The summer holidays are upon us, and that means that you have six week to explore the capital as a family. Here are the attractions and sights that’ll have your kids going back to school excited to tell their friends about everything they’ve gotten up to this summer.
The City Farms
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Price: Free
Location: Across the city
London’s city farms are something of a hidden gem. Tucked away in areas like Hackney, Spitalfields and Stepney Green, they give adults and children alike the chance to get back to nature. Those who want to marry their trip to the farm with some delicious grub will want to head to Stepney Green City Farm where from Tuesday to Sunday, The Allotment Kitchen serves up fresh salads, hearty baked goods and healthy dishes.
Extra tip: On Saturdays and Sundays, Hackney City Farm runs a Young Farmers Club where little ones can learn how to look after the animals.
Oxygen At The O2
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Price: £15 for 60 minutes of freejumping, £5.50 for toddler soft play
Location: The O2, North Greenwich
Oxygen at the O2 is first and foremost, a trampoline park, but there’s so much more on offer here. Older children, teens and adults will all want to hit the vast room of trampolines, and then will be able to test their reaction times with a number of games, before taking to the obstacle course. Little ones are catered for too with a large soft play area for under 5s. Happy days for the whole family!
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KidZania London
Price: £18
Location: Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush
KidZania is a town run by children (children aged 4-14 to be specific). It’s a highly-imaginative space where your little ones can play-act their dream roles in surrounds that help to make it all seem very real. Wannabe pilots will be able to take to the flight simulator while budding firefighters are given water canons to help put out those imaginary fires. It’s the play space you always dreamed of as a child yourself.
Extra tip: Children over the age of eight can be left unsupervised so you’ll be able to fit a spot of shopping in yourself too.
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The London Dungeon
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Price: £33
Location: County Hall, South Bank
This is definitely one for older children and teens, but it’s a great way to bring the history of London to life. You’ll walk through the dungeon taking in a number of key historical moments from an 18th-century court room where you’ll take part in a mock trial, to Mitre Square where you’ll be able to take in the stench of the city as you learn about the Jack the Ripper murders, and learn about the plague in 1660s London. The tour culminates in a heart-racing ride too, so even the hardest of teens to win over be will have fun!
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Young V&A
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Price: Free
Location: Bethnal Green
Formerly known as the Museum of Childhood, this much-loved museum has just reopened its doors (after a long £13 million revamp) as the Young V&A. This redesign was done with children at the heart of the project. There are interactive installations that were suggested by children from surrounding primary schools and then implemented, meaning that your little ones are sure to love this space. One of the highlights of the previous iteration of the museum was the many historic dolls’ houses showcasing life through the centuries. Many of these have now been used to create a street of houses, making it more accessible for children to enjoy. You’ll also find play zones for the youngest of children, so there’s something for all ages. Over the course of the summer holidays, there’s a daily Open Studio where visitors are encouraged to create pieces of art based off the exhibitions they’ve visited.
Extra tip: The museum has just reopened and it’s incredibly popular so you should expect queues upon arrival. Come first thing for the best chance to explore without the crowds.
The London Eye
Price: £31 (online price)
Location: South Bank
The London Eye is one of London’s most iconic structures, and has been an integral part of its skyline since it opened in 2000. Initially meant to be just a temporary attraction, it has cemented itself as a staple in the capital. This giant ferris-wheel-like structure stands at 135 metres tall and its riverside location means that you’ll be offered views out across the entire city. One rotation of the wheel takes 30 minutes, and so it’s long enough to drink in the views but not so long that your teens get bored.
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God’s Own Junkyard
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Price: Free
Location: Walthamstow
Only open between Fridays and Sundays and located in an industrial estate, you’d think that this neon-light paradise might fly under the radar a little. However, this highly Instagrammable spot might just be London’s worst kept secret. The famous lights fill the room, giving little ones something to wonder at at every turn while teens will be happy for the photo opportunities. There’s a cafe here, so come for lunch and spend a few hours perusing the space.
Extra tip: The lights are available for hire, and to buy, but there’s little pressure to do so here.
