The best family-friendly restaurants in London for the school summer holidays

Strada is an authentic Italian restaurant that provides beautiful views of the Southbank and Thames. So, it is suited to a sunny and scenic family meal or watching the sunset with a tasty evening cocktail (or two).

The menu consists of authentic Italian food and drinks like fresh pasta and hand-stretched pizzas. We recommend the penne Pomodoro for vegans, which is made up of San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and toasted pine nuts. There is also the Strada Burger for you meat eaters, which contains a British beef patty, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mayo and Spianata Picante and is served with fries. There is also a good kid’s menu for your little ones.

Willows on The Roof is a great summer option because it’s a child-friendly restaurant, perfect for a family summer holiday visit. Its nature-filled outdoor terrace will keep kids entertained and provide them with open space to roam, whilst creating a beautiful setting (and view) for a nice meal out.

Willows also has a cocktail bar, so you can take in the summer setting with a refreshing beverage of your choice. The soul food on offer provides plenty of fried chicken options. We recommend keeping an eye out for the Rum on The Roof cocktail and the African Giant Wrap.

Vicinity has a beautiful summer terrace which is perfect for giving children some space to roam around for a while, while you order some delicious food. In addition, the venue’s positioning near the River Thames lends it some spectacular views to take in the London atmosphere.

The menu has a great mix of cuisine too, so there should be something for all family members (including any picky little ones). Vicinity offers burgers, pizzas, fish, sides, salads and desserts. We’d suggest trying the Works Pizza, which is made up of smoked speck ham, cured Italian Napoli salami, fennel salami, Barrel & Stone tomato sauce and Di Latte mozzarella. Complement this with the sticky toffee pudding, which comes steamed with delicious vanilla custard.

Rainbow Soft Play & Café is a perfect place to take young kids to blow off some steam and get some food in the process. You can even book them for parties if your little ones have a birthday coming up this summer. The soft play is a great way to entertain your kids and keep them occupied.

Despite being a kid-oriented café, the cafe does have an adult and kids’ menu, so no adults need to go hungry here! The menu comprises breakfast options, toasties, burgers, salads and sweet options. These range from pancakes with Nutella to porridge served with fresh berries and maple syrup or honey.

Avocado & Coffee shines in the child-friendly dining niche. It has an entire dedicated “Stay and Play” kid’s section known as the Avocuddle Playroom. However, you will need to book in advance to use this, so make sure to plan your trip here. The menu is dubbed with the catchphrase “home of the organic”, so you probably won’t be surprised to learn that it has tasty and healthy options. Some of these are grilled halloumi cucumber and tomato toasties, mozzarella, tomato and homemade pesto toasties and finally jacket potatoes with roasted vegetables, goats’ cheese and caramelised onion.

If you find yourself out shopping in Westfield Stratford, make sure to book a table with TGI Fridays, because the kids will love it. They’ll get to choose from the Little League menu, which features a range of smaller dishes from £5.25 or the Major League, mini versions of the Fridays Favourites from £6.75.

Get your magic wand at the ready and head to The Cauldron in Stoke Newington for some witchcraft, sorcery and magic-filled fun! Your little aspiring witches and wizards will be able to brew drinkable elixirs in their very own cauldron during an interactive potion-making session, which includes magic wand and equipment rental, two molecular non-alcoholic drinks crafted by them (or cocktail-making available for adults) and one welcome drink poured by a magic wand. Or if you’re feeling peckish, opt for the Wizard Afternoon Tea, which includes mystical tea-brewing and a wide range of fantastical sweet and savoury treats that even Harry Potter would be jealous of!

This family-friendly Indian restaurant in Fulham is a great choice if you’re after a relaxing atmosphere and delicious food. Featuring a menu packed full of traditional curry house favourites, aromatic thali platters and a huge range of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes, there really is something for everyone at Chai Thali. Menu highlights include the range of biryani curries, the Goan prawn masala and the mild and creamy chicken korma which is a favourite with kids! Situated on Wandsworth Bridge Road, it’s the perfect spot to refuel with the family after a day at the park or a walk along the River Thames.

Treat the kids to some irresistibly good sourdough pizza at Mamma Dough, which is just a stone’s throw away from Brixton Market. There’s a great value children’s menu with pizzas (including bunny-shaped pizzas) on offer from £3.50 as well as a kid’s meal deal, which includes a margherita pizza and an ice cream for just £5. On the main pizza menu, there’s heaps of Italian, hand-rolled classics and signature flavours including The Devil for spice lovers, The Dirty Boy served with roasted portobello mushroom and pancetta, and The Green Life which is a vegan delight. Oh and don’t forget to try the incredible tiramisu! 

Who could say no to a Sunday roast with all the trimmings? This gastropub in North London is perfect for a family meal out with its warm hospitality, gorgeous interior and scrumptious homemade food. The Highbury Barn’s Sunday lunch is a real winner with diners; you’ll have the choice of 31-day aged sirloin beef, free range organic chicken, roasted leg of lamb, slow roast pork belly or a vegan wellington – served with a range of seasonal veg, Yorkshire puddings and roasties. If you’re in the mood for something else, there’s plenty of pub classics on the menu too including burgers, fish and chips, and sausage and mash – which will be sure to please the kids and the adults alike!