International Day of Families, also known as World Family Day or International Family Day, is a global awareness day that celebrates the importance of family life, relationships and connection.
Observed annually on 15th May, the day encourages people to spend meaningful time together and recognise the role families play within communities and everyday life.
International Day of Families takes place every year on 15th May.
In 2026, it lands on a Friday, making it the perfect excuse to roll straight into a long lunch, after-school plans or a family evening out in London.
International Day of Families celebrates the importance of family relationships, support and connection.
The day recognises the role families play in shaping communities and everyday life, while also encouraging people to make time for each other. For many, it is an opportunity to pause, spend uninterrupted time together and focus on shared experiences rather than routines.
Celebrating International Family Day does not have to mean grand plans. Sometimes the best family days are the simple ones – exploring somewhere new, sharing food, walking along the river or discovering activities everyone can enjoy together.
International Day of Families was established by the United Nations in 1993 and has been celebrated every year since, recognising the importance of families, communities and shared experiences.
While the day itself is modern, the idea behind it feels closely connected to Battersea Power Station’s own story. Once built to power London, the Grade II* listed landmark has transformed into a riverside neighbourhood where people now come together to spend time with family and friends, whether that’s over dinner, shopping, entertainment or seasonal events throughout the year.
Today, Battersea Power Station has become a place people return to for everything from family days out and weekend lunches to celebrations and after-school evenings by the river, making it a fitting place to mark International Day of Families.
From riverside restaurants and skyline views to shopping and entertainment, Battersea Power Station has plenty to fill a family day out in London.
Take in panoramic views across the capital from The Chimney Lift, where visitors rise 109 metres to the top of the Power Station’s north-west chimney following an interactive exhibition inside Turbine Hall A.
For lunch or dinner, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants across the neighbourhood. Share plates at Megan’s, enjoy riverside Italian dining at Fiume, book a table at Dishoom inside the Power Station or head to Arcade Food Hall if everyone wants something different.
If you’re planning a more relaxed afternoon, spend time exploring Electric Boulevard, browse the shops inside the Power Station or walk along the Thames through Circus West Village and Malaysia Square.
Families can also book a film at The Cinema in the Power Station, challenge each other to games at Bounce or visit the LEGO Store before stopping for dessert or drinks nearby.
Throughout the year, Battersea Power Station also hosts seasonal entertainment, installations and family-friendly events across the riverside destination, making every visit feel slightly different.
International Day of Families takes place every year on 15th May. In 2026, the occasion falls on Friday 15th May.
International Day of Families is a global awareness day established by the United Nations to recognise the importance of families, relationships and community life.
Yes, International Day of Families is often referred to as World Family Day or International Family Day.
Families can celebrate in lots of different ways, whether that’s planning a day out, sharing a meal together, exploring somewhere new or spending uninterrupted time with loved ones.
Families visiting Battersea Power Station can experience The Chimney Lift, explore Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold: The Exhibition, ride the Battersea Power Station Land Train, watch a film at The Cinema in the Power Station, browse the shops or enjoy riverside dining across the neighbourhood.
There are restaurants, cafés and casual dining spots located across the Power Station, Electric Boulevard, Arches Lane and Circus West Village.
Yes, The Chimney Lift is open to families and children, offering panoramic views across London from the top of Battersea Power Station’s north-west chimney.
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