Go Wild in Kingston this May half term
Embark on a family adventure to discover a 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!
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. 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 Rooms. Whilst Pop Playrooms and the brand new Urban Fun are must-visit destinations for all things arcade, bowling, darts, mini golf and much more!
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.
Do Art Create x Cass Art Kingston | Saturday 23rd May
Join this fun, screen-free creative workshop designed for children and families. Taking place at Cass Art’s relaxed and welcoming environment, young creatives can explore arts and crafts at their own pace, and use a free drop-in Arts & Crafts table, available throughout the day. Children can also colour, cut, stick and create using a range of templates and materials.
Spaces are limited, so book your spot quickly!
Lost in Music – One Night at the Disco | Saturday 23rd May
Step back into the era of glitter balls and groove! Join for a spectacular night of non-stop disco anthems as our sensational live band, powerhouse vocalists, and vibrant production bring the magic of the 70s back to life. Feel the rush as we reignite the dancefloor with iconic hits from Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chic, Sister Sledge and many more.
Pokethon at Waterstones | 25th – 27th May
This half term, join the Pokémon marathon at Waterstones to trade cards, play Pokémon games and take part in fun activities such as wordsearches, colouring and more!
Tickets are £7 and include one booster pack.
Zog: A Roaring, Soaring Musical for Brave Little Dragons Everywhere! | 26th – 31st May
This charming smash-hit show at the Rose Theatre! From the producers of Stick Man and Zog and the Flying Doctors, and featuring joyful songs by Joe Stilgoe and beautiful puppets by Little Angel, this musical a treat for children and adults alike.
Slime-making Workshop | Friday 29th May
Get ready for the ULTIMATE half term Mayhem!🤪 Join for a super messy, super stretchy, super FUN slime-making workshop at Wacky Kingdom🌈🫧
Make your own slime, mix colours, glitter & toppings🤩 Perfect half term activity for little creators of all ages!
Where Kids Eat Free
Yo! Sushi
Kids Eat Free all day at Yo! Sushi when dining with a full-paying adult (minimum £10 spend). So you can enjoy your sushi and Japanese hot favourites, and your little ones can tuck into one of their kiddo bento boxes absolutely FREE. Check out the menu here.
Bill’s
This half term let Bill’s do all the cooking, keep the kids entertained & even do the washing up! Up to two kids can eat FREE when one adult orders any main (breakfast, lunch or dinner). Available from Monday 25th to Friday 29th May. Book your table now.
Giggling Squid
This half term, little ones can enjoy a free Kids Tapas Set when dining with an adult ordering a tapas set or main. A little bit of everything on one plate – perfect for trying, sharing, and keeping everyone happy!
Available from 25th to 31st May. Book your table here.
Fuego, Fenwick Kingston
After a day of summer shopping, treat yourself and your kids to a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal at Fuego restaurant at Fenwick. Your little ones will get their meal for free when an adult spends £15.Offer runs Monday to Friday from 3.30pm till closing and up to 2 kids eat for free! Book your table.
Rosa’s Thai
From Monday 25th to Friday 29th May, Kids Eat Free when you order a main at Rosa’s. Simply sign up to the Rosa’s Thai App to get your code, show it when ordering a main, and your little one’s meal is sorted!
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.
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.
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, or rent your own little boat from GoBoat, where you can soak in stunning views of the River Thames all the way from Kingston to Hampton Court.
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, Build a Bear, and Bonbon Pottery Cafe.
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!