If you’re travelling to London with kids, this autumn then you’ll probably have already started thinking about how you’re going to keep them entertained. The good news is, autumn is one of the best times to spend in London with kids, especially if you’re staying in a London apartment with plenty of time to enjoy all the city has to offer!
Autumn in London means parks full of crisp leaves, deep puddles to jump in, and a welcome chill in the air. The oppressive heat of summer in the city has gone, leaving you with plenty of time and energy to explore. Looking for fun activities to entertain your family in London this autumn? Here are our five favorite seasonal things to do:
Explore a Museum
Unfortunately, the autumn weather in London can be unpredictable, but the good news is the capital offers plenty of indoor activities for rainy days. You don’t have to stay in your London apartment just because it’s wet outside! With some of the best museums in the world, almost all of which are designed to be interactive and enjoyable for children of all ages. Why not visit the Natural History Museum to enjoy the dinosaur exhibits, including a life size animatronic T Rex? Or take part in a host of fun experiments (and learn more about the world around you) in the National Science Museum? If you’d prefer to learn more about the history and art of the UK then the Victoria and Albert Museum offers a fascinating insight.
The good news is that all three of these museums are within walking distance of each other, and they all offer free entry meaning that you can enjoy a whistle stop tour of all of them in just one day.
Visit Kidzania
Kidzania is an indoor attraction for kids aged between 4-14, meaning that if you have a big brood they’ll be something to occupy everyone. Kidzania is an huge city in miniature run by kids, for kids. Your children can try their hand at being firefighters, flight crew, running a TV station or driving an ambulance. The world really is their oyster! It is a wonderful way for kids to learn about the world of work, promote their independence, and explore different aspects of the world they may never have considered before. Children can even open their own Kidzania bank accounts and earn wages for the work they do during their time in the city: they can then spend this cash on treats and activities (such as a turn on the life-sized climbing wall).
Each play session lasts four hours and, because the city is self-enclosed and entirely secure, children over the age of 8 can be left to play safely whilst you enjoy shopping in the nearby Westfield shopping centre. Meaning that parents can enjoy some playtime too: what’s not to like!
Go Ice Skating
You may think of ice skating as a winter activity, but the huge outdoor ice rink situated outside the Natural History Museum actually opens its doors at the end of October. Offering the best of winter whilst still enjoying the more temperature autumn weather, you can soar and glide across the ice whilst surrounded by thousands of glittering fairy lights.
Hotel Chocolat hosts a rink side stand where you can fuel up with warming hot chocolates, and there is also an ice side café where you can stop for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat. The atmosphere here is decidedly festive, making it the perfect way to start thinking about Christmas whilst you’re spending your autumn trip in London.
Enjoy Leaf Kicking
Although it is a bustling capital, thanks to it’s abundance of royal parks, London is a city with plenty of green spaces. That means that there’s nowhere better to enjoy kicking leaves, soaking up the autumnal atmosphere, and being in the great outdoors. And you’re surrounded by some of the world’s best cafes and restaurants, meaning that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it’s time to take a break.
If the sun is shining and your kids really want to run around and let off some steam, why not head to the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Playground. Considered to be the best outdoor playground in London you’ll find a life-sized pirate ship and an abundance of toys and play equipment. Perfect for children of all ages!
