The summer holidays marks six weeks of the kids being off school, which means plenty of quality time and memories to be made. Oxford Street is the place to be this summer. Whether you’re browsing the summer sales, getting ready for your holiday or simply looking for fun activities – Oxford Street is your home of summer this year.
Free summer holiday activities
You don’t need to splash the cash to have a great time this summer – discover free activities for everyone to enjoy. New to Oxford Street this year, check out the Tusk Turtle Trail, a public art trail of life-size turtle sculptures dotted around central London. Start the trail just off Oxford Street, at Dean Street and learn more about the threats to all marine turtles and other marine species, and the efforts that are being taken to preserve these endangered animals. Visit the website for more information and to download the route. Kids will love this!
Selfridges are curating your summer soundtrack with their Summer of Sound – a programme of fun and upBEAT (pardon the pun) activities centred around music. With lots of free stuff to get involved with, including live DJ sessions in store every Thursday – Sunday throughout summer so you can boogie whilst shopping.
For more art fixes, visit Outernet at the eastern end of Oxford Street. With huge digital screens reaching more than 4 storeys high, become immersed in digital art and be amazed at the unique shows that surround you. Perfect for kids, don’t miss the Emoji Shower or Butterfly Trail through the cloud forests of Peru – a truly magical experience that makes you feel like you’re right there!
A hidden gem, W1Curates is a free digital experience in the basement of Flannels. Browse the summer sale (now with up to 70% off) whilst the kids explore the art below. A win win for everyone this summer holidays! Wanting to discover more hidden gems, read our article here.
Summer holiday activities for kids
The summer holidays for many is about entertaining the kids with activities that will keep them busy – enter Oxford Street.
With great shops such as Build-A-Bear in which kids can create their very own special soft toy, to more adventurous activities such as the Skate bowl within Selfridges – there truly is something for every age and interest on Oxford Street.
Don’t miss the free activities happening at John Lewis throughout summer, such as LEGO building – kids can design and build their very own F1 car – perfect for creative and car obsessed kids, on until 31st July. More details here. For younger kids, Bluey and Bingo have been cooking, kids will be challenged to find clues around the store to help this duo complete their cooking, little ones will love this.
And for the music fans, Selfridges ‘Sounds of Summer’ has a programme of activities that is guaranteed to bring the vibes. On Sunday 10th August, the Mini Music Festival is specifically geared towards kids and getting them involved in music. Head to the 4th floor, to the toystore for a morning of music, food and activities – tickets are £15. Read more here.
Miniso is turning into a fairground this summer. Expect classic fairground games such as Hook a Duck alongside massive prizes and savings – check out more below!
Summer holiday finds for foodies
A good day out always involves food! With loads of options to choose from on Oxford Street, we’ve rounded up our favourites this summer. If the weather allows, then it’s always nice to sit outside and soak up the sun rays. With great views of Oxford Street below, head to the rooftop of John Lewis and enjoy Italian fare at 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen that is perfect for the entire family and offers a relaxing spot. Alternatively, just north of Oxford Street you will find the Madera, a Mexican inspired restaurant offering crowd pleasing dishes. Throughout summer, kids eat free every weekday from 12pm – 4pm until the 31st August (T&C’s apply). Book here.
Get hands on with a cooking class in London! And who better to learn from than Jamie Oliver? New to Oxford Street, the Jamie Oliver Cookery School offers an exciting and diverse range of cooking courses to choose from so whether you’re wanting to master fresh pasta or try your hand at Vietnamese street food, there really is something for every taste and skill. And the best bit? Kids go free this summer holidays when accompanied by a paying adult – now that is a sweat deal! Explore courses and book here.
Inside Primark you will find Lena Lu Donut Bar, delicious and fluffy donuts that are crowd-pleasers! This summer they have a special collaboration with Lilo & Stitch, perfect for the kids. Why not get creative and try the create your own experience. Select your filling, we love jam, it’s a classic for a reason! Next up, add soft serve or head to the chocolate tap (a kid’s idea of heaven!) and finally add those finishing touches with toppings. Then the best bit – tuck in and enjoy!
Activities for competitive types
Get your competitive juices flowing at Swingers West End this summer. With family sessions available every day (excluding Saturday’s), everyone can get involved in this family-friendly activity! Get your golf club at the ready and master the fairground themed course. Wanting more challenges? Head to the arcade to play old-school games such as whack a mole. Remember, points mean prizes so collect your tickets and trade them in for some merch. Feeling peckish from getting competitive? Tuck into Swingers club lunch offer and enjoy tasty street food including a main, side and drink for just £15! Book here.
If you’re really wanting to battle it our and go head to head, Boom Battle Bar has got you covered. With augmented reality games such as Axe Throwing and Darts, as well as Crazier Golf, Shuffleboard and Karaoke – you’re guaranteed to have a fun time here. More for the adults than kids, Boom Battle Bar is brining the vibes this summer with their legendary Summer Edition of their Big Boom Brunch. Book here!
Summer holiday activities on rainy days
Museums are always a go-to when it is grey and raining. Head to Oxford Street for a different kind of museum that is guaranteed to inspire your kids and entertain them for a couple of hours. Twist Museum is a mind-bending illusions museum, an immersive experienceswhere art, science and sensory play collide – it’s a great day out for the whole family, and if you book online, you get 15% off. If it’s immersive digital art you’re after, try FRAMELESS. Reimagining classic artwork from the likes of Van Gogh and Monet. Wonder in amazement at this hidden gem as artworks from centuries ago come to life in front of you alongside a tailored soundtrack. Kids will love it this summer holiday – well worth a visit!
The cinema is also another good option. Did you know there is one right on Oxford Street? Catch the latest blockbusters at The Cinema at Selfridges. Jurassic World: Rebirth, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning and Superman are just some of the many films you can view there this summer. We also love their Babes in Arms sessions, a once-weekly showing for parents and children under 2, with adjusted noise and lighting levels. See what’s on here.
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