Parents News Forum
Horniman Museum and Gardens Summer holidays 2026
Quote from Fergus McCarthy on July 1, 2026, 4:43 pmThe Horniman Museum London SE23 3PQ is free to visit and open daily, 10am to 5.30pm. Full details of Gardens opening hours are on the website – horniman.ac.uk.
Free galleries – the World Gallery, Music Gallery and The Studio – no advance booking needed. Please note the natural history gallery and nature base are currently closed for redevelopment until early 2027 as part of our Nature + Love project.
To book the Aquarium and Butterfly House book tickets in advance to guarantee entry, particularly during busy periods . Universal Credit tickets are available to buy online or in person, priced £2 per person for each attraction - see horniman.ac.uk for further information.
Special events
Enchanted Cinema: Enchanted Creatures and How to Become One Wed 22 July, 11am, 1pm, 3pm Thurs 23 July, 10am, 12noon, 2pm
Help create the sound effects to much-loved animations inspired by nature using instruments, hands and voices in a fun, interactive workshop. Enchanted Creatures and How to Become One brings animated tales from around the world to life – dancing frogs, a blue-grassing grasshopper, and a hedgehog lost in the fog Tickets: Child £10, Adult £10. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 5-12 and their grown-ups. Sessions last 60 minutes.
Community Afternoons Thursday 23 July, 3.30 to 4.45pm Thursday 30 July, 3.30 to 4.45pm
Drop into our Hands On Base gallery to get up close and touch some of the things in our Handling Collection. We have lots of things in the collection from toys to musical instruments, clothes from around the world, puppets, taxidermy and masks.
Haflah at the Horniman – a SWANA Summer Party Saturday 25 July, 1 to 5pm
Join us for a summer afternoon of live music, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly fun celebrating Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) cultures –haflah / ????, means celebration or a party in Arabic.Adult £10, Child £8
Wayne Tucker and the Bad Mothas Thursday 30 July, 7 to 9pm (doors open 6pm)
Soak up the sounds of summer as Wayne Tucker and the Bad Mothas take to the stage on the historic Horniman Bandstand, with special guest Natalie Williams. Tickets: Adult: £20 (Early Bird £16), Child £16 (Early Bird £14). Advance booking recommended.
Make your own jellyfish cuddly toy Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm
Dive into some summer sewing fun and join Make Mee Studio to create your own jellyfish cuddly toy to take home, made from your choice of reclaimed fabrics and materials. Child £15 – includes one free adult.
Disco Orchestrated Thursday 6 August, 7 to 9pm (doors open 6pm)
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of disco classics transformed live by the Brixton Chamber Orchestra, performed on the Horniman Bandstand. Tickets: Early Bird Adult: £14, Early Bird Child: £10, Adult £16, Child £12, Babes in Arms: £0, Access Companion: £0. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Home for Everyone: How we care for people and planet Thursday 13 August, 11am to 3pm
Join the Migration Museum to reflect on how we care for our planet and the people around us. Climate change is increasingly becoming a major driver of migration. As extreme heat, drought, wildfires and flooding make some regions harder to inhabit, more people are leaving their homes in search of sanctuary and a chance to rebuild their lives. Free, drop in.
Hear it Live! on the Bandstand – Solid Steel Thursday 13 August, 3.30 to 4.40pm
Returning by popular demand, Solid Steel brings you a live steelpan performance. Part of a summer series of extended Hear it Live! performances on the historic Bandstand, in celebration of the Horniman’s 125th Anniversary. Free, drop in.
Maya & Marley storytelling with Laura Henry Allain, MBE Monday 17 August, 10am, 2pm
Join the award-winning author behind JoJo and Gran Gran for a special storytelling of her latest book: Maya & Marley and the New Friend! After the story, take part in an author Q&A, plant your own friendship flower seeds, and design a bunting triangle inspired by the book. Tickets: Child £8.50 – includes one free adult.
Music, Jerk ‘n Tings Saturday 22 August, 2 to 6pm
Celebrate Caribbean culture with a festival of live music, food and family friendly activities. Dance along to a lineup of musical talent on the Bandstand. Adult £10, Child £8, Over 60s £8, Under 2s free.
Bubbles in the Play Area, pop-up bushcraft and messy play Surprise dates and times during summer
Join us at our summer events or come along for a picnic in the Gardens and you might happen across one of the surprise Bubbles in the Play Area events, bushcraft sessions or messy play. Fre
Regular events and activities
NEW Kusuma Nature Play Area Daily
A new fun and engaging nature-themed play area features a wooden jetty with a slide, climbing webs and lookout points. Play equipment is themed around species local to the Horniman – look out for the timber rocker, nest hedge, and eggs in the robin-themed area. More adventurous visitors can enjoy log steps, timber balance beams, and a den building frame, while younger children will love the collecting table, leaf stools, and finger maze. The play area also includes a basket swing and sensory planting. Free.
NEW Animals Everywhere! Daily
Meet a cast of 3D animated animals across the Gardens in this free and fun AR trail. Expect challenges and mini games to play along the way - you’ll feed a walrus, grow a sunflower and meet a giant megalodon – and see if you can make it to the top of the daily leaderboard. Free, scan the code in the Kusuma Nature Play Area to start playing.
Nature Trail Daily, 9am to 4pm
With direct, step-free access for the first time, the much-loved, historic Nature Trail, also has new interpretation panels with information on the diverse wildlife that thrives along the 800m long trail. Find out more about stag beetles and the hairy-footed flower bee, as well as on the changing seasons, and the area’s history as part of the Great North Wood. Free. No dogs (except guide dogs) on the Nature Trail.
Community Garden Daily
Visit the Community Garden to enjoy a quieter, more secluded spot for respite and reflection. The garden was developed with local community partners, and will also be home to wellbeing activities and practical sessions for adults and children, supporting a lifelong connection to nature. Free.
Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman Daily
Pick up a free trail and join the Octonauts crew on mini-missions throughout the Museum and discover some fun Octofacts along the way. Then head outside to the Sound Garden for a bonus adventure. Free. Pick up trails from the Ticket Desk. Suitable for families with children aged 3-7.
Mini Golf by UrbanCrazy Open daily in school holidays, 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Take on nine holes of mini golf themed around your favourite Horniman attractions – tee-off from the Clocktower, putt past the walrus, and try for a birdie at the Butterfly House. Perfect for family fun, or for challenging competitive friends. Wheelchair access and adapted putters for wheelchair users, as well as putters for the kids. Tickets: Adult £7, Child (under 16) £4.50, Family (2 + 2) £17.50, Under 3s free. Book online at horniman.ac.uk
Family Craft Saturdays 2 to 4pm. Last entry 3.30pm
Join in family craft activities inspired by the Horniman’s collections. Learn about some of the 350,000 objects in the Horniman’s collections, and discover more about music, nature, wildlife, and the world around us as you get stuck into some crafts and have fun at these volunteer-run sessions for all the family.
- 18 July - create your own colourful dragonfly peg
- 25 July - get creative with a beautiful butterfly craft and join in the Big Butterfly Count this summer
Check the website for further dates and themes – horniman.ac.uk. Free. Drop in. Suitable for ages 3+.
Bee Buddies Sunday 26 July 2 to 4pm, Sunday 23 August 2 to 4pm
Horniman’s Bee Buddies in the Gardens. They’ll point out interesting plants, insects and other pollinators and may have some bee-friendly seeds to give away!
Free. Just turn up near the Clocktower.
Exhibitions and Displays
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures Daily, 10am-5.30pm
Immerse yourself in a fascinating realm of deep-sea discovery in Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures. From piloting a giant submarine to exploring ocean mysteries through hands-on activities and getting up close to living marine creatures, this engaging, interactive exhibition invites visitors to discover the marvels of the deep. On display in Europe for the first time, Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas and blends science, storytelling and adventure into an unforgettable experience. The Horniman has added six aquarium tanks to the exhibition and partnered with Octonauts to provide ‘creature reports’ about the species on display and their habitats. SUMMER PRICES 25 June and 1 September: Child £6.20, Adult £8.60, Under-3s free, Family of three £17.70, Family of four £23.80, Universal Credit £2. Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry. Advance booking recommended. Book online at horniman.ac.uk.
NEW British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Daily from 17 July, 10am to 5.30pm
See a collection of striking images from the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 on display at the Horniman. Free
Aquarium Daily, 10.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Take a magical journey through rivers, seas and oceans in the Horniman’s highly acclaimed Aquarium. Our 15 exhibits showcase aquatic environments from around the globe, ranging from the British pond to Fijian coral reefs.
SUMMER PRICES*: Child £3.10, Adult £5.70, Under-3s free, Family of three £10.25, Family of four £13.20, Universal Credit £2. Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry. Advance booking recommended. Book online at horniman.ac.uk.
Butterfly House Daily, 10.30am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies in our tropical indoor garden. The specially planted habitat is the perfect place to experience butterflies free flying all around you and to discover amazing facts about the lifecycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures.SUMMER PRICES*: Child £5.70, Adult £8.70, Under-3s free, Family of three £17.25, Family of four £22.80, Universal Credit £2. Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry. Advance booking recommended. Book online at horniman.ac.uk.
*Summer prices only valid for tickets booked between 25 June and 1 September for visits made during this period.
Cafes
NEW Gardens Cafe Daily, 8am (Sun 8.30am) to 6pm (Fri to Sun 7.30pm)
The new family-friendly cafe next to the play area offers sourdough pizzas as well as a range of healthy grab-and-go options and year-round favourites, including artisan gelato and speciality coffee. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Horniman Cafe Daily, 9am to 5pm
Enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold meals, sandwiches, cakes, snacks, fair-trade teas and coffees, cold drinks and ice cream at the Horniman Cafe. Dine in, al fresco on the Cafe Terrace, or takeaway.
The Horniman Museum London SE23 3PQ is free to visit and open daily, 10am to 5.30pm. Full details of Gardens opening hours are on the website – horniman.ac.uk.
Free galleries – the World Gallery, Music Gallery and The Studio – no advance booking needed. Please note the natural history gallery and nature base are currently closed for redevelopment until early 2027 as part of our Nature + Love project.
To book the Aquarium and Butterfly House book tickets in advance to guarantee entry, particularly during busy periods . Universal Credit tickets are available to buy online or in person, priced £2 per person for each attraction - see horniman.ac.uk for further information.
Special events
Enchanted Cinema: Enchanted Creatures and How to Become One Wed 22 July, 11am, 1pm, 3pm Thurs 23 July, 10am, 12noon, 2pm
Help create the sound effects to much-loved animations inspired by nature using instruments, hands and voices in a fun, interactive workshop. Enchanted Creatures and How to Become One brings animated tales from around the world to life – dancing frogs, a blue-grassing grasshopper, and a hedgehog lost in the fog Tickets: Child £10, Adult £10. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for children aged 5-12 and their grown-ups. Sessions last 60 minutes.
Community Afternoons Thursday 23 July, 3.30 to 4.45pm Thursday 30 July, 3.30 to 4.45pm
Drop into our Hands On Base gallery to get up close and touch some of the things in our Handling Collection. We have lots of things in the collection from toys to musical instruments, clothes from around the world, puppets, taxidermy and masks.
Haflah at the Horniman – a SWANA Summer Party Saturday 25 July, 1 to 5pm
Join us for a summer afternoon of live music, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly fun celebrating Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) cultures –haflah / ????, means celebration or a party in Arabic.Adult £10, Child £8
Wayne Tucker and the Bad Mothas Thursday 30 July, 7 to 9pm (doors open 6pm)
Soak up the sounds of summer as Wayne Tucker and the Bad Mothas take to the stage on the historic Horniman Bandstand, with special guest Natalie Williams. Tickets: Adult: £20 (Early Bird £16), Child £16 (Early Bird £14). Advance booking recommended.
Make your own jellyfish cuddly toy Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm
Dive into some summer sewing fun and join Make Mee Studio to create your own jellyfish cuddly toy to take home, made from your choice of reclaimed fabrics and materials. Child £15 – includes one free adult.
Disco Orchestrated Thursday 6 August, 7 to 9pm (doors open 6pm)
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of disco classics transformed live by the Brixton Chamber Orchestra, performed on the Horniman Bandstand. Tickets: Early Bird Adult: £14, Early Bird Child: £10, Adult £16, Child £12, Babes in Arms: £0, Access Companion: £0. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Home for Everyone: How we care for people and planet Thursday 13 August, 11am to 3pm
Join the Migration Museum to reflect on how we care for our planet and the people around us. Climate change is increasingly becoming a major driver of migration. As extreme heat, drought, wildfires and flooding make some regions harder to inhabit, more people are leaving their homes in search of sanctuary and a chance to rebuild their lives. Free, drop in.
Hear it Live! on the Bandstand – Solid Steel Thursday 13 August, 3.30 to 4.40pm
Returning by popular demand, Solid Steel brings you a live steelpan performance. Part of a summer series of extended Hear it Live! performances on the historic Bandstand, in celebration of the Horniman’s 125th Anniversary. Free, drop in.
Maya & Marley storytelling with Laura Henry Allain, MBE Monday 17 August, 10am, 2pm
Join the award-winning author behind JoJo and Gran Gran for a special storytelling of her latest book: Maya & Marley and the New Friend! After the story, take part in an author Q&A, plant your own friendship flower seeds, and design a bunting triangle inspired by the book. Tickets: Child £8.50 – includes one free adult.
Music, Jerk ‘n Tings Saturday 22 August, 2 to 6pm
Celebrate Caribbean culture with a festival of live music, food and family friendly activities. Dance along to a lineup of musical talent on the Bandstand. Adult £10, Child £8, Over 60s £8, Under 2s free.
Bubbles in the Play Area, pop-up bushcraft and messy play Surprise dates and times during summer
Join us at our summer events or come along for a picnic in the Gardens and you might happen across one of the surprise Bubbles in the Play Area events, bushcraft sessions or messy play. Fre
Regular events and activities
NEW Kusuma Nature Play Area Daily
A new fun and engaging nature-themed play area features a wooden jetty with a slide, climbing webs and lookout points. Play equipment is themed around species local to the Horniman – look out for the timber rocker, nest hedge, and eggs in the robin-themed area. More adventurous visitors can enjoy log steps, timber balance beams, and a den building frame, while younger children will love the collecting table, leaf stools, and finger maze. The play area also includes a basket swing and sensory planting. Free.
NEW Animals Everywhere! Daily
Meet a cast of 3D animated animals across the Gardens in this free and fun AR trail. Expect challenges and mini games to play along the way - you’ll feed a walrus, grow a sunflower and meet a giant megalodon – and see if you can make it to the top of the daily leaderboard. Free, scan the code in the Kusuma Nature Play Area to start playing.
Nature Trail Daily, 9am to 4pm
With direct, step-free access for the first time, the much-loved, historic Nature Trail, also has new interpretation panels with information on the diverse wildlife that thrives along the 800m long trail. Find out more about stag beetles and the hairy-footed flower bee, as well as on the changing seasons, and the area’s history as part of the Great North Wood. Free. No dogs (except guide dogs) on the Nature Trail.
Community Garden Daily
Visit the Community Garden to enjoy a quieter, more secluded spot for respite and reflection. The garden was developed with local community partners, and will also be home to wellbeing activities and practical sessions for adults and children, supporting a lifelong connection to nature. Free.
Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman Daily
Pick up a free trail and join the Octonauts crew on mini-missions throughout the Museum and discover some fun Octofacts along the way. Then head outside to the Sound Garden for a bonus adventure. Free. Pick up trails from the Ticket Desk. Suitable for families with children aged 3-7.
Mini Golf by UrbanCrazy Open daily in school holidays, 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Take on nine holes of mini golf themed around your favourite Horniman attractions – tee-off from the Clocktower, putt past the walrus, and try for a birdie at the Butterfly House. Perfect for family fun, or for challenging competitive friends. Wheelchair access and adapted putters for wheelchair users, as well as putters for the kids. Tickets: Adult £7, Child (under 16) £4.50, Family (2 + 2) £17.50, Under 3s free. Book online at horniman.ac.uk
Family Craft Saturdays 2 to 4pm. Last entry 3.30pm
Join in family craft activities inspired by the Horniman’s collections. Learn about some of the 350,000 objects in the Horniman’s collections, and discover more about music, nature, wildlife, and the world around us as you get stuck into some crafts and have fun at these volunteer-run sessions for all the family.
- 18 July - create your own colourful dragonfly peg
- 25 July - get creative with a beautiful butterfly craft and join in the Big Butterfly Count this summer
Check the website for further dates and themes – horniman.ac.uk. Free. Drop in. Suitable for ages 3+.
Bee Buddies Sunday 26 July 2 to 4pm, Sunday 23 August 2 to 4pm
Horniman’s Bee Buddies in the Gardens. They’ll point out interesting plants, insects and other pollinators and may have some bee-friendly seeds to give away!
Free. Just turn up near the Clocktower.
Exhibitions and Displays
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures Daily, 10am-5.30pm
Immerse yourself in a fascinating realm of deep-sea discovery in Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures. From piloting a giant submarine to exploring ocean mysteries through hands-on activities and getting up close to living marine creatures, this engaging, interactive exhibition invites visitors to discover the marvels of the deep. On display in Europe for the first time, Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas and blends science, storytelling and adventure into an unforgettable experience. The Horniman has added six aquarium tanks to the exhibition and partnered with Octonauts to provide ‘creature reports’ about the species on display and their habitats. SUMMER PRICES 25 June and 1 September: Child £6.20, Adult £8.60, Under-3s free, Family of three £17.70, Family of four £23.80, Universal Credit £2. Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry. Advance booking recommended. Book online at horniman.ac.uk.
NEW British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Daily from 17 July, 10am to 5.30pm
See a collection of striking images from the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 on display at the Horniman. Free
Aquarium Daily, 10.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Take a magical journey through rivers, seas and oceans in the Horniman’s highly acclaimed Aquarium. Our 15 exhibits showcase aquatic environments from around the globe, ranging from the British pond to Fijian coral reefs.
SUMMER PRICES*: Child £3.10, Adult £5.70, Under-3s free, Family of three £10.25, Family of four £13.20, Universal Credit £2. Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry. Advance booking recommended. Book online at horniman.ac.uk.
Butterfly House Daily, 10.30am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies in our tropical indoor garden. The specially planted habitat is the perfect place to experience butterflies free flying all around you and to discover amazing facts about the lifecycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures.SUMMER PRICES*: Child £5.70, Adult £8.70, Under-3s free, Family of three £17.25, Family of four £22.80, Universal Credit £2. Horniman Members and Benefactors enjoy free, unlimited entry. Advance booking recommended. Book online at horniman.ac.uk.
*Summer prices only valid for tickets booked between 25 June and 1 September for visits made during this period.
Cafes
NEW Gardens Cafe Daily, 8am (Sun 8.30am) to 6pm (Fri to Sun 7.30pm)
The new family-friendly cafe next to the play area offers sourdough pizzas as well as a range of healthy grab-and-go options and year-round favourites, including artisan gelato and speciality coffee. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Horniman Cafe Daily, 9am to 5pm
Enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold meals, sandwiches, cakes, snacks, fair-trade teas and coffees, cold drinks and ice cream at the Horniman Cafe. Dine in, al fresco on the Cafe Terrace, or takeaway.