Butterfly exhibit, Natural History Museum NHYM Copyright 2015. 

If like me, you are desperately trying to entertain and organise playdates and activities for your children this summer in London, here are my Top 10 Picks. These may not be the most original, but there are some firm favourites as well as some newcomers and other ideas to keep them busy!

1. Kidzania Westfield: If you haven’t heard of Kidzania, you soon will. A whole city created for kids, your child can decide what he/she wants to be when he/she grows up: theatre actor, shopkeeper, scientist or firefighter. My favourite part are the identity bracelets that enable you to go all ‘Big Brother’ on them. Go early and beat the crowds. http://london.kidzania.com/en-uk/
2. Clip ‘n’ Climb: For the sporty ones, a whole array of climbing walls are at their foot-tips in Fulham. http://www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk
3. The London Zoo: Not very original, but never goes out of style. Especially for those with memberships, it’s a quick day out with Carrousels, Bouncy Castles, Face painting and all the animals you need to entertain. http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
4. Garson’s Farm: A little further away, you can PYO (pick your own) fruit and vegetable for the real life experience of being a farmer. Nothing beats the real deal. http://www.garsons.co.uk
5. The Butterfly Exhibit, Natural History Museum: I personally love the butterfly exhibit, and you have probably been a thousand times, but I never stop enjoying it, as do my kids. Arrive 10/15 minutes before your allocated time and beat the queues. Then head to the dinosaurs next door and your day’s fulfilled. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/sensational-butterflies.html 
6. Petersham Nurseries, Richmond, and Rowboats: Richmond Park has lots to offer, but if you forget your picnic basket, hop over some fences and cow-filled fields to the beautiful Petersham nurseries where you can lunch in their gardens. After, head towards Richmond bridge and pick up a rowboat for some afternoon exercise. The kids loved the rowing. It’s not quite a Superyacht, but just as fun for the kids. http://petershamnurseries.com
7. Serpentine Gallery Family Day: The Serpentine gallery has regular family day events, offering workshops on film, shapes, and the upcoming one on the selgascano pavilion. For the budding artists, this is as good as it gets. http://www.serpentinegalleries.org/exhibitions-events/pavilion-family-day (https://nottinghillmummy.com/2015/07/03/the-serpentine-summer-partys-uptown-funk-2015/)
8. Splash in the Science Museum & workshops: Another very popular event, so be wary of the long lines, the Science Museum is the fun-and-educational museum that keeps on giving. The water area is always a favourite. http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
9. Diana’s Playground, Kensington Gardens: Another favourite that has people waiting hours to get in. Show up first thing in the morning and avoid all the crowds. Bring swimsuits on a sunny day and your children can pretend to be in an Aqua Park. One of the best kid’s playgrounds in London. https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/sports-and-leisure/diana-memorial-playground
10. Hyde Park Discovery Days: Activities in the heart of Hyde Park like Sunset Safaris, Wild Water and Meadow Madness. http://www.supporttheroyalparks.org/shop/experiences/1382_discovery_day_-_wild_water

Petersham Nurseries NHYM Copyright 2015. 

Enjoy!

xx

NHYM

http://www.nottinghillyummymummy.com

@NHyummymummy