We Love Local: 6 Best Spots for Children in London
Are you dying to get the kids outside this holiday but stuck for ideas on ways to entertain them? Fret no more! Here are six of our favourite local spots to take the kids to in London.
London’s Science Museum is the perfect venue for inquisitive kids. With loads of interactive features and over 15,000 objects on display, including the Apollo 10 command capsule, it can easily turn into a whole-day outing. Kids can experience what it’s like to blast off into space on an Apollo space mission with 4D simulators, fly with the Red Arrows or even catch a 3D movie in the massive IMAX cinema. No wonder it's Europe’s most visited science and technology museum.
Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
One of London’s only theatres dedicated solely to children and young people, the Polka Theatre is a great spot for an afternoon show. This unique venue has been entertaining children for the past 25 years, attracting over 90 000 visitors a year. Fun for ages 0-14, the building holds two theatres, a toyshop, playground, exhibition area, reading corners and a café. As well as year-round performances, there is also a holiday drama workshop that kids can take part in. See herefor information on performances and workshops.
Address: 240 The Broadway,Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
If you have younger kids looking to expel energy and have some fun outdoors, London’s adventure playgrounds are the ideal way to spend the afternoon. Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is a particular favourite among locals. A massive wooden pirate ship lets your kids, and their imaginations, run wild. Over 1,000,000 visitors delight in this free playground each year. Enjoy the relaxing beauty of Kensington Gardens, while your kids enjoy exploring the ship, sandpits, tee-pees and sculptures. Opening hours vary, so be sure to check their website for times.
Address: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
New to the London scene, KidZania is a 75,000sq.ft child-size city dedicated to your little ones. Children can be whatever they want to be - from a pilot, to a firefighter, to an award-winning singer. With over 60 real life role-play activities available, there is certainly no lack of entertainment. Each experience is created to teach kids essential life skills while allowing them to have fun and explore the city. Designed to empower kids, KidZania gives them the confidence to challenge themselves and inspires them to explore the world of opportunities.
Address: KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA
It’s summer time and the sun is shining - there is no better way to spend the day with the family than at the Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. Situated in the stunning riverside walk in Battersea Park, the zoo has all sorts of animals, from monkeys, meerkats and otters to farmyard animals and wild birds. The Battersea Park Children’s Zoo offers kids the chance to get up close and personal with some of the animals, and run around in the play area while you enjoy a relaxing snack at the café.
Address: Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea, London, SW11 4NJ
It’s not too often that you want to get into unheated water in London. But during the summer months, the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park is a fantastic place to spend the day with the family. There is a gated family area with a paddling pool, sandpit and swings so you can relax while your children play. For the older kids and parents, the lake lets you flex your swimming muscles or even catch a tan in the sunbathing area.
Adress: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Do you know of any great London spots for kids? We’d love to know! For more local things we love, be sure to follow us on Twitter.