The summer holidays are a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with the kids – whether they’re your own, nieces and nephews, or cherished family friends. But let’s face it, keeping them entertained can be really tough, especially when you’ve exhausted all there is to do at home and at the local park. Here, then, are eight brilliant ideas from around Sloane Street and Chelsea for children of all ages.
Start with Summer in the Square
What better way to begin a day of adventures than by fuelling up with an al fresco brunch in the middle of Sloane Square? With salad, pizza, sharing plates, juices and much more, you’ll find something to suit all tastes (including champagne cocktails for adults).
Get the giggles at Cadogan Hall
Throughout all of August, Cadogan Hall is bringing to life the characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s books in ‘Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales – Live on Stage.’ There will be live music, puppetry and brilliant set design to keep young ones enthralled during the hour-long show, and performance times are varied to suit all parents.
Book here
Explore the V&A
South Kensington’s museum district is just one tube stop away from Sloane Square, so you’ll have no trouble getting the little ones there. The vast V&A has enough to keep them entertained for an entire day (tip: grab some supplies from Pavilion Road and have a picnic by the courtyard’s fountains), and current highlights include exhibitions on Beatrix Potter and African fashion. There are plenty of kids’ events to coincide with the latter, including a pattern designing studio and monthly play sessions for under-3s.
Book here
…and then meet Dippy at the Natural History Museum
Yes, that’s right – the roar-inspiring dinosaur specimen has returned after five years on tour around the UK. Tickets are free, and since you’ll already be in the area, why not visit this museum too?
Book here
Photography: Kafai Liu
Get creative at The Fashion School
If your child colours like Pucci, has the style of Chanel or suits up like Lagerfeld, then a visit to The Fashion School is a must. Throughout summer, the school is running age-dedicated workshops on sewing and pattern cutting basics, as well as digital design and business introduction classes for teens.
Book here
Go wild at the National Army Museum’s Play Base
Each element of Play Base is guided by principles such as teamwork, education, fitness and, of course, having lots of fun. During the hour-long play session, children under eight can navigate an obstacle course, climb aboard a truck and man a replica army storehouse, among other things. Don’t forget to explore the rest of the museum’s exhibits when they’re finished.
Book here
Engage with nature at Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden has a brilliant summer programme of family activities to inspire young ones and get them thinking about the uses of plants. There are events every week ranging from botanical soap-making to chocolate workshops and plant-based paint-making. Expect messy hands and plenty of smiles.
Book here
See the world from a new perspective on the Nature’s Architects trail
This summer, a selection of world-leading architects have designed 20 micro-homes for nature, which are dotted around Chelsea for you to discover. Drawing on the habitats of creatures like bears, frogs, razor clams and more, each tiny structure will inspire you and yours to think about the world from another set of eyes, and you’ll have fun hunting each spot down across the neighbourhood.
Find the map here
