plates and collage. Learn about sea legends from Yoruba, Inuit and Māori traditions. Drop in, ages 5+. Part of May half term activities (until 1 June 2025).

Wednesday 28 May 2025

1. Moomin 80: Open House at Southbank Centre, SE1: Step into the Moominhouse and explore Moominvalley landmarks in this installation by Woodland Tribe. Book. Tickets released online at 10:00 the day before and again on the day of the event. Check if walk-ins available for the fully booked Moomin 80: Play, Make, Dream with Woodland Tribe. Runs 27 May-1 June 2025. Plus free drop-in printmaking workshop (28-30 May 2025).

2. Brockwell Bounce at Brockwell Park, SE24: This full-throttle family takeover features olympic-sized trampolines, slime mixing, carnival mask making, skateboarding lessons, pizza making, kids raves, circus acts, mythical tales and much, much more! Drop in.

3. Let's Get Bubbly at Museum of the Order of St John, EC1: Make your own bubble wand, meet St John Ambulance Cadets and discover insect-inspired science in the beautiful Cloister Garden. One of London’s hidden gems. Drop in. Ages 3 to 10.

4. Family Event: Something Broken, Something New with Rosie at Petrie Museum, WC1: What if breaking something made it more powerful? Explore fractured artefacts and buried meanings with Rosie Fuller in this creative session. Book/drop in.

5. May Family Day at Museum of the Home, E2: Hammer, weave and print with artists Nihal Singh and Kim Chin in a hands-on day of biodiversity-inspired art. Explore garden life through microscopic patterns and natural dyes. Book/drop in.

Thursday 29 May 2025

1. Mini Museum Makers at Sir John Soane’s Museum, WC2: Design your own curious collection inspired by Soane’s eccentric treasure trove. Build a mini-museum full of stories and surprises. Drop in. Ages 4+.

2. Siena-inspired activities at the National Gallery, WC2: Create shimmering art in Gold Reflections (27–29 May 2025), try mindful drawing in Family Mindful Mark Making, then explore medieval colour and texture in the digital immersive space Step into Siena (both 28–29 May 2025). Drop in.

3. May Drop-in Designs & Performances at V&A South Kensington, SW7: Create soft fabric sculptures that capture your feelings, make bird puppets and join in with joyful movement and cast coin wishes. Drop in. Best ages 5+. Plus sensory play for under 3s. Runs 28-30 May 2025.

4. Martin Creed: Everything Is Going To Be Alright at Camden Arts Projects, NW5: Due to overwhelming demand, this art show is now book ahead! Step inside an old church filled with hundreds of white balloons, in an installation by the Turner Prize-winning artist. Book. Open Wednesday-Sunday including 28 May-1 June 2025.

5. Welcome Day with London Play at Greenwich Park, SE10: Explore the park’s new Nature Play Space with wild crafts, games and outdoor fun. Then, make your way to the Greenwich Park Learning Centre to learn more! Drop in.

Friday 30 May 2025

1. Discovering Ancient India: living traditions at British Museum, EC1: Try woodblock printing on fabric, make textile collages with upcycled sarees, handle ancient objects, and pick up gallery trails or activity backpacks. Book museum entry. Ages 6+. Runs 29-30 May 2025.

2. Stories on the Stage: Where the Water Falls at Young V&A, E2: Catch a short puppet show about identity, nature and a monster named Moss. Originally created by Ash Appadu as part of the Little Angel Theatre programme. Collect wristbands 15 mins before each show. Runs 28-30 May 2025.

3. Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up with Laura Henry-Allain MBE at London Museum Docklands, E14: Join JoJo & Gran Gran creator for a reading of Maya & Marley, plus Q&A, book signing and eco-crafts. Book. Tickets released Monday 26 May 2025 at 10:00. Ages 3-7. Part of May half term (27-30 May 2025).

4. Popcorn! at Whitechapel Gallery, E1: Step into the wild world of sound with a hands-on exhibition by Jenny Pengilly. Snap, shake and crunch your way through Foley-inspired fun. Drop in. Runs Tuesday-Sunday until 21 September 2025. Best for younger children.

5. Secret 7" Colouring Experience with Samme Snow at Now Gallery, SE10: A free 30-minute colouring workshop mixing music, art and vinyl vibes. Book.

Tried something from the list? Let me know! Tag me in your pictures or send me a DM on Instagram. I love seeing these ideas in action.

What’s FREE next weekend (31 May-1 June 2025)

Is your weekend looking a bit empty? Fill it with fun for free - just tap the links for all the info.

1. Spring Family Festival at South Kensington, SW7. 31 May 2025.

2. Beyond Victory Family Activity: Spread Your Wings at Westminster Abbey, SW1. 31 May 2025; on sale 27 May 2025 at 08:00.

3. Family Fun Day: Architecture on the Move at RIBA London, W1. 31 May 2025.

4. D-Day Family Weekend at RAF Museum, NW9. 31 May-1 June 2025.

5. Moomin 80: Everybody Is Welcome! at Southbank Centre, SE1. 1 June 2025.

6. Drop-in Bhangra Dance Workshop at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, W5. 1 June 2025.

I hope this newsletter helps you have a great May half term!

I hope to be back with a June What’s On Guide.

Until then,

If this email lands in your promotions tab inbox, drag it to the primary inbox so you don't miss any updates!

Please check listings before heading out. Events can change or be cancelled at short notice; and, despite my best efforts, sometimes I make mistakes.