10 things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers this summer
1. Royal Albert Hall
For the first time, the sell-out storytelling sessions for 0-4 year olds at Royal Albert Hall will be running on various dates during the summer holiday. The 35-minute sessions are designed to improve communication and interaction through music, movement and stories, and each one is based on a different theme, ranging from birthdays to the Beach Boys to the blues.
2. National Army Museum
To run around on an assault course, climb aboard a truck or have a go at serving up pretend food in a big toy kitchen, book a ticket to Play Base at Chelsea’s National Army Museum. The space is designed for children aged 0 to 8 and the one-hour sessions are £4.50 for a child and accompanying adult. For older siblings, using National Army Museum’s family packs (which we reviewed last year) can be a fun way to explore the galleries. Photo by Paul Raftery
3. London Zoo
London Zoo continues to be one of our favourite places to visit in London with young children, and there are penguins, lions, giraffes, monkeys, gorillas and much much more to see in this world-renowned zoo. When visiting on a sunny day, it might be worth bringing swimming costumes and towels if you’re planning on visiting the water play area in the park. For the summer holiday, London Zoo is also running a special Superhero Academy, teaching children about the powers of the animals. After collecting mission packs and masks from Superhero HQ, children can learn about animal super powers and complete various activities.
4. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Lyric Theatre
Michael Rosen’s award-winning children’s classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is being brought alive on stage in Sally Cookson’s production now playing at West End’s Lyric Theatre. The show, which we recently reviewed, tells the story of the family and their musical dog who go on a quest to find a bear, and theatre-goers can expect catchy songs and puppetry. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is playing at Lyric Theatre until 2 September. Photo by Lesley Cook
5. London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is another family favourite due to the All Aboard play area designed for under 7s. There is a separate section for under 5s, featuring a black cab with a metre that can be stopped and started, a double decker bus with several opportunities for budding bus drivers to practice, a river boat with a cafe for pretend play, dressing up costumes and other toys. For children aged 3 to 12 years, the museum is also hosting an array of summer activities aimed at inspiring an interest in engineering and exploring themes like steam, electricity and design. Families can expect STEM-related interactive challenges, storytelling and demonstrations. Under 18s go free at the London Transport Museum and adult tickets allow unlimited daytime entry for a whole year.
6. Tennis with CourtFit
On Eel Brook Common in Fulham there are one-hour tots tennis holiday camp sessions with CourtFit for children aged 3 to 5, which can be booked online. The sessions start at 9am every morning on weekdays during the summer holiday.
7. Battersea Park Zoo
With a large playground, water play and animals to see, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo can make for a great attraction to visit for young children. The highlight for many families will be the large play areas, but I would also recommend timing a visit around one of the animal feeding sessions, which can be interactive and fun for little ones.
8. The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Piccadilly Theatre
The stage adaptation of classic Judith Kerr children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea has returned to West End for a summer season with catchy songs and dancing. The show, directed by David Wood, tells the charming story of a girl and her mum who have their tea interrupted by a tiger. The show is recommended for children aged 3 and over.
9. Little Baby Bum at Rose Theatre
The premiere of Little Baby Bum Live, based on YouTube sensation Little Baby Bum, will play at Rose Theatre in Kingston on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 July. The show, which is presented by Brooke Mauchline Productions and Nicoll Entertainment, invites audiences into the magical and colourful world of Little Baby Bum Live with Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme friends. Little Baby Bum Live is written and directed by Miranda Larson, and aimed at very young children. The running time is around one hour.
10. Football with The Little Foxes Club
Multi-sports class provider The Little Foxes Club is running football holiday camps for children aged 18 months and over. The sessions can be booked online and run in various parks, including Battersea Park, Hyde Park and Fulham’s South Park. For the youngest, there are one-hour football classes, while children aged 3 and over can do sessions that are from two hours long.
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