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37 unusual things to do in London with kids

37 unusual things to do in London with kids

In case you go to London repeatedly, it’s simple to really feel such as you’re returning to the identical main household sights time and again – however look a bit of additional, and it’s not onerous to find some much more uncommon issues to do in London with children.

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Nice should you’re seeking to keep away from the crowds, or just fancy a change to combine up your days out in London with children, I’ve picked out 37 quirky issues to do with children in London – there are alternatives that are nice for youthful children should you’re visiting with toddlers, and some hidden gems to attraction 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 should you’re planning forward or making a wishlist of enjoyable issues to do in London with children.

For extra concepts of the perfect issues to do in London with children, try my high picks

Take a journey on the Mail Rail

In case you assume a visit to the Postal Museum doesn’t sound like one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in London with children, assume once more as this lesser-known London museum has an thrilling added secret.

Operating 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 means of the tunnels on a miniature prepare – referred to as the Mail Rail – in a novel interactive expertise appropriate for adults and children of all ages.

37 unusual things to do in London with kids

Sleep with the lions at London Zoo

Simply one of the vital uncommon issues to do in London with children 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 kids aged 5-15, whereas teenagers 14+ can keep on grownup solely nights too. Sadly, youngsters below 5 can’t keep in a single day.

For extra recommendations on visiting London Zoo with children, try this publish

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 drugs (bleeding and extra bleeding), be taught the realities of life at sea and combat off the Spanish on board the Golden Hinde – the duplicate of the ship which Sir Francis Drake sailed world wide.

Even higher than a go to on board the galleon, moored on the South Financial institution close to Southwark, is the prospect to sleep in a single day with the Golden Hinde evening voyage – the Household Evening Voyage consists of (practically) genuine vegetable stew for dinner and actors bringing tales of Elizabethan pirates and privateers to life.

It may not be probably the most snug evening’s sleep for adults, however it’s an unforgettable expertise. In case 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 one of the vital uncommon sights in London: the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs. 

The 30 life-size fashions have been put in again in 1854 and have been based mostly on the most recent scientific data on the time, which means some are a bit of completely different from the dinosaurs we’re used to imagining now. Nonetheless, they’re nonetheless positively price seeing and are certain to show an enormous hit with younger children.

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

Considered one of my high free issues to do in London with children, try my different high 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.

Primarily based on the Brothers Grimm’s well-known story of Hansel & Gretel, Camden Market’s Hans & Gretel is a magical fairy-tale impressed dessert cafe, totally lined from ground to ceiling in sweet canes, lollipops, cupcakes and vibrant sweets galore.

There are additionally big statues of Hansel and Gretel to greet you on the store’s entrance and a makeshift sweet home that youngsters can sit inside for pictures.

Not solely is the shop itself a enjoyable and quirky place to go to in London with youthful youngsters, however its many indulgent desserts are certain to be an enormous hit with children of all ages. You possibly can select from candy Hungarian funnel desserts, bubble waffles, freakshakes, ice-cream, decide’n’combine and extra. 

For extra issues to do in Camden with children, try my high picks

Or how a few donut tour of London with children – 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 children, try these concepts

And Covent Backyard is one other nice cease for some indulgence. Residence to Milk Prepare, the place your ice lotions can come swirled in candyfloss, the world additionally has among the finest locations for warm chocolate in London with children.

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 Conflict bomb web site, on the positioning of the Walbrook – one in every of London’s misplaced rivers.

Right now, the reconstructed Mithraeum has reopened in its unique underground web site beneath Bloomberg’s European Headquarters at 12 Walbrook, with info geared toward children in addition to extra particulars on the men-only Roman cult.

Excellent if in case you have children learning Roman Britain (or Roman London), it’s free to enter though it’s beneficial to prebook tickets.

For extra Roman websites in London, try 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 means of this corridor and out of a window practically 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 children, try my high picks

The Brunel Museum

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

While you go to The Brunel Museum, throughout the river from Wapping, you may be taught extra concerning 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 pretty out of doors house to discover – and at the moment an al fresco cocktail bar, utilizing substances foraged from the museum gardens, should you want one thing restorative after venturing under 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 yow will discover Britain’s oldest pure historical past museum in London too, with 67,000 completely 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 children eager to be taught extra about life on earth than extra squeamish preschoolers.

Newly reopened in 2024 after a 12 months’s refurbishment, it seems to be at human influence on biodiversity. There are additionally common occasions, together with household periods on chosen Saturday – beforehand children had the prospect 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 e-book so chances are you’ll 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, keep watch over the pop-up occasions going down in addition to experiences like Twist Museum of Illusions with children

The London Museum of Water and Steam

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

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

Much more excitingly for youths, it has among the large pumping engines required by the town. In actual fact, 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 certain to be an on the spot 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 Previous Working Theatre Museum

Not one for youthful children, 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 previous 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 fee is rather a lot higher than that of the sufferers, who underwent surgical procedure in a time earlier than anaesthetics and antiseptics.

You must climb a 52-step spiral staircase to succeed in 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 children, try this publish

Courageous the Clink Jail Museum

In case 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, because of its grotesque situations – something from plots towards the king to following the incorrect 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, only some parts stay on Bankside, most now contained in the museum.

You possibly can go to on a self-guided tour with audio to inform among the tales of the Clink’s lengthy historical past, as you cross by means of the themed rooms. Really helpful for ages 7+ however remember there are duplicate torture units amongst different gadgets 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 forged 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 may seem to be an odd factor to do in London with children, however it’s truly a captivating approach 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 children is Brompton Cemetery. Beatrix Potter used to stay in close by South Kensington and supposedly the names on among the tombstones impressed characters in her tales.

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

Discover the Charles Dickens Museum

Acquired a bookworm within the household – or hoping to deliver a couple of examination texts to life? Charles Dickens’ former residence 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 positioning the place he wrote a few of his early tales, together with Oliver Twist, the Charles Dickens Museum is furnished as it might have been in 1837, so you may all however think about the writer, quill in hand.

There are common household occasions to attraction to youthful children as effectively. Open Wednesday to Sunday, usually longer in class 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 – in actual fact you may lose your self totally on this planet of tales at Uncover: Youngsters’s Story Centre in London’s Stratford, geared toward children aged from 0 to 11.

This implausible multi-sensory play house is ideal for younger youngsters, full with two flooring of magical Story Worlds and a Story Backyard, that includes every little thing from a pirate ship to a spacecraft and loads of different enjoyable imaginary lands for youths to discover.

All year long the centre additionally invitations authors, illustrators and different artists to run thrilling occasions and interactive actions for youths, a part of its mission as a not-for-profit organisation which goals to help a love of language, literature and tales for youths 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

In case 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 every little thing 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 totally free.

For extra Harry Potter areas in London, try my high picks from the movies and books

Go to a park in a church

There’s been a church of St Dunstan on this web site 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 Conflict.

However whereas the bombing left the church in ruins, it additionally led to one of the vital 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, bushes develop and there are benches set in a circle to loosen up 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 going down).

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 supplying you with an excellent excuse to go for a stroll.

In case you deal with 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 finest to stroll in smaller chunks, particularly with youthful children.

There are half a dozen artworks on the North Greenwich peninsula alone, close to The O2. You can too hop on the tube should you’d prefer to see every one however your children don’t fancy doing the whole route on foot (otherwise you’re wanting time).

Image showing a graphic of London's iconic sights and the words 'click to read my quick start guide to London, all the essentials you need to know before a visit to London with kids' linking to my blog post guide to London with kids

Discover the Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum payments itself as the one museum in London the place you’re inspired to snigger out loud – whether or not you give in to giggles and guffaws or not, it is a implausible place to discover with children who love comics or cartoon artwork.

There are occasions encouraging children 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 web site is barely 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 periods for wannabe road artists however anybody can simply deliver their very own paint and get artistic.

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

Head down Chicheley Avenue and throughout York Highway to search out it, or you may see the Graffiti tunnel location on Google Maps. Preserve a watch out for any occasions going down on the Leake Avenue Arches, that are additionally residence to varied locations to eat, together with Draughts Board Sport 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 Large Fish Little Fish

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

Large 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 repeatedly at golf equipment and even museums throughout London too.

That includes stay 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 youngsters, and adults with out youngsters will not be permitted into the occasions. You 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 youngsters’s performances together with loads of choices appropriate for older preschoolers, in addition to some open to all ages.

In case you’re visiting between June and October, the barge does normally cruise off to a different location through the summer time months, generally to Richmond but in addition exterior London alongside the Thames, so do test earlier than you e-book.

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

Searching books has by no means been extra enjoyable than at this bookstore on a canal barge, moored close to Granary Sq., only a quick stroll from King’s Cross station.

You will discover children books among the many titles stacked on indoor and out of doors cabinets at Phrase on the Water, however there’s lots for all ages should 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.

Youngsters below 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 should you’re in search of a enjoyable London exercise for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

For extra concepts of issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, try this publish

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 superb slide? However whereas there are some nice playgrounds in London, not one of the slides fairly evaluate to the adrenaline thrills of the ArcelorMittal Orbit within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at Stratford.

You must be at the very least eight years previous and over 1.3m tall to journey the longest tunnel slide on this planet, which is a powerful 178m lengthy with 12 twists and turns, ending in a corkscrew part.

Alongside the best way, not solely are you sliding by means of the UK’s tallest sculpture, you will get glimpses of the Park and London’s skylines as you zoom by means of the clear sections – in between plunging into darkness, so that you’re by no means fairly certain which method you’ll go subsequent.

At the moment closed for important work, it’s as a result of reopen in summer time 2024

Kayak on the canals

London’s river is legendary however 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 should you’re seeking to take out a canoe (good for households who all wish to be in the identical boat) or Limehouse for kayaks (nice should you’re a solo dad or mum, or favor to separate children 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 children, try my high 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 facet 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 e-book 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 means 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 through the years, and there are particular mudlarking excursions to assist households become involved too.

The Thames Explorer Belief runs family-friendly periods 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 other than 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 vegetation on the Chelsea Physic Backyard make it a beautiful place to whereas away an hour or so with children – 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 youngsters’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 bushes in autumn, it’s a good looking spot to walk. Preserve a watch out for the koi carp within the pond as effectively.

In case your children are in search of one thing extra thrilling than zen tranquility, the park additionally has its personal journey playground, geared toward youngsters aged 5 to 14, with a zipper wire, climbing frames and wall, and varied different enjoyable choices, together with a sandpit space for youthful children.

For recommendations on extra of the perfect playgrounds in London, try this publish

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 seaside in London

There are a number of completely different locations the place you may swim outdoor 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, it’s good to head west.

Ruislip Lido has its personal seaside on the sting of the reservoir, in addition to a splash pad water play space for youths – swimming isn’t allowed within the lake itself because it’s not secure, though chances are you’ll spot folks 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 sizzling summer time’s day, you may anticipate crowds to flock there – whereas it’s positively an uncommon time out in London with children, it’s not a secret – however should you can time your go to for a sunny weekday or a heat afternoon out of season, it’s a beautiful spot.

Attempt Europe’s largest journey golf course

North London is residence 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 transferring big snakes, wobbly bridges and waterfalls, to not point out an enormous gorilla set within the centre, quirky information, 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 children

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’ll have a neon-coloured nosy round God’s Personal Junkyard at weekends (and on Fridays).

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

Finest for teenagers and older children (chances are you’ll wish to distract youthful children from studying a couple 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 possibly can 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, children can solely go above the primary ground if they’re over 1.2m tall and in a position to 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 normally going down 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 children will soar 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 Children Present Stay occasion for youths 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 children 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 befell 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 in the future per 12 months, however as one of the vital distinctive and strange issues to do in London with children, it’s price popping in your diary.

The weird competition sees Punch & Judy ‘Professors’ and puppeteers from all internationally come collectively in Covent Backyard to carry out and have a good time the artwork kind, which has been an enormous hit with children 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, try my decide of the perfect issues to do in London with children, together with the perfect free issues to do in London with children in addition to issues to do in London within the rain with children

*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

Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee

Pictures: Golden Hinde/Crystal Palace dinosaurs/Banqueting Home/Brunel Museum/Previous 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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