Let’s face it, keeping the kids occupied over the school holidays is expensive. With so many things on offer in London, there’s lots to do but not everything is wallet friendly. And with six weeks, it’s hard to fill up your kids’ days out in a budget friendly manner. That’s why we’ve put together our top ten activities in London to take the kids during the school holidays without breaking the bank.
1. VISIT LONDON'S MUSEUMS
Take advantage of London's free museums! It's easy to spend an entire day in any of London's free museums and the kids are sure to love it. The kids will especially enjoy the Science Museum, the Imperial War Museum or the V&A Museum of Childhood. But don't just take our word for it, explore what's on offer and see what they think!
2. TIRE THE KIDS OUT WITH LASER TAG
Star Command: The Outpost in East London and Bunker 51 in South East London both offer discounts on laser tag throughout the school holidays. With turn up and play at both venues, Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm, you can get up to 50% off laser tag. Both venues offer high-energy activities that should tire the kids out!
3. DISCOVER LONDON'S CITY FARMS
You don't need to leave London to get a taste of the country life! Visit one of London's city farms, and trust us when we say there's more than you think. From Hounslow to Hackney, Vauxhall to Spitalfieds, Newham to Crystal Palace, each city farm around London has their own unique offerings for the kids.
4. PUTT THE DAY AWAY AT CRAZY GOLF
Plonk! has 8 venues in London including in the Horniman Museum and their latest experience in ZSL London Zoo. What's more, their prices won't stretch your budget! At their venue in the Horniman Museum for example, they have a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 kids for just £13.50.
5. BEAT THE CLOCK AT AN ESCAPE ROOM
Keep the kids' minds active over the school holiday with an escape room! A variety of escape experiences offer rooms for children. Trapped Escape Rooms has immersive escape rooms that can be suitable for Children. What's more, they're offering 20% off in August with the code 'TRAPPED2019'.
6. SOAK UP THE SUN IN ONE OF LONDON'S PARKS
Walking around London, you'd be forgiven for forgetting the amount of green spaces dotted around the concrete jungle. But London has a large choice of parks to enjoy! Our pick is Crystal Palace Park with Victorian dinosaur statues hidden around the greenery. Take the kids hunting during the summer holidays, just remember to take sunscreen with you!
7. LIVE A REAL-LIFE VIDEO GAME WITH PAINTBALL
Bunker 51 near North Greenwich has discounts on both paintball for ages 12 and up, and junior paintball for ages 8 to 12. Every weekday during school holidays, take advantage of the discounts. Based in a military-themed bunker, this is sure to go down well as the kids as they step into a real-life video game shoot 'em!
8. VISIT LONDON'S HISTORICAL SITES
London has no shortage of historical sites to visit, and you can go to lots of them for free! Queen's House in Greenwich is filled with history and is free entry for everyone. Of course, there are a lot of great paid options that don't come in too costly, too. We'd recommend Dr Johnson's House in the City of London if you're looking to inspire a young writer in the place where the Samuel Johnson wrote the first standardised English dictionary.
9. HIT THE LANES WITH HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Hollywood Bowl have great options for kids at their London venues! They have family tickets from £24 or kids play, eat and drink from £8 per kid. With venues across London and the UK, there's lots to choose from, making it a cheap and convenient day out.
10. CATCH A FILM AT AN OUTDOOR CINEMA
If you're trying to pack as much into the schedule as possible, Luna Cinema might be a great choice for you! With outdoor cinemas at historical sites, explore a great location before catching a film. At Hampton Court Palace, Luna Cinema is showing a variety of kids films and tickets start from £8 per person. Plus, children under 3 go free!