This summer, why not head to the Big Smoke for a fun-filled adventure with the whole family? There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant, buzzing capital city. So here are five unmissable activities to add to your itinerary.
1. The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. Based on the best-selling storybook of the same name by Judith Kerr, this Tiger show in London, is perfect for kids ages three and above. The production is packed with oodles of clumsy chaos, plenty of sing-along songs and even magic. It’s also wonderfully interactive, so your children are sure to love every minute.
2. Picnic in one of the Royal Parks
If you’re looking to escape the noise of the city for a few hours, head to one of London’s magnificent parks. There are eight in total, each offering peace and tranquillity away from the bustling crowds. The kids will love taking a boat out onto Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park or climbing to the top of Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park. St James’s Park is also really close to The Mall and Horse Guards Parade should you also wish to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is one of London’s top free attractions.
3. Explore Little Venice
Let’s face it, kids don’t like being dragged around shops for hours on end. So you might want to leave Oxford Street for another day and head to lesser-known parts of the city for a child-friendly adventure. Little Venice for instance, not far from Paddington Station, is a tranquil canal area packed with beautiful canal boats - many of which are ready and waiting to take you for a ride along the River Thames, all the way to Camden Lock. The canal is dotted with eateries, so if the kids get hungry, you can stop for a riverside bite to eat.
4. Head to the Natural History Museum
If you want to get out of the summer sun (or rain) for a few hours, the Natural History Museum offers a world of entertainment for all ages. This is a great spot for dinosaur lovers, in particular, as the museum is home to a wide range of fossils, including the world’s most complete Stegosaurus specimen. The famous Diplodocus cast will also be popping back to the Museum in 2022 following a recent tour around the UK.
5. Visit the Science Museum
The majority of London’s museums are free to visit, so it’s definitely worth taking advantage. The Science Museum is another gem for kids, offering seven floors of educational and entertaining exhibits including the Apollo 10 command module and flight simulator. Kids should also head straight to the Wonderlab on level 3. This is an interactive exhibition with over 50 shows and demonstrations to inspire their developing minds.
Don’t forget to book The Tiger Who Came to Tea. It really is a top kids play London and a great introduction to theatre for a younger audience.