Go Wild in Kingston this May half term
Embark on a family adventure to discover a new free exhibition that your little ones will love!
Designed by award-winning artists Gillie & Marc, Wild Kingston is a stunning outdoor exhibition featuring ten larger-than-life animal sculptures, that celebrate wildlife conservation while transforming Kingston’s streets into an open-air gallery.
While you’re admiring the sculptures along Clarence Street, explore everything the town centre has to offer from Kingston’s lively riverside scene to the rich mix of shopping, delicious food, and must-see entertainment – fun for all the family!
Don’t miss on exclusive ‘Wild Kingston’ discounts & offers:
- Kids Eat Free at Yo! Sushi: your little ones can enjoy a free kids meal deal bento box per £10 spent on food by an accompanying adult.
- Kids Eat Free at Bills running from 26th May-6th June.
- Kids Eat Free at Busaba. Delicious Thai dishes for the family!
T&C’s: Offer available 26th May–1st June. One child eats free from the Kids Menu for every adult main ordered. Available for dine-in only. - Kids Eat Free at Comptoir Libanais from 24th May till 2nd June. Check out their latest Spring menu and enjoy the sunshine with the family. T&Cs: Offer includes any main from the Kids Menu. Accompanying adults to spend minimum £15 on a meal for one free kids’ meal. Maximum of 3 children per table, under 10 y/o.
- Book a delicious seafood dinner at Ocean Basket and receive a 10% discount on your booking. Explore the art exhibition and take a selfie with one of the sculptures, show it upon your arrival at the restaurant to redeem the discount!
- Wacky Kingdom is offering a 10% discount on all play sessions and party bookings till 1st June (future dates also available to book). Use discount code – KINGSTON10 on their website.
- For the art lovers! You can now get £5 off your purchase if you spend over £30 on your art supplies at Cass Art.
- Unlock £5 off on Premium and Standard tickets for any performance of The Elmer Adventure at The Rose Theatre. Simply enter the code WILDFIVE at checkout, or quote it over the phone or in person at the box office. Available till 1st June.
- Enjoy 20% off all games at Pop Playrooms. Just use discount code – WILD20 on online or in-person bookings, and let the fun begin!
- Get 30% off your booking at Picnic and let your little ones enjoy a creative play session! Use the discount code WILDKINGSTON when booking on their website or in-person.
Family-friendly Activities
Keep the little ones entertained with a variety of family-friendly activities around town. Head to the Kingston Museum, where interactive exhibits and engaging displays bring local history to life. You can also visit Kingston’s soft-play area, Wacky Kingdom in the Bentall Centre, for a day of soft-play fun (check the exclusive Wild Kingston discount!). Or check out Picnic in the Rotunda, where children can act out a wide variety of everyday activities.
Older children will love one of Kingston’s escape rooms, either Escape Hunt or Kingston Escape Hunt. Pop Playrooms is the newest addition to the Rotunda, so indulge in a round or two of mini golf or AR darts (check their exclusive Wild Kingston discount!)
For the game lovers looking for a new experience, you can now embark on a virtual reality adventure at VRXtra. Discover a variety of over 80 action games and escape rooms for all ages.
Last but not least, and definitely not to miss! The Bentall Centre is set to transport visitors back to the golden age of gaming with an exciting, family-friendly pop-up arcade event. Running from 26th to 30th May, shoppers of all ages can enjoy classic titles such as Pac Man and Retro Racer, along other nostalgic favourites, all for FREE!
Kingston Nature & History Festival | 30th May – 1st June
Come along to Kingston’s first Nature and History Festival, with FREE events running over the half term weekend. Expect heritage talks, Kingston wildlife trails, gardening and planter-making workshops. A perfect opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about Kingston’s rich history and nature.
Flower Making Workshop at FUSEBOX | 24th May
Come together with the whole family to create beautiful paper flower bouquets, spend quality time and make something special to take home! Guided by an experienced artist and educator, you’ll learn how to design and assemble vibrant paper flowers – no prior experience needed!
Marvel Quiz at the Fighting Cocks | 24th May
Avengers, assemble! Put your knowledge of Infinity Stones, S.H.I.E.L.D. and more to the test, from Deadpool to Guardians Of The Galaxy, there’s a big universe to traverse! Play to win a £50 bar tab for your team! A round of shots for Second Place!
The Elmer Adventure at Rose Theatre | 28th May – 1st June
Join three friends on a joyful jungle adventure in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books by David McKee. Celebrate Elmer, the elephant’s, unique patchwork colours and wear your most colourful clothes when you see the show.
The Rose Theatre are also offering £5 off on all tickets for any performance of The Elmer Adventure this half term (28 May-1 June) running alongside the Wild Kingston exhibition. Simply enter the code WILDFIVE at checkout, or quote it over the phone or in person at the box office.
Half Term at Miniso | 26th May to 1st June
Summer has arrived – and so has the fun at Miniso! Kick off the sunny season in style from 26th May to 1st June, with fun and fabulous savings:
- Get in on flash discounts every day from 10am–11am and 4pm–5pm. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself!
- Feeling lucky? You could win a £250 MINISO voucher – just pop in and play!
Pokéthon at Waterstones | 26th May
Waterstones invites Pokémon enthusiasts of all ages to hone in their Pokémon skills, collect, trade, and battle or even learn the ropes with other fans of the popular game. Visit Waterstones, inside the Bentall Centre from 11am to 12.30pm on Monday, 26th May.
Explore Kingston’s Heritage
Take a stroll through the Ancient Market Place, where you can browse stalls offering everything from fresh produce to authentic street food from all around the world. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Kingston Market House, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 19th century. You can also visit Kingston’s Coronation Stone which is located by the Guildhall, believed to have seen the crowning of seven Saxon kings.
Take a Boat Ride
With the river flowing through the heart of Kingston, why not take advantage of its scenic beauty? Embark on a leisurely boat trip with Turks Launches, where you can soak in stunning views of the River Thames all the way from Kingston to Hampton Court.
Have a Picnic
If you’re more of a land dweller, Kingston has green spaces to choose from. As the weather warms up, there’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a leisurely picnic in one of Kingston’s picturesque parks. Grab a blanket, pack some treats, and head to Canbury Gardens or Home Park for a relaxing day surrounded by nature.
Retail Therapy
From high street brands to independent boutiques, there’s something for every taste and budget. Explore the Bentall Centre, where you’ll find a wide range of shops under one roof. Or you can wander towards the Ancient Market Place for Kingston’s boutique quarter, where you can visit luxury stores. Old London Road is a hub of independent, charity and vintage shops for unique pieces you won’t be able to find on the high street.
Don’t forget to check out some new stores in town such as Miniso, Pour Moi, Thule and About the Run.
Check out our list of all Shops in the town centre.
Wine and Dine
Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure at Kingston’s diverse array of restaurants and cafes. Whether you’re craving international cuisine, traditional British food, or something sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ll find plenty of options in Kingston. Riverside Walk has a variety of restaurants for a meal with a view, plus you can find traditional pub food with a twist at a wide selection of pubs in town. Visit our Eat & Drink page to see what’s available.
Don’t forget to check out the latest addition to the riverside’s picturesque restaurants, Korea Hero! A new restaurant serving authentic Korean comfort food that brings the bold and heartwarming flavours of Korea to our local community.
Enjoy an evening out
Wind down after a day of exploration with some evening entertainment. Catch a movie at either the Odeon or Curzon, or a theatre play at Kingston’s very own Rose Theatre. Many of Kingston’s pubs and bars offer live music, so you can relax with a drink and some tunes.
If you made it all the way down here, we appreciate you taking the time to read this guide 🙂 We hope you found some fun activities to do with the family and you make the most of your time in Kingston Upon Thames!