Trekking through the busy city with kids in tow might feel a little overwhelming, but if you have a jam-packed schedule of fun activities to keep them entertained, it’ll feel like a breeze. From hopping on a vintage bike for a hipster tour of London’s iconic landmarks to stocking up on monster supplies, here’s our rundown of unique things to do with kids in London.
(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of London Transport Museum
Learn about London’s transport system at the London Transport Museum
Transport is a huge part of how London functions, so taking the kids along to the London Transport Museum is an excellent way for them to understand how it works. You’ll discover the link between transport and the growth of London dating back to the 1800s, learn all about its intriguing history, and touch upon what the future looks like. They host regular workshops and exhibitions, with many aimed directly at kids and families, like singing and story sessions. If you want to discover even more about London’s epic transport system, they also organise tours of disused parts of the network, which definitely ticks our box for unique things to do with kids in London.
London Transport Museum | Covent Garden | WA
Image Courtesy of Unicorn Theatre
Check out the UK’s leading theatre for young audiences, Unicorn Theatre
Unicorn Theatre is the leading theatre in the UK for young adults, committed to producing and presenting inspirational performances specifically for young audiences up to the age of thirteen. Their ethos is that young people of all ages should have access to experiencing inspiring and entertaining work, and they often go out of their way to seek out children who might not usually attend. Diversity is big for Unicorn Theatre, including in the audience and on stage. Their year-round artistic programme has shows for ages six months to thirteen years, working with artists from all backgrounds to create the content.
Unicorn Theatre | Southwark | WA
Image Courtesy of Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
Stock up on monster supplies at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
Next up on our list of unique things to do with kids in London gets you to channel your inner Mike Wazowski. Take the kids to stock up on all their monster supplies at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a unique shop that’s been operating since 1818 and has recently been voted ‘No. 1 Kids’ Shop in London’ by Time Out. The shelves are stocked with unique and intriguing products, like bottled London smog, quill pens and a human chocolate heart. The shop is staffed entirely by volunteers, and all profits go to the Ministry of Stories, a creative writing and mentoring charity for young people.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies | Hoxton
Image Courtesy of Bunker 51
Play junior paintball at Bunker 51
Bunker 51 in Greenwich is a Cold War-inspired underground nuclear bunker where you can get stuck into various activities, from paintball and laser tag to airlift and escape rooms. It houses two immersive indoor game zones, catering for all ages and group sizes, including kids. Their junior paintball lessons are designed specifically for kids between eight and twelve, where low-impact, pump-action paintball markers are used to shoot smaller rounds, ensuring the game is safer and more enjoyable for younger participants. They also cater for children’s parties; you can choose from three different adrenaline-fuelled activities before getting stuck into food, cake and party bags.
Bunker 51 | Greenwich | WA
Image Courtesy of Mauricio Molizane De Souza for Gosh! Comics
Browse the comics at Gosh! Comics
This comic shop in Soho has 34 years under its belt and is a must-visit for those interested in anything to do with comics. They stock a range of graphic novels, products and a section dedicated to kids, including graphic novels and picture books. While away the day browsing the shelves of colourful comics and stocking up on small press, prints and limited editions before strolling to Taiyakia in Chinatown for their fish-shaped ice cream treat.
Gosh! Comics | Soho
Image Courtesy of The Whitechapel Gallery
Channel your inner artist at The Whitechapel Gallery
Whitechapel Gallery, located only steps from Aldgate East Station, has a constantly-changing display of cutting-edge art by established and emerging artists. They also host sessions specifically for families with children under five and their siblings, which offer the chance to get stuck into contemporary art practices in a fun and engaging way. Upstairs you’ll also find a section with free resources available for playing, exploring and experimenting, all inspired by the exhibitions at the gallery. These have been designed by a team of education curators in collaboration with creative practitioners and artists and are an excellent way to familiarise yourself with different art forms.
The Whitechapel Gallery | Whitechapel | WA
Image Courtesy of our partners, TallyHo
Ride through the city and see London landmarks on a vintage bike tour
Last up on our list of unique things to do with kids in London involves hopping on two wheels. Many tours around London offer a closer look at London’s main landmarks, but this award-winning one does things a little differently, and you’ll even get to try your hand at street art along the way. Hop on a vintage-style bike and embark on a guided tour alongside a ‘hipster historian’, who’ll give you an intriguing introduction to London’s epic sights. The two-wheel adventure follows cobbled lanes and back streets, stopping by major spots like Buckingham Palace and lesser-known gems, where you’ll hear the stories behind each one.
The tour is suitable for kids aged 14 and above, but all under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Private tours can be arranged for younger kids so the pace can be slowed and the content adjusted accordingly. There’s also the option to add on a detachable seat for kids aged between nine months and five years, and attachable bikes are available for those aged 5+ on private tours, which you can book here.
Use code LOVEBIKES24 at checkout for 10% off.
Vintage Bike Tour | Westminster
Where will you be taking the kids? Don’t forget to tag us in your pics and videos, @loveandlondon, we love to see what you get up to!
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