Here’s our pick of things to do with the kids during the summer holidays.
Trailblazers: Women at the Tower of London
1 July – 1 September
Visitors to the Tower of London during the summer holidays will have the chance to meet five female trailblazers who have each made a mark on the Tower’s past, although their names may be hard to find in the history books. Families are invited to help these five change-makers, from suffragettes to poets, as they set out to get their stories included in the guidebooks before the Tower closes for the day. Created in partnership with History Riot. Written and directed by Lauren Johnson and created in partnership with HistoryRiot. Included in standard admission.
Trailblazers at the Tower of London
Visit Spitalfields
Alfi in Spitalfields has set up their terrace games, including darts and Italian boules (‘bocce’) which is perfect past time for kids 10+ when enjoying the sunshine with the parents.
Another thing to do is of course visit the area and spot all the different animal statues (from goats to elephants and rabbits) before stopping for some lunch on Lamb Street and donuts from Crosstown.
Swingers
This summer, visit Swingers, The Crazy Golf Club and avail of their new family offering, every Sunday between 12pm and 6pm. Earlier this month, the previously 18+ venue opened its doors to families at their West End location, allowing kids over 7 years of age to enjoy their innovative crazy golf courses and delicious street food. After working up an appetite on the crazy golf course, guests old and young can tuck into delicious bites from Patty&Bun, Breddos Tacos and Pizza Pilgrims, accompanied by refreshing drinks and even a cocktail for the parents.
Pan Pacific London – Bonpoint Afternoon Tea & Infinity Pool Pop-Up
Pan Pacific London’s new children’s Afternoon Tea and infinity pool experience is perfect for all the family. The tea features sweet treats and finger sandwiches in Bonpoint’s spring colours whilst the hotel’s SENSORY floor offers a transformed infinity pool area with deckchairs, parasols, and themed pool floats during children’s swim hours. Additionally, children aged 6-16 can enjoy special Bonpoint spa treatments, including The Dreamy Treatment for parent-child duos.
Afternoon tea starts from £29 per child; 30-minute treatments start from £100 with complimentary access to the pool.
Picnic in the park
There is no shortage of wonderful parks within the City of London. Why not explore one of the wonderful green spaces within the City of London this summer? Festival Gardens, located in St. Paul’s Churchyard is a great choice. Grab that picnic basket and all the essentials you need from your local food market to make the picnic a success.
Out of the City
Go for a spot of lunch
If you’re in and around the City – you simply can’t go wrong with Wahaca. If you’re in the mood for small plates then this place is a great option. The nachos are delicious but they also have a magnificent taco selection that is worth trying. They also have a lovely kids menu where your little ones will be impressed with ease. The rainbow bowls are fantastic for kids and well-worth trying. However, the sweet potato and feta taquito, with caramelised onion, salsas and chipotle mayo in a crisp blue corn tortilla are a superb choice. We are huge fans of Wahaca in Westfield Stratford City not only is a cool joint but the staff are always friendly and on-hand to help. One to visit with the kids this summer.
Sealife London Aquarium
Looking for a fun adventure in London this summer? Head over to Sea Life London Aquarium. The Sea Life London Aquarium is located on the ground floor of County Hall on the South Bank of the River Thames in central London, near the London Eye. Home to over 500 different species in 14 different themed zones, this is a great learning experience for kids. Be prepared to be amazed as you take a stroll through the ocean tunnel. You will see shoals of glittering fish flutter along beside you whilst enormous Green Sea turtles glide slowly over your head. If you’re feeling brave then why not immerse yourself in a world of creepy crawlies, crocodiles and critters. But the real highlight and not to be missed is the Polar Adventure – undoubtedly the penguins.
To make the aquarium more inclusive, SEA LIFE have launched some of their Attraction Zones information via BSL videos. They will have QR code signs around the attraction in each available area which will then link to the videos, as a way to improve the accessibility of the site to non-hearing guests and have had some incredible input from two deaf staff members in other areas of the business.
Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB
Legoland
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort opened the UK’s first LEGO® woodland themed holiday village on 24th May and is offering families looking to reconnect with nature a unique short break experience.
Guests can relax after a full day of adventurous play in one of the 130 cosy lodges or 20 stylish camping barrels offering the perfect blend of comfort and adventure nestled amongst trees on a 10-acre site. Families of between two and seven people can choose from the standard Woodland Lodges, stay in style in the Premium Lodges or be at one with nature and go glamping in the unique Woodland Barrels.
Families visiting the Resort can also put their skills to the test at LEGOLAND Adventure Golf, the UK’s first LEGO-themed golf attraction, which features four 9-hole mini golf courses. Whether you are swinging into Space, driving into LEGO City, taking your best shot in a Medieval village or even putting with Pirates, each theme is a ‘hole’ other level of fun! Book your stay now at the LEGOLAND Woodland Village. Prices start from £70 per person including entry to the LEGOLAND Windsor theme park, a round of LEGOLAND Adventure golf, and bed and breakfast!
Unheard Voices at Hampton Court Palace
27 July – 31 August
Live performances will take place each day throughout the summer to celebrate the lives and remarkable stories of less well-known individuals from Hampton Court Palace’s history. New for this year, the performances will explore the lives of Sophia Duleep Singh, Arabella Hunt and Diego the Circumnavigator, drawing on the lived experiences of writers, directors and actors involved in the programme to enrich their stories.
Flip Out
If you’re out of the City on the weekend then this is a spot that you need to visit with the kids. Whether you’re kids are soft play lovers or fancy trying their skills in the bumper cars – then this is the place to visit. As you enter you’ll notice that Flip Out is extremely popular but it’s with good reason. This place does cater for all ages – whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers there really is something for everyone. Service from staff is great – they are both friendly and approachable. The candy floss machine is an added bonus for the little ones. Now all you’ve got to do is book your slot and let the kids enjoy some of the attractions, whilst you sip on that well-needed cup of coffee.
