Half term sorted: 24 May – 1 June 2026
A week off school, a list of things to do with it. This guide covers verified events and activities during May half term 2026 within easy reach of Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden — from children’s theatre and outdoor trails to miniature railways and baby concerts.
Everything here has been checked against the source website. No guesswork, no “probably running” — just things you can actually book or turn up to.
Children’s Theatre
The big draw this half term. Rose Theatre is on our doorstep; Polka in Wimbledon is a short train ride.
Zog – Rose Theatre, Kingston
When: 26–31 May | Age: Family show | Price: TBC
The “roaring, soaring musical” based on the Julia Donaldson picture book. A proper half-term headliner at Kingston’s flagship theatre.
Rose Theatre website · Walking distance from Kingston station
Upstream (Outdoor Puppetry) – Morden Hall Park
When: 30–31 May | Age: 2+ | Price: £7, FREE under 2s
Outdoor puppetry in the grounds of a National Trust park. Combine with the Henry the Heron Trail for a full day out. Park entry is free.
National Trust – Morden Hall Park
Tortoise & the Hare – Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
When: 7–31 May | Age: 3–7 | Price: TBC
A retelling of the classic Aesop’s fable at London’s dedicated children’s theatre. Three shows running simultaneously at Polka — check the others below.
The Rapping Princess – Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
When: 16 May – 21 June | Age: 3–6 | Price: TBC
A hip-hop fairy tale for young audiences. Running alongside Tortoise & the Hare, so you could see both on the same visit.
Outdoor Trails & Adventures
National Trust properties near Kingston are running children’s book trails all through half term and beyond. The park entry at Morden Hall is free; others require National Trust admission (free for members).
Henry the Heron Trail – Morden Hall Park
When: 23 May – 31 August | Price: £3 trail sheet, FREE park entry
Follow Henry the Heron around the wetlands of Morden Hall Park. Running all summer, so no rush — but half term is a great time to start. The park itself is free to enter.
National Trust – Morden Hall Park
Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail – Polesden Lacey
When: 12 May – 5 July, 10am–4pm | Price: Normal NT admission
Follow the Very Hungry Caterpillar around the grounds of Polesden Lacey. Based on the beloved Eric Carle picture book. About 25 minutes from Kingston by car.
National Trust – Polesden Lacey
Celebration of Roses – Polesden Lacey
When: 30 May – 30 June | Price: Normal NT admission
Polesden Lacey’s famous walled rose garden in full bloom — over 2,500 roses across more than 70 varieties. Combine with the Caterpillar Trail for a full visit.
National Trust – Polesden Lacey
Steam & Miniature Railways
Two miniature railways within easy reach — genuinely exciting for train-obsessed children (and their parents).
Thames Ditton Miniature Railway
When: 24–25 May (Bank Holiday weekend), then 1st Sunday of each month | Price: TBC
Ride-on miniature railway run by the Malden & District Society of Model Engineers. Just minutes from our area. The Bank Holiday weekend is a running day — check ahead for times.
Great Cockrow Railway – Chertsey
When: Every Sunday, May–October, 1pm–4:30pm | Price: TBC
One of the largest raised-track miniature railways in the country, running through 10 acres of woodland. About 25 minutes from Kingston by car.
Baby & Toddler
For the under-4s who don’t know it’s half term but whose parents still need things to do.
Bach to Baby Concert – St Mark’s Church, Surbiton
When: Tuesday 26 May, 11am | Price: £16 pre-booked
Classical concert designed for babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups. Professional musicians in an informal setting where babies are free to crawl, feed, and babble. Book ahead — these sell out.
Take Flight – Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
When: 1–5 July | Age: 0–2 | Price: TBC
A sensory show for the very youngest audiences. Just after half term, but worth noting if you’re planning ahead for summer. Polka is the best under-7s theatre in London.
Summer Preview
These events start during or just after half term and run through summer — worth knowing about now.
Lazy Jazz Sundays – Polesden Lacey
When: Every Sunday, 23 May – 6 September, 2pm–4pm | Price: Normal NT admission
Live jazz on the lawns every Sunday afternoon. Bring a picnic blanket. A lovely low-key summer regular.
National Trust – Polesden Lacey
Kew the Movies – Outdoor Cinema
When: 18–21 June | Price: From £18.48
Four nights of outdoor cinema in the grounds of Kew Gardens. Films include Wicked, Dirty Dancing, Encanto, and The Gruffalo. A proper summer evening out.
Book theatre in advance: Rose Theatre and Polka shows sell out during half term.
National Trust members: All trails are included in membership — just pay for trail sheets where applicable.
Combine visits: Morden Hall Park has the Heron Trail + Upstream puppetry on the same weekend (30–31 May). Polesden Lacey has the Caterpillar Trail + Roses + Jazz on Sundays.
Rose Theatre: Indoor, all-weather option right in Kingston.
Polka Theatre: Indoor, plus a cafe and outdoor garden area.
See also: Our family days guide has more rainy-day suggestions.
Rose Theatre: Walk from Kingston station (5 min).
Polka Theatre: Train to Wimbledon, then bus 57 or short walk.
Morden Hall Park: Morden tube (Northern line), 5 min walk.
Polesden Lacey / Great Cockrow: Car needed.
Several events from local listings couldn’t be confirmed on source websites at time of writing. We’ll add them once verified. We’d rather have a shorter list you can trust than a long one with question marks.
Last checked: 13 May 2026
More to explore
For everyday family activities beyond half term, our family days guide covers Kingston’s best parks, playgrounds, and cafes with highchairs. The family days out guide has bigger outings like Chessington and Hampton Court. And for good weather, the walks and nature guide has pushchair-friendly routes along the Thames and through the Royal Parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
May half term 2026 runs from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June for most schools in the Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden area.
Morden Hall Park is free to enter and has the Henry the Heron Trail (£3 trail sheet). Junior parkrun in Bushy Park is free on the first Sunday. Several parks and green spaces offer free outdoor play.
Zog runs at Rose Theatre Kingston (26–31 May), Polka Theatre in Wimbledon has Tortoise & the Hare and The Rapping Princess, and Upstream outdoor puppetry performs at Morden Hall Park (30–31 May).
Yes. Thames Ditton Miniature Railway runs on 24–25 May (Bank Holiday weekend), and Great Cockrow Railway in Chertsey runs every Sunday from May to October.
Bach to Baby holds a classical concert for babies at St Mark's Church Surbiton on 26 May (£16). Polka Theatre's Take Flight is designed for ages 0–2 (1–5 July, just after half term).
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About this guide
This guide is part of Kingston Compass, covering Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden. We focus on practical local recommendations and regularly checked information. All venues are researched and verified by our local team.
