London
The Postal Museum
Families looking for a fun and creative day out in London this May half-term can head to the The Postal Museum, where a lively programme of activities brings stories, history and hands-on play together.
A highlight this season is a special celebration of the beloved children’s book The Jolly Postman. This charming exhibition invites visitors to step into a fairy tale world, following the postman’s delivery route as he visits well-known storybook characters. From the Three Bears’ cottage to Cinderella’s palace, there are interactive moments and surprises for all ages, alongside original illustrations from the book on display.
Creative families can also take part in Wish You Were Here: A Jolly Postcard Adventure, a series of drop-in arts and crafts sessions running throughout the week. Using high-quality materials, children can design their own postcards inspired by fairy tales or imaginary journeys, then choose to send them “up the beanstalk” or take them home as a keepsake.
No visit would be complete without a ride on the museum’s famous Mail Rail. This unique underground train experience takes visitors beneath the streets of London, offering a glimpse into the hidden world of the postal service and the tunnels that once transported mail across the city.
All activities are included in the museum ticket, making it a great-value option for families. With a mix of storytelling, creativity and history, The Postal Museum offers an engaging and memorable experience for children and adults alike this half-term.
Science Museum
Families searching for things to do in London this May half-term will find plenty to enjoy at the Science Museum, where a packed programme of activities promises entertainment for all ages, whatever the weather. Sign up here for newsletter
A brand-new addition this season is Bubble Explorers, an interactive live show designed especially for younger children. Through playful demonstrations and hands-on moments, families can discover the science and maths behind bubbles. Tickets will be available soon, and early sign-up is recommended.
Alongside this, visitors can take part in a wide range of free experiences. The popular Space Show returns with high-energy demonstrations inspired by lunar missions, while Space on a Sphere offers guided journeys through the solar system. Younger visitors can also enjoy Space Toilet Tales, a fun and informative session exploring how astronauts manage everyday life in space.
There’s also a chance to spot a piece of British space history, as the spacesuit worn by Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space, is on display in the Space gallery.
Looking ahead, families can plan for the Great Exhibition Road Festival, taking place in early June. This free weekend event will bring South Kensington to life with interactive workshops, live demonstrations and creative activities for all ages.
For those wanting to enhance their visit, a selection of ticketed experiences is also available. These include hands-on experiments in Wonderlab, immersive gaming in Power Up, and spectacular films at the museum’s IMAX cinema.
With free general entry and a wide mix of activities, the Science Museum is an ideal destination for a fun and educational family day out this half-term.
King’s Cross
Families looking for a fresh and nature-inspired day out in London this half-term can head to King’s Cross, where the vibrant Super Nature programme is bringing the area to life with hands-on activities and outdoor exploration.
Running until 31 May, Super Nature invites visitors of all ages to reconnect with the natural world across King’s Cross’s parks, canals and public spaces. Designed with families in mind, the programme blends creativity, play and discovery in a relaxed, open-air setting.
One of the standout attractions is Dandelions Always Return, an interactive Earth Day installation in Granary Square by artist Delphine Dénéréaz. This imaginative woven structure, filled with oversized dandelions and a soft fabric “forest,” creates a playful environment where children and adults can reflect on the role of wild nature in urban spaces.
Another highlight is the free Super Nature Trail, a self-guided adventure perfect for curious explorers. Winding through Regent’s Canal, Coal Drops Yard and surrounding green spaces, the trail encourages families to discover hidden wildlife using interactive prompts and QR codes. Trail maps can be collected from Lightroom.
Each stop along the route offers space to play, relax and explore at your own pace, making it an ideal flexible option for half-term outings. Along the way, visitors can also enjoy independent markets, creative workshops and seasonal food, all celebrating sustainability and community.
Free to attend and open daily, Super Nature transforms King’s Cross into a playful urban landscape where art and nature come together to inspire curiosity and memorable family adventures.
Alexandra Palace
Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 May 2026 FREE ENTRY (12pm-8pm) The Terrace, Alexandra Palace
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Families looking for a nature-filled and creative day out this May half-term can visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens, where a wide range of activities and attractions are on offer.
Open daily, the Horniman combines free galleries, outdoor spaces and hands-on experiences, making it an ideal destination for all ages. Visitors can explore the World Gallery, Music Gallery and Natural History Pop-up, while the Gardens provide plenty of space to relax and play.
A major highlight this half-term is the launch of new family-friendly features as part of the Nature + Love project. From 21 May, children can enjoy the Kusuma Nature Play Area, complete with climbing structures, slides and sensory elements inspired by local wildlife. Families can also follow the enhanced Nature Trail, now with improved access and new interpretation panels, or take part in the interactive Animals Everywhere! augmented reality trail.
Creative activities run throughout the week, including Family Craft Saturdays, where children can make themed creations inspired by nature and the museum’s collections. Younger visitors can also join the Octonauts adventure trail, packed with mini missions and fun facts.
For those wanting an enhanced experience, ticketed attractions include the Aquarium, showcasing aquatic habitats from around the world, and the Butterfly House, where visitors can get up close to free-flying butterflies.
The Horniman also hosts special exhibitions, including Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures, an immersive, hands-on experience inspired by Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas.
With a mix of free and ticketed activities, indoor galleries and outdoor exploration, the Horniman Museum and Gardens offers a rich and engaging family day out in South London this half-term.
Leicester
National Space Centre
Families looking for an out-of-this-world day out this May can head to the National Space Centre, where a packed programme of events promises everything from gentle early years activities to immersive evening experiences.
The month begins on 1 May with Small Space Days, designed for younger visitors. With storytelling, crafts and a toddler-friendly planetarium show, it’s a relaxed and engaging introduction to space for little explorers.
On 10 May, the Centre hosts an Accessible Afternoon, offering a quieter, more supportive environment for visitors with additional needs. With reduced noise and lighting, alongside sensory, drop-in activities, the session ensures families can explore at their own pace.
Things take a lively turn on 22 May with a special Pirate Party, celebrating 30 years of Muppet Treasure Island. This after-hours event includes film screenings in the UK’s largest planetarium, live music, treasure hunts and themed entertainment, transforming the Centre into a swashbuckling adventure.
The following evening features an inspiring talk from Helen Sharman, marking 35 years since her journey to space. Visitors can hear first-hand stories from orbit, enjoy a live Q&A and view artefacts from her historic mission.
Running throughout half-term (23–31 May), Mission Space offers hands-on workshops, interactive science shows and the chance to experience a simulated space journey, making it a highlight for families.
The month concludes with Queen Heaven on 29 May, a unique audiovisual planetarium show celebrating Queen. Featuring iconic tracks paired with full-dome visuals, it’s an immersive musical experience like no other.
Alongside these events, visitors can explore six interactive galleries, the iconic Rocket Tower and the UK’s largest planetarium, making the National Space Centre a must-visit destination this May.
Surrey
Hampton Court Palace
This late May Bank Holiday, The Big Bahooey returns to Hampton Court Palace (23 – 25 May 2026) a family-friendly festival of fun. With a brand-new lineup of world-class entertainment and jaw-dropping acts, the gardens of Henry VIII’s palace will transform into a vibrant playground of carnival joy.
Presented by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace, in collaboration with pioneering show-makers Cirque Bijou, The Big Bahooey will come to life with everything from circus magic to riotous comedy, street theatre to acrobatic stunts, for a long weekend of celebration. Across the palace gardens, audiences can expect a colourful blend of visual spectacle, music and oodles of silliness, designed for visitors of all ages.
Families are invited to marvel at aerial cabarets with gravity-defying performers, dance along to lively beats, take part in creative workshops and more – The Big Bahooey offers a gloriously silly escape into a weekend of serious nonsense.
What’s in store at The Big Bahooey:
- Hands-on fun: Learn tricks of the trade, from juggling to wire walking, or get crafty in make-and-take creative workshops.
- Gravity-defying aerial cabaret: Marvel at performers as they take to the skies, featuring a live violinist in flight, striking trapeze displays and flying acrobatics.
- Exciting circus and street acts: A rolling programme of circus displays blending street spectacles and comedic antics, from the raucous Falconry Dismay to acrobatic archery.
- Live music: Jam along to high-energy beats and spirited rhythms, ranging from explosive beatboxing to traditional Ghanaian music.
- Interactive fun and exciting encounters: Take part in pop-up performances, exciting interactions and meet playful creatures roaming around the gardens.
- Street food and family picnics: Grab a tasty treat from a selection of street food vendors, with plenty of space to relax on the grass for picnic.
Entrance to The Big Bahooey is included in standard admission to Hampton Court Palace. To catch their breath from the thrills of the festival, visitors can adventure through 60 acres of historic gardens, run wild in the Magic Garden or brave the world’s oldest puzzle maze, before exploring one of Britain’s most iconic palaces.
Dunstable
Whipsnade’s Wildest World Record Attempt
Make history at Whipsnade Zoo this May half term as ZSL attempts GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for most contributions to a paint-by-numbers Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May 2026
Be part of a world record attempt by picking up a paintbrush at Whipsnade Zoo this May half term, as the UK’s largest zoo attempts to achieve the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the most contributions to a paint-by-numbers.
The masterpiece, which will be assessed by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator, features 200 animals to celebrate the 200th birthday of ZSL, the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo.
Artists and animal lovers of all ages will each play a part in bringing the gigantic artwork to life by painting a section, helping to create a collaborative paint-by-numbers artwork as part of the record attempt.
Celebrating ZSL’s 200th anniversary year, the challenge is being attempted in tandem with Whipsnade Zoo’s sister site London Zoo, and more than 14,000 individuals are needed to help complete the creation*.
After painting their way into history, visitors to Whipsnade Zoo can discover more about ZSL’s 200 years protecting and conserving wildlife at a special, interactive heritage exhibition, as well as enjoy animal drawing classes, quizzes, dressing up and face painting, and a “Guess Zoo” game to test their animal knowledge.
No visit is complete without saying hello to the conservation zoo’s newest arrivals, Sophia the camel calf, Mick the southern white rhino, and Leoni and Duke the reticulated giraffe calves, who share their home with over 11,000 animals across Whipsnade Zoo’s sprawling 600-acres.
For two centuries, ZSL has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, working around the world to restore habitats, protect species, and inspire the next generation of animal advocates. Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo helps to support the vital conservation work of ZSL – meaning families can enjoy a fantastic half term day out while contributing to the conservation of wildlife worldwide.
Running across May half term 2026, the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title attempt and other activities are included with Zoo entry. Book tickets at Whipsnade Zoo | A ZSL conservation zoo
Hampshire
The Grange Festival Family Day
The Grange Festival Family Open Day, generously supported by Phillips Law 16 May 2026 (10am to 3pm) Families with children are invited to step into the world of opera when the 2026 Grange Festival throws open the doors for its annual Family Open Day on Saturday 16 May.
Generously supported by Phillips Law and set against the stunning backdrop of The Grange’s historic house and gardens, the Family Open Day presents a lively programme of music, creativity and hands-on discovery, giving children and their families a rare chance to explore what happens behind the scenes at one of the UK’s most beautiful summer opera festivals.
Specially designed for families with children aged 5 to 12, with numerous opportunities to spark imagination and curiosity, the event will transform the iconic festival site into a playground of artistic activity. Young visitors can take part in singing and dance workshops, try on spectacular stage costumes, create their own theatre props and crafts, experiment with musical instruments, and enjoy creative face painting.
Alongside the creative programme, visitors can explore The Grange’s magnificent historic house and picturesque gardens, making it a perfect day out in the Hampshire countryside. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds or visit the Festival’s pop-up café for refreshments.
Grange Festival CEO Tyler Stoops says, “The Family Open Day is one of our favourite moments in the festival calendar. It’s a chance for children and their families to discover the magic of opera and theatre in a relaxed and playful way. We hope it inspires young imaginations and delivers living proof that the arts – and opera – are for everyone.”
Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children aged 5 to 17, with under-fives free. Half-price concessions are available and free parking is provided onsite.
Beaulieu
Families can step into a world of gruesome history this May as Beaulieu hosts a delightfully disgusting new experience inspired by Horrible Histories. Running from 23 May to 31 August, the Vile Victorians trail invites visitors to explore the darker, stranger side of 19th-century life.
Led by the mischievous character Rattus, the interactive trail winds through the Beaulieu grounds, uncovering shocking facts, bizarre traditions and hands-on challenges along the way. Starting near the National Motor Museum, visitors can discover how the Victorians kickstarted motoring history, with early inventions that shaped the future of travel.
As families continue through the site, they’ll encounter stories of eccentric inventors like John Scott Montagu and explore village life, matching jobs to characters and stepping into the shoes of Victorian workers.
Inside Palace House, the experience brings history to life with tales of grand living above stairs and strict routines below. Visitors can uncover the realities of servant life, from long hours to demanding roles, and explore rooms filled with original family treasures.
The trail also dives into the stranger side of Victorian living, from questionable medical remedies to truly unusual foods in the Victorian Kitchen. Upstairs, the dangers of fashion take centre stage, revealing how seemingly elegant clothing could be surprisingly hazardous.
With interactive elements throughout, the experience blends education with humour, making history accessible and entertaining for all ages.
Before leaving, visitors can browse themed souvenirs in the gift shop, taking home a reminder of their “vile” adventure. Packed with fun facts and hands-on discovery, this Horrible Histories experience offers a unique and memorable family day out in Hampshire.
Essex
Braintree Village
Families are invited to embark on a free adventure with the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the shopping destination, bringing the much-loved Shaun the Sheep character and his farmyard friends to life in 3D.
Guests can hunt down nine markers throughout Braintree Village, each unlocking an interactive A.R. scene. Along the way, families can complete fun challenges with Bitzer the dog, pose alongside animated characters, and capture photos and videos to share with family and friends.
The Shaun the Sheep A.R. Trail will be at Braintree Village from Friday 1st May to Sunday 31st May.
To take part, families can pick up a trail map and a free Shaun the Sheep headband from the Braintree Village Guest Services desk, located opposite Ralph Lauren. Whilst taking part in the trail, guests will be able to enjoy a photo opportunity with an artist-designed Shaun the Sheep sculpture. On completion of the A.R. trail, families will be rewarded with a sticker prize, with adults also having the chance to win a £100 Nike gift card when signing up to PLUS+; Braintree Village’s free reward programme.
In addition, Braintree Village will host appearances from Shaun the Sheep on Friday 29th May and free Shaun the Sheep colouring sheets will be available to collect from Guest Services throughout May. Braintree Village’s PLUS+ members will be the first to access tickets for the character appearance sessions.
*Note: To participate in the Shaun the Sheep A.R. trail, guests will need to download the ‘Fun with the Flock’ app and enter the location code 1199, either in advance or on site. Alternatively, if preferred, guests are invited to complete the trail manually by visiting the centre and discovering the trail for themselves without downloading the app.
