A new free family attraction is set to bring a burst of colour, imagination and hands-on fun to London this May Bank Holiday as Crayola launches its World of Creativity at the Oxo Gallery on the South Bank.
Designed to support parents looking for stress-free, screen-free and mess-managed activities, the immersive experience aims to make creativity more accessible for families at a time when many struggle to find fresh ideas for children’s activities.
A Free, Hands-On Creative Experience for Families
Running from Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May (11am–4pm) at the Oxo Gallery, South Bank, the Crayola World of Creativity invites families to explore a series of interactive zones celebrating imagination and play.
The launch follows research showing that while over 91% of British parents recognise the lifelong benefits of creativity, more than half (51%) say they struggle to consistently come up with creative activities for their children.
Crayola’s new UK activation is designed to address that gap directly, offering a space where families can experiment, play and create together without pressure.
More information about Crayola’s global brand and creative mission can be found via the official site: https://www.crayola.com/
Inside the Crayola World of Creativity Zones
Visitors entering the experience will receive a Crayola Passport, guiding them through a series of themed interactive areas designed to spark imagination and hands-on engagement.
Highlights include:
- Colour Wonder Zone – mess-free colouring experiences using Crayola’s innovative range
- Scribble Scrubbies Pet Parlour – where children can design, colour and wash their own pet figures
- Globbles Arena – a playful challenge zone featuring squishy, throwable toys and target games
- Creative Illustration Wall – a space for families to draw, doodle and experiment with Crayola products
- Arts & Crafts Zone – designed to support fine motor skills and free expression
- Creative Check-In Headquarters – a photo opportunity to capture family moments
Families who complete all zones will also be entered into prize draws, with chances to win Crayola product bundles and other creative rewards.
Rob Biddulph Brings Live Illustration to the South Bank
A major highlight of the event will be a live appearance from bestselling children’s author and illustrator Rob Biddulph.
Known for titles such as Blown Away, Grrrrr! and the Peanut Jones series, Biddulph will create a bespoke live artwork during the event, inspired by his Odd Dog Out universe. The illustration will be intentionally left unfinished, allowing visiting families to contribute their own creative touches.
Biddulph, also known for his hugely popular #DrawWithRob initiative, said events like this help children slow down and rediscover the joy of making things by hand.
Creativity, Confidence and Family Connection
According to Crayola, the World of Creativity has been designed not just as entertainment, but as a way to support childhood development and family bonding.
Danny Cowtan, General Manager UK&I at Crayola, explained that creativity plays a key role in building confidence, problem-solving skills and emotional development in children, while also strengthening connections between families.
He described the experience as an invitation for families to “explore creative tools and discover what happens when imagination is given the space to thrive.”
Learn more about Crayola’s educational and creative philosophy here: https://www.crayola.com/about-us/
Community Focus at the Oxo Gallery
The event is being hosted at the Oxo Gallery on London’s South Bank, a Coin Street venue operated by the social enterprise Coin Street Community Builders, which focuses on supporting local neighbourhood regeneration and community wellbeing.
Find out more about Coin Street’s work here: https://coinstreet.org/
In addition to the public event, local schools will also be invited for a dedicated preview day on Thursday 30 April, including a special “Draw with Rob” session.
Event Details:
Crayola World of Creativity
Oxo Gallery, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
Saturday 2 – Monday 4 May 2026
11am – 4pm daily
Free entry
As families continue to look for meaningful ways to spend time together away from screens, Crayola’s World of Creativity offers a timely reminder of the value of hands-on imagination.
With immersive play zones, live illustration from Rob Biddulph and a strong focus on accessibility, the South Bank installation is set to become one of London’s most engaging free family events this spring.
