Hooraa! It’s another bank holiday weekend for us in the UK. The weather has taken a bit of a turn though hasn’t it? I had been hoping for clear blue skies as we have a trip to the beach planned. But, whatever the weather, and even at short notice, the beauty of London is that there is so much to see and do with the family that doesn’t require huge amounts of braving the elements.
Here are a few ideas that we have up our sleeves for May.
Trampolining is a great way of getting the little ones active and burning off the excess energy. ZAPspace looks so much fun, and at a whopping 3 stories, it’s going to tick those boxes for everyone.
Did you know that Lion King the musical is going on tour soon! I’d completely forgotten about trying to get tickets, until we saw this show in Disneyland Paris this Easter.
What a reminder! Let me know if you spot any ticket deals… since i’ve been looking, I haven’t found anything yet.
I’ve never really felt that the circus was of us, until we went the other year and Little Button could not tear her eyes away from the performers. That and Mr Button managed to join in. But that’s another story.
But anyway. The circus is back in town and this time it’s the spectacular Zippos Circus!
For a fun and crafty day out, which just so happens to be free too, is a trip to the V&A Museum. Mine loves marvelling at the exhibits, but did you know that they have a great programme of pop-up performances for families. Here’s what’s on in May:
Saturday 4 May: Folktales of Korea with Sef Townsend
Listen to the lively tales to celebrate Korean Children’s Day and join the traditional circle dance of Ganggangsullae, with storyteller Sef Townsend.
Saturday 18 May: Boxes of Dreams
Take part in this interactive storytelling adventure, inspired by the eccentric theatre lover – Gabrielle Enthoven, with storyteller, Vanessa Woolf.
Saturday 25 May (and 1, 8 & 15 June): A Queen, her Prince and a dog called Jim
Explore some of the secrets and surprises of the museum with Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Jim the Dog and dig up some facts about life in Victorian times along the way. Inspired by the museum’s online game for families: V&A Secret Seekers. Part of the Victoria and Albert Season 2019. Performed by Chloe Harbour, Naomi Sparrow and Elliott Daley. Location: This performance travels around the museum, with level access.
Don’t forget to have a really good rummage around the V&A’s ‘what’s on’ section, as there are also special May Bank holiday events happening.
We’ve been meaning to try out Kidzania for ages now! Because who doesn’t want to visit an indoor city run by kids. Think fantastic role play opportunities and the chance to try out some fantastic activities from being a burger chef to working in A&E!
Ahhh the Shard. If you haven’t been yet, it’s one of those must-do things you HAVE to experience when in London. Exciting news is that the view from the Shard will be having a special early out-of-hours VIP event later in May just for families. – See you at the top? [Best enjoyed in good weather from experience]
I LOVE this place so much. Tucked away just past the London Eye is the gorgeous SEA LIFE London aquarium. A joy to visit for all ages.
After an action packed day out in London there’s nothing better than relaxing in Giraffe for a bite to eat. The pancakes are soooo delicious!!
With Little Bird’s Family Pass (read more about it here – I have a money-off voucher code for you), kids eat free with every adult main purchased at full price. YASS!! *I’m already planning what I’m going to have 😉
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which mean that if you chose to make a purchase, we will gain a few pennies at no cost to you – all of which helps to keep the Button blog bobbing along. All views are my own.
WILD is now out in Spanish!
WILD – Our debut children’s picture book
Dad blogger Ross Good from The Stented Papa is the official storyteller for WILD!
Happy book birthday WILD!
That Box of dreams sounds intriguing,….#Dreamteam
Ooh what a lovely selection of things to do. I love the Lion King. I didn’t know it was going on tour either.
We love a trip to London. It usually involves either the Science or Natural History museum. Loving your suggestions so we can shake it up a bit! #DreamTeam
I had no idea there were so many family-friendly options in London!
I love all the bank holidays in May. How lovely to get up to London for some of these events. I rather fancy that circus #DreamTeam
Your May sounds wonderful! Love your trampolining idea. I think I would like to take my grandkids trampolining.
Some great ideas there … #DreamTeam
Some wonderful ideas here thank you! #DreamTeam
Those are things that I wouldn’t have thought of when we visit London. The London aquarium sounds great so that will be on my list the next time we visit.
Some fabulous picks for family days out if you are London to keep little ones amused X #dreamteam
Great indoor indeas there, in light of the rather poorly weather (and same as every year for the bank holiday, I made plenty of outdoorsy plans…) #dreamteam
I’m looking forward to taking our children to London when they’re a bit older. I didn’t realise the Lion King was going on tour – it’s one of our favourites! #dreamteam
Wow! Looks like you had a fantasic time! I’d love to get to see the Lion King!
Some lovely ideas for half term. London has so much to offer in all seasons.
Great ideas…our daughter saw the lion king and loved it in musical form, and I think we would all enjoy seeing this spectacle
Fab ideas here!! We loved the Lion King so much we watched it three times! I’d go again too, haha!
It looks like there are a ton of exciting things to do with kids this summer! #DreamTeam
The View From The Shard is amazing. I could stay up there for hours.
Ooo so many fab ideas here. London is a brilliant city and the theatre is always a must do while in town xx
Oh gosh I’m so envious at times – there looks to be so much fun stuff to do in London. I’m going for the weekend in June with my hubby but we are leaving the two duckling behind (yes still can’t believe I am going to do this!) so I’m hoping to squeeze in as much as I can whilst I am there! #dreamteam
I really want to take mine to a circus this year, I think they would love it!
I think the aquarium and some pancakes would be our favourite things to do out of these 🙂 x #DreamTeam
Fun fun fun! The circus is in my neck of the woods. We can see the Shard from our house (if you hang out the loft velux) so I really must take the kids up it. I wonder if the Shard can see us too 🙂 #DreamTeam
Two things that are on my wish list…to visit The Shard, and to see The Lion King! Great list #dreamteam
These are all fab ideas – my three love a trip to the capital #DreamTeam
My favourite is The Lion King. Hoping for a review if you get those tickets!