With the school holidays just a few weeks away, it’s time to start planning some fun days out for children.
School is almost out for summer! All out of ideas on how to fill the long summer days? These activities – including immersive experiences, engaging theatre, fascinating exhibitions and fun farms – will keep little ones entertained. Located in London and its surrounding areas, here you’ll find plenty of inspiration for days out for children, come rain or shine.
The Formula 1 Exhibition
One of the most exciting attractions to arrive in the capital this year, The Formula 1 Exhibition at London’s ExCel is sure to be a magnet for youngsters. Whether you are a car fan or not, you can’t help but be entertained as you embark on an epic journey through F1’s past, present, and future, exploring everything from never-before-seen film, photographs and artefacts, to iconic cars driven by past and present F1 legends. Immersive video content and interactive activities let visitors replay the most iconic moments in racing history, and there’s also the chance (as an add-on to your ticket) to have a go behind the wheel of a racing simulator so you can experience the thrill of driving an F1 car, first-hand. Open to all ages, this tour takes around an hour and a half and is probably best enjoyed by older children, who will be able to read and understand the displays and fully appreciate what they are seeing.
The Young V&A
Photo: © David Parry/ V&A
It’s been nearly a year since the outstanding Young V&A museum in Bethnal Green opened its doors to inquisitive little visitors and, to celebrate, they’re hosting a special first birthday festival on Saturday 13th July. Enjoy performances from local creatives and join in with a range of hands-on activities across all galleries and creative studios – including workshops with fashion accessory designer Clara Chu, plus political cartoonist and puppet animator, Zoom Rockman. But don’t worry if you can’t make that date, there’s plenty going on all summer with a packed programme including arts and crafts workshops and Sound Explorer sessions for making music. Some are drop-in, and lots are free.
The Magic Garden At Hampton Court Palace
The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace is one of the best playgrounds to visit in London. So much more than swings and a slide, this outstanding space is bursting with cool ways to explore and have adventures. The entire space is a huge, interactive play garden and will keep kids entertained for hours as they hunt for mythical beasts, climb the battlements and discover the secret grotto. Each element is a nod to Tudor life with a touch of magic thrown in; expect to find Henry VIII’s encampment, a giant crown to play inside, and a huge dragon to marvel at. The picnic tables, sand pits and water features are ideal spaces to run around in on hot sunny days. If you want to make a day of it, visit the Royal Palace, once home to the famous King and his tricky maze.
Cbeebies Rainbow Adventure
Credit: Ludo Studio
Step inside the wonderful world of CBeebies Rainbow Adventure in this fantastic and immersive theatrical experience for children. During this 55- minute, fun-packed experience, little ones will enjoy live storytelling, puppetry, theatrical roleplay, music and problem solving as they are invited on a special adventure to restore the colours of the CBeebies Rainbow. Meet some of your favourite CBeebies’ characters along the way as you wander through interactive rooms dedicated to all the channel’s hit shows. Step inside Mr Tumble’s house and search for the missing colours; pop into Hey Duggee’s Clubhouse to bust out some dance moves at Duggee’s Disco; and play the Magic Xylophone in Bluey’s Bedroom. At the end kids can meet one of their favourite costume characters from the adventure, who will pose for a photo. Designed for children up to the age of six, it’s the perfect day out for tinies.
The Thirteen Storey Treehouse Live
Photo: Heidrun Lohr
Living in a tree house is the stuff of dreams for children, especially a 13-storey one that has a bowling alley, a secret underground laboratory, self-making beds and a marshmallow machine! The Thirteen Storey Treehouse Live is a captivating new play for young audiences and is arriving in London this July. Based on the best-selling book, this wonderful new adaptation follows the adventures of Andy and Terry, two friends who live in this super-cool home. Discover a world of crazy fun with the pair as they take to the stage for the first time at New Wimbledon theatre this summer. Exciting and engaging, make this the one play you see this year. Perfect for children aged six to 12 – and any adults who wish they could live in a house like this too!
Bocketts Farm
Escape the city and head off on an outing to Bocketts Farm. Just 45 minutes from central London, near Junction nine of the M25, this award-winning working farm is packed with animals to see, pet and learn about. Watch the pig race, cuddle one of the adorable rabbits or hop on a tractor ride for a taste of rural life. Kids can also feed many of the farm’s residents such as lambs, chickens and horses. Once you’ve had a good look at the animals, check out the excellent play area with trampolines, giant slides, a bouncy pillow, and two large indoor play barns – ideal if the rain makes an appearance. Bring a picnic or enjoy some lovely homemade grub at the Old Barn Tearoom. Kids of all ages will enjoy the farm, and it’s easy to push a buggy around the whole site. With plenty of parking, changing facilities and shady spots to relax in, it’s easy to see why Bocketts Farm is consistently voted one of the best family attractions in the South East.
Roller Nation
While we’d all love the sun to shine during every day of the summer holidays, rainy days can be fun too. Especially at Roller Nation. With dedicated family sessions, kids aged five to 14 can whizz around the rink with an adult, and there are also open sessions for all ages. You don’t need to have any experience (they offer lessons if you’re interested) and skates of all sizes are provided free of charge along with full sets of wrist, elbow and knee pads. As you skate around the rink (complete with glitter ball), the DJ keeps the well-known hits coming, and there’s a café for snacks once you’re done. This is a great spot to hang out with tweens and teens; under-fives are not allowed entry, and no prams or buggies are allowed in either.
Lead Image Credit: The Young V&A
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