10 child-friendly day trips in London this Summer
The 10 best child-friendly day trips
The school summer holidays are upon us, and we’ve put together a list of activities to entertain the family.
Take part in London’s biggest street party this summer as Notting Hill Carnival (28-29th August) fills the streets of West London once again. Don’t miss the elaborate parade full of colourful costumes and enthralling performers on Children’s Day (28th August).
Address: Notting Hill and surrounding areas
Tickets: Free
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
A guaranteed winner with all children, Harry Potter has arrived in the West End. The eighth Harry Potter adventure, ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ picks up where ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ left off. This JK Rowling play is staged in two-parts and follows a middle-aged Harry and his son Albus as he starts his life at Hogwarts. If you can’t get a ticket, every Friday at 1pm 40 tickets for every performance the following week go on sale at a bargain price. http://www.harrypottertheplay.com/ticket-information/#tickets-bottom-section
Address: Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY
Telephone: 0330 333 4813
Tickets: Prices from £15-65
Make your way to the Natural History Museum this summer and revel in the splendor of the butterfly house. Back for it’s eighth year, this popular exhibition allows visitors to come face-to-face with stunning tropical butterflies from all over the world. A great sensory experience.
Address: Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
Telephone: 020 7942 5000
Tickets: £5.85; under 4s free, £19.80 family ticket
Fly up to the 35th floor of the iconic Walkie Talkie skyscraper and you’ll be presented with three levels of landscaped gardens, and an observation deck with an uninterrupted cityscape vista. Entry is free, but visitors need to confirm a 90-minute timeslot at least three days in advance.
Address: 20 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 3BY
Telephone: 0207 337 2344
Tickets: Free
To mark the 150th anniversary of the much-loved children’s author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, the V&A have launched an exhibition to celebrate her work. Original sketches, early editions of her published works and artworks from the author are all on display. Entrance is free.
Address: Cromwell Rd, London, SW7 2RL
Telephone: 020 7942 2000
Tickets: FREE
Pelican feeding at St. James Park
This Summer, St. James Park is welcoming visitors to watch Pelican feeding each day between 2.30 and 3pm. Introduced as a gift by the Russian Ambassador in 1664, there are currently two resident Great White Pelicans living near Duck Island. Pelicans are renowned for their playful and mischievous nature, which should make for fantastic viewing.
Address: Adjacent to Duck Island Cottage, St. James Park London
Tickets: FREE
The Garden at The Science Museum
Situated in The Science Museum, The Garden is an interactive space designed to help 3-6 year-olds discover science through play. Inquisitive children can explore the many hands-on displays and friendly staff are on hand to help with any science-related questions.
Address: The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD
Telephone: 020 7942 4000
Tickets: FREE
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
An enormous pirate ship takes centre stage at the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. The ship even has its own beach; so don’t forget to pack your bucket and spade. The playground also features a trio of tepees and a tree house village with walkways, ladders, slides and more. Get there early to avoid the queues.
Address: Nr Black Lion Gate, Broad Walk, London, W2 2UH
Tickets: FREE
Horniman Explorers Family Workshop
Join South London’s favourite museum for a family friendly sensory and explorative workshop. Each session is themed and focused on discovering more about the museum’s most exciting objects. Spaces are limited and tickets are distributed half an hour before each session begins.
Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London, SE23 3PQ
Telephone: 020 8699 1872
Tickets: FREE
Penguin Beach at ZSL London Zoo
The daily show at Penguin Beach lets you in to the underwater world of these awesome birds. Expert presenters guide the audience through the lives of Penguins from 11.30 am. A must for animal lovers.
Address: ZSL London Zoo, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY
Telephone: 0344 225 1826
Tickets: Adults £24.25; concessions £21.80; children 3-15 £17.60; under 3 free
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