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Summer in South Ken

This summer there is lots to do in South Kensington if you are looking for a great day out - from boating on the Serpentine, visiting some of South Ken's brand new exhibitions, enjoying a big-screen experience at the Science Museum's IMAX cinema and so much more...

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Online
Natural History Museum
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Fun, free things to do in a park, on the street, or anywhere outdoors.

Royal Albert Hall Tours

Most days of the year
Royal Albert Hall
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Take a peek inside London's most iconic music venue. Did you know that the Royal Albert Hall once hosted a séance; flooded the auditorium with 56,000 litres of water for an opera concert; and that criminals, as well as musicians and politicians, have graced the Hall’s stage?

The Royal College of Music Museum & Guided Tours

10:15am–5:45pm
Royal College of Music
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The Royal College of Music's Museum offers a unique opportunity to interact with over 500 years of musical history. Items include the world’s oldest guitar and earliest keyboard instrument with strings. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, led by their knowledgeable team on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

Investigate for Families

Daily
Mon-Fri 4pm-5:15pm; School hols 10:30-4:30pm
Natural History Museum
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Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence museum scientists use in their daily work.

John Madejski Garden & Café

Daily
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Recharge and cool down in the heart of the V&A. A place for kids to paddle in the courtyard shallow pool or grab a drink while surrounded by summer planting and stunning Victorian architecture.

T. Rex Show with Teach Rex

Various Dates
Various Times
Natural History Museum
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Teach Rex use life-like dinosaurs to perform their show about the anatomy and life of Tyrannosaurus rex, one the most amazing creatures to have ever roamed our planet.

Magical mystery nature tour

Online and outside
Natural History Museum
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Boost your family's wellbeing with a magical mystery nature tour. Time in nature is essential for keeping us healthy and happy, even through winter's colder, darker months. Explore some of the key reasons why and venture out for some nature therapy.

Princess Diana Memorial walk

Daily
Hyde Park
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The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk takes visitors through four of the most beautiful parks in the world, including Hyde Park and Kensington Palace.

Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces / Alex Rory Jacobs

The Orangery Restaurant

Daily
10am - 6pm
Kensington Palace
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After major conservation work, the 18th-century Orangery at Kensington Palace has reopened its doors. Visit the iconic restaurant in a stunning setting for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Daily
During winter/spring 6am-7:45pm
Kensington Gardens
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Explore and have a great adventure in the playground with a huge wooden pirate ship which is the centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground.

LGBTQIA+ Tours

Last Saturday every month
5pm - 6pm
V&A South Kensington
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Last Saturday of the month, except December. Join the V&A Volunteer Guides to explore gender and sexual identities through a selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer plus objects in the V&A’s rich and surprising collections.

Out Shopping: The dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910)

23rd March - 20th Oct
10am - 5.30pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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A curated selection of rarely-seen outfits, this exhibition will tell the story of Marion Sambourne and Maud Messel, at a moment in history that significantly shaped fashion.

Family Trails at the Science Museum

Science Museum
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Go on a journey of discovery and exploration around the Science Museum.

Giants of Today Trail

Natural History Museum
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From hefty herbivores to jungle jumbos, discover who's topping the charts when it comes to being the biggest, the tallest and the heaviest of them all. Follow the trail to meet some of world's biggest animals and to find out all about the highs and lows that come with being so big.

Leslie Linder: Decoding Beatrix Potter

Until 15th Sept
10am - 5.30pm
V&A South Kensington
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On the 50th anniversary of Leslie Linder’s gift to the V&A, This display celebrates his unrivalled Beatrix Potter collection and shines a light on Linder’s contribution to our knowledge of the world-famous author and illustrator.

Metalworking Now

23rd March - 31st Dec
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Contemporary metalworking is a dynamic field and today’s metalsmiths continue a long tradition of experimentation in a range of metals to create exciting and innovative work. This display highlights a selection of work by metalsmiths from across the world that have been collected by the V&A since 2010.

Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries

Daily
10-6pm (last entry 5:15pm)
Science Museum
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Showcasing extraordinary medical artefacts including the world’s first MRI scanner, Fleming’s penicillin mould, a professional pianist’s prosthetic arm and even robotic surgery equipment.

Behind the Scenes Tour: Spirit Collection

Daily
11am, 3pm
Natural History Museum
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Go behind the scenes with our knowledgeable science educators for a look at the Museum's fascinating zoology collection preserved in spirit.

Engineers

Daily
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Engineers shape the world that we live in, creating bold, ground-breaking innovations that respond to global challenges and improve billions of lives. But how much do we know about the people behind these innovations?

The Italian Gardens

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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The Italian Gardens is a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.

Grazie Enzo: Contemporary Responses to Enzo Mari

29th March - Feb 2025
10am - 6pm
Design Museum
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Accompanying the retrospective exhibition 'Enzo Mari Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli', this free display will showcase the work of 14 London-based designers, studios and collectives whose work shares an affinity with Mari's work.

Design Researchers in Residence 2023/24 SOLAR

21st June - 22nd Sept
10am - 5pm
Design Museum
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The Design Museum will be opens a new thought-provoking display showcasing this year’s Design Researchers in Residence work on the theme of ‘solar’, exploring the role of design in our relationship with the heat and light of the sun.

French Camp for Kids & Teens

From 8th July
Various Times
Institut français
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Fusing together French courses with exciting cultural activities, The French Camp will be an unforgettable French immersion journey!

Adventures Babies

Various Dates
Various Times
Natural History Museum
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Delight the little ones with this sensory storytelling class at the Natural History Museum. Take part in a host of activities designed specifically to engage babies and encourage their development.