As much as you love spending some quality time with the fam, organising family days out in London during the holidays can be a lot more stressful than fun. You’ve got to make sure everyone is constantly entertained, that the activity is suitably age-appropriate and that no-one gets lost in a sea of crazy tourists.
You can stop your endless search for the perfect activity to do as a family, because we’ve got you covered. Here are seven fantastic family days out in London that are guaranteed be fun for everyone from baby bear to papa bear.
Just prepared to be the coolest parent ever.
1. Kids Cooking Club
With a sprinkle of fun, a dash of playfulness and a pinch of culinary excitement, a day spent in the kitchen with your little ones can be a whole lot more fun than you’d expect.
Whether someone in your family is a budding chef or you’re all just food fanatics, a hands-on kids group cooking class is a great way to let their culinary creativity shine. Held at the family-run Avenue Cookery School, the relaxed and open kitchen is kitted with everything your cordon bleu cook could need.
While this fun-filled Kids Cooking Club is reserved for younger chefs, parents are more than welcome to join their kids in action! Just keep in mind that in this kitchen, you’re the sous chef and they’re the executive chef.
2. Harry Potter Magic
Ok so technically this isn’t in London per se, but it’s such an extraordinary family day out, we couldn’t leave it out.
If you’re a family of magic loving muggles, experience the wonder of Hogwarts like never before at the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios. Situated about an hour’s drive outside of Central London, the massive studio complex is where much of the Harry Potter movie magic was captured.
There’s no need to worry about getting the gang there – we’ve included transport to and from the studio. This activity for the family is so great, it’s been voted the Winner of the Best UK Day Out for Families 2017.
During your tour, you and your wizarding clan can delight in a behind-the-scenes look at some of J.K. Rowling’s most iconic sets, costumes and props. Marvel at the magnificence of the Great Hall, walk down the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley and venture into the darkness of the Forbidden Forest if you dare.
Little witches and wizards will particularly enjoy flicking and swishing their wand in an exciting wand duel. Even if there’s a member of the family who isn’t a die-hard Potter fan (hard to imagine), they’ll enjoy discovering how the state-of-the-art visual effects and detailed technical drawings brought the legendary movie to life.
It’s a magical day out that will leave every member of your household totally spell-bound.
3. Chocolate Treasure Hunt
Think you’ve shown the kids every side of London? Think again!
A dream for any family of chocoholics, embark on a deliciously indulgent chocolate treasure hunt through the streets of London. Perfect for all ages, teams will have to race against the clock to gather as much chocolatey goodness as they can.
Not only is this cocoa-fuelled scavenger hunt a great way to explore the Capital’s streets, but it’ll also have you bonding as a family towards a common goal. As like-minded chocolate fiends, you’ll have to put your heads together to solve a series of clues, uncover hidden items and barter with a bag of chocolate coins to discover hidden gems along the route.
No matter which team comes out on top, there’s guaranteed to be a bag of mouthwatering Belgian chocolate for everyone.
4. Science-Fuelled Fun
If there’s a museum in London that’s suitable for the whole family, it’s got to be the Science Museum. The perfect day out for kids with inquisitive minds, this iconic attraction is bursting with fascinating facts for them to wrap their heads around, as well as get their hands on.
Boasting seven floors of 15 000 objects, hours could be spent wandering through the various interactive exhibits. But with a private curator-led Science Museum tour based on a theme of your choice, rest assured your brood is getting the very best out of your visit to this science institution.
The hands-on fun doesn’t stop there. For an out of this world gastronomic treat, gather round for a science-fuelled afternoon tea. Both parents and kids will go crazy for the selection of interactive nibbles, brought to your table with a smoky show of volcanic dry ice.
Have heaps of fun dusting for almond dinosaur shortbreads and fossil chocolates buried in a pile of yummy cocoa powder. Use test tubes to sprinkle delectable toppings on homemade white chocolate scones. Bite into chocolate astronauts and spaceships that are out of this world.
So much science with so much flavour. Who knew science could be this fun and delicious!?
5. Entertainment at the Theatre
Treat the gang to an unforgettable family London theatre experience. Home to some of the world’s most beloved shows, London’s West End is brimming with live entertainment that will have the kids (and hubby) glued to their seats.
No matter the age of the little ones, there’s an age-appropriate show perfect for them. Take your pick from iconic stories such as Matilda, Charlie and Chocolate Factory, Aladdin, and of course the Lion King. With some of the best seats in the house reserved just for you and your brood, you’ll all feel like you’re part of all the action.
To keep any rumbling tummies at bay, tuck into a pre-theatre dinner at nearby family-friendly restaurant, Balthazar. In the heart of Covent Garden, the classic brasserie-style restaurant offers warm service with a little something for everyone.
Parents can indulge in French bistro food and great wine. Kids can choose their favourite dish from the Children’s Menu. Even the pickiest of little eaters will be satisfied with universal favourites, from hearty mac n cheese to simple cheeseburgers.
The best part of this fun family day out is that all arrangements are made by us – you don’t have to worry about a thing! You just show up and enjoy some unforgettable quality family time together.
You can leave all the drama at home. Or better yet, leave the drama to the actors.
6. Crafty Kiddies
If your kids love keeping their hands busy, whether it’s friendship bracelets or slime, they’ll love the Pom Pom Factory’s kids paper workshop. In a space of creativity and calm, the little one will have fun crafting intricate pom-poms and flowers, out of the simplest material – paper.
Getting the kids engaged in an arts and craft activity has numerous benefits, from developing find Motor skills to encouraging self-expression. The workshop is also fun regardless of age, so even parents or older children can embrace their childlike side and get crafty.
The fun-filled workshop is led by a paper florist, Karen, who works individually with everyone to ensure no one feels left behind in the creative process. By the end of the workshop, the whole family will leave with a magical and unique creation to take home and display proudly on the mantle.
7. Family Printmaking Class
At the Lavender Print School in Battersea, explore a new form of artistry with a private family printmaking class. Over the course of three hours, you and the kids will learn how to design, carve, and print lino prints. Choose whether to learn both drypoint printmaking or lino printmaking or to focus on a particular technique that interests your family the most.
While these terms might sound intimidating, don’t worry; you don’t have to be an experienced artist, or even an artist at all, to have fun here. With a cup of tea and a slice of cake, enjoy guidance from experts in a friendly creative art space. The whole family will leave feeling accomplished and proud of the beautiful image created entirely by hand. It’s not only a way for each of you to express your creativity, but its also a chance to bond as a family in the process.
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll all have made each other’s Christmas gifts by the end of the class too.
Get the Family Together
Whether it’s an upcoming weekend or those endless school holidays, London is a treasure chest of fun family days out. Treat your nearest and dearest to an unforgettable experience that will make forever memories. Spending quality time spent with your little ones while they’re still little is honestly priceless.
If you’re looking for something to do without the kids (we won’t judge you) have a look at our 6 Exciting Days Out in London for Couples. After treating the kiddies to heaps of fun, you deserve some romantic alone time.