lemiCultures and traditions converge in the United Kingdom. Explore the amalgamation of old and new.
Tots’ Day Out
London
Whether you’re being tailed by wide-eyed toddlers, energetic preschoolers, or curious pre-teens, London has a wealth of activities to keep your “mini-me” happy. Choose your own adventure—from vast outdoor spaces to science-themed ice cream parlors, here are our picks for a kid-friendly day out! The best part is most of the attractions are budget-friendly (some are even free), which means it will be just as enjoyable for you!
Stroll through Battersea Park to discover the treasures of activity within! Start with a pedalo on the boating lake, a weekend banana bike ride, or the imaginative playgrounds. Then, drop by Battersea Park Children’s Zoo—a child-focused animal conservatory—to feed otters, meerkats, and lemurs. There’s also a workshop at the Pump House Gallery every other Sunday where the whole family can bond over contemporary art. Lastly, get your adrenaline going with a high ropes course at Go Ape Battersea Park. You’ll have to dedicate an entire afternoon (or a whole day!) to soak it all in, but we guarantee it will be one that’s well-spent!
Battersea Park, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/batterseapark
London’s Science Museum boasts five floors of pure learning fun for your tykes! Let them explore the concept of water, light, and sound at The Garden; let them “touch” the undersea, the earth, or the hidden universe at the IMAX Theatre; and grant them the freedom to discover through The WonderLab’s live science shows and interactive exhibits. You’re guaranteed to love everything just as much as your young ones do!
- +44 20 7942 4000
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/
Take the kiddos to The Restaurant at Sanderson for Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea. Inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” the mini-meal features treats like the Mad March Hare Vanilla Pocket Watch Macaroons and Alice’s Exotic Fruits “Drink Me” Potions presented in crockery adorned with kings and queens. Talk about a real-life fairytale! Savor everything with the kids in your own sweet time—just don't have them falling down the rabbit hole!
- +44 20 7300 5588
Sanderson London, 50 Berners Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/originals/originals-sanderson-london/eat-drink/the-restaurant
Baby dolls, stuffed animals, magic tricks, action figures, board games—you name it, Hamleys has it! The world’s largest and oldest toyshop is a magical place, complete with friendly staff who happily allow you to play with the newest toys before buying it. Mid-afternoons are busy, so visit near opening or closing times. Keep an eye out for occasional character meet-and-greets, too!
- +44 371 704 1977
188-196 Regent Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.hamleys.com/
Sunny days call for a trip to Granary Square! Challenge your kids to run through the courtyard’s 1,080 choreographed water jets—just be ready with a towel and an extra set of clothes in case they start enjoying the splashes too much. Come night time, watch the fountains dance with colors. Download Granary Squirt, an app that permits you to control the sprays for a game of Snake with the family!
- +44 20 3479 1795
Granary Square, Kings Cross, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.kingscross.co.uk/granary-square
Whatever time of day, Cereal Killer Cafe serves your breakfast favorites. Let your kids build their own cereal bowl from a plethora of British, American, and other international brands. There are also different types and flavors of milk they can choose from. Of course, toppings are available and highly encouraged! You may also add a side of toast or a Pop Tart for the ultimate sugar rush!
- +44 20 3601 9100
192A Brick Lane, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.cerealkillercafe.co.uk/
Catch a marionette production at the iconic Little Angel Theatre, an institution dedicated to puppetry. Bring your children closer to the craft by enrolling them in the company’s different programs, which include puppeteering, doll-making, and playtime. There’s also something for adults here, should you want to make it a shared interest.
- +44 20 7226 1787
14 Dagmar Passage, London, United Kingdom
Take your tykes on a trip down memory lane at the V&A Museum of Childhood! Give them a glimpse of your past through exhibits of toys from yesteryears, from old dollhouses to battery-powered robots, action figures to teddy bears, and so much more! There are also interactive displays where kids get to learn more about play experiences of old.
- +44 20 8983 5200
Cambridge Heath Road, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.vam.ac.uk/moc
Step into Choccywoccydoodah, and be transported into a world where art and confections meet. Go on a sweet adventure with your youngsters, indulging in scrumptious cakes and finger-licking chocolates—which, to your tots’ delight, take the shape of their favorite animals! Get some treats for takeaway to satisfy your sweet tooths at home, too!
- +44 20 7240 3011
27 Shorts Gardens, London, United Kingdom
- http://www.choccywoccydoodah.com
Warm up for an active day at Clip n’ Climb, an indoor climbing playground that will have your young’uns reaching for the sky! Test your courage, skill, and agility at the arena’s multiple challenges of differing designs and difficulty levels. Don’t miss skidding down the Vertical Drop Slide, jumping as far as you can at the Leap of Faith, and balancing up the Stairway to Heaven!
- +44 20 7736 2271
19 Michael Road, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk/
Housed in an industrial style, science lab-themed setting, Chin Chin Labs is a hit amongst youngsters for its liquid nitrogen ice cream! Whether they stick to the classics or experiment with unique flavors, their dairy treat comes in a bowl covered in smoke. It’s pretty pricey, but the theatrics—and the smile on your kids’ faces—will make it well worth it!
- +44 7885 604284
49-50 Camden Lock Place, London, United Kingdom
- https://chinchinicecream.com/
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