As the annual trips to uniform and stationery shops creep ever closer, make the most of what’s left of summer with some quality family time together. From karaoke singing to sensory exploration, plant, animal, and creepy crawly appreciation, leftfield exercise, and Victorian circus games, Vauxhall has plenty up its sleeve to keep you and the little ones entertained. 

1. Victorian Vauxhall 

All the delights of a nineteenth-century funfair are here for the taking this bank holiday. Immerse yourself in the Pleasure Gardens’ Victorian past with circus acts, sweet treats, and vintage games. Become a juggling pro, or throw yourself into plate spinning and hula hoops instead. If circus school isn’t quite your thing, fear not! There’s a whole range of exciting activities including crafts for kids, live music, dance classes, jesters, acrobats, and stilt walkers to fill you with awe. Don’t miss a spin on the carousel and a fun photo opp in front of the static hot air balloon. All the events are free of charge but do bring along some pocket money to get yourself a treat from one of the many stalls selling delicious food and drink options.  

2. Bearpit Karaoke

Don’t miss your chance to get involved in the maddest mass karaoke event of the summer! For the last time this year, the Pleasure Gardens opens itself up to outdoor revelry, this time giving you the chance to live out your Glastonbury headline dreams. Take to the stage, grab the mic, and sing your heart out to your favourite feel-good bangers. No matter the song, no matter the voice, everything and everyone is welcome. Grab the family, some pals, and even your fluffy companion for a fun afternoon of music that brings the sunshine whatever the weather. Spaces are free to book and there’s even a whole range of mouthwatering food and drinks options including French-Caribbean street food from Bokit’la, Mother Kelly’s beer collection and more. 

3. Sensas

Want to experience something new and completely unique to anything else in London? Then sign yourself and the kids up to the Sensas multi-sensory journey. Put your senses to the test and come out more amazed than the little ones! For two hours you’ll be guided by one of Sensas’s Masters of Senses through sensory labs that will leave you at a loss for words. From exploring your senses whilst being plunged into total darkness to leaving planet earth behind in a zero-gravity room, you’re guaranteed to leave the experience different to how you came in! Don’t be surprised if you enjoy it even more than the kids. Ticket prices start at £28 for under 18s and go up to £34 for adults. 

4. Vauxhall City Farm

For a taste of the countryside in the midst of bustling city life, look no further than your local neighbourhood farm. With an inclusive and community-led approach, the farm is a place to experience nature right on your doorstep and make the most of all the health and wellbeing benefits that come along with it. Not only can you introduce the little ones to their favourite furry friends, from goats to rabbits and more, but the farm also provides a range of educational, recreational, and therapeutic support programmes and activities that will help take away some of your own daily stresses.  With live music nights, regular events, and a peaceful cafe, it’s a place to enjoy both the benefits of fresh air and the countryside’s sense of community. Be sure to sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with the most recent happenings.

5. VauxWall East & West

It’s not always easy to find something that keeps the whole family moving. But bouldering might just be the answer. For those who aren’t familiar, bouldering is a type of climbing that takes place on low-height walls without ropes (don’t worry, there are crash mats underneath!). It really is a full-body workout and strengthens problem-solving techniques for an all-around mental and physical challenge. VauxWall has locations dotted across London, with VauxWall East near Vauxhall and Kennington, just a short walk from the Northern and Bakerloo Line, and VauxWall West tucked conveniently in the arches underneath Vauxhall Station, just a minute from the Victoria Line and mainline rail services. Prices start at £45 for a one-hour family session with a private instructor for up to 6 participants aged 7+. 

6. Garden Museum

A true celebration of the great British garden, the Garden Museum is the perfect place to explore, enjoy, and learn all about the delights of plants and creepy crawlies. Whether you just want to wander around the beautifully sculpted greenery, take a seat in the award-winning café and tuck into a delicious seasonal lunch, wander around the museum of gardening history, botanical art, photography and paintings, or get involved in the plethora of events available, it’s the most wonderful way to spend a family fun-filled day. Upcoming events include cookery workshops for ages 5-12, a butterfly, moth, and caterpillar family watercolour class, and the annual Festival of Fairytales which sees the Garden Museum transformed into a wonderland of storytelling, magic, and circus acts. 

7. Cricket at The Oval

For sports fanatics, there’s plenty to see at The Oval. This month alone sees mens’ matches against Kent, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Hampshire, and Essex. Watch as some of England’s finest talent line up on the green including the likes of Chris Jordan, Sam Curran, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, Will Jacks and more. Round up the family and friends in a group of six or more to benefit from discounted tickets and save up to 25% when you book. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the opportunity to take a ground tour of The Oval which includes behind the scenes access to some of the most exclusive areas including the Micky Stewart Members’ Pavilion, the Media Suites, and Dressing Rooms. 

8. Swimming at the Vauxhall Leisure Centre

Swimming’s one of the best ways to exercise the entire body and who doesn’t love a dip in the water during the summer months? The Leisure Centre invites all ages and abilities to get involved, their 25m pool has 3 separate lanes for slow, medium, and fast swimmers, as well as a ½ lane that’s perfect for those who’d rather relax and enjoy the water. The Swim For All session allows 50 minutes of family fun, with all ages welcome to play, swim, or float and build their confidence in the water. Child tickets can be booked for a mere £2.20, with adult tickets priced at £5.15 and include up to 2 under 3-year-olds.