Whether you’re a Londoner yourself or you’re visiting for the weekend, this blog is packed with fun filled activities that you can do with kids! We are sure we have something that will tickle your fancy, so whether you’re looking for an action packed day out or a slightly more relaxed afternoon keep reading!
I have split my favourite places into four sections, free activities, paid activities, educational activities and places to eat!
Free Activities:
PRINCESS DIANA GARDEN
One thing that London is jam packed with is great parks. That may come as a surprise to some of you who thought London was just a concrete Jungle but it’s not! To start of with, if you’re in Central London then take a stroll to the Princess Diana Gardens. They have a Gigantic ship where you can play pirates or venture down the wood chip path and you will find yourself surrounded by tepees. This can be so much fun especially if you’re a fan of role play. Take a picnic with you and you can make a day of it!
MUDCHUTE PARK AND FARM
Another fun outdoor space is Mudchute Park and Farm which is only a stone throw away from the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. It is one of the largest city farms in Europe and it’s home to a variety of animals and is a great day out. Mudchute Farm is educational and enjoyable for anyone who visits. It is free to visit but donations are always welcome!
NATIONAL GALLERY
One of the only down sides to London is that you can’t always guarantee that the weather is always going to be great. Inevitably some days it’s going to be pouring down with rain! But don’t worry, we have a perfect free inside alternative for you to do! Head over to the National Gallery on Sunday and take a seat on the magic carpet. Professional story tellers will transform your experience and take you to a whole new world.
Paid Activities:
THE WARNER BROS. STUDIO
If any of you are Harry Potter fanatics, then you cannot go to London without taking a visit to ‘The Making Of Harry Potter- The Warner Bros Studio’. Explore the wonders of the wizarding world and see the behind scenes of the making of the movie! This experience is a paid one but from what we’ve heard, it is well worth it!
SEA LIFE AQUARIUM
Another one of My favourite attractions is the Sea Life aquarium in London. Prepare to get your mind blown away with all the creatures of the underwater world. Take a wonder through their ocean tunnel and get involved with their interactive information boards. Before your visit we advise that you check out their website to find out when their talks and feeding times are.
THE LONDON DUNGEON
If you’re on the South Bank then head over to the London Dungeon! It’s one of the UK’s most iconic tourist attractions and there is a reason for this! During your visit you will experience 1000 years of authentic London history. It’s perfect for history fan’s who are looking for a fun day out! You will be guided through ghastly plague-ridden streets, witness Guy Fawkes’ dramatic plot to blow up Parliament, travel back to Jack the Ripper’s bleak Whitechapel and walk beneath London’s foreboding medieval gates. They have two awesome rides at the London Dungeons which you have got to check out!
EMIRATES CABLE CAR
Get to see London differently by taking a trip on the Emirates Cable Car! Whilst this trip isn’t going to take the whole day or even an afternoon, it’s still a must do activity. The cable cars arrive every 30 seconds and the trip takes around 10 minutes. You’ll glide above the Thames and get a magical view of London sky lines.
KEW GARDEN
Kew Gardens is only 30 minutes from central London, and it is definitely worth the visit! It has acres of Gardens to explore and you can easily spend a whole day there! They have a specially designed garden for children aged 2-12 as well as an indoor play area and a tree top walk. Fully kitted out with facilities such as cafes, toilets, and disabled entrances it’s a great option for the whole family!
COVENT GARDEN
If you’ve been to London but not taken a trip to the theatre, then have you really been to London! Head down to Covent garden and you’ll find yourself surrounded by theatres. The options of what you can watch are endless but My top three favourites are Mumma Mia, Lion King and Wicked. Just a heads up, they sell ice cream in the interval and this is the perfect little mid-way treat!
Educational Activities:
It’s hard to be far from a museum wherever you are in London! If you’re starting to yawn at the sound of ‘museum’ then don’t! The museums in London are packed with fun activities that will keep you entertained for hours! Allot of the museums in London are free to enter. Here are some of My favourite museums in London.
SCIENCE MUSEUM
My number one museum in London Is the Science Museum. The Science Museum has got several areas that are designed for children. With lots of interactive play areas you and your child will have fun for hours. With great café and toilet facilities the Science Museum is perfect for families!
TRANSPORT MUSEUM
If you find yourself in Covent Garden, then take a trip to the London Transport Museum and explore the heritage of London and its transport system. Whether you’re a history fan or not, it’s hard to get bored in the London Transport Museum. Of course, they have play areas dedicated to children and storytelling on various days of the week!
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Take your family on an adventure across the seas at the National Maritime Museum. If any of you are aspiring young pirates or adventurers, then this is the place for you! Every Tuesday they host an under 5 play session which explores the museum through song and dance. Not only that but every Sunday you can take part in make and do activities as you think about what the sea means to you. The museum is also home to a gigantic interactive map which you can explore.
Food Activities:
The final area that we thought was essential to talk about was places to eat with kids! London is full of wonderful places to eat but here are the places which we think are the best!
RAINFOREST CAFE
My number one favourite has got to be The Rainforest Café. You’ll find yourself going wild watching waterfalls, lightning, rain, animals and real tropical fish all whilst you eat your meal! The Rainforest Café Specialises in American style food with international influences.
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP
Forest Gump fans this one is for you, take a trip to Bubba Gump Shrimp and get lost in Forest Gumps world. Experience America’s Deep South through this Forrest Gump themed restaurant. Staff will welcome you just the way Forrest and his ‘best good friend’ Bubba would! All you’ve got to do is relax and indulge in the delicious food that they have to offer!
PLANET HOLLYWOOD
My final favourite is Planet Hollywood which is nestled in the West End where you can feel like a star whilst you’re eating your meal! The restaurant is kitted out with flat screen tv’s throughout where you can watch film clips, videos, and trailers throughout. The menu has a wide range of cuisines for you to choose, from American to Italian- there’s something for everyone!
Hopefully now you’ve been inspired to visit somewhere new in London after you’ve read this blog. Where will your next adventure take you, we’d love to know !
