South Kensington is a wonderful place to stay with family, offering an array of great days out for all of you to enjoy. If you’re stuck for ideas, take a look at our seven top suggestions for family fun in this action-packed area…
- Head to the Science Museum
Kids of all ages love this fantastic South Kensington museum, and it’s pretty popular with the adults too! Free to enter and combining education with interactive exhibitions and fun activities, this is the place to go if you want to learn all about the scientific innovations which have helped shape the modern world. Spanning around 300 years of history, and providing predictions for the future, the Science Museum is sure to spark young imaginations. One of the most popular parts of the museum is the 3D IMAX Cinema which shows a film all about space exploration – if you’re travelling with any aspiring astronauts, then this is a must-see during your time at the Park Grand Kensington.
- Visit a Royal Park
London has lots of Royal Parks and great green spaces, but Kensington Gardens are right on the doorstep of Kensington Palace. A trip here is a great way for energetic kids to let off some steam, particularly in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Inspired by tales of Peter Pan, this playground features an enormous replica pirate ship and ample seating for parents to relax while the kids clamber about. If you’d rather hire a boat for real, then there are model boats available on the Round Pond in the gardens.
- Tour Kensington Palace
This opulent setting is great for families, and gives a glimpse of Royal history and heritage. As the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it’s sure to appeal to royal watchers of all ages.
- Enjoy a Family Lunch
There are lots of family-friendly restaurants and cafes in South Kensington, like the Grand Park Restaurant. Whether you want to get a full meal as a family or treat the adults to an Indian afternoon tea, this is a great way to bond over fabulous food served in stunning surroundings.
- Check out the V&A
The Victoria & Albert Museum is a great place for families to browse, with 3000 years of artefacts sourced from all over the world. There are special events for family groups throughout the year, including design competitions where children can put their drawing skills to the test.
- Tour the Natural History Museum
Every child goes through a dinosaur phase, and there are certainly lots of fossils and dinosaur-related artefacts here to keep them entertained. However, the Natural History Museum also includes a wealth of wonderful items covering everything from insects through to large mammals and plant specimens. Under 7s will be treated to a complimentary ‘explorer backpack’, with lots of activities for them to complete.
- Visit the Quentin Blake Children’s Library
Recently reopened, this stunning children’s library is located within the Institut Francais, and includes educational and entertaining books for all ages. There’s also a resource centre and dedicated family space.