LittleBird May half-term Guide
May half-term is one of our favourite holidays! It is a great time for families to spend quality time together, enjoy fun days out and mini adventures, and make lasting memories while the pace of school life slows down and we can recharge those batteries with fun times!
From fun days out and theatre trips to free events happening and theme park days and breaks, we’ve gathered the best things to enjoy this May half-term and got you a saving or two to enjoy as well!
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What’s on for Families
⭐ Spring Family Fun | Southbank Centre
Until 31 May
Grow your creativity and discover a wide range of super shows, musical adventures and lots of FREE fun for all ages! Discover Blizzard, The Maker, Architecture Explorers: A Family Trail, Michael Rosen’s Birthday, Play Along: Virtual Orchestra – , Prancer the Dancer’s DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow, Love Ssega: The Elementals – and so much more!
⭐ Capybara Discovery Week at Hobbledown – Save 15%* on General Admission with code LITTLEBIRD15
23 -31 May
Discover and learn all about these gentle giants at Hobbledown, with fascinating keeper talks, a capybara treasure hunt, daily competitions and the lively Bubble Disco. Plus, enjoy acres of outdoor and indoor adventure play, friendly animals and exciting experiences for all ages. All activities run at both Hobbledown Hounslow and Hobbledown Epsom.
Image Credit: Hobbledown
*Terms and Conditions Apply, Visit: www.hobbledown.com/hounslow/littlebird
⭐ May Half-Term: Carribean Connections, London Transport Museum
23 – 31 May
Marking 70 years since London Transport recruited workers from the Caribbean, enjoy family-friendly activities, creative crafts, costumed characters and the exhibition Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce. Free with Museum Admission.
Image Credit and Copyright: London Transport Museum
⭐ A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title attempt at Whipsnade Zoo
23-31 May, Included with Admission
Help create a giant wildlife-inspired paint-by-numbers artwork and attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. The event celebrates creativity, community, nature, and ZSL’s 200th anniversary. Enjoy a day out at the largest zoo in the UK with over 11,000 animals!
Image Credit: Whipsnade Zoo
⭐ A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title attempt at London Zoo
23-31 May, included with Zoo Entry
Join in the biggest paint-by-numbers ever, this May half term! For nine days only, London Zoo transforms into a vibrant creative hub and they want families, friends and curious minds of all ages to help create a massive, collaborative artwork – all in celebration of ZSL’s 200th anniversary this year.
Image courtesy of ZSL London Zoo
⭐ Family Day at the Design Museum:
Design and Worldbuilding
Fri 29 May, 10.15 – 16.15, ages 5-11+, £5 pp
Enjoy a day of creating and making, with plenty of activities for children. The day will be inspired by the cinematic worlds of the filmmaker Wes Anderson and Thames & Hudson’s Mini Artists series. Combine your visit to see the museum’s insightful free-to-visit design collection or enjoy the greenery of their garden and next-door neighbour, Holland Park.
Image Credit: The Design Museum
⭐ Heroes of the Air | Royal Air Force Museum
23-31 May – ages 3+
Discover the people, ideas and aircraft that changed the skies in a week of hands-on half-term fun at RAF Museum London. Heroes of the Air invites young explorers to build, test and fly as they uncover what it takes to become an aviation hero. Three ticketed events over the week.
Image courtesy of the Royal Air Force Museum
⭐ Duke and Disorderly – Spring Family Fun | Tower of London
All ages – Until 30 May
Step back to 1826 at the “Duke and Disorderly” live event, where costumed characters, chaos and comedy bring history to life for families. Enjoy interactive performances inspired by the Duke of Wellington’s attempts to bring order to the famously unruly Tower. Save 10% on Tower of London Entry Tickets with link below.
Image Credit: Historic Royal Palaces
⭐ May Half-Term on the Cutty Sark! 10% off Entrance to the Cutty Sark
All ages | 23 May – 31 May
Climb aboard the iconic Cutty Sark this May half term for family-friendly fun including craft workshops, live character performances, sea shanty singalongs and interactive trails. With hands-on activities and playful adventures around the historic ship, it’s a brilliant day out for young explorers and budding sailors alike.
Image Credit: Elliot Parker
⭐ Plant Hunter Trails and Tales | Hever Castle
23 -31 May, 10.30 – 18.00
Families can step into the adventurous world of historic plant hunters with interactive trails, storytelling and botanical discoveries around the beautiful grounds. Included with admission, this is a fun and educational day out packed with exploration, adventure and hands-on family fun.
⭐ Jack and Nancy – A Dockyard Adventure by Quentin Blake | The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Set sail on Jack and Nancy’s Dockyard Adventure, a brand-new family trail inspired by the wonderful illustrations of Quentin Blake. Follow the mischievous duo on an interactive journey packed with playful activities, colourful characters and maritime fun for all ages.
Image Credit Matthew Walker and courtesy of The Historic Dockyard Chatham
⭐ 20% off Go Ape Adventures!
Use code FAMILY20, SUNFUN or SAVE10
Treat the whole tribe to an unforgettable adventure in the forest at a fantastic price. Go Ape offers thrilling treetop adventures, including zip lines, rope courses, and swings, providing an exciting experience in nature.
⭐ Horrible Histories: Queen Eleanor’s Guide to Surviving the Middle Ages | Leeds Castle
26-31 May
Step into the rotten realities of the Middle Ages with Horrible Histories. Join Queen Eleanor of Castile on a hilariously horrible family trail packed with gruesome facts, interactive challenges and medieval mayhem across the Castle ground. Included with admission ticket. Plus lots more to do with families, a maze, adventure playground, woodland walks Falconry and short breaks too!
Image Courtesy of Leeds Castle website
⭐ Family Fun Day: Remarkable Reactions | The Royal Institution
30 May, 11am-4pm
Join the May Family Fun Day for hands-on science activities, interactive experiments, and reaction challenges for all ages. Enjoy chain reactions, chemistry surprises, and family-friendly science talks in the Theatre. Packed with “wow” moments, this full-day event offers fun, discovery, and learning for the whole family.
Image Credit: Paul Wilkinson
10% off Entry to Kew Gardens
Discover a world of adventure at Kew Gardens, where families can climb through the Children’s Garden, wander the Treetop Walkway and explore the buzzing Hive installation together. With interactive trails, seasonal events and plenty of space to play, learn and picnic, it’s the perfect family day out in nature.
Image Credit Diliff
⭐ Our Story with David Attenborough | Natural History Museum
On until August 2026, Ages 8+
Immerse yourself in Our Story with David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum — a spectacular 360° cinematic experience that brings the story of life on Earth to life all around you. Featuring breath-taking visuals, powerful storytelling and Sir David’s hopeful message for the future, this unforgettable 50-minute journey is running now until August 2026.
Image Credit and Courtesy of the Natural History Museum
⭐ Luminarium: LUXART by Architects of Air | Battersea Power Station
23-31 May
Step inside LUXART by Architects of Air at Battersea Power Station this May Half Term — a breath-taking immersive luminarium filled with glowing domes, vivid colours and soaring inflatable sculptures. Running from 23rd–31st May 2026, this magical walk-through experience invites visitors of all ages to wander through a dreamlike world of light, sound and wonder.
⭐ The Jolly Postman | Postal Museum
On until January 2027
Step into the world of The Jolly Postman in this interactive exhibition celebrating 40 years of Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s beloved children’s classic. Follow the Postman’s magical delivery route through familiar fairytale homes, with hands-on surprises and original artwork to discover along the way. Included with entry.
Image Credit Paul Clarke, courtesy of The Postal Museum
⭐ Time Travel craft club | The National Archives, Kew
26-28 May, ages 2+
Spend time together being creative with crafts during the school holidays. Take a seat at their craft stations – packed with colourful materials – in the friendly environment of our café and see what you can imagine. £3 per child, accompanying adults free.
Image Credit and courtesy of The National Archives
⭐ Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures | Horniman Museum
On until Nov 26
Dive into Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures at the Horniman Museum, where families can board the legendary Nautilus submarine and explore an immersive world inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Packed with hands-on activities, giant sea creatures and interactive discoveries, this exciting exhibition is perfect for young ocean explorers!
Image Credit Louisa Rechenbach and courtesy of the Horniman Museum
⭐ Fairy Tale May Half-term Audley End Enchanted Railway
25 May – 2 June
Enjoy a magical family adventure this half term with fairy tale displays, woodland train rides, crown and wand making, and the enchanting Fairy and Elf Walk. Children can explore the adventure playground and bubble time, while families relax at the Woodland Café enjoying homemade, locally sourced food.
⭐ Family Day | Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
24 May – 9.30am and 2pm
Enjoy a fun-filled Family Day at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with live performances, music, interactive games and outdoor entertainment for all ages. From myth-hunting adventures and family raves to harp concerts and creative play zones, it’s the perfect way to spend a magical day in the heart of the park.
Image Credit: Alejandro Balagno Balham 2016, courtesy of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Theme Parks & Attractions
⭐ LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
Enjoy an action-packed family day out at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, home to over 55 rides, live shows and attractions inspired by the world’s favourite bricks. From thrilling rollercoasters and splash-filled adventures to interactive LEGO® builds and themed lands, there’s something for every young explorer to enjoy! Tickets from £32pp.
⭐ Thorpe Park Day Entry Tickets
Experience nonstop thrills at Thorpe Park, home to over 25 rides and attractions including the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, Hyperia, plus epic coasters, water rides and family adventures. Tickets from £32 pp.
⭐ Paw Patrol Land | Chessington World of Adventures
The UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land is now open at Chessington World of Adventures! Join Chase, Skye, Marshall and the rest of the team for exciting family rides, immersive meet-and-greets and interactive play zones in the brand-new World of PAW Patrol.
⭐ Alton Towers Day Tickets & Short Breaks
Experience unforgettable family thrills at Alton Towers Resort, home to world-famous rollercoasters, exciting themed lands and fun-packed attractions for all ages. Plus don’t miss the new Bluey ride: Here come the Grannies!
⭐ Diggerland UK | 25% off admission Free Downloadable Voucher!
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind family day out at Diggerland, where kids and grown-ups can ride, drive and operate real full-size construction machinery across action-packed parks in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.
Image courtesy of Diggerland
⭐ Viking Raiders | Warwick Castle
Experience Viking Raiders at Warwick Castle, a brand-new live stunt spectacular for 2026 packed with explosive battles, fire, daring horsemanship and epic action. Follow Æthelflæd, England’s First Warrior Queen, as she leads the fight against invading Vikings in an unforgettable tale of courage and survival.
⭐ Sea Life London Aquarium
Dive into an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, home to thousands of sea creatures including sharks, penguins, jellyfish and tropical fish across immersive themed zones. From ocean tunnels and interactive rockpools to the UK’s longest coral reef display, it’s a fin-tastic family day out on London’s South Bank. Tickets from £28
West End Theatre & Plays
Why not treat the family to a theatre trip this Easter, or gift tickets to someone special? Enjoy fantastic offers on top West End and Off West End shows, plus award-winning plays for all ages.
The Lion King | Les Misérables | Paddington The Musical | Come Alive! | Hamilton | Disney’s Hercules | Six | Starlight Express | Stranger Things | My Neighbour Totoro | The Play That Goes Wrong | Wicked |Hadestown | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Matilda | Mamma Mia | The Mousetrap | Oliver! | Phantom of the Opera | The Devil Wears Prada and so many more!
Explore all our offers for top West End musicals, shows, plays, and seasonal productions—book your tickets today!
Family Theatre Shows
⭐ A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Shakespeare’s Globe
All ages, Until 29 August
Experience the magic where mischievous fairies, moonlit forests and tangled love stories come to life under the summer skies. This vibrant new production invites audiences into a joyful world of chaos, comedy and transformation where anything is possible.
⭐ Annie the Musical | New Wimbledon Theatre
The Smash-hit West End Production of Annie is back on tour and coming to New Wimbledon Theatre! Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s La Voix as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan and its Tony® award-winning book and score, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Image Credit: ATG Tickets and photography of La Voix by X
⭐ There’s a Monster In Your Show | artsdepot
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage! Featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together.
Image Credit: MEI Worldwide, ©Tom Fletcher. Who’s in Your Book series published by Puffin Books Ltd
⭐ The Maker | Southbank Centre
Enter a world full of visual surprises, physical comedy and strange magical experiments that teeter between brilliance and disaster. The unexpected, the magical and the strange await for children and their grown-ups. For ages 5-10.
Image Credit: Ste Murray
⭐ Tales from Acorn Wood Live | artsdepot
22 – 26 May
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are coming to artsdepot this half-term. This enchanting show is an ideal introduction for youngsters discovering theatre for the first time and the family-favourite tales keep children of all ages engaged with the classic stories, their magical lift-the-flap theatre experience and interactive fun.
Image Credit: Norwell Lapley Productions
⭐ Zog | Rose Theatre, Kingston, London
26-31 May
A Roaring, Soaring Musical for Brave Little Dragons Everywhere! Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic, feel-good story is brought to roaring, soaring life in this delightful musical for children. Tickets from £19.50
Zog © 2010 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books, Image courtesy of Rose Theatre
⭐ The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) | Watford Palace Theatre
25-27 May
All 37 plays. Three actors. One wildly funny show. A fast, furious and gloriously absurd sprint through all of the Bard’s tragedies, comedies and histories. A wildly inventive and hilarious celebration of Shakespeare.
⭐ Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show | Leicester Square Theatre
May 30, ages 5+
Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards.
⭐ James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks | Museum of Comedy
30 and 31 May – The Funny Life of Football
James invented the idea of proper stand-up for children in 2001. Since then he has been travelling the world, bringing high-quality laughter to children in thousands of schools, libraries, theatres, festivals anywhere that will have him really!
★★★★★ “A hit not to be missed” – Three Weeks
⭐ Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape | Little Angel Theatre
17 May – 19 July, ages 5+
Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry.
Image ©EllieKurttz, Courtesy of Little Angel Theatre
⭐ Fireman Sam Live! The Lost Pirate Treasure | Watford Palace Theatre
28 May | for all ages
Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure!
Image Credit: Mark Thompson Productions in partnership with Mattel and courtesy of Watford Palace Theatre
⭐ Kids Show Live! | Magic Circle
May 31 (and every 2nd Sunday throughout the year)
Kids Show Live at The Magic Circle is a fun-filled, family-friendly magic show designed especially for children aged 4 and up. Hosted at the HQ of the world’s most famous magic society, this one-hour show is full of surprises, laughter and audience participation.
Image Courtesy of Magic Circle and TMC Tours
⭐ The Very Busy Bumblebee: The Ballet | New Wimbledon Theatre
22 and 23 May, ages 0-8
Join Beatrice the Very Busy Bumblebee on a sweet and funny ballet adventure as she teaches Mr. Grumpy the Gardener why bees are so important to the world. This magical family show combines charming storytelling, colourful characters and fabulous dancing.
Image courtesy of Let’s All Dance Ballet Company
⭐Return to the Forest | Sadlers Wells East
28-30 May, ages 8+
Step into Return to the Forest, an immersive dance and puppetry adventure where museum treasures mysteriously come to life and lead audiences into a magical wild forest full of wonder. A playful and thought-provoking family experience celebrates imagination, nature and the things we treasure most.
⭐ The Tortoise and the Hare | Polka Theatre
Until 31 May, ages 3-7
Full of puppetry, hare-larious highjinks, fantastic storytelling and original live music that’ll have you hopping in your seats.Get ready for another toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud retelling of a children’s classic, Tortoise and the Hare.
FREE Events for Families
⭐ Half Term Family Film Club | Fulham Pier
25 and 26 May, 11.30-1pm
Relaxed family film screenings, where children are free to move, chat and enjoy the film in their own way. This screening offers a chance for families to spend time together over a much-loved family favourite, without the expectations of a traditional cinema setting.
Image Credit: Fulham Pier
⭐ Michael Rosen’s Birthday | Southbank Centre
23 May @ 11am
It’s the iconic author and poet’s 80th birthday – and you’re invited! Grab your party hats and join Michael Rosen at his story-filled celebration. A day jam-packed with silly rhymes, storytelling, special guests and birthday fun for all the family.
Image Credit: Southbank Centre
⭐ Eye Spy at London Museum
23-31 May, 10.30am – 1pm & 2–4pm
Do your eyes deceive you? They just might! Make your own thaumatrope, a Victorian toy that creates an optical illusion. Then handle toys and trinkets used by Victorians over 100 years ago in their No.1 Warehouse gallery. Ages 3+ advised.
Image Credit: London Museum
⭐ Hardtack Biscuit Workshop | National Army Museum
26-27 May, various times
Join the National Army Museum this May half-term where you can make your own hardtack biscuit to take home and bake! Free, no booking required, ages 5+
Image Credit: National Army Museum
⭐ Family Station at the British Library
23-29 May, Free, Drop in, 11.00-15.00
Join the British Library this May Half Term! Inspired by their family exhibition Fairy Tales, enjoy free drop-in creative play, sensory activities, reading corners, art materials, and interactive trails.
Image Credit: The British Library
⭐ The King’s Cross Super Nature Family Trail
Until 31 May
Pick up an activity book and pencil at Lightroom and explore a free nature trail through King’s Cross taking a closer look at the amazing plants, animals, birds, insects and trees. Spot wildlife, follow butterflies, and discover hidden creatures. The trail begins at Lightroom and ends at Chilton Square.
Image Credit: www.kingscross.co.uk
⭐ Family Day: Budding Builders | Westminster Abbey
28 May 10-1pm | Free but booking required
Head to England’s oldest garden for a fun, hands-on exploration of Westminster Abbey’s architecture and design. Enjoy activities like building a mini Abbey, creating a rose window, storytelling, trails, and contributing to a giant sculpture inspired by the historic building. Not entry to Westminster Abbey not included.
Family Short Breaks
If you are looking to escape routine and book a family break over the May half-term, we have lots of options for you that won’t break the bank!
⭐ A-May-zing May offers at Away Resorts from £199!
Away Resorts offers easy, fun-filled family breaks across beautiful UK coastal and countryside locations, with stylish stays, flexible options and plenty of entertainment and activities for all ages and dog friendly too!
⭐ Save £60 on Forest Holiday Family Escapes
Stay this spring and save £60 on selected breaks between 24 April – 29 June 2026. Escape to a one-of-a-kind woodland retreat with Forest Holidays, where you can relax in your own secluded log cabin with a hot tub at one of 13 stunning UK forest locations. From family adventures and romantic escapes to group getaways, enjoy unforgettable outdoor experiences with Forest Rangers, pet-friendly cabins, and activities like cycling, canoeing and archery — all designed to help you reconnect with nature in comfort and style.
What’s On at the Cinema
⭐ The Devil Wears Prada 2 | In Cinemas from 1st of May
⭐ The Sheep Detectives | In Cinemas from 8th of May
⭐ Star Wars Mandalorian & Grogu | In cinemas from 22nd May
⭐ Tom & Jerry Forbidden Compass | In Cinemas from 22nd May
That’s all folks!
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From our nest to yours, wishing you the best half-term holidays with laughter, adventure, special family moments and hopefully lots of sunshine!
Happy holidays from,
The LittleBird Team ❤️ xo
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