London with kids
What to do in Kensington and Chelsea
Are you racking your brain about which sites to visit in London and have some fun? In this post, I’ll give you some ideas on how to plan an entertaining trip tailored for your next London adventure with your kids. In this post, I’ll cover the area where I live with my daughters and that which I know best: the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Because of its proximity to Chelsea, I am also including Battersea. Here are some of the best-known family-friendly attractions, which will keep you and your family entertained for days. Reading this post, you’ll gain ideas for both indoor and outdoor activities. As you might already know, London’s rainy weather occurs often. That is why it’s better to have some options in case you’d prefer to keep your kids dry!
What to do in Notting Hill with kids
Without a doubt, Notting Hill, with his colorful doors, is a favorite attraction for those who enjoy strolling around admiring the details. The Portobello Road street market, with its stalls lining the sidewalks, is open on Saturdays, making it the busiest day to visit. Teenage children will especially enjoy it. If you have a crafty child and want to visit the area, book a cookie icing class at Biscuiteers in advance. This is an excellent place for your little ones to get creative in the kitchen, decorating biscuits of all shapes and sizes. Just round the corner, there is The Notting Bookshop, a small, cozy place — ideal if you want to treat your kids to some food for thought. For younger explorers, a stop at the small, nearby Colville playground provides a nice play break.
Best things to do with kids in London Kensington
Kensington Gardens — Created as a royal playground, Kensington Gardens opened to the public more than one century ago, hosting some of the best kids’ attractions in town. Located next to Hyde Park, it includes amongst others the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, the Peter Pan statue, Kensington Palace, and the Serpentine Gallery.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground — Located next to Kensington Palace, this playground is built around the story of Peter Pan. A giant wooden pirate ship is at the center of the area surrounded by a sandy beach. Wigwams, statues, and a sensory trail help children’s imaginations. The park is free, but at busy times you might need to stand in line to get in. Only adults supervising children up to the age of 12 are admitted into the playground
Other activities to do in Kensington with kids
Kensington Palace — Twice per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this place offers active sessions for under 4s. In this one hour of multi-sensory storytelling, the staff will transport your little ones into a magical world through music, movements, and messy play. These sessions are suitable for babies divided into two groups, not yet walkers and walkers. Booking is essential, and you can only do so over the phone. During the last Sunday of the month and on half-term holidays, Kensington Palace offers a family trail for older kids. Children between 5 and 11 years old are provided with a special pack designed with activities to help them discover the history of this royal palace. An interactive tour and a digital mission are also offered by downloading the app.
What to do in Holland Park with kids
Design Museum — Opened to the public at the end of 2016 in its new location in Kensington, this museum offers superb arts and crafts workshops for kids between 5 and 11 years old. Held one Sunday per month, you can check out the Design Museum website to discover what’s on.
Holland Park Adventure Playground — Just round the corner, this playground has swings, a mini climbing wall, and an aerial runway. Next to it, there is a smaller area for younger kids. On the opposite side of the adventure playground is the Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden within the bigger area of Holland Park. Better known by Londoners than by tourists, Holland Park is famous for its vast sports area. Close to the park’s cafeteria, there is another smaller playground with a sandpit for toddlers.
Things to do in South Kensington with kids
The area of South Kensington is widely recognized as one of the best places in London where to hang with kids. The main reason resides in its varied offer of entertainment for younger (and older) curious minds. The Royal Albert Hall, with its ballet performances, live orchestra movies, and music lessons, is a gem in the plethora of South Kensington museums. Special events and festivals feature throughout the calendar year. Moreover, flocks of kids arrive at South Kensington to explore the National History Museum lured by the sight of its T-Rex. Furthermore, curious children can find very intriguing the Science Museum, while more artistic ones will enjoy the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The Royal Albert Hall with kids
This concert hall hosts a range of kid-friendly activities from storytelling and music lessons for babies and children under 4 to Jazz or Classical concerts for kids of all ages. Do not miss the highly anticipated Father Christmas at the Hall, a children’s arts and crafts session that includes a personal meeting with Father Christmas himself. It’s an engaging occasion for the whole family and a fun way to learn some history about the venue. Kids will love it but book in advance since the event sells out pretty quickly.
Good to know before you go — Many of the events are free, and there are parking spaces for strollers inside the venue. Given the popularity of the concerts and the other performances, booking through the official RAH website is essential, even for free events.
The Science Museum of London
Close to the Royal Albert Hall on Exhibition Road, this museum is loved by little Londoners from every borough. The Science Museum is one of the best places in the city for curious children. Suitable for kids of all ages, it has different areas with science-themed live shows daily, big-screen movies, and a brand new math area. Toddlers will love the so-called Garden, specially tailored for 3 to 6-year-olds. Located in the museum basement, close to the stroller parking area, the Garden has a water play area and treehouse. Older kids love to stroll around the museum discovering the ingenious humanmade works.
Good to know — Less crowded than the nearby National History Museum, I usually suggest visiting first thing in the morning and heading, later during the day, to the National History.
The Natural History Museum with kids
Known for its gigantic T-Rex and extensive dinosaur area, this museum is a real blessing for traveling families. The vast galleries contain history on everything from evolution to fossils and bacteria to volcanoes. Off the beaten track, there are less crowded attractions within the museum. Older kids love the Investigative Centre located on the lower ground floor. Kids can examine specimens underneath microscopes and experiment with scales and measuring equipment. In the red zone, the earthquake simulator is a must-see. You can easily spend an entire day at this vast museum.
The Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum
Open from late autumn until mid-January (check on the website), this is a favorite outdoor winter attraction among Londoners and tourists. Set under the impressive facade of the NHM and close to a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, the ice rink is also suitable for small first time skaters. They will enjoy strolling on the rink with the help of little penguin skate aids. Near to it, there is also a carousel and a hot chocolate stand.
Top tip — To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays and try to book the first-afternoon slot.
The Victoria and Albert Museum with kids
Off the beaten track but still design-focused, the V&A is great for children. Here they can do something that is not allowed in most museums. In detail, kids are permitted to touch the artworks (but not all of them)! The V&A offers excellent family activities with workshops, ballets, and performances. Moreover, the museum’s galleries display original Beatrix Potter illustrations. In summer, the fountain in the outdoor courtyard is a must for every kid who loves splashing in the water.
Good to know There is a V&A branch for kids, known as the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood located in Bethnal Green. It specializes in displaying objects for children.
What to do in Hyde Park with kids
Hyde Park Playground — Located on the South Carriage Drive, this playground has swings, a slide, and a climbing structure for the more adventurous tots. On Sunday mornings, it is possible to admire the parade of royal guards mounting their horses. The park is pretty packed on weekends.
Good to know — Heading south from here, you’ll reach Knightsbridge and its famous department store, Harrods. However, due to refurbishment, the famous Toys Kingdom doesn’t exist anymore.
The Lido Café Bar at the Serpentine Lido has a nice playground in its backyard. This is an ideal spot to rest or play while strolling around Hyde Park. I am not going to suggest that you splash in the cold and murky water of the lido. However, somebody does it.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London
Winter Wonderland is the name of the Christmas festival that takes place between mid-November and the first of January. The east part of Hyde Park, London is transformed into an open Christmas market, with a Santa’s grotto, rides, and food stalls. The ice-skating rink and the roller coaster rides are amongst the favorite attractions. To avoid the crowd, visit during weekday mornings or early in the morning during the weekend.
Where to play in Chelsea, London
National Army Museum — The Play Base inside the NAM is a great indoor space for kids aged 1 to 8. While this soft play area is quite small, the good news is that it’s never too crowded since you have to book in advance according to the time slot. Online booking is available. From the jukebox playing music inspired by the army to an interactive screen with a real marching soldier, the museum’s galleries offer a variety of activities to entertain kids.
St. Luke’s Playground — Located behind the namesake church where Charles Dickens celebrated his wedding, this playground is loved by locals. It offers the perfect haven for kids and families to rest or play before strolling along the nearby King’s Road.
What National Army Museum | Where Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT, UK| What St. Luke’s Playground | Where 31 Britten St, Chelsea, London SW3 3UD, UK
Chelsea with kids
Next to the National Army Museum is another hidden gem of London. The Chelsea Physics Garden is a botanical garden tucked in the red bricks buildings of the area facing the river Thames. The Chelsea Physics Garden, the oldest botanical garden in London, hosts workshops for children from 3 years old. From exploring the animals and bugs that live in the garden to photography classes, the Chelsea Physics Garden is a lovely place to spend time outdoors in nature. For a break, try the lovely Tangerine Dream Café.
London Chelsea in May with kids
RHS Chelsea Flower Show — The Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show is the world’s most prestigious gardening and flower showcase held over five days in May in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London. While younger kids might not find it of interest, older ones will love it.
Chelsea in Bloom — This seasonal event that marks the end of the spring is a real feast for the eyes. Organized at the same time as the Chelsea Flower Show, the alternative floral art show takes places in the area between Sloane Street and King’s Road. Creations by world-famous florists inspired each year by a different theme adorn shops and businesses in the area. During Chelsea in bloom Retailers, restaurants, and hotels are set one against one other to compete for awards based on floral designs. Kids love admiring these colorful displays and shopping with them will never be easier!
London Battersea with kids
Battersea Zoo Park — Located walking distance from Chelsea, it has the best zoo for young kids in town. Not only animals, everything from monkeys to pigs, but also a nice big playground with swings, slides, mini houses, sandpit and water play make this the perfect spot for a half-day of family fun.
Go Ape — This treetop rope trail is located on Carriage Drive South within the park. For children ten years and older, this path suspended in among the trees has obstacles to surpass, making the adventure even more challenging and exciting. A special trail for little monkeys taller than 3 ft and 4 inch (1 meter) is also available, as long as your child is comfortable with climbing ladders. Booking is essential.
