Awesome ‘edutational’ things to do with kids in London

While we all look forward to the school holidays as we get a break from our routine (kids from their studies and us mums from hurried mornings, rushed school-runs and packing lunches), the novelty wears off once boredom strikes. And while most kids would be happy to be on their electronics most of the time, the mum-guilt would kill us (and that’s not what holidays are about, right?!). So I’ve put together a list of fun, educational and generally awesome things you can do with your kids in London on the weekends or during the holidays.

Theatre

It’s never to early to expose your children to the magic of theatre! Of course, you need to select a musical or play or pantomime etc depending on their age and interests, but once the seed of theatre has been sown, there is so much to see and explore and enjoy! The best part is that children’s theatre in London is both entertaining and educational, so it’s a win-win situation!

An easy and convenient way to find the a theatre show is via @seatplan, where you can view all the shows that are currently on near you, and also book your perfect seats through their view from seat photos on their interactive seat plans. Follow them on Instagram to keep abreast of all the shows.

Discover London’s beautiful parks

The best part about London as a city is that amidst the hustle and bustle and buildings and offices, you can still find an oasis of green and natural beauty around every corner. London boasts some gorgeous parks, each one offering something different. Go boating in the pond at Hyde Park; see the unique and stunning Japanese Kyoto garden in Holland Park; visit the Greenwich Royal Observatory alongside Greenwich Park or just enjoy a family picnic amidst nature.

Museums and galleries

Besides parks, London is also brimming with museums and galleries, most having dedicated exhibitions for kids. While a select few shows and exhibits require tickets, most of the sections of the museums are free – making this a perfect ‘edutainment’ day out in the holidays (especially if the weather’s cold and wet). What better way to keep your children engaged and learning than with a visual treat in a world-class museum?

Some of the popular museums to visit are the Natural History Museum (which has a lot to offer for children of all ages), the London Transport Museum (especially if you’ve got a boy who loves cars, trains and the like), the National Maritime Museum, the Science Museum, the Horniman Museum and Gardens, and the British Museum (their Digital Discovery Centre offers free digital activities for children and families, using technology to discover the world’s history and cultures).

A dash of history

There is no dearth of fascinating history in London. Spice up your children’s half-term with a visit to the Tower of London or the Imperial War Museum – both brimming with history. Or you can explore the Cutty Sark and HMS Belfast. If you’re looking for a more entertaining way to teach them about London’s 1000 year-old history, then the London Dungeon is a great option as well – it involves an interactive recreation of the gruesome parts of the city’s history (think Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot; King Henry VIII beheading his wife, the London plague…).

London’s main attractions…

And after all that action and adventure, if you want a day of unlimited fun, there are plenty of options to choose from as well…

• Give your children a glimpse of the entire city from the sky through the London Eye
• Or show them the most popular sites on a Thames cruise
• The ZSL London Zoo makes for an amazing day out for kids, as does the London Aquarium.

And last but not the least, if the weather Gods decide to go against us, and we’re stuck at home, grab some ideas on how to keep your kids entertained from this post: Things to do indoors to keep your kids from saying ‘I’m bored’