Plenty for families along the Southbank
Heading to London this summer with little ones in tow? No need to feel daunted. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and events on offer through August and beyond.
And with a little know-how, you can enjoy a London weekend break without stress.
1. Science Museum and 3D Cinema
The Science Museum is a favourite stop for children and won’t let grown-ups down either. With interactive exhibits, child-friendly lectures and even an IMAX 3D cinema, this is a fun place to spend an educational day out. But there’s a lot tucked away that you should definitely hunt down too.
Don’t miss the Who Am I gallery (including the Swearing Challenge Cup), the Secret Life of the Home gallery (with technology that never got made), and the Iron Baby statue in the Wellcome Wing.
Get here from our Fulham hotel on the District line or the 430 bus.
Tube station: South Kensington
Top Tip: Feeling lost? Download ‘Stay‘ on your smartphone for an off-line map of the city with recommended attractions and restaurants marked.
2. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Enjoy some outdoor time near Kensington Palace. With a giant ship, a huge sand area, a sensory trail and teepees to explore, adventurous spirits will find plenty of fuel for their imagination in this playground. It’s free and allows children 12 and under, with different sized play frames and swings for older and younger kids.
Kensington Gardens in summer
Tube Station: Kensington High Street or Queensway
Top Tip: There’s a cafe at the entrance where parents can grab something cool to drink. And you may want to bring a small bucket for kids to make sandcastles with in the big sand pit.
3. Southbank
Book a room at our Travelodge Central Waterloo Hotel and stock up on an all-you-can-eat breakfast before making the short walk to the vibrant Southbank.
The area is largely step-free and easy to navigate with young children. There is plenty of spontaneous entertainment on offer for children, including interactive fountains, street performers and outdoor exhibitions from the Southbank Centre. While adults can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views across the river.
You’ll find the London Eye here too, for a bird’s-eye view of the capital, and animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the London Aquarium.
Tube Station: Embankment or Waterloo
Top Tip: The much-loved open-air book market runs through the weekend, and if you’re looking for kid-friendly places to eat try Giraffe or the Riverside Terrace Cafe inside the Southbank Centre itself (a favourite with local mums as there’s space for prams).
4. London Zoo
Visit lions, elephants, giraffes and penguins at the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Animal adventurers will love watching the daily shows. Visit the otters at feeding time and learn more about the crafty coatis, or head to the Giants and Dragons show to learn about the world’s largest living lizards.
Tube Station: Camden Town
Top Tip: Children under 5 travel for free on London transport. If you are using buggies and prams, the bus system offers a step free alternative to the Tube system.
5. Charlie and the Chesterfield Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a classic English tradition with afternoon tea at the Chesterfield in Mayfair. With a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme, this tea takes you straight to the world of pure imagination. Devour the Wonka bars, tuck into the Oompa Loompa cupcakes and sip on the fizzy lifting drinks. Make it the perfect evening with tickets to the all-singing, all-dancing live West End show, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and a room at our Travelodge Covent Garden.
Tube Station: Green Park
Top Tip: Get a deal on theatre tickets when you stay at a Travelodge with our partner discount at Love Theatre.
