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37 uncommon issues to do in London with youngsters


When you go to London usually, it’s simple to really feel such as you’re returning to the identical main household sights repeatedly – however look somewhat additional, and it’s not arduous to find some much more uncommon issues to do in London with youngsters.

Letters showing the Union Jack colours on a brick wall spelling out London - the most unusual things to do in London with kids

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Nice in case you’re trying to keep away from the crowds, or just fancy a change to combine up your days out in London with youngsters, I’ve picked out 37 quirky issues to do with youngsters in London – there are alternatives that are nice for youthful youngsters in case you’re visiting with toddlers, and some hidden gems to enchantment to teenagers.

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

For extra concepts of the greatest issues to do in London with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks

Take a journey on the Mail Rail

When you assume a visit to the Postal Museum doesn’t sound like probably the most enjoyable issues to do in London with youngsters, assume once more as this lesser-known London museum has an thrilling added secret.

Working beneath the museum are the unique tunnels and station platforms of London’s 100-year-old postal railway which as soon as delivered mail throughout the town. 

The railway stopped getting used for mail in 2003, however guests can now journey by way of the tunnels on a miniature practice – often called the Mail Rail – in a singular interactive expertise appropriate for adults and children of all ages.

My daughter walks towards Land of the Lions at London Zoo, with Indian inspired art-work and stone effect arched entrance - finding some of the most unusual things to do in London with kids

Sleep with the lions at London Zoo

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

The zoo’s 9 themed Lodges may be discovered contained in the Land of the Lions exhibit, inside roaring distance of the satisfaction of Asiatic lions. The distinctive in a single day expertise consists of 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 beneath 5 can’t keep in a single day.

For extra recommendations on visiting London Zoo with youngsters, 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 struggle off the Spanish on board the Golden Hinde – the reproduction of the ship which Sir Francis Drake sailed around the globe.

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 – the Household Night time Voyage consists of (almost) genuine vegetable stew for dinner and actors bringing tales of Elizabethan pirates and privateers to life.

It may not be essentially the most snug night time’s sleep for adults, nevertheless it’s an unforgettable expertise. When you don’t fancy that, there’s additionally Escape from the Golden Hinde, London’s most uncommon escape room.

Learn my evaluation of a sleepover on the Golden Hinde

Go to the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park

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

The 30 life-size fashions have been put in again in 1854 and have been primarily based on the newest scientific data on the time, which means some are somewhat totally different from the dinosaurs we’re used to imagining now. Nonetheless, they’re nonetheless undoubtedly price seeing and are positive to show a giant hit with younger youngsters.

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

Considered one of my prime free issues to do in London with youngsters, take a look at my different prime picks

Dinosaur sculptures in Crystal Palace park, London

Indulge your candy tooth

If a time out in London isn’t sufficient of a deal with, there are many locations to place the icing (or ice cream) on the cake.

Based mostly on the Brothers Grimm’s well-known story of Hansel & Gretel, Camden Market’s Hans & Gretel is a magical fairy-tale impressed dessert cafe, completely 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 store’s entrance and a makeshift sweet home that children can sit inside for pictures.

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 a giant hit with youngsters of all ages. You may select from candy Hungarian funnel truffles, bubble waffles, freakshakes, ice-cream, choose’n’combine and extra. 

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

Or how a couple of donut tour of London with youngsters – two hours exploring the world round Southwark and London Bridge, together with 4 stops for doughnuts on the best way.

There’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 youngsters, take a look at these concepts

And Covent Backyard is one other nice cease for some indulgence. Dwelling to Milk Prepare, the place your ice lotions can come swirled in candyfloss, the world additionally has a few of the greatest locations for scorching chocolate in London with youngsters.

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

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 Battle bomb website, on the location of the Walbrook – one among London’s misplaced rivers.

As we speak, the reconstructed Mithraeum has reopened in its unique underground website beneath Bloomberg’s European Headquarters at 12 Walbrook, with data geared toward youngsters in addition to extra particulars on the men-only Roman cult.

Good if in case you have youngsters finding out Roman Britain (or Roman London), it’s free to enter though it’s beneficial 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 – as soon as the royal coronary heart of London, Henry VIII moved his courtroom right here after a hearth 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. And whereas opening hours are restricted, you may nonetheless see inside.

Charles I commissioned the great ceilings painted by Rubens… later one of many final sights that he noticed, when he walked to his execution at a specifically construct scaffold exterior.

Look out for the bust of the King on the partitions, with its plaque studying: “His Majesty King Charles I handed by way 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.”

For extra of the perfect royal locations in London with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks

The Brunel Museum

Considered one of London’s least well-known museums, the location in Rotherhithe tells the story of the formidable challenge to attach the north and south banks of the Thames with a tunnel beneath the river.

Once you go to The Brunel Museum, throughout the river from Wapping, you may 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.

There’s additionally some beautiful out of doors area to discover – and at present an al fresco cocktail bar, utilizing components foraged from the museum gardens, in case you want one thing restorative after venturing beneath 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 London’s Pure Historical past Museum however you’ll find Britain’s oldest pure historical past museum in London too, with 67,000 totally different specimens on the Grant Museum of Zoology.

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

Newly reopened in 2024 after a yr’s refurbishment, it seems at human affect on biodiversity. There are additionally common occasions, together with household classes on chosen Saturday – beforehand youngsters had the possibility to really feel how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how heavy an elephant’s tusk, whereas there’s additionally an opportunity to make use of VR expertise to move you to a coral reef.

Entry is free – you may’t ebook so you might want to attend if it’s busy, though it’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 youngsters

The London Museum of Water and Steam

Whereas Kew’s greatest attraction – the Royal Botanical Gardens – wants no introduction, there’s one more reason for households to move to this a part of west London: the London Museum of Water and Steam.

Based mostly within the former Kew Bridge Waterworks buildings, the museum tells the story of London’s water provide from Roman pipes to the newest expertise – in addition to a digital journey into the sewers and a glance again by way of the centuries when the water in your postcode may have meant life or demise.

Much more excitingly for teenagers, it has a few of the big pumping engines required by the town. Actually, it’s the world’s largest assortment of stationary steam pumping engines – and there’s additionally a narrow-gauge steam locomotive and small backyard.

Plus there’s a splash zone within the Waterwheel courtyard that’s positive to be an prompt hit with toddlers and preschoolers (and anybody who likes enjoying 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 youngsters, 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 Thomas’s hospital, the garret was as soon as used to retailer herbs earlier than the theatre was added – now the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe.

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

You need to climb a 52-step spiral staircase to achieve it, and there are sometimes family-friendly actions and mock demonstrations – good if in case you have a budding surgeon within the household.

For extra recommendations on visiting London’s museums with youngsters, take a look at this submit

Courageous the Clink Jail Museum

When you’ve ever heard the phrase about being thrown ‘within the clink’ for somebody being put in jail, you may 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 instances, due to its grotesque circumstances – 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 parts stay on Bankside, most now contained in the museum.

You may go to on a self-guided tour with audio to inform a few of the tales of the Clink’s lengthy historical past, as you move by way of the themed rooms. Really useful for ages 7+ however remember there are reproduction torture units amongst different objects on show – not for the faint-hearted!

Crossness Pumping Station

When the Victorians constructed issues, they didn’t do it by halves – 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 Joseph Bazalgette (the person accountable for London’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 the town.

There are open days all year long, though tickets should be prebooked – and on some the restored Prince Consort engine can be ‘in steam’ and dealing away.

The closest Station is Abbey Wooden (trains run from London Bridge): it’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 seem to be an odd factor to do in London with youngsters, nevertheless it’s really an interesting solution to spend a day – particularly if it’s one of many Magnificent Seven, the ring of seven personal graveyards constructed within the nineteenth century and impressed by the Père Lachaise in Paris.

Probably the most fascinating cemeteries to go to in London with youngsters is Brompton Cemetery. Beatrix Potter used to dwell in close by South Kensington and supposedly the names on a few of the tombstones impressed characters in her tales.

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

Discover the Charles Dickens Museum

Bought a bookworm within the household – or hoping to deliver a number of examination texts to life? Charles Dickens’ 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 location 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 may all however think about the writer, quill in hand.

There are common household occasions to enchantment to youthful youngsters as effectively. Open Wednesday to Sunday, usually longer at school holidays – plus because it’s solely 5 minutes’ 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 – actually you may lose your self completely on this planet of tales at Uncover: Kids’s Story Centre in London’s Stratford, geared toward youngsters aged from 0 to 11.

This improbable multi-sensory play area is ideal for younger kids, full with two flooring of magical Story Worlds and a Story Backyard, that includes all the things from a pirate ship to a spacecraft and loads of different enjoyable imaginary lands for teenagers to discover.

All year long the centre additionally invitations authors, illustrators and different artists to run thrilling occasions and interactive actions for teenagers, a part of its mission as a not-for-profit organisation which goals to assist a love of language, literature and tales for teenagers 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 you’ve watched a single Harry Potter movie, you’ll recognise the work of graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima – aka MinaLima.

The brains behind all the things from the Marauder’s Map to packets of Bertie Bott’s Each Flavour Beans, you may go searching their London gallery and store on Wardour Avenue in Soho at no cost.

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

Go to a park in a church

There’s been a church of St Dunstan on this website 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 Battle.

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

Reworked to a public backyard, you may 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, timber develop and there are benches set in a circle to chill out amid this busy part of the town between the Monument and the Tower of London. Enter from Idol Lane or St Dunstan’s Hill, from 8am to 7pm/nightfall (except there’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

London’s first public artwork stroll, The Line is an effective way to take pleasure in artwork, heritage and nature – in addition to providing you with an excellent excuse to go for a stroll.

When you sort out it in a single go, permit round 2 ½ hours – the route runs between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, alongside a few of east London’s waterways and following the road of the Greenwich Meridian – though it’s greatest to stroll in smaller chunks, particularly with youthful youngsters.

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 you’d wish to see every one however your youngsters don’t fancy doing all the route on foot (otherwise you’re in need of time).

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Discover the Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum payments itself as the one museum in London the place you’re inspired to giggle out loud – whether or not you give in to giggles and guffaws or not, this can be a improbable place to discover with youngsters who love comics or cartoon artwork.

There are occasions encouraging youngsters to get drawing and animating, in addition to particular exhibitions – together with one on Wallace & Gromit – however the primary assortment consists of over 6,000 unique 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 website is simply a brief stroll from Oxford Avenue.

Go to the Graffiti tunnel

This 300m Leake Avenue tunnel beneath Waterloo station is London’s longest authorized graffiti wall – the pictures change continuously however you’re assured to find one thing eye-catching right here, plus you’re welcome so as to add your personal art work too.

Popularised after Banksy’s 2008 Cans Competition, there are generally classes for wannabe road artists however anybody can simply deliver their very own paint and get artistic.

And even if it’s solely round a five-minute stroll from the London Eye, it’s usually missed by the hordes of individuals visiting the South Financial institution.

Head down Chicheley Avenue and throughout York Street to seek out it, or you may 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 Huge Fish Little Fish

Clubbing along with your youngsters? I wager that’s one thing you didn’t anticipate to be doing.

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

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

BFLF’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 UK’s solely floating puppet theatre, the Puppet Barge has been delighting audiences with puppet exhibits for over 40 years.

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

When you’re visiting between June and October, the barge does often cruise off to a different location through the summer time months, generally to Richmond but additionally exterior London alongside the Thames, so do verify earlier than you ebook.

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

Shopping 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 King’s Cross station.

Yow will discover youngsters books among the many titles stacked on indoor and out of doors cabinets at Phrase on the Water, however there’s loads for all ages in case you’re visiting with tweens and youths.

Bounce round at FlipOut London

FlipOut London (E6) is London’s greatest indoor trampoline and journey park, positioned in East Ham.

Unfold over two flooring, the massive park is an energetic child’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 beneath 5 can benefit from the devoted toddler space, whereas everybody else (together with adults) can take advantage of the remainder of the adrenaline-fuelled actions, so it’s good in case you’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 world’s longest tunnel slide

Who doesn’t love a great slide? However whereas there are some nice playgrounds in London, not one of the slides fairly examine to the adrenaline thrills of the ArcelorMittal Orbit within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at Stratford.

You need to be not less than eight years outdated and over 1.3m tall to journey 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 way of the UK’s tallest sculpture, you may get glimpses of the Park and London’s skylines as you zoom by way of the clear sections – in between plunging into darkness, so that you’re by no means fairly positive which approach you’ll go subsequent.

At present closed for important work, it’s as a consequence of reopen in summer time 2024

Kayak on the canals

London’s river is legendary nevertheless it’s simple to neglect the town’s canals – in whole, there are over 100 miles of waterways in London, which implies it’s additionally good 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 you’re trying to take out a canoe (good for households who all wish to be in the identical boat) or Limehouse for kayaks (nice in case you’re a solo dad or mum, or favor to separate youngsters and adults between the boats).

Or you may 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 perfect boat journeys in London with youngsters, 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 aspect of London from the water.

There’s a selection of 4 London areas, together with Paddington, Canary Wharf and Kingston-upon-Thames, and while you’re restricted by the foundations of the waterways and the size of time you ebook 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 way of the lengthy Maida Hill tunnel and previous the monkeys on the canalside at London Zoo.

Take a look at our evaluation of a household time out 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 it’s recognized) has extra restrictions lately, it’s nonetheless simply as enjoyable.

Something from Roman jars to Tudor jewelry have been unearthed from the river’s banks over time, and there are particular mudlarking excursions to assist households get entangled 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 may’t simply climb down with a spade and begin digging – fairly aside from the protection side, there are specific zones the place it’s not allowed, and also you’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 stunning place to whereas away an hour or so with youngsters – and whereas it’s a lot smaller than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, it’s additionally strolling distance from Sloane Sq. tube so simpler to go to.

There are sometimes kids’s trails and particular workshops, in addition to the glasshouses to discover, all a stone’s throw from the river.

Stroll-up tickets can be found, or you may 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 called 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 timber in autumn, it’s a stupendous spot to walk. Preserve a watch out for the koi carp within the pond as effectively.

In case your youngsters 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 youngsters.

For recommendations on extra of the greatest 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 seashore in London

There are a number of totally different locations the place you may swim outside in London – 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 the town, you might want to head west.

Ruislip Lido has its personal seashore on the sting of the reservoir, in addition to a splash pad water play space for teenagers – swimming isn’t allowed within the lake itself because it’s not secure, though you might spot individuals paddling.

There are additionally woodland walks, playgrounds and Britain’s longest 12 inch gauge miniature​ railway, which winds across the water and thru the woods.

On a scorching summer time’s day, you may anticipate crowds to flock there – whereas it’s undoubtedly an uncommon time out in London with youngsters, it’s not a secret – however in case you can time your go to for a sunny weekday or a heat afternoon out of season, it’s a stunning spot.

Strive Europe’s largest journey golf course

North London is dwelling to Europe’s largest journey golf course – Misplaced Jungle London, with its two loopy golf programs themed across the Amazon and Congo.

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

Considered one of my daughter’s personal favorite days out, the closest tube station is Stanmore, on the finish of the Jubilee line.

Take a look at my evaluation of Misplaced Jungle London with youngsters

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 God’s Personal Junkyard

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

A few of the piles of neon indicators are former movie props, however you’ll discover all types of brightly great creations on show – and heaped up towards the partitions – from retro indicators to non secular statues and disco paraphernalia.

Greatest for teenagers and older youngsters (you might wish to distract youthful youngsters from studying a number of of the psychedelic delights on show), it’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 unique wind-powered equipment and steam-powered millstones from 1902 – though lately they run on electrical energy.

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

In addition to selecting up some Brixton Windmill flour, there’s additionally a playground on the Windmill Gardens park, with occasions often 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 youngsters will bounce on the alternative to step contained in the headquarters of the Magic Circle – the world’s most well-known magic society.

Take a look at the Sunday afternoon Youngsters Present Dwell occasion for teenagers aged 5+, the place households can watch real-life magicians and see up-close magic on the Magic Circle in London’s Euston.

It additionally hosts common close-up magic exhibits of a night that are extra appropriate for older youngsters and youths – the beneficial minimal age is 10+.

Attend the annual Covent Backyard Puppet Competition 

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

Now, over 350 years later, The Covent Backyard Could Fayre & Puppet Competition takes place every year on the second Sunday of Could to commemorate the event – it would solely happen on someday per yr, however as probably the most distinctive and weird issues to do in London with youngsters, it’s price popping in your diary.

The weird pageant sees Punch & Judy ‘Professors’ and puppeteers from all internationally come collectively in Covent Backyard to carry out and rejoice the artwork kind, which has been a giant hit with youngsters for generations. 

The occasion features a brass band procession, exhibits 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 greatest issues to do in London with youngsters, together with the perfect free issues to do in London with youngsters in addition to issues to do in London within the rain with youngsters

*final up to date 2024*

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

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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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