About ArcelorMittal Orbit & Slide
If your kids love a mix of sky-high views and adrenaline-fuelled fun, the ArcelorMittal Orbit & Slide is a must-do family adventure. Standing 114.5 metres tall, it’s the UK’s tallest sculpture and home to the world’s longest tunnel slide.
Start with a lift ride to the top, where you’ll get 360° views of London, spotting iconic landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s, and the Olympic Park below. Then it’s time for the main event: a 178-metre spiral slide that twists and turns through the Orbit’s red steel loops. It’s fast, fun, and unforgettable, especially for tweens, teens, and thrill-seeking grown-ups.
Kids aged 8+ can take part, as long as they’re over 1.3m tall. Teens aged 14+ can go solo, while younger kids need an adult nearby. Sessions run rain or shine, and the team are brilliant with nervous first-timers.
Top tip from the KidRated team:
Is the Orbit Slide safe for kids?
Yes, safety is a big deal here. Kids must be at least 8 years old, 1.3m tall, and under 130kg. Children aged 8–13 need an adult present (but not on the slide with them – sorry, no double acts!)
Can I go on the slide with my child?
Nope, it’s one person at a time. But you can ride up together, wave them off like a legend, and meet them at the bottom with a snack and a high five.
What happens if my child gets scared?
Totally normal. Staff are kind and used to nervous sliders. Refunds usually aren’t offered unless the slide is closed, but it’s worth having a quiet word with the team if there’s a last-minute wobble.
How fast is the Orbit Slide and how long does it last?
It’s 178 metres long and takes about 40 seconds to reach the bottom. Speeds can hit 15mph, and the experience is packed with squeals, giggles and “did you see me?” moments.
What can you see from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit?
A lot! Expect 360° panoramic views of London including The Shard, Big Ben, St. Paul’s, the O2, and even the London Stadium and Aquatics Centre right below you.
What’s the best time to visit the Orbit Slide with kids or teens?
Weekday afternoons or early weekend mornings are great for smaller queues, better views, and more space to pose for those epic photos.
Can teenagers go on the slide alone?
Yes, teens aged 14+ can ride solo. Younger kids (8–13) need a grown-up with them at the venue, but they’ll still slide independently.
What’s the easiest way to get there with kids?
Stratford Station (Jubilee, Central, and National Rail) is your best bet. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Buses also stop nearby if little legs need a break.
Where can we eat nearby after riding the Orbit Slide?
There are loads of food options! Try the Podium Bar & Kitchen next door for a sit-down meal or head to Westfield Stratford for family favourites (including that one your kids are obsessed with).
You may also like
Natural History Museum
If your kids love dinosaurs, volcanoes, space, or shiny rocks (so… most kids), the Natural History Museum is a no-brainer....
Kenwood House
If you’re looking for a family day out that mixes a bit of culture with loads of space to roam,...
Hampstead Heath
If London had a wild, magical back garden, Hampstead Heath would be it. Sprawling across 800 acres, this untamed gem...
London Transport Museum
Whether your toddler’s obsessed with trains or your teen treats Tube maps like art, the London Transport Museum delivers. Right...
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London is like stepping into a watery wonderland, right in the middle of the South Bank. From walk-through...
Have your say!
Leave your name, age (if under 18), review title, comment, star rating, and a parent or guardian’s email so we can verify permission.