It’s official: school is out for summer! As exhausting as these weeks can be for parents, it is a valuable period where families across the UK can enjoy some quality time together. If you have space in your schedule, a trip to England’s capital promises to be a rewarding experience for children and adults alike. There are still cheap train tickets to London available this summer, so it is easy and affordable to access the city’s endless entertainment options and unique tourist treasures. Whether you go for a long weekend or a full-blown extended getaway, celebrate the sunshine and dry weather by filling your itinerary with the best child-friendly outdoor activities in London.
Discover the Magic of the Diana Memorial Playground
When visiting London with kids, a visit to the Diana Memorial Playground is an absolute must. Located in the picturesque Kensington Gardens, this enchanting playground is inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, making it a whimsical and imaginative place for children to explore.
The playground is designed to resemble a magical Neverland, featuring a life-sized wooden pirate ship as its centrepiece. Children can climb aboard the ship, slide down its slides, and let their imaginations run wild as they pretend to sail the seas with Peter Pan and his crew. The playground also boasts teepees, a beach-inspired play area with water features, and various climbing frames and swings, ensuring that kids of all ages will find something to delight in.
One of the most charming aspects of the Diana Memorial Playground is the sensory trail that winds through the play area, adorned with sculptures, musical instruments, and hidden surprises. This trail engages children in sensory play and encourages them to interact with nature.
What makes this playground even more special is its dedication to inclusivity. It caters to children of all abilities, with accessible play equipment and facilities to ensure that everyone can join in the fun.
As the kids play, parents can relax in the seating areas, enjoy a picnic on the nearby lawns, or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Kensington Gardens.
Explore Kew Gardens
From fauna to flora: more exotic nature can be discovered at Kew. These Royal Botanical Gardens can be explored on foot or by miniature train which smaller kids will love. Over 68,000 species of plant are housed on this sprawling estate which includes woodland, waterways, and an eye-catching Victorian Temperate House. From 22nd July to 28th August 2023, a production of Alice in Wonderland will be performed in these magical surroundings Wednesdays to Sundays, a thrilling show perfect for children of all ages.
Play and picnic in the parks
London might be a major city but that doesn’t mean it lacks green spaces. Head to Hyde Park for playtime: children will love scampering about the pirate ship near the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial or swimming in the Serpentine Lido. For a slower-paced experience, picnic on Hampstead Heath which is a popular kite-flying spot in the summer. To keep active children happy, head out to Richmond Park and spend a few hours cycling through this lush woodland. Look out for deer and birds as you whizz through the trees!
Workshop at The Globe
Another must-do child-friendly outdoor activity for families visiting London is a workshop at The Globe. This iconic theatre is a careful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s works were originally performed, and modern-day visitors can watch traditional performances of his best plays in an authentic setting. In addition to watching a performance, you can indulge in one of the summertime Family Workshops on offer at The Globe. These include engaging practical acting lessons, tailored to specific age groups, and exhilarating demonstrations such as sword fighting!