London days out with the kids
Whisk the mini Mudders into London town for a taste of kid-friendly culture. No Vicodin required.
Robot Zoo, Horniman’s Museum, London SE23, until Sun 29 Oct
It doesn’t get much cooler than a robotic zoo. Let’s be fair it needs to be impressive to schlep deep into south east London. But it’ll be worth it to see a robotic rhino, a squid with 18-ft tentacles and a mahoosive house fly with a vacuum cleaner for a mouth at the Horniman’s Museum in Honor Oak. All the robot animals are made from everyday machines and gadgets. Through interactive games and challenges the creations will reveal how real anatomy works. How cool is that? Plus this museum with its quirky exhibits and large cafe and terrace is a big favourite with families at any time. Tickets: Adults £7; Kids, £4.
Urban Festival, Southbank, London SE1, Sat 1 – Mon 17 April
Breakdancing battles, dance residencies, workshops, lots of free family events, workshops and parties at the South Bank Centre’s Urban Festival showcasing the best in street culture from 1 – 17 April.
Ocean Invaders, Sea Life London Aquarium, London SE1
The London Aquarium never disappoints. The beautiful, bonkers and plain ugly get the full point and stare treatment. This month jellyfish joins the celebrity gold fish bowl with a new permanent exhibition dedicated to Ocean Invaders’. Discover the most dangerous species and create our own digital jellyfish. It’s cheaper to book in advance, £19.50 for adults, £14.50 under 16s and under 3s for FREE!
The Sherlock Holmes Experience, Madame Tussaud’s, London NW1
A departure for Madam Tussauds, this new Sherlock Holmes Experience (included in the normal ticket price) is live walk-through adventure. Journeying from 221B Baker Street to Dartmoor where a demon hound lurks, with plenty of stops along the way. You must help Dr. Watson find the missing Sherlock Holmes to reach a dramatic ‘watery’ conclusion. The experience is totally interactive with textured theatrical sets laden with detail, hidden clues and special effects. Bring your own deerstalker.
Jurassic Kingdom, Osterley Park, London TW7, Sat 1 – Mon 17 April
Jurassic Kingdom: Where Dinosaurs Came to Life kicks off in London’s Osterley Park on 1 April, where more than 30 true-to-life dinosaur models and installations will be ready to roar, spit and snarl at those brave enough to get up close and personal. Tickets: adults £13.50; kids £11.50; family £46.
Moon Adventures, Kew Gardens, London TW9, Sat 1 – Mon 17 April
Explore the hidden depths of the Gardens on an interactive trail culminating at the magical Moomin Festival Camp in the wild woodland of the Natural Area. Take part in craft workshops while you sample the Moomins’ beloved pancakes and visit the Hemulens’ Herbarium to find out more about your favourite spring flowers and plant conservation. Included on the admission price: Adults £15.50; kids (4-16); £2.50; under 4s free.
Tall Ships Regatta, Greenwich, London SE10, Thur 13 – Sun 16 April
Over the Easter weekend, 13 – 16 April, more than 30 majestic sailing vessels will be in action along the Greenwich and Woolwich riverfronts at the Tall Ships Regatta, with some ships open for visitors to get on board to look around and talk to the crew. pla.co.uk
KidZania, Westfield, London W12
Those who’ve been rave about this place at Westfield. A friend from overseas bought her sons for a rammed fortnight in London during which they saw pretty much every museum and attraction and this was their favourite. It’s a child-size ‘city’ where the kids are in charge (scary, no?). It provides real life role play experience for 4-14 year olds, blending learning and reality with entertainment. They can try more than 60 role-play activities (actor, doctor, police officer etc) with each experience crafted to teach kids essential life skills like team work and independence. Younger kids can hang out in the dedicated Early Years area. And you can, you know, go shopping.
Science Museum, London SW7
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