The summer holidays are here (or nearly here for some) and London town has plenty to offer children of all ages for the coming weeks. Here are some of the activities and events topping our must-see lists…
Here Be Dragons – Kew Gardens
☑ Join ‘dragonologist’ Ting and her hunt for dragons, and discover how she researches, finds and records dragons and help her complete her mission to hunt down and identify all the dragons nesting in Kew Gardens. ‘Here Be Dragons’ began in 2017 with a competition to imagine a dragon run by Blue Peter. The five top runner-up designs have been transformed into dragon sculptures by artists, and a sixth dragon has been designed by a local community group. (https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/here-be-dragons)
RA Summer Exhibition Creative Workshops
☑ Visit the Royal Academy of Arts on 25 and 27 July and 1, 8, 15 and 17 August from 11am to 1pm to attend the creative workshop for children aged over 7. These workshops cost £15 per adult and £5 per child and involve exploring the galleries together before working on a collaborative piece of artwork. There are also storytelling workshops inspired by the works on 3 and 10 August from 11am to 12.30pm. (https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/events/tag/summer-exhibition-2018)
Ice Cream Sundae Building at Fortnum & Mason
☑ Head for The Parlour restaurant where children will be able to pick three flavours from the 22 available, including rose ripple, crème caramel, ‘chocolossus’ and new vegan flavours avocado & lime, and chocolate & cashew. They’ll then top their sundae with a range of sauces, toppings and sides. And then it’s time to demolish it! From £6.50. (https://www.fortnumandmason.com/restaurants/the-parlour)
Find the Fox at London’s Bankside
☑ After a weekend of choccy-scoffing, 6-11 year olds can learn about the history, geography and science of chocolate through a programme of activities, a garden tour, and even some tasting - if they have room for more! £15, book ahead. 10.30am-3pm (http://www.littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/fox-marks-the-spot/)
Serpentine Lido
☑ Knightsbridge nannies - of which there are many – have an outdoor pool on their very doorstep at the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. The gated family area with a (chlorinated) paddling pool, sandpit and swings is a safe and fun place to head for. (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/sports-and-leisure/serpentine-lido)
Where are you off to during the holidays? Please do share links to any inspiring and exciting places and events on our Facebook page – we’d love to know what you’re all planning to get up to!