Our museums, galleries and cultural spaces are excited to welcome you this May half‑term. Enjoy the sunshine in South Kensington’s beautiful parks and gardens, explore inspiring exhibitions, and discover plenty of family‑friendly activities across the area. There’s something for everyone at South Ken this half term.
Their collection of photography from the United States – one of the largest outside North America – reveals the breadth of the country's photographic traditions and the central role of image-making in American life.
Until 16th May 2027
10 am - 6 pm
V&A South Kensington
Visit Website for American Photographs at V&A South Kensington
Why not plan your visit to South Ken using the Footways walking map available at railway stations and online? You can plan your route away from the busy roads and discover an alternative side to London.
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.
Dates & times vary
Natural History Museum
Visit Website for T. Rex Show with Teach Rex at Natural History Museum
Discover the story of Punjabi princess and suffragette icon, Sophia Duleep Singh and five women who shaped her extraordinary life, in a new exhibition at Kensington Palace for 2026.
26th Mar - 8th Nov 2026
10 am - 6 pm from Mar to Oct 2026; 10 am - 4 pm from Nov to Feb 2026-7
Kensington Palace
Visit Website for The Last Princesses of Punjab at Kensington Palace
The Design Museum extends The World of Tim Burton exhibition after revealing it has been the most visited exhibition in the museum’s history!
Presented at Serpentine North, the exhibition will showcase seminal works, shown in the UK for the first time. This event is free!
12th Mar - 23rd Aug 2026
10 am - 6 pm
Serpentine
This landmark retrospective is the first major museum exhibition devoted to Wes Anderson’s extensive and distinctive cinematic output.
Until 16th Aug 2026
Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri & Sun: 10 am – 6 pm; Sat: 10 am - 7 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for Wes Anderson: The Archives at the Design Museum
Explore the vision and legacy of Japanese designer and creative director NIGO – from street style to music and beyond, in the first UK exhibition showcasing his multifaceted creative work, alongside vintage objects and traditional crafts from his personal collection.
1st May – 4th Oct 2026
Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri to Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for NIGO: From Japan with Love at the Design Museum
If you’re planning your trip to South Ken, take a look at our new walking map, created with Footways, where you can discover a range of wonderful routes to take a quiet stroll & discover our extraordinary history. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.
South Ken Culture Quarter
Visit Website for Quiet walking routes to and around South Ken at South Ken Culture Quarter
Immerse yourself in this hands-on gaming zone, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone.
Inspired by sneakers and designs from the latest exhibition 'NIGO: From Japan with Love', young designers will create a sculptural shoe prototype using recycled and found materials, exploring how ideas from culture and everyday objects can be transformed into original design outcomes.
28th May & 28th July 2026
10.15 am - 4.15 pm
the Design Museum
Visit Website for Design Camp for ages 11 to 14: Create a Shoe Prototype at the Design Museum
CinéFamilies at the Ciné Lumière are the perfect place to find screenings for children aged for and over - see some of the best animated films in English, French or French with subtitles.
The Serpentine Lido is, arguably, London's most iconic 'open water' swimming location. The Lido is open for public swimming on weekends from mid-May, and every day between June and Mid-September.
Pattern Pod is an amazing multi-sensory area for children under 8 years old. Fun, interactive exhibits encourage them to recognise and copy patterns.