16 things to do this summer for adults
Need plans to fill those lazy summer days? No problem! Join us this June, July and August for a whole host of activities.
Whether you want to dive beneath the waves in our newest exhibition or get lost exploring our gardens, we’ve got plenty to keep you occupied this summer in London.
Discover Jurassic oceans immerse yourself in a 360° experience with David Attenborough and celebrate World Elephant Day with us this summer.
Last updated 26 May 2026
1. Delve into the wonders of nature in our gardens tour
Be immersed in captivating stories as we guide you through our Evolution Garden. During this immersive tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of evolution and step into a world where nature past and present intertwine.
Various dates
Adult non-member: £20
Adult member: £16
2. Dive beneath the surface of an ancient ocean
Packed with all the monsters you want to see as well as millions-of-years-old fossils, bite-sized science and gigantic fun, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep is our latest exhibition.
Adult off-peak tickets from £15
Members go free
3. Immerse yourself in an epic tale of people and planet
Watch as the walls and floor burst into life around you in our 360° experience Our Story with David Attenborough. Reflecting on his lifetime exploring the planet, Sir David shares its wonders as well as a personal message of hope. Leave feeling empowered to help write the next chapter in our story.
Adult off-peak tickets from £20
Member tickets from £10
4. Take a gong bath
Relax as sound artist Simone Salvatici and his talented gong ensemble create a rich, textured soundscape that resonates with celestial vibrations. Using planetary gongs as well as synthesisers and drones, they’ll blend ancient and contemporary sounds into a timeless exploration of primordial tones.
Wednesday 8 July and Tuesday 25 August, 18:45–19:45 and 20:30–21:30
Adult non-member: £32
Adult member: £28.80
5. See a new dinosaur
Okay so it’s not new new, its actually around 152–145 million years old, but Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae is new for us. This two-legged herbivore has only been officially recognised by science this year, and it’s going on permanent display in our Earth Hall. Standing at around half a metre tall, this little dinosaur would have been found darting around the floodplains of the western USA alongside giants such as Diplodocus and Stegosaurus.
Earth Hall Mezzanine.
Free, permanent display
6. Start your day the roarsome way
Explore our Dinosaurs Gallery before it opens to the public for the day with our Out Of Hours Dino Tour. Our knowledgeable tour guides will answer all your questions while you get up close with spectacular skeletons and extraordinary fossils in our world-famous gallery. Plus, get to roar at our almost life-sized animatronic T. rex.
Various dates, 09.00–09.45
Adult non-member: £30
Adult member: £24
7. Discover solutions to fix our broken planet
The food we eat, the energy we consume and the stuff we use can tell us a lot about the impact we’re having on the natural world and the opportunities we have to save it. Visit our newest gallery to discover practical, nature-based solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our world today.
Permanent
Free
8. Discover our best bits
From the awe-inspiring blue whale skeleton suspended from our ceiling to the largest blue topaz gemstone of its kind, the specimens we care for are full of wonder. Join us for an hour-long tour of our most iconic specimens and get to know our best of the best. This tour is also available in Spanish and Turkish.
Adult non-member: £20
Adult member: £16
9. Encounter an elephant or three
Pack your trunk and take a trip to our Mammals Hall to celebrate World Elephant Day with us on Tuesday 12 August. Did you know that elephants can use their trunks as snorkels while swimming? Find out more fascinating facts and marvel at the elephants on display.
Permanent, free
10. Learn something new
Sign up for one of our new Naturally Curious short courses and learn about the natural world from our renowned experts. Whether it’s Rocks in Space or Dinosaurs 101, we’ve got something for every curious mind.
11. Be inspired by the diverse history of science
Take a free guided tour of some of our most famous galleries led by our award-winning learning volunteers. From women in science to gender and sex in the natural world, discover how diverse the history of science is.
Various dates
Free
12. See casts from Pompeii
Nearly 2,000 years ago, in August 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted with devastating consequences. The eruption destroyed the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, burying the people who lived there in a deadly layer of volcanic ash. The bodies of those killed left perfect imprints, or casts. Head to our Volcanoes and Earthquakes Gallery to see a cast of a man and a dog that was excavated from Pompeii.
Permanent, free
13. Spend a night at the Museum
Enjoy a night of fun, food, science, movies and music at our sleepover for grown-ups. Not only will you get to sleep in the iconic Hintze Hall beneath our beloved blue whale, you’ll also be treated to a three-course dinner and loads of awesome activities to keep you entertained all night.
Friday 3 July, Saturday 1 August, 18.30–10.00
Adult non-member: £235
Adult member: £211.50
14. Travel 100 years into the future
Watch a tree grow in a matter of seconds and come face-to-face with a beluga whale in our mixed reality experience. Don your headset and be transported to the year 2125 where you’ll discover how making positive changes now can shape the future of the natural world.
Open daily
Non-members: £9.95
Members: £7.95
15. Experience wildlife in the heart of London
Sink into your surroundings and soak in the sights and sounds of nature as you discover the creatures in our gardens. Explore our grassland, wetland and woodland habitats and witness how wildlife can thrive in urban spaces.
Permanent, free
16. Spend the evening with Sofar Sounds
Join us for an exclusive evening of unforgettable music. Explore our gardens and enjoy a cocktail next to Fern the Diplodocus. Then, head inside for a series of acoustic performances by upcoming artists that celebrate our Cathedral to Nature.
Friday 10 July, 19:00–22:00
Adult non-member: £42
Adult member: £37.80
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