Family Friendly Options
Out with the Family
Give a child the excitment of visiting a new city and being on holiday and you'll generally make them happy for days! But, if they're getting bored, or the weather is iffy, and you need to entertain them then here are a few suggestions that might save the day:
In Covent Garden you will find Vertical Chill Ice...you can walk to it from Covent Garden tube station and it will take about 2 minutes. It's a fun way to spend an hour or so, especially if you have teenagers in your group. Minimum aged 14.
Just by the London Eye on the South Bank is Shrek's Adventure with live and immersive fairytale shows that include rides, animation and serious adventure! https://www.shreksadventure.com/
A unique walk and ride attraction for the whole family. The little ones will love it. You can walk to it from Waterloo tube station or the Embankment or Charing Cross
Sealife is always a great suggestion for a day out and it is located just next to Shrek's Adventure. It is home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life. Situated just by the London Eye on the South Bank, this experience takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey along the Great Oceanic Conveyor. The mysterious experience starts in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the journey, a stunning glass tunnel walkway offers guests an unforgettable experience by strolling underneath a tropical ocean. There is plenty of interaction along the way, from feeding the rays and watching diving displays to touch pools and discovery zones.
Other stars of the show include green turtles, seahorses, octopus, zebra sharks and the ever popular clown fish.The true highlight however, commences as guests complete their journey in the deeper darker zone of the Pacific Ocean: take a walk on the wild side and watch 16 sharks swim beneath your feet from a floating glass platform and more in the new Shark Reef Encounter! No food is allowed (though there are bars and restaurants nearby)
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is always popular with all ages. The studios are located 20 miles north west of London and can be reached by train from Euston station in 20 minutes. The Harry Potter film series made Leavesden its home for more than ten years. As the books were still being released while the films were being made, the production crew saved many of the iconic sets, props and costumes that were created especially for the films - just in case they were ever needed later on in the series.
Once filming wrapped on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 in 2010, the production crew were left with a treasure trove of thousands of intricate and beautifully-made artefacts, many of which wouldn't have been saved on a typical production.
The team behind Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter wanted to preserve and showcase these iconic props, costumes and sets so that Harry Potter fans could experience the magic of filmmaking first-hand. Many of the original cast and crew returned to reassemble the sets and record their memories from filming, and on 31st March 2012, the Studio Tour opened its doors.
For the little ones there are quite a few children's play area's around London. There's one in Wimbledon Park just one tube stop from Wimbledon. Coram's Fields is a very good one near the British Museum (which is also great for the kids to see!) and Hyde Park is also great for the kids with a lido and paddling pools, row pedal boats and the first Solarshuttle and great cycle routes. Regents Park is also good with a children's boating lake with pedalos, new play areas, and London's largest rose garden. There are also outdoor activites and events, London Zoo and an outdoor theatre. Finally there's a popular one in Battersea Park Children's Zoo about 1km from Sloane Square tube station. The nearest park entry gate is Chelsea Gate on Queenstown Road just next to Chelsea Bridge. The zoo entrance is near the peace pagoda by the river.
We can provide accurate directions so just ask!
Mini Golf is always popular on any day...and you can find several good one not far from the properties. The nearest one is in New Malden, Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf 10 minutes by car.
Finally if it's absolutely torrential rain (I really really hope not!) then the cinema might be a good alternative to the TV. There are two in Wimbledon, both walking distance. Also take a look at our London sightseeing guide to give you tips on the ones that are great for families.
