If you’re stuck for ideas of what to do this summer holiday in London, why not take a look at our top 10 children’s activities that will leave your kids suitably impressed and keep yourselves entertained too.
Play princes and princesses in Hampton Court Palace Magic Garden
Suitable for – All ages
Price – Adult £7.70, Child £5.50, Family from £13.20
Opening times – Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
Location – Hampton Court Palace, Hampton
Nearest station – Hampton Court National Rail
Opened May this year, Hampton Court Palace’s Magic Garden is a great place for your mini princes and princesses to explore their very own palace (play) grounds, complete with watch tower and Mythical Beasts Lair. As a family you can also make the most of everything else that Hampton Court Palace has to offer, including a tour around the palace, gardens and the 18th century hedge maze.
Soak up the sun on South Bank’s urban beach
Suitable for – All ages
Price – Free
Location – South Bank, Waterloo
Nearest station – London Waterloo
There’s always something to see and do if you head to London’s South Bank. And this year they’re bringing a taste of Rio to the banks of the Thames in time for the approaching Olympic Games, with an 80m-long beach. Also back by great demand is Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms fountain, which the children will love, come rain or shine!
Learn about the world of work at KidZania
Suitable for – 4-14 years
Price – Adult £16.50, Child £32.00, 1-3 years £10.00, Under 1 year Free
Opening times – Mon-Sat 10am-8pm Sun 10am-7pm
Location – Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush
Nearest station – Shepherd’s Bush Underground and Overground
If you’re looking to teach your kids a thing or two about life this summer, then look no further than London Westfield’s KidZania attraction, which allows your little ones to experience the world as an adult for the day. See what it takes to be a firefighter or a chocolatier, spend their hard earned kidZos cash on whatever they like and take away life skills to help them in the real world.
Discover life as a 19th century miller at Brixton Windmill
Suitable for – 4 + years
Price – Free
Opening times – Time dependent on availability
Location – Brixton Hill, Brixton
Nearest station – Brixton Underground
If you’d rather entertain the children away from central London’s crowds one day this holiday, then Brixton Windmill is a great choice. Book full and short tours of the 200 year old windmill, or take part in a guided tour of Brixton Hill and learn about the area’s history. On Sunday 16 August, there will also be a family art afternoon in nearby Windmill Gardens.
Don your conductor’s cap for a day out at London Transport Museum
Suitable for – All ages
Price – Adult £17.00 (unlimited access for one year) Under 18s free
Opening times – Mon-Sun 10am-6pm excl. Fri 11am-7pm
Location – Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden
Nearest station – Covent Garden Underground
For little ones fascinated by trains, cars and buses, the London Transport Museum is a magical world filled with plenty of motoring related things to see and do. As well as viewing the permanent exhibits and current one-off exhibitions, there are a number of activities throughout the summer holidays, including sing-along and story time sessions and craft workshops.
Have them jumping for joy at Flip Out trampoline park
Suitable for – All ages
Price – £10 - £12.50 for 1 hour
Opening times – Sun-Thur 9am-10pm Fri-Sat 9am-11pm
Location – Bendon Valley, Earlsfield
Nearest station – Earlsfield National Rail
If you have children (or you’re a big kid yourself), then we can guarantee you’ll have heard about the latest kid's activity craze, trampoline parks. If they’re bouncing off the walls – or floor as the case may be – at the idea of a day on the springs, then London’s biggest trampoline park Flip Out is a must this summer.
Meet the furry friends of Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
Suitable for – All ages
Price – Adult £8.95, Child £6.95, Family £29
Opening times – Mon-Sun 11am-5.30pm
Location – Battersea Park, Battersea
Nearest station – Battersea Park National Rail
While many families will head to London’s largest zoo this summer, escape the crowds and visit Battersea Park Children’s Zoo instead. Perfect for young children, there are plenty of small animals to see, as well as a café and adventure playground too. Make sure you take note of the daily feeding times and the special events and activities they’re putting on over the holidays.
Become a sports star in the making at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Suitable for – All ages
Price – Prices vary by activity
Opening times – Times vary by activity
Location – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford
Nearest station – Stratford International
Fun for all the family and children of all ages, there are lots of things happening at the Olympic Park in Stratford this summer. Water events at London Aquatics Centre include inflatable assault courses, swimming lessons and fitness sessions, while the world’s longest tunnel slide(!) at the ArcelorMittal Orbit can now be conquered. And to top it off, there’s the UK’s largest urban beach too!
Delve into Shakespeare’s theatrical world at Sir John Soane’s Museum
Suitable for – All ages
Price – Workshop £35, family activities free, general museum entry free
Opening times – Tue-Sat – 10am-5pm
Location – Lincoln’s Inn Field, Holborn
Nearest station – Temple and Holborn Underground
A great inspiration to architect Sir John Soane, your little ones can learn all about Shakespeare 400 years after his death and have a go at creating some Elizabethan inspired crafts. Workshops run every Thursday in August, while family days every Wednesday in August include a tour of the museum and a session where children can construct a mini Globe Theatre.
Get stuck in at Deen City Farm and Riding School
Suitable for – All ages
Price – Entry to farm free, prices vary for day sessions
Opening times – Tue-Sun – 10am-4.30pm
Location – Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey
Nearest station – South Wimbledon Underground
Any little animal lover would be delighted with a trip to Deen City Farm in Morden. As well as a chance to meet the resident animals, including Kimby the alpaca and Edna the barn owl, there are lots of holiday events taking place. Craft workshops, pony rides and animal handling sessions run in unison with their day-long sessions, which allow your little ones to become a farmer or the proud owner of a pony for the whole day.
