10 things to do in and around London with young children
1. Visit the Children’s Garden in Kew Gardens
In Kew Gardens there’s a new Children’s Garden, which opened in May, and the beautifully-designed space is split into sections representing the four elements needed for plants to grow–sun, earth, air and water. In the air section of the garden, there are tall, colourful windmills, nature-themed swings and trampolines hidden in the ground. In the water section, there is a fun water pump that children can use to fill a wooden bucket with plugs that can be removed to let the water flow into large wooden runs. The children’s garden also features areas for climbing and balancing, as well as a sandy, beach-style play area with slides and little play houses. In addition, there’s a four-metre high walk wrapped around a huge oak tree, and large, relaxing areas to take a break from it all. Tickets for 90-minute long play sessions can now be reserved online. (Read my full review from a recent visit HERE.)
2. Explore London museums
There are a number of London museums that have sections designed for preschoolers, including National Army Museum, National Maritime Museum (see picture above), London’s Science Museum and the London Transport Museum. London Transport Museum has a separate events page with information on Under 5s events at the museum, and during the summer holiday there are also many themed drop-in sessions for children of different ages. Another favourite is Natural History Museum, where it can be fun to go see the roaring dinosaur and perhaps also have lunch in the T-Rex Cafe. Or why not go see real animals in London’s Zoo, take the car out to Whipsnade Zoo to see the elephants or stay local and go to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo?
3. Visit Hampton Court Palace’s Magic Garden and the Maze
At Hampton Court Palace families can enjoy a magical garden with towers and dragons, and play areas representing myths and legends relating to the historic palace. The Hampton Court Palace Gardens is also home to the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze.
4. Visit LEGOLAND Windsor
With rides for young children, characters to meet, water play and shows, LEGOLAND Windsor can make for a great day out with preschoolers as well as older children. Some of my favourite things to do in LEGOLAND Windsor include watching the Pirates of Skeleton Bay show, which includes impressive acrobatics, the new LEGO City 4D film and the LEGO Ninjago ride.
5. Try climbing at Clip n’ Climb Chelsea
Clip n’ Climb offers a variety of colourful and varied climbing walls and challenges suitable for different levels, and the attraction is fun for both children and adults alike. The age limit is normally 4 years, but at Clip n’ Climb in Chelsea there are toddler climbing sessions (£12.50 per child) for children aged 2 to 4 on weekday mornings during term time, which run until 23 July. Clip n’ Climb can be a great venue for keeping active and learning a new skill.
6. Visit WWT London Wetland Centre
At the WWT London Wetland Centre families can escape the city and go for walks in the peaceful surroundings, help feed the birds, see otters, play outdoors and much more. The outdoor play area includes a climbing wall, water games and zip wires.
7. Watch Ted’s Space Adventure in the Planetarium at the Royal Observatory
In Greenwich, children can be introduced to our solar system with an animated show called Ted’s Space Adventure, which is aimed at under 7s and tells the story about Ted and Plant who travel to different planets to explore what it would be like to live somewhere else than on planet Earth. The film is projected onto the dome-shaped ceiling of the Planetarium and the theatre features reclining seats. The experience includes live commentary from an expert, and Ted’s Space Adventure is playing at 11am on weekends and during school holidays. (Read my full review HERE.)
8. Catch a show
There are numerous theatre shows suitable for children on stage this summer. Check out my guide to what’s on stage for families HERE.
9. Get creative at Biscuiteers
At the Biscuiteers icing cafes in Notting Hill and Northcote Road, children can enjoy decorating their own biscuits. Relax with a hot drink and get icing!
10. Travel on the river
During school holidays, I’ve previously enjoyed taking the river boat from Chelsea Harbour in the mornings. The journey on its own has been a highlight and the river boat can be a fun mode of transport in summer. I’ve taken the boat to London Bridge and Greenwich, but another option would be to stop at Westminster Pier and combine it with a trip to SEA LIFE London Aquarium, for example.
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