Forty Hall & Myddelton House Gardens
Located short distances apart in Enfield, these two historic estates include expansive gardens for kids to explore, farm animals, fishing lakes, heritage exhibits, and charming tea rooms. They are ideal for cross-generational family outings - older garden lovers after a gentle afternoon stroll can be lapped by rock-climbing kids - but check opening times online before heading over, and combine both estates into a full day out.
Times change seasonally — always check before you set off.
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Word on the Water - Floating Bookshop
A 100-year-old Dutch barge on Regent's Canal turned into a moored floating bookshop, with children's books, cosy nooks and rooftop live music on sunny afternoons.
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Wicked
Got a drama-loving tween in the family? This Wizard of Oz prequel is a spectacular, belt-it-out musical extravaganza that will absolutely blow their socks off.
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Bubble Planet
We enjoyed a good two hours here - wander through a colourful world of bubbles, glowing rooms, giant inflatables and a lot of photo oppos, plus games to play and - of course - merch to buy. Bubble Planet is an upbeat indoor experience for families who like interactive spaces, silly surprises and a little theatrical spectacle. Teens might enjoy the selfie element. Under 2s are free!
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Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery (And Mini Makers for tots)
Inside the Pitzhanger, the historic countryside retreat of architect Sir John Soane which is set within Walpole Park in Ealing, the main musem has contemporary art exhibitions, free digital family trails, hands-on building block stations, and access to Walpole Park's playground. On Fridays, under 5s will love the Mini Makers dedicated early years sessions, led by experienced artist practitioners, there's messy play, circus play and music and rhyme sessions. Pack a spare change of clothes - the messy play sessions mean business, and make a day of it with Walpole Park and its expansive green lawns, walled garden, and playground area.
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The Ampersand Jurassic Afternoon Tea
Dino-obsessed kids will lose their minds over this delicious afternoon tea. Cakes emerge from a dry-ice 'volcano', and kids are given paintbrushes to 'excavate' chocolate fossils hidden in biscuit crumb soil. Brilliantly interactive and ridiculously fun - tasty, too.
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Biscuiteers
Biscuiteers is a fun rainy-day treat for children who like making things almost as much as eating them. It's not cheap, but ours loved the biscuit icing session, where provided equipment is such good quality that you can't fail but to make a lovely-looking biscuit! Adults can settle in with a hot drink and let everyone decorate edible works of art to take home. Book ahead, and leave a little room in the day for browsing the beautifully decorated shop afterwards.
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