London is a very large city and there are many wonders in London to see if you’re looking to get it all in on one weekend, you would struggle. That being said, the outskirts of London also have plenty to offer, especially when it comes to the family. East London specifically is rich with green spaces, riverside spaces, quirky pubs and much more. It can make for an action-packed weekend or even just a beautiful Sunday spent with the family. Let’s review East London offers endless opportunities.
Full of Outdoor Adventure
There are many families who love the outdoors and East London is perfect for that as there are plenty of open parks. No matter what time of year you decide to have your family day out in London, East London is certainly a place to visit. Amongst the parks, there are plenty of play areas for your children, a boating lake, sports fields, and if you are visiting in summer, there is a splash park as well. Then, whilst the kids are splashing around, the parents can enjoy a nice coffee at the Pavilion Cafe next to the water.
Another great experience is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford which has been long recognised since the 2012 games. In here, you have wonderful climbing walls, fountains, and you can rent bikes. Also, part of this is the amazing adventure playgrounds, where your children can have hours of fun. This includes giant slides, climbing nets, and even treehouses.
One For The Children Invested In History
There are many museums available in London but when it comes to East London, there are some of the best. The Museum of London Docklands is located very close to central London, in Canary Wharf. This is a converted warehouse; it brings the maritime past to life. A part of this museum is also the interactive exhibits, which include learning about pirates and traders.
If you are in the area of Benthal Green, you also have the V&A Museum of Childhood. It has been a family favourite for many years in East London. Here you get to experience nostalgic toys and games that the parents and grandparents also played when they were younger. Make sure to check what exhibitions they have on at the time so you can make the most of your trip here.
Last but certainly not least is the Discover Children’s Story Centre located in Stratford. As you may have gathered, there is a lot to offer in Stratford so it is certainly worth the visit for a fun day out. At this amazing centre, the children can climb through the imaginative story worlds and even take part in storytelling sessions.
Creative Spots For The More Imaginative
For the children who love arts and crafts, East London has a lot to offer. First, you have the Bow Arts Trust, and this offers workshops where children can experiment with sculpting, crafts and painting. So you can imagine that things can get very messy, but one thing that is guaranteed is the endless amount of fun. You also have the Hackney City Farm, which combines hands-on animal encounters along with art and gardening sessions, which is perfect for the younger ones.
Indoor Fun
As we all know, England doesn’t exactly spoil us with fantastic sunny weather all year round. That is why the kids need fun indoor playhouses that will keep them entertained for hours. In East London, there is plenty to offer for just that.
Clip ‘n Climb is for those who are more daring and love climbing. Even for those who have never been climbing before, this can be something different for them as Clip ‘n Climb does cater for all abilities.
In Stratford, you have ZAPSpace and Oxygen Freejumping offer trampolines so you can easily burn them out. On top of that, you have All Stars Lanes which takes you to a retro American-styled diner along with family fun bowling.
There are also soft play areas for children who are much younger. This includes Kidspace in Romford and then once you are finished here, you can grab a bite in a shopping centre in Essex, then finish it off with a shopping spree.
To Conclude
As you can see, there are many places that you can visit with the children. Some of these experiences can be expensive, whilst there are many other places that can be free, such as parks when the weather is nice. There is a lot to see in East London, but don’t forget about the great Harry Potter Studios experience in Watford.
