Beat the winter blues this January with some fun, family-friendly activities! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor entertainment, the city has plenty of exciting things to do that will keep everyone entertained and make the most of the chilly season.
Winter Family Activities
Discover Replay – A Limitless Recycled Playground – a space built entirely out of waste materials, repurposed for fun by the Herd Theatre at South Bank Centre. Children and their families are invited to play in this space full of things you can move, change, combine, wear and reimagine. And if you feel peckish afterwards, snack on some tapas while overlooking the Thames at La Gamba, a Tapas restaurant inspired by traditional Spanish recipes and flavours with a focus on the north-western corner of Galicia. Perfect for sunset drinks and dinner.
Battersea Power Stationʼs annual Light Festival returns this winter between 23rd January and 23rd February 2025 from 8 am to 11 pm daily. This free interactive art trail includes 8 light installations for all to enjoy, family-friendly workshops, live entertainment, and silent discos.
Explore the evolution of life on Earth in the Natural History Museum’s Gardens, from the age of dinosaurs to the present day. Along the way, you will see ancient fossils, spot Fern, the full-size bronze Diplodocus, watch dragonflies hover over our wildlife pond, or listen to birds singing in the trees.
Cirque Du Soleil presents Corteo at the Royal Albert Hall from the 9th of January until the 2nd of March 2025! Corteo, which means “cortege” in Italian, imagines the funeral procession of a dreamer clown named Mauro in a carnival-like atmosphere. This joyous performance features incredible stunts, such as swinging gracefully from grand chandeliers and bouncing energetically on oversized beds.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of neon painting in a one-of-a-kind art experience at Neon Brush. Perfect for a fun-filled family outing, this creative adventure combines colour, light, and imagination to spark joy for all ages.
Step into the Wizard Exploratorium® – a bright pink, historic London townhouse with five floors where magic meets science, technology, and design. Brew potions, enjoy Wizard Afternoon Tea, or create your own Magic Wand.
Discover Bimbo yoga, a fun way for children and their parents to improve flexibility, coordination and self. Join the next class on 27th January between 10.45 am and 11.30 am at the Tabernacle Notting Hill.
Museums and Exhibitions
Delve into The World of Tim Burton in this major exhibition at the Design Museum exploring his remarkable creations and key collaborations with designers.
Experience Japan’s unique shokuhin sanpuru, those realistic food replicas displayed outside restaurants in Japan. The exhibition at Japan House London also includes an interactive zone where you can create and share your own bento box of replica food, adding a hands-on element to your experience.
Explore the unequalled career of Naomi Campbell, in Naomi in Fashion. Through the work of leading global designers and photographers, V&A South Kensington celebrates her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact.
Embark on an exciting, immersive, Virtual Arctic Expedition through the Arctic Ocean, where you’ll explore icy tundras, hidden caves, and encounter unique wildlife, all while discovering how climate change is reshaping this fragile ecosystem.
Discover Picasso printmaker at the British Museum, an exclusive exhibition offering insights into Picasso’s life through his art, including his complex relationships with women and his partnerships with printers, publishers and other artists. Spanning his entire career, it follows his engagement with different printmaking techniques and his changing approaches to making art.
Discover how the Palace of Versailles used science as a tool of power in this illuminating new exhibition – Versailles: Science and Splendour – at the Science Museum. Visitors will be transported to the world of the French royal court to discover spectacular objects including Louis XV’s rhinoceros, an extraordinarily detailed map of the moon by Jean-Dominique Cassini and the world’s most famous watch, designed for Marie Antoinette, which represents the pinnacle of artistic ingenuity and engineering.
For Classical Music Enthusiasts
For the Foodies
Swiss Butter doesn’t just cater to foodies—it’s a hit with families too! The approachable menu appeals to kids, and the staff’s friendliness ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The desserts are a standout for little ones and adults alike, with options like a decadent molten chocolate fondant and a perfectly caramelised pain perdu. From long queues outside Swiss Butter in London to its viral success across the Middle East and Europe, the brand has become a global phenomenon.
Sizzle on down to KGK, the first and only Korean grill in the Kensington area. KGK is the only restaurant in London to offer an Omakase dining experience. Omakase means ‘I leave it up to you,’ diners leave it up to the chef to select and serve seasonal specialities. Get ready to flip meats on a grill, drink Korean traditional vodka soju and enjoy a seasonal Korean milkshake for dessert. KGK has compiled everything you need to know about savouring a traditional Korean BBQ experience.
Colonel Saab Holborn is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership, with the hit West End musical Mrs Doubtfire. Theatre-goers can indulge in a pre-theatre dining experience with two tempting options: a lavish five-course Mrs Doubtfire Experience Menu priced at £60, including a colour-changing cocktail; or a concise two-course Mrs Doubtfire Set Lunch Menu for £35. As a bonus, diners will receive an exclusive code for £15 off their Mrs Doubtfire theatre tickets when booking their meal at Colonel Saab.
For Those Needing a Little Bit of Serenity
Offering treatments including acupuncture, massage, cupping, reflexology and lymphatic drainage massage to its loyal following including mothers, GinSen has helped the local community on their wellness journeys, with celebrity clients including Jaime Laing and Madeleine Shaw to name a few. Â Amidst the hustle and bustle of Kensington High Street, GinSen stands out as a beacon of quiet holistic wellness, offering an array of traditional Chinese medicine treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Staycation
If you are after a tranquil escape with picturesque views then The Swan at Steatley is your go-to family destination. Located on a wide stretch of the River Thames in the Chiltern Hills, The Swan at Streatley is a converted 17th-century inn with a terrace right at the water’s edge. This is the ultimate family countryside retreat.
Enjoy a family staycation at Horwood House and Spa. On top of the family-friendly splash times, Horwood House also has a spa for busy mamas to squeeze in a bit of self-care. Relax, recover, and restore at the brand-new H Spa. Located just 25 minutes from the Silverstone Interactive Museum, car lovers and racers fans can spend a fun-fuelled afternoon, celebrating the past, present and future of Silverstone and British motor racing, with 60 hands-on interactive exhibits, alongside an up-close look at some of the most iconic cars and bikes from the past 70 years. Fuel your weekend with laughter and fun, book the Silverstone Museum stay package.Â
You may also be interested in joining one of our events. Find out more about our upcoming events here and follow us on Instagram.
