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37 uncommon issues to do in London with children

37 uncommon issues to do in London with children

When you go to London repeatedly, itโ€™s simple to really feel such as youโ€™re returning to the identical main household sights repeatedly โ€“ however look a bit of additional, and itโ€™s not onerous to find some way more uncommon issues to do in London with children.

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Nice in case youโ€™re trying to keep away from the crowds, or just fancy a change to combine up your days out in London with children, Iโ€™ve picked out 37 quirky issues to do with children in London โ€“ there are alternatives that are nice for youthful children in case youโ€™re visiting with toddlers, and some hidden gems to enchantment to teenagers.

And together with locations you’ll be able to go to year-round, youโ€™ll discover some uncommon experiences and occasions to pop within the diary, that are excellent in case youโ€™re planning forward or making a wishlist of enjoyable issues to do in London with children.

For extra concepts of the very best issues to do in London with children, take a look at my prime picks

Take a trip on the Mail Rail

When you suppose a visit to the Postal Museum doesnโ€™t sound like probably the most enjoyable issuesย to do in London with children, suppose once more as this lesser-known London museum has an thrilling added secret.

Operating beneath the museum are the unique tunnels and station platforms of Londonโ€™s 100-year-old postal railway which as soon as delivered mail throughout town.ย 

The railway stopped getting used for mail in 2003, however guests can now journey by means of the tunnels on a miniature practice โ€“ referred to as the Mail Rail โ€“ in a singular interactive expertise appropriate for adults and youngsters of all ages.

37 uncommon issues to do in London with children

Sleep with the lions at London Zoo

Simply probably the most uncommon issues to do in London with children is to take pleasure in an in a single day keep on the London Zoo Lodges.ย 

The zooโ€™s 9 themed Lodges might be discovered contained in the Land of the Lions exhibit, inside roaring distance of the pleasure of Asiatic lions. The distinctive in a single day expertise contains three particular after-hour excursions, dinner and breakfast, plus entrance to the zoo each days of your keep.

The Zoo Lodges have particular household nights for youngsters aged 5-15, whereas teenagers 14+ can keep on grownup solely nights too. Sadly, kids underneath 5 canโ€™t keep in a single day.

For extra tips about visiting London Zoo with children, take a look at this submit

A replica of the Golden Hinde, the galleon which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world in, docked in London - one of my things to do if you have one day in London with kids who love history, the perfect place to visit with history-loving kids if you don't have long in the city

Have a sleepover on the Golden Hinde

Uncover the secrets and techniques of Tudor medication (bleeding and extra bleeding), be taught the realities of life at sea and battle off the Spanish on board the Golden Hinde โ€“ the reproduction of the ship which Sir Francis Drake sailed all over the world.

Even higher than a go to on board the galleon, moored on the South Financial institution close to Southwark, is the possibility to sleep in a single day with the Golden Hinde night time voyage โ€“ the Household Evening Voyage contains (almost) genuine vegetable stew for dinner and actors bringing tales of Elizabethan pirates and privateers to life.

It may not be probably the most snug night timeโ€™s sleep for adults, however itโ€™s an unforgettable expertise. When you donโ€™t fancy that, thereโ€™s additionally Escape from the Golden Hinde, Londonโ€™s most uncommon escape room.

Learn my evaluate of a sleepover on the Golden Hinde

Go to the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park

Head to the south of the capital for a day trip discovering probably the most uncommon sights in London: the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs.ย 

The 30 life-size fashions have been put in again in 1854 and have been based mostly on the most recent scientific information on the time, that means some are a bit of completely different from the dinosaurs weโ€™re used to imagining now. Nonetheless, theyโ€™re nonetheless positively price seeing and are positive to show an enormous hit with younger children.

The Grade I listed fashions might be discovered on the south east facet of Crystal Palace Park, which can be dwelling to one of many largest Victorian hedge mazes within the nation.

One in all my prime free issues to do in London with children, take a look at my different prime picks

Dinosaur sculptures in Crystal Palace park, London

Indulge your candy tooth

If a day trip in London isnโ€™t sufficient of a deal with, there are many locations to place the icing (or ice cream) on the cake.

Primarily based on the Brothers Grimmโ€™s well-known story of Hansel & Gretel, Camden Marketโ€™s Hans & Gretel is a magical fairy-tale impressed dessert cafe, solely coated from ground to ceiling in sweet canes, lollipops, cupcakes and vibrant sweets galore.

There are additionally large statues of Hansel and Gretel to greet you on the storeโ€™s entrance and a makeshift sweet home that children can sit inside for photographs.

Not solely is the shop itself a enjoyable and quirky place to go to in London with youthful kids, however its many indulgent desserts are positive to be an enormous hit with children of all ages. You may select from candy Hungarian funnel muffins, bubble waffles, freakshakes, ice-cream, chooseโ€™nโ€™combine and extra.ย 

For extra issues to do in Camden with children, take a look at my prime picks

Or how a few donut tour of London with children โ€“ two hours exploring the realm round Southwark and London Bridge, together with 4 stops for doughnuts on the best way.

Thereโ€™s quirky historical past, an opportunity to be taught extra about everybody from the Romans to Sir Francis Drake and Shakespeare, in addition to a sight of Tower Bridge.

For extra issues to do round Tower Bridge with children, take a look at these concepts

And Covent Backyard is one other nice cease for some indulgence. The world additionally has among the greatest locations for decent chocolate in London with children.

Step into the Roman Mithraeum

Hidden for hundreds of years, the third century Roman temple of Mithras was rediscovered in 1954 at a Second World Warfare bomb web site, on the positioning of the Walbrook โ€“ one in every of Londonโ€™s misplaced rivers.

At this time, the reconstructed Mithraeum has reopened in its authentic underground web site beneath Bloombergโ€™s European Headquarters at 12 Walbrook, with info geared toward children in addition to extra particulars on the men-only Roman cult.

Good when you have children learning Roman Britain (or Roman London), itโ€™s free to enter though itโ€™s really useful to prebook tickets.

For extra Roman websites in London, take a look at my round-up of the stays of Londinium

Facade of the Banqueting House on Whitehall, one of the few remains of Whitehall palace and one of the best royal places in London to visit

See the place a king was executed

The Banqueting Home is the one a part of the traditional Palace of Whitehall nonetheless standing โ€“ as soon as the royal coronary heart of London, Henry VIII moved his court docket right here after a fireplace on the Palace of Westminster.

Utilized by Tudor and Stuart monarchs till 1968 when it too burned down, the Banqueting Home is the third one to be constructed, designed for James I.

Itโ€™s at present closed for renovations, however whereas opening hours are all the time restricted, itโ€™s anticipated to reopen in autumn 2025

Charles I commissioned the fantastic ceilings painted by Rubensโ€ฆ later one of many final sights that he noticed, when he walked to his execution at a specifically construct scaffold outdoors.

Look out for the bust of the King on the partitions, with its plaque studying: โ€œHis Majesty King Charles I handed by means of this corridor and out of a window almost over this pill to the scaffold in Whitehall the place he was beheaded on thirtieth January 1649.โ€

For extra of the very best royal locations in London with children, take a look at my prime picks

The Brunel Museum

One in all Londonโ€™s least well-known museums, the positioning in Rotherhithe tells the story of the formidable mission to attach the north and south banks of the Thames with a tunnel underneath the river.

While you go to The Brunel Museum, throughout the river from Wapping, you’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the Brunels, father and son, who have been the brains behind the tunnel, in addition to descending down into a part of it.

Thereโ€™s additionally some pretty out of doors house to discover โ€“ and at present an al fresco cocktail bar, utilizing elements foraged from the museum gardens, in case you want one thing restorative after venturing under floor!

Plaque marking the location of Brunel's Engine House for the Thames pedestrian tunnel - visiting The Brunel Museum is one of my top unusual things to do in London with kids

The Grant Museum

Everybody is aware of Londonโ€™s Pure Historical past Museum however you’ll find Britainโ€™s oldest pure historical past museum in London too, with 67,000 completely different specimens on theย Grant Museum of Zoology.

Some are distinctly bizarre too โ€“ a jar of moles and the mind assortment for starters โ€“ which make it higher for older children eager to be taught extra about life on earth than extra squeamish preschoolers.

Reopened in 2024 after a yrโ€™s refurbishment, it additionally appears to be like at human impression on biodiversity. There are additionally common occasions, together with household classes on chosen Saturday โ€“ beforehand children had the possibility to really feel how sharp a sharkโ€™s tooth is or how heavy an elephantโ€™s tusk, whereas thereโ€™s additionally an opportunity to make use of VR expertise to move you to a coral reef.

Entry is free โ€“ you’ll be able toโ€™t guide so you could want to attend if itโ€™s busy, though itโ€™s uncommon to have to hold round lengthy on weekdays.

For extra uncommon museums and sights, control the pop-up occasions happening in addition to experiences like Twist Museum of Illusions with children

The London Museum of Water and Steam

Whereas Kewโ€™s greatest attraction โ€“ the Royal Botanical Gardens โ€“ wants no introduction, thereโ€™s one more reason for households to go to this a part of west London: the London Museum of Water and Steam.

Primarily based within the former Kew Bridge Waterworks buildings, the museum tells the story of Londonโ€™s water provide from Roman pipes to the most recent expertise โ€“ in addition to a digital journey into the sewers and a glance again by means of the centuries when the water in your postcode may have meant life or loss of life.

Much more excitingly for youths, it has among the big pumping engines required by town. The truth is, itโ€™s the worldโ€™s largest assortment of stationary steam pumping engines โ€“ and thereโ€™s additionally a narrow-gauge steam locomotive and small backyard.

Plus thereโ€™s a splash zone within the Waterwheel courtyard thatโ€™s positive to be an on the spot hit with toddlers and preschoolers (and anybody who likes taking part in with water).

he entrance sign for the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret in London - one of the most unusual things to do in London with kids

The Outdated Working Theatre Museum

Not one for youthful children, this opportunity to step inside a nineteenth century working theatre is fascinating however not for the faint-hearted.

Housed within the attic of an early 18th century church, a part of the outdated St Thomasโ€™s hospital, the garret was as soon as used to retailer herbs earlier than the theatre was added โ€“ now the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe.

Its personal survival fee is loads higher than that of the sufferers, who underwent surgical procedure in a time earlier than anaesthetics and antiseptics.

It’s important to climb a 52-step spiral staircase to succeed in it, and there are sometimes family-friendly actions and mock demonstrations โ€“ excellent when you have a budding surgeon within the household.

For extra tips about visiting Londonโ€™s museums with children, take a look at this submit

Courageous the Clink Jail Museum

When youโ€™ve ever heard the phrase about being thrown โ€˜within the clinkโ€™ for somebody being put in jail, you’ll be able to go to the very jail which impressed it in London.

The Clink was as soon as among the many most feared prisons in London again in medieval occasions, because of its grotesque situations โ€“ something from plots towards the king to following the improper faith and never paying your money owed may have seen you locked up right here.

Lastly closing in 1780, six centuries after the primary prisoners have been locked inside within the twelfth century, just a few components stay on Bankside, most now contained in the museum.

You may go to on a self-guided tour with audio to inform among the tales of the Clinkโ€™s lengthy historical past, as you move by means of the themed rooms. Really useful for ages 7+ however bear in mind there are reproduction torture units amongst different objects on show โ€“ not for the faint-hearted!

Image showing a graphic of the London Eye on the Essential Guide to London with kids ebook cover, and the words 'click to buy my 33-page guide to London. Itineraries, tips and all you need to know before a visit to London with kids' linking to my the London with kids shop page

Crossness Pumping Station

When the Victorians constructed issues, they didnโ€™t do it by halves โ€“ and that features one thing as sensible as a pumping station. No utilitarian constructing for them: Crossness Pumping Station is spectacularly vibrant, with some ornately intricate solid ironwork inside.

Constructed by Sir Josephย Bazalgette (the person accountableย for Londonโ€™s sewage system after the Nice Stink), it opened in 1865 to assist clear the river Thames and cease the cholera epidemics which had haunted town.

There are open days all year long, though tickets have to be prebooked โ€“ and on some the restored Prince Consort engine can be โ€˜in steamโ€™ and dealing away.

The closest Station is Abbey Wooden (trains run from London Bridge or you should use the Elizabeth Line): itโ€™s then a brief bus journey or round a 1.5 mile stroll to the pumping station.

Ornate and colourful iron work at Crossness pumping station - one of the most unusual things to do in London with kids

Spot storybook characters at Brompton Cemetery

A visit to a cemetery would possibly appear to be a wierd factor to do in London with children, however itโ€™s really an enchanting option to spend a day โ€“ particularly if itโ€™s one of many Magnificent Seven, the ring of seven non-public graveyards constructed within the nineteenth century and impressed by the Pรจre Lachaise in Paris.

One of the vital fascinating cemeteries to go to in London with children is Brompton Cemetery. Beatrix Potter used to stay in close by South Kensington and supposedly the names on among the tombstones impressed characters in her tales.

Whereas strolling round, preserve a watch out for the graves of Peter Rabbett, Jeremiah Fisher, Mr Nutkins, Mr Brock and Mr McGregor.

Discover the Charles Dickens Museum

Obtained a bookworm within the household โ€“ or hoping to deliver a number of examination texts to life? Charles Dickensโ€™ former dwelling in Doughty Avenue has been transformed right into a museum devoted to his life and work, which is ideal for followers of his books.

In addition to getting to go searching the positioning the place he wrote a few of his early tales, together with Oliver Twist, the Charles Dickens Museum is furnished as it will have been in 1837, so you’ll be able to all however think about the writer, quill in hand.

There are common household occasions to enchantment to youthful children as nicely. Open Wednesday to Sunday, usually longer in class holidays โ€“ plus because itโ€™s solely 5 minutesโ€™ stroll from the Postal Museum, you might simply mix the 2.

Step right into a world of tales at Uncover

Step right into a fairytale in east London โ€“ in reality you’ll be able to lose your self solely on this planet of tales at Uncover: Kidsโ€™s Story Centre in Londonโ€™s Stratford, geared toward children aged from 0 to 11.

This incredible multi-sensory play house is ideal for younger kids, full with two flooring of magical Story Worlds and a Story Backyard, that includes every thing from a pirate ship to a spacecraft and loads of different enjoyable imaginary lands for youths to discover.

All year long the centre additionally invitations authors, illustrators and different artists to run thrilling occasions and interactive actions for youths, a part of its mission as a not-for-profit organisation which goals to help a love of language, literature and tales for youths within the capital.

Magical letters pouring from the fireplace in the mocked up house at Privet Drive during the Harry Potter studio tour, designed by the House of MinaLima - for fans of Harry Potter in London, you can visit their studio

Go to the Home of MinaLima

When youโ€™ve watched a single Harry Potter movie, youโ€™ll recognise the work of graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima โ€“ aka MinaLima.

The brains behind every thing from the Marauderโ€™s Map to packets of Bertie Bottโ€™s Each Flavour Beans, you’ll be able to go searching their London gallery and store on Wardour Avenue in Soho at no cost.

For extra Harry Potter places in London, take a look at my prime picks from the movies and books

Go to a park in a church

Thereโ€™s been a church of St Dunstan on this web site since round 1100, added to by Sir Christopher Wren after the Nice Fireplace of London earlier than being broken within the Blitz through the Second World Warfare.

However whereas the bombing left the church in ruins, it additionally led to probably the most uncommon inexperienced areas in the entire of London.

Remodeled to a public backyard, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the arched stone home windows of St Dunstan within the East, now with ivy entwined across the stone and moss rising.

On the coronary heart of the church, bushes develop and there are benches set in a circle to loosen up amid this busy part of town between the Monument and the Tower of London. Enter from Idol Lane or St Dunstanโ€™s Hill, from 8am to 7pm/nightfall (except thereโ€™s an occasion happening).

The ruins of the historic St. Dunstan-in-the-East church in the City of London with plants growing over the stone - one of the most unusual things to do with kids in London

Stroll The Line

Londonโ€™s first public artwork stroll, The Lineย is an effective way to take pleasure in artwork, heritage and nature โ€“ in addition to supplying you with an excellent excuse to go for a stroll.

When you sort out it in a single go, enable round 2 ยฝ hours โ€“ the route runs between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, alongside a few of east Londonโ€™s waterways and following the road of the Greenwich Meridian โ€“ though itโ€™s greatest to stroll in smaller chunks, particularly with youthful children.

There are half a dozen artworks on the North Greenwich peninsula alone, close to The O2. You may as well hop on the tube in case youโ€™d prefer to see every one however your children donโ€™t fancy doing your entire route on foot (otherwise youโ€™re in need of time).

Image showing a graphic of London's iconic sights and the words 'click to read my quick start guide to London, all the essentials you need to know before a visit to London with kids' linking to my blog post guide to London with kids

Discover the Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum payments itself as the one museum in London the place youโ€™re inspired to chortle out loud โ€“ whether or not you give in to giggles and guffaws or not, this can be a incredible place to discover with children who love comics or cartoon artwork.

There are occasions encouraging children to get drawing and animating, in addition to particular exhibitions โ€“ together with one on Wallace & Gromit โ€“ however the principle assortment contains over 6,000 authentic cartoons and comics, in addition to a library of greater than 8,000 comics and books.

Following the historical past of British comics from the 18th century to current day works, the Fitzrovia web site is simply a brief stroll from Oxford Avenue. Free for underneath 18s too.

Go to the Graffiti tunnel

This 300m Leake Avenue tunnel beneath Waterloo station is Londonโ€™s longest authorized graffiti wall โ€“ the photographs change consistently however youโ€™re assured to find one thing eye-catching right here, plus youโ€™re welcome so as to add your personal art work too.

Popularised after Banksyโ€™s 2008 Cans Pageant, there are typically classes for wannabe avenue artists however anybody can simply deliver their very own paint and get artistic.

And although itโ€™s solely round a five-minute stroll from the London Eye, itโ€™s usually ignored by the hordes of individuals visiting the South Financial institution.

Head down Chicheley Avenue and throughout York Highway to search out it, or you’ll be able to see the Graffiti tunnel location on Google Maps. Preserve a watch out for any occasions happening on the Leake Avenue Arches, that are additionally dwelling to varied locations to eat, together with Draughts Board Recreation Cafe.

My daughter walks through the Leake Street Graffiti tunnel in Waterloo - adding your own art is one of the more unusual things to do in London with kids

Attend a family-friendly rave with Massive Fish Little Fish

Clubbing along with your children? I guess thatโ€™s one thing you didnโ€™t count on to be doing.

Massive Fish Little Fish organises household raves in London (and different cities within the UK), with appearances at a few of Londonโ€™s family-friendly festivals in addition to common occasions within the capital. Their uncommon afternoon occasions happen repeatedly at golf equipment and even museums throughout London too.

That includes stay DJs, fancy gown, bubble machines, face-painting, a craft space and babies-only chill-out space, the raves are nice enjoyable for adults and youngsters alike!

BFLFโ€™s distinctive kid-friendly raves are meant for youthful kids, and adults with out kids should not permitted into the occasions. Yow will discover their upcoming raves right here.

See a efficiency on the Puppet Theatre Barge

The UKโ€™s solely floating puppet theatre, the Puppet Barge has been delighting audiences with puppet reveals for over 40 years.

Moored in Little Venice (supposedly named by the poet Robert Browning), the 50-seat theatre has common kidsโ€™s performances together with loads of choices appropriate for older preschoolers, in addition to some open to all ages.

When youโ€™re visiting between June and late September, the barge does normally cruise off to a different location through the summer season months, typically to Richmond but additionally outdoors London alongside the Thames, so do verify earlier than you guide.

London's Puppet Theatre Barge near Little Venice, seen from the canal - watching a performance is one of the many unusual things to do with kids in London

Browse Phrase on the Water

Searching books has by no means been extra enjoyable than at this bookstore on a canal barge, moored close to Granary Sq., only a brief stroll from Kingโ€™s Cross station.

Yow will discover children books among the many titles stacked on indoor and out of doors cabinets at Phrase on the Water, however thereโ€™s lots for all ages in case youโ€™re visiting with tweens and youths.

Bounce round at FlipOut London

FlipOut London (E6) is Londonโ€™s greatest indoor trampoline and journey park, situated in East Ham.

Unfold over two flooring, the massive park is an energetic childโ€™s dream, with over 50 trampolines and stunt areas, foam pits and battle beams, a 30ft slide, 12 climbing partitions, indoor caving, a laser maze and a ninja warrior course.

Kids underneath 5 can benefit from the devoted toddler space, whereas everybody else (together with adults) can benefit from the remainder of the adrenaline-fuelled actions, so itโ€™s excellent in case youโ€™re in search of a enjoyable London exercise for youngsters of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

For extra concepts of issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, take a look at this submit

The ArcelotMittal Orbit slide above the Olympic Park in Stratford - perfect for an adrenaline-fuelled and very unusual thing to do in London with kids

Zoom down the worldโ€™s longest tunnel slide

Who doesnโ€™t love slide? However whereas there are some nice playgrounds in London, not one of the slides fairly examine to the adrenaline thrills of the Helix on the Zipworld London (previously the Arcelor Mittal Orbit) within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at Stratford.

It’s important to be at the very least eight years outdated and over 1.3m tall to trip the longest tunnel slide on this planet, which is a formidable 178m lengthy with 12 twists and turns, ending in a corkscrew part.

Alongside the best way, not solely are you sliding by means of the UKโ€™s tallest sculpture, you may get glimpses of the Park and Londonโ€™s skylines as you zoom by means of the clear sections โ€“ in between plunging into darkness, so that youโ€™re by no means fairly positive which approach youโ€™ll go subsequent.

Kayak on the canals

Londonโ€™s river is legendary however itโ€™s simple to neglect townโ€™s canals โ€“ in complete, there are over 100 miles of waterways in London, which suggests itโ€™s additionally excellent to attempt your hand at Stand Up Paddleboarding or a spot of canoeing or kayaking.

Moo Canoes has a base at Hackney Wick in case youโ€™re trying to take out a canoe (good for households who all need to be in the identical boat) or Limehouse for kayaks (nice in case youโ€™re a solo guardian, or desire to separate children and adults between the boats).

Or you’ll be able to attempt paddleboarding with intro choices at Poplar, out in east London from the identical firm, in addition to in west London at quiet Brentford with Active360

For extra of the very best boat journeys in London with children, take a look at my prime picks

View of some of the red and blue barges on the Regent's Canal on a sunny day - hiring your own boat from Go Boat is one of the many unusual things to do in London with kids

Create your personal boat tour

Head out on the river on a self-drive journey, on the helm of one of many electrical boats from GoBoat, to see one other facet of London from the water.

Thereโ€™s a selection of 4 London places, together with Paddington, Canary Wharf and Kingston-upon-Thames, and when you are restricted by the foundations of the waterways and the size of time you guide the boat for, in any other case you get to discover at your personal tempo.

The unique Paddington location takes you previous fairly Little Venice with its houseboats, by means of the lengthy Maida Hill tunnel and previous the monkeys on the canalside at London Zoo.

Take a look at our evaluate of a household day trip in London with Go Boat

Go mudlarking

Londoners have been scouring the shores of the Thames for its treasures for hundreds of years and whereas mudlarking (because itโ€™s recognized) has extra restrictions as of late, itโ€™s nonetheless simply as enjoyable.

Something from Roman jars to Tudor jewelry have been unearthed from the riverโ€™s banks over time, and there are particular mudlarking excursions to assist households become involved too.

The Thames Explorer Belief runs family-friendly classes all alongside the river, together with at Greenwich and close to Wapping, for age 8+.

One phrase of warning: you’ll be able toโ€™t simply climb down with a spade and begin digging โ€“ fairly other than the security side, there are specific zones the place itโ€™s not allowed, and also youโ€™ll want a license earlier than you head out alone.

My daughter walks through Chelsea Physic Garden with one of the family activity trails - one of the more unusual places in London to get outdoors with kids

Chelsea Physic Backyard

The fascinating mixture of crops on the Chelsea Physic Backyard make it a beautiful place to whereas away an hour or so with children โ€“ and whereas itโ€™s a lot smaller than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, itโ€™s additionally strolling distance from Sloane Sq. tube so simpler to go to.

There are sometimes kidsโ€™s trails and particular workshops, in addition to the glasshouses to discover, all a stoneโ€™s throw from the river.

Stroll-up tickets can be found, or you’ll be able to prebook tickets, together with for household exercise days.

The Kyoto Backyard at Holland Park

Look out for peacocks in Holland Park, usually to be discovered strutting magnificently across the Kyoto Backyard, also referred to as the Japanese Backyard.

The backyard itself was a present from the Japanese metropolis, and with its waterfalls and swimming pools reflecting the cherry blossom in Spring and the flaming Japanese maple bushes in autumn, itโ€™s a gorgeous spot to walk. Preserve a watch out for the koi carp within the pond as nicely.

In case your children are in search of one thing extra thrilling than zen tranquility, the park additionally has its personal journey playground, geared toward kids aged 5 to 14, with a zipper wire, climbing frames and wall, and numerous different enjoyable choices, together with a sandpit space for youthful children.

For tips about extra of the very best playgrounds in London, take a look at this submit

Ducks on the sandy beach of the Ruislip Lido Lake - heading to the reservoir is one of the most unusual things to do in London with kids

Hit the seaside in London

There are a number of completely different locations the place you’ll be able to swim open air in London โ€“ most famously the ponds on Hampstead Heath, or swimming pools together with Parliament Hill Lido. However if you wish to sit back on the sand with out leaving town, it’s essential head west.

Ruislip Lido has its personal seaside on the sting of the reservoir, in addition to a splash pad water play space for youths โ€“ swimming isnโ€™t allowed within the lake itself because itโ€™s not secure, though you could spot folks paddling.

There are additionally woodland walks, playgrounds and Britainโ€™s longest 12 inch gauge miniatureโ€‹ railway, which winds across the water and thru the woods.

On a sizzling summer seasonโ€™s day, you’ll be able to count on crowds to flock there โ€“ whereas itโ€™s positively an uncommon day trip in London with children, itโ€™s not a secret โ€“ however in case you can time your go to for a sunny weekday or a heat afternoon out of season, itโ€™s a beautiful spot.

Strive Europeโ€™s largest journey golf course

North London is dwelling to Europeโ€™s largest journey golf course โ€“ย Misplaced Jungle London, with its two loopy golf programs themed across the Amazon and Congo.

With 18 holes every โ€“ you’ll be able to select to play one or the opposite, or tackle each collectively โ€“ there are slowly shifting large snakes, wobbly bridges and waterfalls, to not point out an enormous gorilla set within the centre, quirky information, a faintly spooky Aztec temple, occasional water hazards and the occasional cranium.

One in all my daughterโ€™s personal favorite days out, the closest tube station is Stanmore, on the finish of the Jubilee line.

Take a look at my evaluate of Misplaced Jungle London with children

My daughter playing one of the mini golf holes surrounded by giant bones at Lost Jungle London - visiting Lost Jungle adventure golf, Europe's biggest adventure golf course

Discover Godโ€™s Personal Junkyard

Head to Walthamstow in East London, and you may have a neon-coloured nosy round Godโ€™s Personal Junkyard at weekends (and on Fridays).

A number of the piles of neon indicators are former movie props, however youโ€™ll discover every kind of brightly fantastic creations on show โ€“ and heaped up towards the partitions โ€“ from retro indicators to non secular statues and disco paraphernalia.

Greatest for teenagers and older children (you could need to distract youthful children from studying a number of of the psychedelic delights on show), itโ€™s additionally free to discover.

See a working windmill

Who knew that London nonetheless had a working windmill? However the 200-year-old Brixton windmill has each its authentic wind-powered equipment and steam-powered millstones from 1902 โ€“ though as of late they run on electrical energy.

You may take 30-minute excursions of the windmill โ€“ prebooking is important, and since there are restricted numbers allowed inside, they have an inclination to get booked up rapidly. With steep ladders, children can solely go above the primary ground if they’re over 1.2m tall and in a position to climb the steps unaided.

In addition to selecting up some Brixton Windmill flour, thereโ€™s additionally a playground on the Windmill Gardens park, with occasions normally happening all year long.

The windmill is round a mile from Brixton underground station, on the Victoria line.

Brixton windmill with its dark tower and white sails against the blue sky - a visit is a great unusual day out in London with kids

Be amazed on the Magic Circle

Inquisitive children will soar on the alternative to step contained in the headquarters of the Magic Circle โ€“ the worldโ€™s most well-known magic society.

Take a look at the Sunday afternoon Youngsters Present Reside occasion for youths aged 5+, the place households can watch real-life magicians and see up-close magic on the Magic Circle in Londonโ€™s Euston.

It additionally hosts common close-up magic reveals of a night that are extra appropriate for older children and youths โ€“ the really useful minimal age is 10+.

Attend the annual Covent Backyard Puppet Pageantย 

Do you know that the very first recorded Punch and Judy present passed off in Covent Backyard in 1662?

Now, over 350 years later, The Covent Backyard Could Fayre & Puppet Pageant takes place every year on the second Sunday of Could to commemorate the event โ€“ it’d solely happen on at some point per yr, however as probably the most distinctive and weird issues to do in London with children, itโ€™s price popping in your diary.

The weird competition sees Punch & Judy โ€˜Professorsโ€™ and puppeteers from all the world over come collectively in Covent Backyard to carry out and have fun the artwork kind, which has been an enormous hit with children for generations.ย 

The occasion features a brass band procession, reveals and workshops, and is totally free to attend.

For extra concepts of household days out in London, take a look at my choose of the very best issues to do in London with children, together with the very best free issues to do in London with children in addition to issues to do in London within the rain with children

*final up to date 2025*

PIN FOR LATER: UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS

The most unusual things to do in London with kids - from quirky family days out to fun experiences, here's my pick of the best things to do with kids in London if you're bored of the usual tourist attractions

Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks โ€“ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Photographs: Golden Hinde/Crystal Palace dinosaurs/Banqueting Home/Brunel Museum/Outdated working theatre/St Dunstan/ArcelorMittal/Ruislip Lido/Brixton windmill courtesy of Depositphotos; Crossness pumping station: Paul Martin/Picfair; London zoo/Harry Potter/Little Venice/Puppet Barge/Chelsea Physic Backyard/Misplaced Jungle copyright MummyTravels

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