If you are struggling to tear your child away from a screen and need to level up your family outings, this list of family friendly gaming exhibitions London may be your answer. From interactive installations to immersive experiences, these outings promise to captivate young gamers and entice them off the sofa and into the action-packed realms of creativity and discovery. Cue these top gaming exhibitions in London, where children and teens alike can indulge their passion for the world of gaming while embracing the excitement of real-world exploration. A win for all!
Power Up
Power up is a celebratory permanent exhibition at the Science Museum spanning five decades of gaming evolution, from timeless classics like Pac-Man to cutting-edge VR experiences. With over 160 devices at their fingertips, children will delve into the evolution of console technology and game design. Additionally, visitors are invited to explore the cultural influence of gaming, from its role in storytelling to its impact on social dynamics and education.
It may be advertised as an exhibition but in reality Power Up feels more like an arcade. With so many games to choose from including current favourites Super Mario Kart and Minecraft you may find it tricky to tear your child away to actually absorb any educational content. However this is a great incentive to get your child out to the Science museum where there are many exciting and enriching exhibits to peak their interest and also to meet fellow gamers. Be sure to pay a little extra for the yearly pass to gain unlimited access year round.
Check out: Things to do with Kids in Knightsbridge
Now Play This
Now Play This is a fun all age gaming exhibition that happens every year as part of The London Gaming Festival. Hosted at London’s Somerset House the exhibit offers a full programme of games, talks, performances and workshops aimed at visitors of all ages so be sure to check their website before booking a timed entry.
This year’s theme is ‘Liminality : Playing between worlds’ and invites visitors to think of play as a place for both for introspection and connection.
Young gamers will love the chance to game on huge screens and experience the world through VR headsets as well as get involved with crafting and more traditional ways to play.
Japan: Myths to Manga
Whilst this is not strictly an exhibition about gaming, anyone with an interest in the culture surrounding manga, anima and video games will surely appreciate Japan: Myths to Manga. This is a carefully curated exploration into how Japanese folklore is at the root of all the things young children love (pokemon, spirited away) and positioned at a height they can read and interact with.
Play Taiko drums, see vintage gameboys in the flesh and try your hand at origami – a joyful interactive exhibition for all ages.
Whilst there are no actual ‘gaming’ opportunities in this exhibit, if you head downstairs to the ‘Play Gallery’ you will find the ‘Minecraft Museum’ where Minecraft fans can indulge their building skills.
A great Exhibition to see alongside the theatre production of Spirited Away opening end of April 2024. More London Kids Theatre Here
London Gaming Cafes and Hotspots for Families
Gamepad
If you find yourself in the area of the O2, North Greenwich you must check out GamePad, a free gaming lounge bought to you by Virgin Media. This gamers playground features 16 gaming pods and Xbox series X consoles. There is even a stage for livestreaming should you wish to show off your skills and of course ‘The Cave’ an exclusive gaming lounge for you and your crew to battle one another.
The Gamepad is free for everyone although only O2 priority app members are able to book ahead for ‘The Cave’. Otherwise just turn up and soak up this feast of top tech.
Microsoft Experience Centre
Embark on a tech adventure like no other at Microsoft’s flagship hub on Oxford Circus: the Microsoft Experience Centre. Here you will find a gaming lounge, a history of the Xbox Exhibition and driving simulators. For Minecraft Fans there’s lots of creative fun to be had in the Minecraft Build challenge every Saturday before catching a selfie on the interactive Minecraft video wall.
With lots of assistants on hand to help with set up and one to one training sessions, this is a fabulous free day out for gamers of all levels. Sessions are capped at 30 mins but you can just rejoin the queue ensuring everyone gets a turn without waiting too long.
Samsung Concept Store
Another free drop in hotspot for avid gamers can be found up at the Samsung Concept store in King’s Cross. Here you can overwhelm your senses in the gaming bus decked out with the latest Samsung Odyssey Ark with curved screens, performance gaming chairs and sound dome technology for total immersion.
F1 Arcade
If competitive racing is your thing you need to visit F1 Arcade to fuel your inner champion with a gaming tournament like no other. Here you will find 69 Bespoke full motion racing simulators alongside a delicious lunch menu. Families welcome before 6pm.
Watch out for …
EGX London is a huge gaming convention which takes place at Excel London every year and brings together game developers and gamers under one roof. Featuring panel discussions and demonstrations from gaming industry leaders this is a great day out for older games enthusiasts. The event tends to happen in October. Dates for 2024 are yet to be released. (Not to be confused with Ice London the games industry trade fair which also took place at Excel in February)
Read Next: Family Friendly Immersive Experiences London (2024)
