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What to do with kids in Chelsea this summer

Summer’s here, and so are the school holidays. Love them or hate them, there’s a lot of tablet-free free time to fill, and that can be a daunting prospect. So if you’ve already exhausted all the potential activities at home, we’ve got you.

Whether they’re your own kids, or nieces, nephews, godchildren or family friends, the summer holidays are a great opportunity to spend quality time with the little ones making memories. So from museum trips to engaging workshops, scroll on for the best things to do with children in Chelsea this summer.

12 August 2024

Roald Dahl Story Company at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower

For the sunny days

Chelsea is simply glorious in the summertime, and the much-loved Summer in Sloane Square popup is the best place to soak up the atmosphere or make a pit stop. There are refreshments from Côte, Azzurra, and more, plus live music every Thursday evening (6-7pm) that’ll have young ones dancing.

Elsewhere, Chelsea Physic Garden is hosting a series of fun workshops, including a family chocolate-making session, a lesson on fuzzy plants and – our favourite – a “funky bubbles” soap-making class.

And if you’re quick, you’ll catch the last days of Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project, which closes on August 18th. It’s worth taking kids just to see the looks on their faces as they sample the unusual flavours, which this year include soy sauce, vinegar, and Jaffa Cakes.

Summer in Sloane Square

...and rainy ones

Because no British summer is complete without a downpour. If rain is on the cards, make for the National Army Museum to see a range of insightful exhibitions and events for children, which are mostly free.

Peter Jones’ Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol storytime sessions will do the trick during bad weather, too – they’re running throughout August, as is Zog and the Flying Doctors, a daily stage show at Cadogan Hall for kids ages three and up.

And for older children, there is the Saatchi Gallery’s Beyond Fashion exhibition, featuring acclaimed fashion photography and film that will undoubtedly leave them inspired.

'Zog and the Flying Doctors' at Cadogan Hall

For bookworms

In what might be one of the most charming partnerships that Sloane Street has seen this year, Jumeirah Carlton Tower has teamed up with The Roald Dahl Story Company for a family-friendly staycation that’ll see rooms transformed into literary wonderlands. This complementary offering is available to all families booking with children, and you can expect soft toys, games, films, a Roald Dahl dressing gown and a special blanket and pillow to fill every room. Be sure to venture out to John Sandoe, too – Chelsea’s iconic book spot has an abundant children’s section.

Roald Dahl Story Company at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower

For the science lovers

The Science Museum, with its array of interactive installations, is a fun day out for children of all ages – and it has an Imax cinema, too. This season, the museum is running a hands-on exhibition all about the power of music, which is guaranteed to leave adults and kids alike feeling like they’ve learned something. What’s more, the Natural History Museum and V&A are also in the vicinity, so you won’t be short of places to visit.

Visitors at 'Turn It Up, The Power of Music' exhibition at the Science Museum

For the Swifties

Is Taylor Swift’s Eras concert film looped on your TV? Do you now know every word of Lavender Haze? If so, then book a spot at the Fashion School’s three-day Taylor Swift outfit workshop, where kids between 8 and 14 years can make their own costumes. It’s entirely managed by the school’s team, so you can simply drop them off and pick them up. And don’t forget to give them some food for thought first at the V&A’s new exhibition of the popstar’s most notable outfits from throughout her career.

 Installation shot of Taylor Swift Songbook Trail at the V&A from Saturday 27 July

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