As any parent will attest, keeping kids entertained is no mean feat. And providing the right kind of entertainment – active, exciting and educational – is an even taller ask if you have several little ones to look after, of varying interests and ages. Only something versatile, then, something diverse and appealing across the board, will do. Fortunately, the capital city is blessed with so much in this department. With that in mind, here are 7 IDEAL activities in London for kids of all ages.
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINKS
The cold weather doesn’t mean you need to keep your kids cooped up inside; oh no. In fact, the opposite is true; getting outdoors and amongst it in the winter can be especially beneficial for children. The good news is that London offers some great opportunities for winter outdoor activities, especially ice skating. Outdoor ice rinks pop up all over London during the festive season, such as at the National History Museum in South Kensington, Somerset House and at the Tower of London. With skates available for hire at nearly all venues, all you (and the little ones) need to bring is their bravery.
SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM
Seeing marine life in the flesh, in all its technicolour beauty, could keep the youngest all the way to the oldest kid thoroughly transfixed. So much so, in fact, that they won’t even know they’re having an educational experience at the same time!
The SEA LIFE London Aquarium has over 350 species from marine ecosystems all over the world, such as sharks, octopus and tropical fish, including the clown fish, made famous by Finding Nemo. The aquarium is located in the heart of Westminster, and offers unique viewing experiences such as a glass tunnel walkway, as well as regular talks, dives and feeding. Buying online, in advance, earns you a significant discount here, so it’s worth planning in advance.
WARNER BROTHERS HARRY POTTER STUDIOS
Show me a child, of any age, who doesn’t love the world’s most famous wizard? We certainly haven’t found one. In fact, Harry Potter in London is an incredible experience for Harry Potter fans of all ages, including the parents! The studios are located at Warner Brothers’ London location – the closest station is Watford Junction – and contain some of the most famous sets from the movie franchise. Your family can immerse themselves in the world of wizard, wandering down Diagon Alley, stepping inside the Great Hall, visiting the Gryffindor common room, and more. The studios also have real props and costumes from the films, too, making it an immersive experience which will keep the whole family entertained all day.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Yep, children are perennially obsessed by anything with four (or more) wheels. Buses, trains, cars…if it lives on the road and it moves, your kid will be able to recite an incredible amount of facts about it. Encourage this obsession by taking the little ones to learn about the iconic London transport system at this fun and interactive museum. The museum has iconic vehicles from the city’s transport history, from a classic red London bus to the world’s first tube train, many of which can be ridden, or even driven (though it won’t actually be moving, of course). There are special exhibits and activities for kids, and entry is free for anyone under 18 years of age. Result.
KIDZANIA
Kidzania is an indoor city run by kids (though it’s perhaps not as terrifying as that tagline sounds) with the goal of allowing youngsters to explore the adult world and test out what they may want to be when they grow up, in a free and non-judgmental way. Designed for children aged from four to 14, there are immersive activities which give young visitors the change to try out a range of careers from firefighters and pilots to dancers and magicians. If your kids are over eight years old, you can even check them in and leave them to it. They may even leave inspired; the dream, we think.
LONDON ZOO
Taking your children to the zoo is a timeless experience which never goes out of style. Well actually, it might, if the zoo in question follows questionable ethical practices. Fortunately, London Zoo’s responsible animal keeping credentials are faultless, with habitats huge and kept as close to natural as possible. Yep, London Zoo is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious, playing an important role in education and conservation.
More to the point, it’s a great family day out and has absolutely loads to keep the kids entertained. Introduce your children to over 750 different species of animals from all over the world and keep an eye out for special events throughout the day, such as penguin shows and feeding times. Discount tickets for various elements of London Zoo are available, with National Rail currently offering 2 for the price of 1 entry.
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Yep, we already mentioned transport which relies on terra firma, but to expand on a theme, what kid doesn’t love boats and ships? Come to mention it, what adult isn’t interested in these mighty vessels, too? The National Maritime Museum has a wealth of interesting exhibits, and is especially great for little ones because of its interactive displays, including some designed especially for children, like the AHOY! children’s gallery for the under-sevens. Older children will love the All Hands exhibit where they can steer a ship. Adults, well, they’ll love the fact their kids are both educated and entertained, for free.