Unconventional London: A Family Guide to the City's Secret Spots.
As nannies, we’ve done our fair share of summer holidays with kids of varying ages in London. This means we’ve exhausted every tourist attraction and kid-friendly event over the years. We’ve compiled a list of more unusual events and places that will hopefully get you away from the crowds and give your kids a unique experience this summer.
Image: Ellie Kurttz, Little Angel Theatre
For Little Ones
Frameless Multi-Sensory Tots Classes
Description: Interactive and immersive art classes designed specifically for toddlers. The sessions provide a sensory-rich environment where little ones can explore and engage with digital art.
Location: Marble Arch, London
Highlights: Multi-sensory experiences and digital interactions designed for babies and toddlers by The Babysitting Club.
Cost: £20 for an adult + child. Join the mailing list to get notified when tickets become available for August.
Discover Children's Story Centre
Description: An interactive story world with sensory elements perfect for youngsters.
Location: Stratford, E15 4QZ
Highlights: Storytelling sessions, sensory play areas, and creative workshops. (Some of these may cost extra).
Cost: £10 for Adults and Children over 2, £5 for children aged 1 (under 1s go free!)
Description: A puppet theatre offering family-friendly shows and workshops.
Location: Islington, N1 2DN
Highlights: Puppet performances and craft sessions.
Cost: Adults are £14, Children aged 1-17 £12 (babies under 1 do not need a ticket unless specifically stated.)
Tuesday Tots at the Garden Museum
Description: A series of interactive, garden-themed activities tailored for young children, held at the Garden Museum. These sessions are designed to engage toddlers and preschoolers in exploring nature through fun and educational activities.
Location: Lambeth, SE1 7LB
Highlights: Garden-based learning experiences engaging with plants and nature for under 5s.
Cost: The cost is included in the museum entry price. Adults pay £15, children 7-18 pay £8.50, and children 6 and under enter free.
Image: Paula Corberan, William Morris Gallery.
For Young Kids
Mini Morris Flower Crowns at William Morris Gallery
Thursday 18 July 2024 (10:00am to 11:00am & 11:45am to 12:45pm.)
Description: A creative workshop where children can craft their own flower crowns, inspired by the botanical designs of William Morris. The activity encourages artistic expression and connects children with nature and design.
Location: Walthamstow, London
Highlights: Hands-on craft activity, inspiration from historical designs, and a take-home flower crown.
Cost: Free.
The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace
Description: An enchanting outdoor adventure space within Hampton Court Palace, inspired by the palace’s rich history. The Magic Garden offers a fantastical play experience with features like mythical beasts, towers, and a secret grotto.
Location: East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Highlights: Towers, battlements, and secret grottoes.
Cost: Included in palace entry ticket (Peak times: £30 for adults, £15 for kids, free for under 5s)
Festival of Fairytales at the Garden Museum
11 Aug 2024 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm). Book tickets here.
Description: A themed event at the Garden Museum that brings fairy tales to life through interactive storytelling, crafts, and garden explorations. This festival aims to spark children's imaginations and connect them with the magical elements of nature. Aimed at children aged 4-10 and their grown-ups.
Location: Lambeth, SE1 7LB
Highlights: Live storytelling sessions, craft activities, and fairytale-inspired garden tours.
Cost: Adults £12, Children (under 16) £5, and children under 4 enter free.
Image: Graham Lacdao, The Garden Museum
For Older Kids
Description: Tells the story of Britain’s postal heritage, including rides on the Mail Rail.
Location: Clerkenwell, WC1X 0DA
Highlights: Mail Rail ride, interactive galleries, and dressing-up opportunities.
Cost: £17.60 for Adults 25+, £12.20 for ages 16-24, £10 for ages 5-15, under 5s go free. Buy tickets here.
Wand Making at the Wizard Exploratorium
Description: A hands-on workshop where participants can craft unique, interactive magic wands. Set in a 5-story pink converted townhouse that is several hundred years old, this activity combines creativity with the magic of science, allowing guests to engage in an immersive magical experience. For ages 8+.
Location: Soho, W1D 5DE.
Highlights: Crafting a personalized interactive wand, using it to cast spells in an enchanted setting, ideal for Harry Potter fans and young wizards alike.
Cost: £44.99, which includes the workshop and the wand to take home. (One ticket will admit one ‘maker’ and one ‘assistant’). Buy tickets here.
Description: This cosy cafe offers a wide range of ceramic items and all the materials needed for visitors of all ages to enjoy painting their own pottery. While we feel this is best for older children to get the most out of, we have taken children as young as two to paint here, and they have had a great time! (Highchairs are available also.)
Location: Fulham, SW6 5UL
Highlights: You can choose from various pottery pieces, use the provided paints and tools, and have your items glazed and fired.
Cost: Prices depend on the pottery item selected, starting around £8 for smaller items, plus a studio fee of £7.95 per painter that covers the cost of materials and firing. Book a table here.
Description: A diverse collection of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments.
Location: Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Highlights: Aquarium, butterfly house, and interactive exhibits.
Cost: Free. Exhibitions are at an extra cost and can be booked here.
