Royal Institution Family Science
The Royal Institution in Mayfair is where the famous Christmas Lectures began, and it still runs family science days, holiday workshops and shows with explosions, liquid nitrogen and plenty of audience participation. Families can watch science happen in the historic lecture theatre where Michael Faraday once demonstrated electricity.
The free Faraday Museum downstairs shows his original lab and equipment, so even a quick visit can tie in with what kids learn at school.
- Family events and holiday workshops sell out — book early on the website
- The Faraday Museum is free and open on weekdays
- Recommended ages vary by event, so check each listing
- Green Park station is about a five-minute walk away
Times change seasonally — always check before you set off.
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The Langham Children's Afternoon Tea
Can this seriously five-star luxury hotel really welcome kids? Absolutely yes. When ours visited they were welcomed with a beaming smile, with the live pianist even doing the occasional segue into the Peppa Pig or Traitors theme tune, to make the kids smile. Expect jigsaw-cut sandwiches, popping candy delicate treats, and an adult menu that's equally spectacular. Eats are unlimited and everyone leaves with a going-home goodie bag. This is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury afternoon tea. Themes change seasonally, but have included Hamleys-themed teas with kids taking a very huggable bear home with them.
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Somerset House Courtyard & Fountains
Iconic neoclassical courtyard where 55 dancing water fountains shoot straight out of the cobblestones all summer. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
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The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
The TV show, for real. We loved battling the puzzles and challenges - they really are just like the show, with the countdown clock and fear of getting locked in bringing back nostalgic memories! The setting itself looks a bit run down in some areas, but that didn't stop us having a really fun evening, especially when the golf rains down inside the snowglobe and you try to snatch as much as possible. A Maze Master leads your team through Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Futuristic zones grabbing crystals, before that confetti storm of the Crystal Dome. Older kids and teens love it - be aware that you may be mixed in with other people if your group isn't large enough to run solo.
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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 British Library (Family Trails)
Book-loving kids will enjoy an hour here among the world's most famous manuscripts, from the Magna Carta to Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and Beatles lyrics, mostly in one ground-floor exhibition hall. There are free weekend family workshops too.
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Tate Modern
Housed in a dramatic former power station on the Thames, this is one of the world's biggest modern art museums - and free to get into for the permanent collection, with tickets only needed for the big temporary shows. Kids gravitate to the vast, cathedral-like Turbine Hall, which regularly hosts huge, playful art installations perfect for running around in. Pick up a free drawing kit or sound-based family trail from the family desk at weekends, or join the daily free guided tours if the little ones can sit still that long. UNIQLO Tate Play runs family-friendly art activities every weekend, and there's a Baby Care Room if you're travelling with very young children. Cross via the Millennium Bridge from St Paul's for the most dramatic approach.
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