The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Are you on the hunt for a fun and unique day out in London with your kids? Look no further than the city’s captivating array of immersive experiences that seamlessly blend cutting-edge digital technology with action-packed real-life adventures, promising excitement for all ages.
From thrilling escape rooms to life-sized Monopoly to stepping into the shoes of classic TV show character, Kid Rated has handpicked a collection of London’s finest immersive adventures in our 2024 guide, catering to every family’s tastes and budgets. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable day brimming with moments where the boundaries between digital and reality blur, creating memories that’ll last a lifetime!
Discover the vibrant wonderland of Dopamine Land, where technology and play intertwine to craft an enthralling multisensory escapade.
This interactive museum boasts 11 captivating rooms; each designed to evoke joy and excitement (and dopamine!) through immersive experiences. There’s a room filled with bags of popcorn, a giant ball pit, an interactive light room with surfaces that illuminate up at your touch, and even a graffiti room where visitors can draw on the walls. A feast for all the senses!
The experience lasts between 35 and 55 minutes and while all are welcome to revel in the fun, kids under 16 are required to have an accompanying adult. Stuck for ideas for where to host your kid’s next birthday party? This would be the perfect place!
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is a thrilling blend of immersive theatre, virtual reality, augmented reality, and cutting-edge technology, inviting young adventurers aged 10 and over to live through the Martian invasion of 1898. With a maximum of 12 participants per session, this 1 hour 50-minute journey through interactive scenes offers a breath-taking immersive experience.
Live actors and detailed sets draw kids into the story, where they’ll meet a diverse cast of characters brought to life through holograms, projections, and virtual reality. While kids are sure to love this immersive odyssey, parents should note that some scenes feature darkness and loud noises, so parental guidance is suggested.
Official website: https://thewaroftheworldsimmersive.com
Step into the magical world of Shrek’s Adventure! London – an interactive live adventure starring Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and other beloved characters from the iconic franchise. Laugh out loud and get ready for surprises and lots of interaction with a lively cast, as you and the kids become integral parts of the story in this immersive attraction.
Located at County Hall, Shrek’s Adventure! London stands tall among Merlin’s leading attractions in the vibrant South Bank cluster, nestled alongside the London Eye, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and The London Dungeon. Spanning 2,000 square meters, this experience is based on a brand new adventure crafted by the DreamWorks team.
Encounter a thrilling Shrek themed walkthrough adventure, mingle in the character courtyard where Shrek and his swamp pals await, and meet characters from Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon. Kids will love this immersive attraction full of enchantment and fun!
Official website: DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure! London
If you find yourself passing through Tottenham Court Road with the kids, check out Outernet.
Located opposite the tube station and boasting the world’s largest high-resolution wrap-around screens, Outernet is completely free from 10am to late every day.
Here you can discover a magical new immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of digital design. Kids will love the different themes, and if you catch it soon they can even hold a digital butterfly in their hands or stand under a Christmas emoji shower!
Official website: https://www.outernet.com/
Ever dreamt of stepping inside a famous masterpiece? At Frameless, that becomes a reality!
London’s first permanent immersive arts experience invites guests of all ages on a magical journey through spectacular giant displays featuring iconic masterpieces from some of the world’s greatest artists including Cézanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dali, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.
Wander through four captivating galleries adorned with floor-to-ceiling projections, immersing you in ever-changing canvases.
As well as the visuals, there’s also plenty to listen to as well with music accompanying the artwork. Plus, you’ll find information on the work displayed – artists, curation, music and more – in the Crossing Gallery, just before you enter each space and QR codes guide your journey as you move seamlessly through the galleries. No need for hushed tones here; kids are encouraged to explore freely in this dynamic space.
Official website: https://frameless.com/
Remember the excitement of watching contestants battle through challenges on the iconic nineties’ TV show, The Crystal Maze? Now, your kids can live the thrill themselves! Just as in the show, the goal is to get as much time in The Crystal Dome and score as many points as you can by visiting four different zones – Industrial, Futuristic, Mediaeval and Aztec – to solve mysteries and tackle mental and physical challenges against the clock.
While today’s youngsters might not recall the show, parents can relive that nostalgic excitement as their kids dive into this immersive experience. It’s a chance for both generations to create lasting memories. Kids aged nine and above can join the fun, guided by trained Maze Masters who tailor challenges to suit young adventurers’ abilities.
Nestled in London’s vibrant West End, this interactive extravaganza isn’t just a blast from the past- it’s an opportunity for families to bond over nostalgic fun, creating new memories while reliving the excitement of a beloved TV show.
Official website: https://the-crystal-maze.com/
Prepare your senses for a thrilling adventure at SENSAS in Vauxhall – a unique, immersive experience that’s perfect for kids!
Step into a world of challenges taking place in complete darkness, like diving into a ball pit and braving an upside-down tube ride in the Anti-Gravity Room, all whilst supporting Disability Snowsport UK. In this two-hour journey, kids can embark on a playful and memorable journey revealing the astonishing power of their senses.
Joined by friends or family in teams of 4 to 60, a Master of Senses will guide you through, from a distance, ensuring you immerse fully into the experience. By conquering challenges, kids earn tokens converted into donations for its local partner charity aiding people with disabilities. And don’t forget to capture amazing moments in the ‘anti-gravity’ room, snapping photos to share the experience on social media! It’s an unforgettable adventure tailored for kids to enjoy while supporting a great cause.
Official website: https://london.sensas.top/
Imagine playing Monopoly on a giant board where you become the game piece!
Monopoly Lifesized takes the beloved family board game to a whole new level with a massive 15m x 15m board, featuring iconic properties and challenges. Teams of 8 to 24 players will engage in an 80-minute adventure, with every property having a full-sized, location-specific room behind it.\
Players enter the rooms to participate in a challenge to secure that particular location: from mental puzzles to physical trials, each featuring a historical or present-day reference to London. Kids aged nine and up are welcome (with an adult) to conquer escape room-style challenges, build houses, and charge rent to win big!
Choose from four thrilling editions – Luxury, City, Classic, and Classic Own It All – each offering unique themes and challenges but maintaining the classic Monopoly gameplay. Look out for the nod towards the classic Monopoly game board pieces such as the Scottie Dog, Boot and Racing Car. Don’t forget to avoid Jail, though… you’ll have to escape if you want to avoid the bail!
Official website: Monopoly Lifesized
New to Oxford Street in 2022, Twist Museum is a fantastic addition for families in central London. Developed in collaboration with artists, neuroscientists and philosophers, you’ll explore interconnected zones designed to make us question how we see things. This fascinating museum blends science and art to create a playground for exploring perception together.
With over 60 interactive and interactive illusions, designed to test your perception on colour, perspective, sound and more, it’s a journey that challenges and inspires discussions on how everyone sees the world uniquely. Twist Museum is the perfect place for families to explore together, sparking curiosity and opening up conversations about how our minds work to interpret the world around us. Can you see colours that aren’t there? Do you always know which way is up? Can a corridor go on forever? Find out for yourself at Twist Museum, a fun-filled and mind-bending experience for kids and parents alike!
Official website: Twist Museum
Discover Illusionaries, a mesmerising art hub in London’s Canary Wharf, offering an immersive journey into groundbreaking digital art. The audio-visual showcase has been directed and animated by artist Arash Irandoust, going through the human lifecycle, plus themes such as memory and jealousy.
Families can immerse themselves in a realm where the lines between reality and illusion fade as light, sound, and motion unite to create an awe-inspiring spectacle. This surreal and ever-evolving exhibition promises an unforgettable experience for families seeking immersive art adventures in London – go check it out!
Where: Illusionaries, Crossrail Pl, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AR
Price: Adults from £34, Kids from £16
Official website: Illusionaries
At BFI IMAX, London’s ultimate cinema experience awaits! With the UK’s largest screen (a colossal 26-meter high by 26 meters wide) – that’s almost as high as five double-decker buses!, plus a high-resolution display, and an immersive 12-channel sound system, this cinema is a movie lover’s dream. The giant glass drum of the BFI IMAX makes you feel like part of the on-screen action, and there’s a choice of luxury, premium, or standard seats.
With world-class technology including next-generation laser projection and the ability to screen films on a 70mm format, BFI IMAX creates an unparalleled cinematic adventure. The huge screen provides an epic, immersive movie experience. It’s the perfect spot for a family movie outing, like catching the latest Wonka film with the kids!
Official website: BFI IMAX
Embark on an adventure to Seoul without leaving London at Delight: Media Art Exhibition. This immersive experience showcases 25 cutting-edge art installations, offering a vibrant portrayal of Seoul’s history, life, and identity that brings together the past and the present, the real and the imaginary, the distant and the familiar.
Delight creatively interprets urban life through art, lighting, visuals, and sound, delivering a multi-sensory journey for all ages. This exhibition merges the past with the present, the real with the imagined, offering thought-provoking insights into Seoul’s rich culture. Kids will love the interactive experience, diving into striking scenes and captivating reflections on the city’s vibrant life. It’s an adventure the whole family can enjoy, immersing you in the pulse of Seoul’s culture right here in London!
Official website: Delight Exhibit
Step into a century of Disney magic at the themed galleries celebrating the iconic Walt Disney Company’s 100-year journey. This 20,000-square-foot exhibition, just a 12-minute ride from Central London on the Elizabeth Line, takes families on an immersive voyage of Disney’s iconic releases through ten enchanting galleries.
Rediscover beloved stories spanning generations, featuring over 250 rarely seen artefacts, artworks, costumes, and props from the Walt Disney Archives’ vault of treasures. With themed galleries dedicated to classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to Encanto (2021), and the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars and MARVEL! Parents will relive nostalgia while children dive into the wonder of Disney’s most beloved tales. Hurry, the exhibition finishes at the end of January 2024 – a must-visit for families seeking a magical adventure in London!
Official website: Disney 100
Embark on an extraordinary adventure at Bubble Planet. Discover over 10 enchanting rooms filled with giant bubbles, dreamy landscapes, and even a hot air balloon simulator. With over 10 magical rooms to explore, kids can discover giant bubble spaces, infinity rooms, bubble bath pits, fantastical landscapes, cloud rooms – and ever a hot air balloon flight simulator as they venture into vibrant, fantastical spaces that spark the imagination and captivate the senses. Don’t miss this interactive, journey – a kaleidoscopic wonderland that promises endless fun for the whole family before it wraps up on January 14th, 2024!
Official website: Bubble Planet
Dive into the explosive world of The Gunpowder Plot, a thrilling theatrical event near the Tower of London. This 90-minute adventure, starring Tom Felton of Harry Potter as Guy Fawkes, features dazzling special effects, live action, immersive film, and captivating virtual reality simulators that promise excitement for both kids and parents.
The show will transport you right back to the gripping streets of London in 1605. Assume the roles of a spy for the Crown, support oppressed rebels, smuggle gunpowder, and engineer a daring escape from the Tower of London. With live actors, million-dollar room sets, and three gripping virtual reality scenes, this 1 hour and 40-minute immersive performance will captivate families, unravelling mysteries of trust and betrayal in this thrilling theatrical escapade.
Official website: The Gunpowder Plot
Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – an unforgettable adventure tailor-made for families! Meander through Diagon Alley, hop aboard the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 ¾ (arguably more reliable than other trains!), and uncover iconic settings like Dumbledore’s office and the Gryffindor Common Room. Prepare to be enchanted by authentic costumes and props straight from the Harry Potter movies.
Located just outside London, this behind-the-scenes journey unlocks the secrets of the wizarding world, offering an immersive glimpse into the creation of the Harry Potter films. Explore The Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, and other captivating sets that breathed life into the beloved movies. Tours depart from London, with direct trains departing from Euston to Watford, the nearest stop to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Official website: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
Experience a thrilling adventure at iFLY 360 VR Indoor Skydiving at The O2 – a perfect spot for kids and families seeking an adrenaline rush! Experience the exhilaration of free-fall without a parachute, suspended by a 120mph air stream in a flight chamber, just 15 minutes from central London. Enjoy two flights, equal to three tandem skydives’ free-fall time, followed by a state of the art VR skydiving experience.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! Strap on a specialised VR headset and board a virtual plane where you’ll descend 12,000ft as you take in fantastic views of a location of your choice, whether it’s Hawaii, Dubai, the Swiss Alps, or even an Alpine wing suit base jump! Ideal for thrill-seekers, this adventure guarantees an adrenaline-packed experience that will have kids buzzing with excitement long after it’s over. Perfect for kids aged 3 and up with an adventurous streak – come join the fun!
Official website: iFly
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
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