12 Things to do with Kids in Knightsbridge

1.The Serpentine Boating Lake

Swap city noise for lapping waves just minutes from the hustle of central Knightsbridge. Set within Hyde Park, the Serpentine is home to over 50 species of birds amongst other wildlife. Grab a hot chocolate and stroll along the banks admiring Swans, moorhens and ducks or rent a pedalo and get up close and personal. On the eastern end of the lake (approx 10-minute walk from Harvey Nichols /Knightsbridge Tube)  you will find the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen offering beautiful views and a kid friendly menu plus the Hyde Park playground – a good place for younger children to let off steam.

Coffee and Ice cream stalls cam also be found along the perimeter of the water.

NB In late November a large area of the park transforms into ‘Winter Wonderland”.  Featuring a resident circus show, amusement rides and more this is and unforgettable Christmas Experience and festive family day out.

2. The Serpentine Galleries

Head west along the Serpentine or walk up from Exhibition Rd and you will come to the Serpentine Gallery. This is a small free Art gallery with installations which spill out into the grounds of Hyde Park. Exhibitions here don’t always cater to young audiences but you may find something to peek your little culture vulture’s interest.

In February 2024 Refik Anadol takes residency with his large scale colourful immersive works – a favourite of my own children. Full 2024 schedule here.

3. Harrods ‘Toyland’

Harrods, London’s historic hallmark store and one stop shop for all that is luxury is a tourist attraction in itself. But its third floor Toy department ‘Toyland’ is also a fabulous place to kill an hour or two with a toddler without spending a penny.

Towering plushies, heirloom rocking horses, life-size dolls houses and hot wheels race tracks make this a treasure trove of childhood fantasies. Interctive displays and real life appearances from Disney stars to Marvel heroes make this less like a shopping trip and more like a hidden world of magic and adventure.

4. Natural History Museum

Possibly the most family friendly and well loved of all London Museums. The Natural History Museum (fondly renamed the Dinosaur Museum by my own children) is home to a host of captivating attractions. Here you can meet a true to life TRex, an 80ft model of a blue whale, get shaken in the earthquake simulator and ride an escalator through a molten planet. There are also fossils, precious stones, insects and every stuffed animal you can think of.

Children of a younger age will also be thrilled to know this is the home of ‘Andy’s clock’ from the CBBC show ‘ Andy and his prehistoric adventures’.

Whatever your age The Natural History museum with its awe inspiring gothic revival architecture is an unmissable day out. Read more about what to see at NHM here.

Tip: the museum gets very busy in school holidays – book ahead and arrive early to beat the crowds. 

5. Diana Memorial Playground

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, built beside her former residence Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens, celebrates her love for childhood innocence. This free wonderland welcomes over a million visitors yearly, who flock to its centerpiece: a huge wooden pirate ship. Nestled amongst lush greenery, the playground also boasts a sensory trail, teepees, and a sandy beach – all inspired by Peter Pan’s Neverland. It was designed specifically for inclusivity and welcomes children of all abilities to climb, explore, and let their imaginations take flight.

Hugely popular and often busy, this playground is not the best for visibility but there is plenty of seating and a coffee kiosk too.

6. Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

A short walk for the Serpentine Gallery, this beautiful water feature carved from Cornish granite becomes a hugely popular kids splash pad in hot weather. Tourist and locals alike can be found here cooling off in the summer months in the winds of this lazy river on the south bank of the boating lake.

7. The Science Museum

Next to the Natural History Museum on Exhibition Road you will find the Science Museum, another huge museum dedicated to nurturing curious minds of all sizes. There is something here for all ages, from toddlers to teens.

The main focus of the galleries are the history of science and technology and exploration and discovery. Learn about iconic inventions from steam engines to space rockets and marvel at the moon landing and advances in modern medicine.

Much of the museum is interactive. Young children will while away hours in the ‘pattern pod’ learning about design and ‘The Garden’ which merges water play and construction. Older children will get to make robots and play on games consoles throughout the ages.

The museum houses additional paid galleries (detailed below), an imax cinema showing documentaries and a flight simulator.

8.The Wonderlab ( Science Museum)

The Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery is a vibrant and interactive space within the Science Museum in London, specifically designed for families with children aged 7-11. It’s basically a science playground, packed with over 50 exhibits and experiences that ignite curiosity and encourage exploration.

Children will learn about forces, electricity, light, sound and more through hands on activities, live demonstrations and access to circulating experts ready to answer their questions.  An all round thrilling educational experience. Book Here

9. Power UP (The Science Museum)

Power Up is an extensive, permanent exhibition dedicated to the history and evolution of video games. If your older kids are gaming enthusiasts or simply curious about this influential cultural phenomenon, this is a great option that will earn you some serious brownie points!

Expect to journey through five decades of gaming, from iconic games like pac man to the VR experiences of today. Kids will have access to over 160 devices whilst learning about the evolution of the console and game design.

The exhibit also speak to the cultural impact of gaming and how video games have shaped storytelling, social interaction, and even education.

Whatever your take on gaming there is something for everyone at Power Up.

Book Here

10. Science Afternoon Tea

Round off a day at the Science Museum with this delightfully themed afternoon tea across the road at boutique hotel The Ampersand. Jam in Petri dishes, dinos hiding in edible fossils, and rocket-launched sandwiches are just the fuel for curious minds. Munch on milky way macarons, chocolate spacemen, and dino biscuits alongside grown-up tipples. A beautiful, award-winning twist on tradition, perfect for museum explorers of all ages! Contact Reservations Team Here.

12. Catch Cirque du soleil at The Royal Albert Hall

Every year throughout January and February the circus descend on the Royal Albert Hall, blazing a trail of magic and mystery. Children from 5+ will marvel at death defying feats in aerial acrobatics and soulful physical theatricals. This year ‘Alegria’ is on the bill and not to be missed. Book a matinee performance and bring a touch of enchantment into your little one’s world. Book Here

More of London’s stage shows for Children can be found here.

12. Dopamine Land

Seconds from South Kensington underground Station on Old Brompton Road you will find a curious storefront promising to be the gateway to happiness. This is Dopamine Land an immersive walk through experience which aims to get your endorphins activated and banish the winter blues. There are light rooms, immersive projections, a giant ball pit and eerily calming installations. Everyone is encouraged to harness their inner child with pillow fight room and invitations to graffiti on walls. Finish off with a bubble tea or cocktail at the bar and some great booths for photo opportunities.

This is a great sensory experience for toddlers and babes in arms who do not require a ticket. Book Here