15 things to do with the kids this summer holiday

Six weeks can seem like a daunting amount of time to keep the kids entertained, but that's no challenge for the Square Mile.

This summer, the City of London has come to life with a huge range of family activities, with options such as walking tours, games, writing competitions and much more; there's definitely something for every type of child this summer.

1. Explore an icon with Tower Bridge's summer activities

All ages - Across August

Tower Bridge are offering a huge range of activities this summer, from reduced ticket prices to Ask the Expert drop-in sessions, family activities and marking the 50^th anniversary of switching from steam power.

2. Conquer Londinium with the Roman London Family Quest

5–11 year olds - 14 & 15 August

Head forth and conquer Londinium with the Roman London Family Quest as the London Museum, London’s Roman Amphitheatre and London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE join forces to explore Roman London on this interactive family activity.

3. Explore the Play Make Do Festival at the Barbican

All ages - 14–16 August

The Barbican invites visitors of all ages to take part in this three-day festival bringing together families, friends and communities through creativity, play and participation.

Make sure to view the full programme and pick out your highlights across the three days of all-age activity.

Greta Zabulyte

4. Dive into Second Saturday activities at Guildhall Art Gallery

Age 3–13 - 8 August

Join the Guildhall Art Gallery for a Saturday programme of family fun from story time to hands-on activities exploring the artworks across the gallery and Roman history.

This August, the Art Gallery will help your little ones create their very own postcards, inspired by those from the Victorian era. This is accompanied by a story time for the young ones, as well as an opportunity to take in the artworks around the gallery.

5. Get active at London Sports Festival

All ages - Throughout August

Get out and get active with London Sports Festival. You can enjoy giant volleyball, padel, table tennis and more across the Square Mile; it's great to get the little ones active!

Check out the London Sports Festival website to see dates and times and get booked in.

London Sports Festival. Photo credit City of London Corporation.

6. Get up close and personal with Imagining Animals at the Tower of London

All ages - 19–31 August (excluding 25)

Experience the Tower of London like never before as extraordinary creatures roam the fortress in a magical spectacle of puppetry and music.

Inspired by creatures that once lived there, it's an unforgettable experience for everyone. Plus, the experience is covered in your ticket price, so it comes as no extra!

Imagining Animals at the Tower of London. © Historic Royal Palaces

7. Get creative with Monster Art Club

All ages - Every Saturday

Get hands-on and creative with Monster Art Club. Aimed at all ages, all you have to do is turn up and get ready for a session of creating, drawing, colouring and fun with all materials provided. It's a good all-rounder and a great place to start a full day in the City.

8. Go racing at F1 Arcade

Ages 7+ - Open every day

Bring the little ones into the heat of the driving action at the F1 Arcade, where they can give driving a go, and get them practising early!

9. Get funky at Rhyme Time

Under 5s - Every Thursday

Bring the tiny ones every Thursday to the Artizan library for a morning of action, songs, musical instruments and puppets.

Clive Totman

10. Join a writing competition at one of the country's most famous historic landmarks

All ages - Across August

Embark on a creative journey across the Bank of England Museum as they invite your little ones to draw inspiration from their exhibitions and enter the creative writing competition. They could even feature in the exhibits themselves!

@tikaisanartist

11. Head out and explore the City on foot

All ages - Whenever you like!

The City is full of beautiful green spaces, historic landmarks and modern icons, so the summer is a great chance to head out and experience this first-hand. You can join one of the guided tours offered by the City guides, or take yourself out wandering.

There's an official children's trail to draw inspiration from, or head to the City Information Centre to grab trail maps and ask for tips to guide you around.

12. Join a free creative writing workshop at Dr Johnson's House

Ages 5–12 - 16 August

This is a rare opportunity to take part in a writing workshop at the home of the dictionary! Create new words, write passages and let their creativity flow as this workshop is sure to inspire some literary greatness in any budding authors and writers.

Dr Johnson's House Creative Writing Workshop

13. Treat yourself with a kids' afternoon tea at Pan Pacific

All ages - Across August

Pan Pacific is the height of luxury, and offers you an indulgent offer this summer with their afternoon teas, plus their very own children's version. If you're looking for a real treat, this is the place to be!

14. Take a swing with a round of golf at Puttshack

7 and above - Across August

Who doesn't love a round of mini-golf? Puttshack is in the heart of the City and offers one of the best golf experiences in London, if not the UK. With unlimited golf offers or one-off rounds, sign yourself up and get involved for some tech-infused fun.

15. Get quizzical at London's Quiz Room

Ages 8–12 - Across August

Quiz Room is an interactive live gameshow where you'll step into the world of TV quizzes. On top of their normal offerings, they also offer a children's version for those aged 8–12, so your little one can feel like they're on the TV. It's a unique experience you can bring the whole family along to.

Fun for adults too!

If you're after something to do for yourself, check out our 'things to do in August' article where you can see more on offer across the Square Mile.