15 ideas for a London summer with kids
1. Visit Buckingham Palace
Last year, we reviewed a family visit to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, where we all enjoyed seeing the horses and royal carriages, and from July to October it is also possible to book tickets to see The State Rooms. Visiting an actual real palace can be exciting for young and old!
2. Try golf at Duke Meadows
At Duke Meadows in Chiswick there’s a driving range with 50 flood-lit bays, a 9-hole par 3 course and other teaching areas. Duke Meadows runs a children’s golf coaching programme, and it is possible to book private lessons for children with a PGA Pro.
3. Experience BBC Proms
For children aged 7 and over, there are Proms family workshops before Proms selected with families in mind. Families can enjoy an introduction to that evening’s Prom, bring an instrument and join professional musicians for a 45-minute workshop. Entry is on a first come, first served basis, and tickets to the Proms can be bought separately.
4. Watch a stage show
There are plenty of children’s stage shows to catch over the school holiday, and this month families can also benefit from Kids Week ticket offers. Read my post on Kids Week HERE and my guide to what’s on stage for families this summer HERE
5. Visit Greenwich
Last summer we went on a family day out to historic Greenwich with MBNA Thames Clippers, and I remember it as an educational and fun outing. Greenwich is home to a number of popular London attractions, such as Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House. As part of our day we were invited to visit Cutty Sark, and we went on a family-friendly tour with a character from the past, which is part of the family fun programme at Cutty Sark. I thought it was a brilliant way to introduce children to life on board the ship, and it’s one I’ve recommended to friends. Greenwich is easy to get to when travelling on the river, and in my view, the river boat service was a very relaxing way to get around London.
6. Go riding
Riding lessons can often be booked on a one-off basis, making riding a brilliant activity for a summer day out. We’ve previously booked 30-minute pony riding lessons at Stag Lodge Stables in Richmond Park, where children can learn trotting and turning in the beautiful surroundings of the park.
7. See Incredibles 2 in cinemas
Disney Pixar’s Incredibles 2 hit cinemas in July, and I think the funny film can make for a terrific cinema family outing this summer. We attended a preview and the film had us giggling and laughing- often because the superhero baby is mega funny!
8. Sign up for a holiday camp
It’s not too late to take advantage of London’s varied holiday activities for children, and there are plenty of holiday camps that can still be booked. See my suggestions for holiday camps HERE
9. Visit London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is a family-friendly museum with its All Aboard play area designed for under 7s, and the museum is also hosting an array of summer activities for children aged 3 to 12 years. This summer it is all about inspiring an interest in engineering and visitors can explore themes like steam, electricity and design. Families can expect STEM-related interactive challenges, storytelling and demonstrations, and from 13-18 August Mastercard is bringing its STEM- education programme, Girls4Tech, to the museum (The summer STEM events at the museum are aimed at 7+). Under 18s go free at the London Transport Museum and adult tickets allow unlimited daytime entry for a whole year.
10. Shop at Flying Tiger
Last summer I visited Flying Tiger on King’s Road before packing for our holidays, as I wanted to bring different DIY kits for the children. This year, I did it after reaching our destination instead, and I took the children to pick out their favourite sets to keep them entertained on lazy days at home. We ended up making magnets, colouring a bag and creating scrapbook pages!
11. Enjoy a tree top adventure at GoApe
For outdoor climbing, try GoApe in Battersea Park or at Chessington World of Adventures–an attraction we reviewed in 2016 (Read my review HERE). There are zip-trekking tree top adventures for both adults and children. For families that are looking to do day trips, GoApe also has high-rope adventure courses in other forest parks near London, such as in Surrey and Berkshire.
12. Paint pottery
To get creative and create lasting memories, try Battersea’s pottery studio Sammy Duder or Pottery Cafe in Fulham or Battersea. This summer, the theme at Pottery Cafe is summer travels, and there are destination sponges and a holiday quiz.
13. Rent a pedalo
There is no need to take a beach holiday to rent a pedalo. They are available to hire in parks like Battersea Park and Hyde Park too. Both locations also have rowing boats to rent.
14. Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition
To visit an iconic London attraction, consider introducing the children to Tower Bridge and explore its structure, views, glass floor, exhibitions and Victorian Engine Rooms. I’ve been invited to review the attraction later this summer when I will try the family app, but in the coming weeks there are also 1.5-hour live tours designed for children aged 6-14 to help families discover more about the history of Tower Bridge and how it works.
15. Decorate biscuits at Biscuiteers
In the charming Biscuiteers cafes on Northcote Road and in Notting Hill, children can decorate their own biscuits as part of the icing cafe package. They also get to colour-in the bag and a box to put their favourite biscuit in. While kids are busy decorating, parents can either join in the fun or perhaps relax with a coffee. A great place to meet up with children over the school holiday!
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