Family Friendly Things to do in London
You could live in London your whole entire life and never get through the infinite places to eat, shop, see, and visit. No list could ever possibly include all of them – try narrowing it down to family activities, and the possibilities are still limitless. If you are spending a long weekend in London with your family, this diverse collection of restaurants, outdoor activities, and shops will give you a real taste of all that London has to offer.
Places to Eat
The Rainforest Café
Visit London and dive into the jungle at London’s wildest family dining experience. Head to the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus, where you will find The Rainforest Café, and marvel as you sit down to an adventurous meal in the exotic jungle-themed restaurant. The dining experience allows the whole family to enjoy delicious American and international cuisine whilst surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest. Special effects, realistic animals, and even periodic thunderstorms bring the jungle to life. This is an experience your little explorers will never forget!
Inamo
Don’t play with your food! But no one said anything about playing with the table… Welcome to one of the most fun and interactive restaurants in London. Inamo is an Asian restaurant that uses interactive technology to bring your table to life. Change your virtual tablecloth to suit your mood, watch the chefs in the kitchen putting your meal together on the “chef cam” and play the table games with the whole family; there is never a dull moment. Inamo offers dishes inspired by cultures across Asia, from Japan and Korea to China and Thailand, so there is sure to be something for everyone.
Hollywood Bowl at the O2
At the iconic O2 arena, say hello to Hollywood. The Hollywood Bowl offers a fantastic evening of games that will work up an appetite for the venue’s classic American diner, serving up freshly-made gourmet burgers, hot dogs, and shakes. Let the battle commence in one of the 12 pre-bookable state-of-the-art bowling lanes, including three VIP lanes for if you’re feeling extra Hollywood. After that, hit the arcade or discover the virtual reality gaming suite. There is also a great range of drinks on offer at the bar for kids and adults alike. The Hollywood Bowl is perfect for family celebrations in the city.
Outdoor Activities
Emirates Air Line Cable Car
Hop on the Emirates Air Line Cable Car and take in vast views of the capital from the comfort of your own private bubble. Let the line take you up and over the River Thames. You can enjoy views of London’s skyline, the Greenwich Peninsula, the Royal Docks and The O2 as you soar above the city. Flights are typically 10 minutes each way, but we recommend taking an extended evening flight after 7pm at no additional charge. This will allow you to catch the sunset over the River Thames and watch the city come alive after dark. Catch London from a unique perspective and book for the whole family.
📷: @marsmaris
Chelsea’s Clip n’ Climb
If you and your family find yourselves stuck on a rainy day, no need to worry as Chelsea’s Clip ‘n’ Climb has you sorted. This all-weather space offers safe, action-packed fun for adults and kids with 21 individual and multi-climber wall challenges of varying design and difficulty. So, whatever your climbing experience, you can get stuck in and reach the top. The venue is known for its three special attractions: the infamous Vertical Drop Slide, the Leap of Faith, and the Stairway to Heaven. Which one will you be tackling? Note that the venue will not be re-opening until April 1st, 2022 after a short closure this month.
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
If the sun is out and you are looking to get outside, take the family to Battersea Park. This beautiful green space on the bank of the Thames offers a great spot for the kids to run around, and you can sit out and enjoy a coffee by the lake. By the picturesque riverside walk, you will find the Battersea Park Children’s Zoo; here you will meet all walks of life, including monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, otters, and farmyard animals. Enjoy visiting the aviaries filled with colourful, exotic birds. This unique London experience combines a zoo, animal encounters, a play area, a café, and a gift shop, all in the middle of one of London’s most beautiful parks.
Places to Shop
Hamleys
Shortly after its opening, by 1837, Hamleys was already a famous London landmark, with families flocking to visit the “joy emporium”. Today, London’s most famous toyshop is a must-visit with the family. Exploring the seven shop floors is an adventure in itself, and on each level, you will find live demonstrations of the huge range of toys and games. The kids can meet their favourite superhero or cartoon character at regular in-store events, and you can book a personal shopping experience or an extra-special Hamleys VIP tour – you will receive an hour-long personal tour of the shop and a gift bag for each child. Prepare to be spoilt for choice in the toy shop of every child’s dreams.
M&M’s World
Satisfy your sweet tooth and discover M&M’s World, the world’s largest sweet-shop. Head to the buzz of Leicester Square to explore M&M’s treats and merchandise spread over four colourful floors. The kids are bound to be amazed by the world’s largest chocolate wall that boasts more than a hundred M&M’s selections to pick and mix. For a more personal touch, you can even print your face onto the sweets and take them home.
Forbidden Planet
Calling all fiction, fantasy, and cult entertainment fans! Take the family to visit the UK’s largest and best-known retailer and specialist chain selling cult sci-fi books, comics, and collectibles from Marvel to signed comics. There is also a broad range of action figures and toys to meet every interest. Take a look at what’s on in the shop as they often host signings and events with well-known authors, artists, and other figures from cult media.