A Day Out for Under 7s in London
Make Some Furry Friends in London
Have you ever watched otters play, stroked a pygmy goat, got up close and personal to a pot-bellied pig or had a chat with a mynah bird? Well you can at the Battersea Park Children's Zoo. You can touch, feel and talk to the animals at the zoo which is on the River Thames side of the park, next to the Fountain Lake.
The zoo is especially aimed at young children and has informed and friendly staff.
A Bite to Eat in Battersea
If the troops are ravenous, you can stop for a picnic in Battersea Park.
If you want to venture further afield, take a short journey up to Battersea Rise and leafy Clapham in Wandsworth. Known as Nappy Valley, this is one of London's most densely populated "yummy mummy" boroughs! Brilliantly equipped with baby-friendly adventure playgrounds and shops, this part of South West London is also unbeatable for family-friendly eateries. Particularly recommended are Boiled Egg & Soldiers, and Crumpet – both on Northcote Road.
Fun Museums in London
For the afternoon, the Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Natural History Museum – clustered in South Kensington – offer an absolute treasure trove of exciting activities for kids of all ages.
The Natural History Museum
Who wouldn't like tearing around the legs of a diplodocus, staring at a huge stuffed dodo, or gazing up at a life-size blue whale? And the really great news is that most of this is free. Most of London's major museums and galleries run special activities and workshops for kids.
IMAX 3D at the Science Museum
There are buttons to be pressed and loads of exhibits to interact with at the Science Museum – and if that isn't absorbing enough there is also a 5-storey IMAX cinema (free for under 3s). Some of the movies are 3D and all offer a magical blend of entertainment and education.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum has Family Trails and Activity Carts. Filled with art and craft materials, the carts contain the ingredients to make Samurai helmets, kimonos, Chinese dragons and more – free and brilliant fun for anyone over the age of 3.
Read more about kids clubs and workshops
