London is full of interactive children’s pursuits, and nothing beats discovering all the joys that the city has to offer to the little ones, so we thought we’d give you some inside tips on what there is!
• Best Rainy Day Activity: The Science Museum (Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868) is great fun and one of London’s most interactive museums. Don’t miss the Launchpad gallery, which is full of hands-on exhibits to tinker with, simulators and a face morphing machine. The museum’s occasional Science Nights are activity filled, with overnight camping in the building included. Entry is free. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm.
• Coolest Cinema: The BFI London IMAX Cinema (1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, SE1 8XR, 020 7902 1234) has the largest screen (20 metres) in the country, as well as an 11,600-watt digital surround sound system with which to deafen your children. With most of the cinema’s 3D programming dedicated to children’s films, they’ll be spoilt rotten by the whole experience; even the entrance to the place is cool, with futuristic blue lighting paving your way through the tunnels.
• Goriest Tourist Haunt: The London Dungeon (28-34 Tooley Street, SE1 2SZ, 020 7403 7221) specialises in the darker side of English history and has a preponderance of gruesome waxworks, theme rides and costumed staff to scare the bejesus out of your children, which they’ll love (unless you’ve brought them up to be soft). Open all week from 11am to 5pm.
• Best Tour For Budding Media Moguls: The BBC Television Centre Tour (Wood Lane, W12 7RJ, 0870 603 0304) provides a chance for children 9 and over to take a behind the scenes look at the world of TV, as well as a chance to play in an interactive studio. A separate tour (ages 7 and over) entitled “The CBBC Experience” is based on the BBC’s kids’ channel and offers visitors the chance to roam around the Blue Peter garden, amongst other things. Regular tours are conducted every day except Sunday.
• Best Ice Cream: It’s no secret that kids love ice cream, but the plethora of dodgy “Mr Whippy” vans selling their frozen wares in London can be improved upon. For outstanding homemade gourmet sorbets and exotic ice cream cones, there is no better place than the kiosk to the side of Golders Hill Park Refreshment House (North End Road, NW3 7HD, 020 8455 8010); prices are very reasonable and the park is a gorgeous setting within which to consume such tasty delights.
• Best Inner City Farm: Hackney City Farm (1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA, 020 7729 6381). You don’t want your child to be the one hiding on the bus on their first fieldtrip because they’ve never seen a cow. Hackney City Farm gives children and adults alike the chance to experience farming first-hand, interact with the animals and understand sustainable living, all of this in the heart of Hackney.
• Best For Halloween Costumes: Escapade (45-46 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AJ, 020 7485 7384) has been kitting kids out in all manner of costumes since 1982, and offers wigs (maybe one for Dad?), hats, masks, make-up, jokes and magic tricks. Perfect for trick or treat, or for those already bored of their child’s ugly face.
• Best Eatery For Families: Maxwell’s (8-9 James Street, WC2E 8BH) lies deep in the heart of Covent Garden and specialises in burgers (does any child not like burgers?) which won’t break parents’ banks. A kids’ menu is provided, as well as activities and games.
Especially for when the infamous London weather puts a dampener on outdoor activities…
• Cartoon Museum (35 Little Russell Street, WC1A 2HH, 020 7580 8155) This fascinating place archives the development of cartoon art in Britain, from the 18th century through to the present day; best of all, the Young Artists’ Gallery lets children try their hands at animation and claymation.
• London Aquarium (County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB, 020 7967 8000) One of the largest aquariums in the world, over 400 species of aquatic life (including the only zebra sharks in the U.K.) can be found within this building. With three floors, piranhas, and pools where you can prod things, there’s more than enough to keep even the most jaded parent happy.
• London Eye (Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, SE1 7PB, 0870 500 0600) This 135-metre high riverside Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of London in up to 25 miles in each direction, all from the vantage point of an air-conditioned glass pod. Book online to beat the queues.
• Natural History Museum (Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000) Ever wanted to see a replica skeleton of a 26-metre long Diplodocus dinosaur? It’s one of the 70 million items housed within this excellent museum, which also includes the Darwin Centre, a must for any budding paleontologists; non-nerds should love it too.
• Madame Tussaud’s (Marylebone Road, NW1 5LR, 0870 999 0046) Infamous exhibition of waxworks, with recently introduced interactive exhibits giving you the chance to score a goal for England or sing with Britney Spears (she’ll be the one lip-syncing). Worth booking online to avoid the often long queues.
• Museum Of London (150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN, 0870 444 3852, some galleries undergoing renovation and due to re-open late 2009) Explains the history of London in vivid detail; the innovative layout consists of a chain of chronological galleries (no skipping to 1945, OK?) Also has fragments of the old London Wall in the grounds.
• Peter Harrison Planetarium (Royal Observatory Greenwich, Greenwich Park, SE10 9NF, 020 8312 8565) Open since 2007 and the only planetarium in London seats 120 and uses the latest technology to take you on an armchair tour of the universe. Children aged 4 and under will not be admitted.
• Queens Ice And Bowl (17 Queensway, W2 4QP, 020 7229 0172) An ice rink, ten pin bowling alleys and a pizza restaurant, it’s the perfect opportunity for kids to stuff their faces whilst watching their Dad break a bone on the rink. Children’s skating classes available.
• Topsy Turvy World (Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, NW4 3FP, 020 8359 9920) A huge indoor playground in the middle of one of London’s busiest shopping centres. There’s more to this place than just bouncy things and over-excitement, it also offers baking activities (might as well get your children cooking for you early) and various classes.
• Tower Of London (Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB, 0870 756 7070) A cornucopia of royal history and English culture lies within the Tower’s ancient walls, with royal jewels aplenty. Good for the whole family, and under 5s get in free. Avoid the queues by booking ahead.
• The V&A Museum Of Childhood (Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200) This lesser known gem of the Victoria & Albert Museum houses the national childhood collection, which basically means it’s full of toys, games, dolls, dollhouses, nursery antiques and children’s costumes. There’s no shortage of activities and events going on here to keep your kids occupied, and it’s free.
A recent resurgence in the amount of out of school programmes being implemented in the capital means that there’s more for your kids to do than ever before.
• Art Club (Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, TW1 3DJ, 020 8831 6000) A rare opportunity for 5-10 year olds to work with practicing artists and explore new techniques and materials. Every Wednesday and Thursday from 3.45-5pm.
• Barnsbury One O’Clock Club (Barnard Park, Hemingford Road, N1 0JU, 020 7278 9494) Fun and games for the under 5s.
• Brixton Recreation Centre (27 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8QQ, 020 7926 9779) Recently refurbished, this centre includes The Energy Zone (ages 5-15) for ball games and The Fitness Zone (ages 8-15) with SHOKK fitness equipment specifically designed for the younger body builder/steroid abuser.
• Camden Square Play Centre (Camden Square, NW1 9RE, 020 7485 6827) After school (and school holiday) centre with fun activities for children aged 4-12.
• Camden Swiss Cottage Swimming Club (Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, Winchester Road, NW3 3NR, 020 7974 5440) Swimming lessons for children aged 4 and upward.
• Chang’s Hapkido Academy (Topnotch Health Club, 3 Tudor Street, EC4Y 0AH, 07951 535876) Martial arts school with classes for ages 12 and upward.
• The Circus Space (Coronet Street, N1 6HD, 020 7613 4141) Prepare your children for a life in the circus with The Circus Space’s variety of classes and workshops for all ages.
• Crazee Kids (Jackson Lane Community Centre, Archway Road, N6 5AA, Tuesdays), (Union Church & Community Centre, Weston Park, N8 9TA, Saturdays) 020 8444 5333, Weekly term-time dance, drama and music classes. Summer workshops.
• Harringay Club (Hornsey YMCA, 50 Tottenham Lane, N8 7EE, 020 8348 2124) A range of things to do for those aged up to 15, including a pre-school programme, gymnastics, ballet, street dance and kickboxing.
• The Kids’ Cookery School (107 Gunnersbury Len W3 8HQ, 020 8992 8882) Get your kids cooking at this fine venue which offers classes and workshops for those aged 3 and upwards.
• Kite Art Studios (Priory Mews, 2B Bassein Park Road, W12 9RY, 020 8576 6278) Courses and workshops on painting, pottery and jewellery making amongst other fun activities for kids of all ages. Mother and toddler sessions too.
• London Irish Centre (50-52 Camden Square, NW1 9XB, 020 7916 7222) Irish dancing classes for beginners upwards, every Monday at 6pm, courtesy of the Barrett Semple-Morris School.
• The Little Angel Theatre (14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street, N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787) Children’s theatre offering after-school courses in puppet making, the art of puppetry performance and a Saturday Puppet Club.
• The Little Gym (Compass House, Riverside West, Smugglers Way, SW18 1DB, 020 8874 6567) Gymnastics and skills development within a relaxed environment for children aged up to 12.
• Music House For Children (Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12 7LJ, 020 8932 2652) Whether it’s instrumental or singing lessons, this wonderful place can provide individual and group tuition and even caters for 1 year olds!
• Painted Earth (Arch 65, The Catacombs, Stables Market, NW1 8AH, 020 7424 8983) Ceramic arts classes supervised by staff. Children can make their own mugs and plates.
• Pirate Castle (Oval Road, NW1 7EA, 020 7267 6605) Kids can canoe or Kayak around Camden’s only castle at this outdoor adventure club, which moonlights as a school and youth services centre.
• Richmond Junior Chess Club (ETNA Community Centre, 13 Rosslyn Road, TW1 2AR, 07720 716336) Chess classes with a mixture of instruction and play for those up to the age of 18.
• Sobell Leisure Centre (Hornsey Road, N7 7NY, 020 7609 2166) No need to book, just turn up for coached sessions in basketball, badminton, football and ice hockey amongst other sports. Children aged 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tricycle Theatre (269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR, 020 7328 1000) Not just a theatre/cinema/gallery, the Tricycle also runs term-time workshops in drama, storytelling and music.
• Triyoga (6 Erskine Road, NW3 3AJ, 020 7483 3344) Let the kids get their Zen on at after school yoga classes for ages 5 and over.
• Westway Stables (20 Stable Way, Latimer Road, W11 6QX, 020 8964 2140) Horse riding lessons for the over 5s in the heart of Notting Hill.
• Nannies Unlimited 11 Chelveton Road, SW15 1RN, 020 8788 9640
• Nanny Search 1st Floor, 1 Shepherds Hill, N6 5QJ, 020 8348 4111
• Sleeptight Nannies 20 Nursery Road, N14 5QB, 020 8292 2618
• Top Notch Nannies 49 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JU, 020 7259 2626
• Baby Dior 6 Harriet Street, SW1X 9JW, 020 7823 2039 – Encourage label envy as soon as possible.
• Baby Munchkins 186 Hoxton Street, N1 5LH, 020 7684 5994 – Baby wear.
• Balloonland 12 Hale Lane, NW7 3NX, 020 8906 3302 – Balloons and party supplies.
• Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop 44 The Piazza, Covent Garden WC2E 8RF, 020 7379 7866 – Toys.
• Biff 43 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BN, 020 8299 0911 – Designer and street brands.
• Boomerang 69 Blythe Road, W14 0HP, 020 7610 5232 – Clothes and necessities for tots.
• Bonpoint Chic clothes. 17 Victoria Grove, W8 5RW – 020 7584 5131 197 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE – 020 7792 2515 256 Brompton Road, SW3 2AS – 020 3263 5057 35B Sloane Street, SW1X 9LP – 020 7235 1441
38 Old Bond Street, W1S 4QW – 020 7495 1680
• Burberry 21-23 New Bond Street, W1S 2RE, 020 7839 5222 – Clothes.
• Caramel 291 Brompton Road, SW3 2DY, 020 7589 7001 – Cool clothes.
• Catamini – Babies and children’s clothes. 33C King’s Road, SW3 4LX – 020 7824 8897, 52 South Molton Street, W1Y 1HF – 020 7629 8099
• Cheeky Monkeys – Mainly wooden toys. 202 Kensington Park Road, W11 1NR – 020 7792 9022, 94 Kings Road, SW6 4UL – 020 7731 3037
• Children’s Book Centre 237 Kensington High Street, W8 6SA, 020 7937 7497 – Books.
• Coco Children’s Boutique 27A Devonshire Street, W1G 6PN, 020 7935 3554 – Children’s boutique (fancy that!).
• D2 Leisure 201-203 Roman Road, E2 0QY, 020 8980 4966 – Bicycle shop.
• Daisy & Tom 181 King’s Road, SW3 5EB, 020 7352 5000 – Clothes, toys and a carousel.
• Davenports Magic Shop 7 Adelaide Street, WC2N 4HZ, 020 7836 0408 – Magic shop.
• Early Learning Centre 36 King’s Road, SW3 4UD, 020 7581 5764 – Educational toyshop.
• Disney Store – Disney merchandise.
Unit 10, The Piazza, WC2E 8HD – 020 7836 5037
22A & 26 The Broadway Shopping Centre, W6 9YD – 020 8748 8886
360-366 Oxford Street, W1N 9HA – 020 7491 9136
• Eric Snook’s Toyshop 32 Covent Garden Market, WC1 8RE, 020 7379 7681 – Toys and teddies.
• Escapade 45-46 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AJ, 020 7485 7384 – Costumes and masks.
• The Farmyard 63 Barnes High Street, SW13 9LF, 020 8878 7338 – Toys for younger children and babies.
• GapKids/Baby Gap
35 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1QE – 020 7794 9182
146-148 Regent Street, W1B 5SH – 020 7287 5095
Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FB – 020 8203 9696
122 King’s Road, SW3 4TR – 020 7823 7272
4 Queens Road, SW19 8YE- 020 8947 9074
101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA – 020 7368 2900
260-262 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PD – 020 8995 3255
47-49 St John’s Wood High Street, NW8 7NJ – 020 7586 6123
151 Queensway, W2 4YL – 020 7221 8039
330-340 Cabot Place East, E14 4QT – 020 7513 0241
121-123 Long Acre, WC2E 9PA – 020 7836 0646
• Green Rabbit 20 Briston Grove, N8 9EX, 020 8348 3770 – Contemporary kids’ wear.
• Hamley’s 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT, 020 7153 9000 – Toys galore, tourists galore.
• Happy Returns 36 Rosslyn Hill, NW3 1NH, 020 7435 2431 – Toys again!
• Honeyjam 267 Portobello Road, W11 1LR, 020 7243 0449 – Retro and vintage toys and rocking horses.
• Igloo Kids Wide range of kids’ clothes. 300 Upper Street, N1 2TU – 020 7354 7300, 80 St John’s Wood, NW8 7SH – 020 7483 2332
• Infantasia Unit 103 Wood Green Shopping City, N22 6YA, 020 8889 1494 – Furniture and bedding.
• International Magic 89 Clerkenwell Road, EC1R 5BX, 020 7405 7324 – Magic shop.
• Joujou & Lucy 32 Clifton Road, W9 1ST, 020 7289 0866 – Children’s boutique.
• Kent & Carey 154 Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6 2UH, 020 7736 5554 – Classic children’s clothes.
• Little Stinkies 15 Victoria Grove, W8 5RW, 020 7052 0077 – Dolls’ houses, toys and puppet theatres.
• Marie Chantal 148 Walton Street, SW3 2JJ, 020 7838 1111 – Children’s fashion.
• MIMMO 602 Fulham Road, SW6 5PA, 020 7731 4706 – Designer duds.
• Mothercare – The leading chain for baby stuff in the UK; will sell you everything but the baby.
Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FD – 020 8202 5377
416 Brixton Road, SW9 7AY – 020 7733 1494
Unit 7, The Waterglade Centre, 1-8 The Broadway, W5 2ND – 0208 579 6181
Ravenside Retail Park, Angel Road, N18 3HA – 020 8807 5518
146 High Street, SE9 1BJ – 020 8859 7957
4 Palace Gardens, EN2 6SN – 020 8367 1188
316 North End Road, SW6 1NG – 020 7381 6387
Kings Mall Shopping Centre, W6 0PZ – 020 8600 2860
448 Holloway Road, N7 6QA – 020 7607 0915
112 High Street, TW3 1NA – 020 8577 1767
Unit 1A, Richmond Retail Park, Mortlake Road, Kew – 020 8878 3758
41 Riverdale High Street, SE13 7EP – 020 8852 2167
526-528 Oxford Street, W1C 1LW – 0845 365 0515
Unit 2, Aylesham Centre, Rye Lane, SE15 5EW – 020 7358 0093
33-34 The Mall, E15 1XD – 020 8534 5714
BHS Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Redriff Road, SE16 7LL – 020 7237 2025
Unit 59, Southside Shopping Centre, SW18 4TF – 020 8877 4180
Unit Lsu4, Centre Court, SW19 8YA – 020 8944 5296
38-40 High Road, N22 6BX – 020 8888 6920
62 Powis Street, SE18 1LQ – 020 8854 3540
• Never Never Land 3 Mildhurst Parade, Fortis Green, N10 3EJ, 020 883 3997 – Toys and dolls.
• Olive Loves Alfie 84 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0AP, 020 7241 4212 – Children’s lifestyle boutique.
• Patrick’s Toys & Models 107 Lillie Road, SW6 7SX, 020 7385 9864 – Outdoor games and equipment.
• Patrizia Wigan 19 Walton Street, SW3 2HX, 020 7823 7080 – Clothing boutique.
• Petit Bateau 62 South Molton Street, W1K 5SR, 020 7491 4498 – Luxurious baby wear.
• Petite Ange 6 Harriet Street, SW1X 9JW, 020 7235 7737 – Exclusive clothing.
• Please Mum 85 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RB, 020 7486 1380 – Expensive clothing.
• Pom D’Api 3 Blenheim Crescent, W11 2EE, 020 7243 0535 – Classy shoes.
• QT Toys 90 Northcote Road, SW11 6QN, 020 7223 8637 – Toys, games and gifts.
• Rachel Riley 14 Pont Street, SW1X 9EN, 020 7935 7007 – Clothes.
• Rainbow 253 Archway Road, N6 5BS, 020 8340 9700 – Toys, games and clothes.
• Showroom 64 Titchfield Street, W1W 7QH, 020 7636 2501 – Funky children’s clothes.
• Soup Dragon 27 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane, N8 8PT, 020 8348 0224 – Toys and clothes.
• The Shoe Station 3 Station Approach, Kew Gardens, TW9 3QB, 020 8940 9905 – Shoes and footwear.
• Their Nibs 214 Kensington Park Road, W11 1NR, 020 7221 4263 – Designer clothes and bedding.
• Tots 39 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1RG, 020 8995 0520 – Clothes boutique.
• Toys R Us - Toys, toys, toys.
Tilling Road (opposite Brent Cross Shopping Centre), NW2 1LW – 020 8209 0019
Great Cambridge Road, EN1 3RN – 020 8364 6600
Hayes Road, UB2 5LN – 020 8561 4681
760 Old Kent Road, SE15 1NJ – 020 7732 7322
• Traditional Toys Chelsea Green, 53 Godfrey Street, SW3 3SX, 020 7352 1718 – Timeless toys.
• The Little White Company 261 Pavillion Road, SW1X 0BP, 020 7881 0783 – Clothing, bed linen and furniture.