Family-Friendly London: Activities That Work for All Ages
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London is one of the most family-friendly places to live in and visit in the world. Sure, there are plenty of things to do there that are tailored to couples and older age groups. But if you’ve got kids, there are also lots of suitable ways in which you can entertain both yourself and them.
England’s capital is rich in history and culture that dates back to Roman times and beyond. But it’s also blessed with world-class attractions, and thousands of smaller-scale activities aimed at providing enjoyment for little ones and their families.
If you live in the city with kids or are heading there for a day trip or short break, you’ll no doubt want to stop them complaining of boredom.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of eight fabulous activities that everyone from grandparent to grandchild can do together. Family time can be some of the best times in your life, so hopefully, these activities will help you make the most of it.
Get Creative with Pinot & Picasso
If you’re after something fun and hands-on, Pinot & Picasso offers painting sessions that allow you to explore your artistic side.
Originating from Penrith in New South Wales, Australia, they offer a great way to create art in a relaxed setting. You don’t have to like pinot or be a Picasso-level painter to enjoy it. You just need to be prepared to have a laugh and get a bit messy.
While its name might suggest it’s for adults only, they also run sessions for kids (minus the pinot!) and families.
Overall, it’s a great bonding experience, and you even get to keep your very own masterpiece. Their London base is located in Shoreditch.
Explore Dinosaurs and Rockets at London’s Best Museums
London has some of the best museums in the world, and the good news is that many of them are free! So, if your children have a curious mind, why not take them to one or two of them?
One of the most popular places to visit is the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, which is home to a stirring range of exhibits, including towering dinosaur skeletons, sparkling gemstones, and life-size animal models that are sure to fascinate both kids and adults.
Right next door to that, the Science Museum is known for its interactive displays, simulators, and under-7s play area that will fascinate your little ones for hours.
If you’re interested in something that speaks of the city’s past, the Museum of London Docklands showcases its maritime history, and also has a fun soft-play area for children to let off steam.
Enjoy the Outdoors in Hyde Park or Regent’s Park
Talking of letting off steam, London has plenty of green spaces that are perfect for little ones to run around. There are over 3000 parks scattered around the suburbs of London, from Ealing and Barnet to Cockfosters and Kennington, including the eight royal parks.
One of the best parks to visit with kids is Hyde Park, as it is home to the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. Here, kids can play on a wooden pirate ship, in teepees, and across various pieces of playground equipment.
Elsewhere, Regent’s Park is equally brilliant, offering a boating lake, open fields and even the London Zoo. Both parks have pram-friendly paths, plenty of space to picnic, and cafés when you need a coffee break. You might also want to make your way up to the top of Primrose Hill to take in spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
Experience Theatre and Magic on the West End
Many people don’t realise this, but on any given day, several theatres in London screen plenty of family-friendly productions.
Through the West End, you will be able to see shows like The Lion King, Frozen, and Matilda, which parents probably enjoyed when they were kids. Most shows run under 2.5 hours and have age guidelines listed when booking.
If you fancy doing something a bit more immersive, Shrek’s Adventure! London offers a wacky walk-through experience that will have everyone laughing.
Visit the Wizarding World at the Harry Potter Studio Tour
Ok, so it’s not technically in London, but the Harry Potter Studio Tour near Watford Junction is a dream come true for fans of the series.
Whilst there, you’ll walk through the Great Hall, peek into Dumbledore’s office, and even board the Hogwarts Express. There are also countless special effects, costumes, props, and you can even try Butterbeer if you’re game enough.
Overall, it’s an all-ages experience that turns a day out into pure movie magic. And yes, even adults get starstruck here.
Take in the Views at the Sky Garden
The London Eye is a famous attraction that provides a fantastic view of the London cityscape. However, it can be expensive, especially if you are going as a family.
Therefore, if you want to take in incredible city views without having to fork out for a second mortgage, why not head to the Sky Garden instead?
This lush indoor garden is perched at the top of a skyscraper, and unlike many other similar attractions, including The Shard, it’s completely free. All you need to do is book ahead.
To access it, you will need to take a lift that zooms up 35 floors in seconds. Once there, you can enjoy stunning views on comfy seats, while eating delicious food from the onsite cafe.
Discover Little Venice
For something a little unexpected, make your way over to Little Venice, a peaceful network of canals that are lined with colourful boats.
You can take a boat ride towards Camden or just enjoy a gentle walk along the waterside. It’s less crowded than other areas and feels like a completely different side of the city that many Londoners and tourists have never been to.
Keep Busy on Rainy Days with Indoor Attractions
Unfortunately, London’s weather is famously unpredictable, so it’s good to have a few indoor ideas up your sleeve just in case the heavens open or it’s too cold.
The aforementioned museums are always a good option. However, KidZania London, which is located in Westfield, and Sea Life London Aquarium provide excellent alternatives.
That said, for those wanting something else to do, here is a list of other family-friendly activities you might be interested in.