Kensington, one of London’s most charming and family-friendly neighborhoods, is known for its cultural richness, history, and beautiful parks. Whether you’re a resident or visiting the area, there are plenty of activities for children that combine fun with learning. From museums and art galleries to expansive gardens and playgrounds, Kensington offers countless opportunities for kids to explore, create, and discover the world around them. The Kids Point is here to guide you through the best fun and educational activities in Kensington, perfect for a family day out.
This guide highlights some of the top fun and educational activities for kids in Kensington, making it easy for parents and guardians to plan the perfect experience with The Kids Point.
The Natural History Museum
A visit to Kensington isn’t complete without exploring the Natural History Museum, one of the most iconic museums in London. This institution is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering interactive exhibits that captivate children of all ages.
Key Attractions:
- Dinosaur Gallery: The life-size dinosaur skeletons and animatronics, including the famous T. rex, are a major hit with kids. The exhibit explains the history of dinosaurs and their habitats in a way that’s engaging and fun.
- Cocoon Exhibit: This section focuses on insects and other invertebrates. Kids can get an up-close look at butterflies, bees, and other creatures.
- Earthquake Simulator: Kids can experience what it feels like during an earthquake while learning about tectonic plates and natural disasters.
The museum offers workshops, special events, and trails designed for younger visitors. From fossil hunts to interactive science talks, children can leave with a wealth of new knowledge about the natural world.
Location: Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD
Admission: Free (some temporary exhibits may charge an entry fee)
Science Museum
Just a short walk from the Natural History Museum is the equally fascinating Science Museum. Here, science comes to life with interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that make learning an exciting adventure.
Key Attractions:
- Wonderlab: This is the museum’s most interactive space, where children can conduct their own experiments, build structures, and engage with science in a practical way. They can see live demonstrations of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
- The Garden: A space designed specifically for children under six, where they can play with water, explore light and sound, and solve simple problems.
- Flight Gallery: Older kids will love the collection of historical aircraft, including full-sized planes and engines. It’s a great way to learn about the history of aviation.
The museum also features IMAX screenings, giving children a cinematic experience of science documentaries, from deep space exploration to the mysteries of the ocean.
Location: Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD
Admission: Free (Wonderlab has a small fee)
Kensington Gardens
If your kids need a break from museums, head over to Kensington Gardens for some outdoor fun. This beautiful park is perfect for a relaxing family day, offering various activities that are both entertaining and educational.
Key Attractions:
- The Diana Memorial Playground: Inspired by Peter Pan, this playground is a fantasy wonderland for children. It features a large pirate ship, teepees, sandpits, and sensory trails. It encourages imaginative play while children develop their physical and social skills.
- The Italian Gardens: A beautiful spot where children can learn about garden design, plants, and history. It’s also a lovely area for picnics.
- The Serpentine Gallery: Located at the southern end of the park, this gallery regularly features child-friendly art exhibitions. While art might not always seem like an educational activity for young kids, the Serpentine provides many interactive installations that invite children to think about art in new and engaging ways.
A simple walk around Kensington Gardens offers children the chance to observe nature, feed ducks, and spot wildlife, making it a peaceful learning experience.
Location: W2 2UH
Admission: Free
Royal Albert Hall: Storytelling and Family Concerts
For kids who enjoy music and storytelling, the Royal Albert Hall offers regular family-friendly performances. Their Storytelling & Music Sessions are designed for children under five, blending traditional tales with live classical music. Older kids will enjoy family concerts that cover a range of genres, from orchestral performances to musical theatre.
These events are a fun introduction to the world of performing arts, inspiring creativity and an appreciation for different types of music.
Location: Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Admission: Varies by event
Leighton House Museum
For children who love art, the Leighton House Museum provides a glimpse into the world of one of the greatest Victorian artists, Lord Frederic Leighton. The house itself is a work of art, with stunning interiors that mix Eastern and Western design elements.
Key Attractions:
- Family Workshops: These are organized throughout the year and are designed to introduce children to art history, painting, and sculpture. Hands-on activities allow kids to create their own masterpieces.
- Art Treasure Hunts: This activity involves exploring the house to find hidden details in the artwork, helping kids engage with the exhibits in a fun way.
The museum provides a quiet, inspiring environment where children can appreciate art and explore their creativity.
Location: 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ
Admission: Adults £9, children under 12 free
Holland Park: Ecology Centre and Adventure Playground
Holland Park is another great spot for outdoor exploration, offering educational opportunities through its Ecology Centre and fun physical challenges at the Adventure Playground.
Key Attractions:
- The Ecology Centre: Located within Holland Park, this center organizes nature walks, workshops, and activities for children. Topics range from pond dipping to learning about local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Adventure Playground: This playground offers various climbing frames, swings, and slides, providing a physical challenge for kids while they develop their motor skills. It’s the perfect place for children to burn off some energy after learning about nature.
- Japanese Kyoto Garden: A quiet and beautiful space within Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden introduces children to Japanese culture and landscape design. They can observe koi fish, waterfalls, and the delicate balance of natural elements in this serene garden.
Location: Ilchester Place, W8 6LU
Admission: Free
Design Museum: Future Innovators and Family Workshops
The Design Museum in Kensington offers a creative space for kids interested in art, technology, and design. It is the perfect spot for budding designers, engineers, and innovators to explore the intersection of creativity and function.
Key Attractions:
- Designers in Residence: This exhibition allows kids to see the work of young designers and gain insight into the design process, from concept to creation.
- Family Workshops: The museum offers various workshops designed to introduce children to design thinking and problem-solving through hands-on activities. Projects can include building structures, creating art, or exploring sustainable design ideas.
- Interactive Exhibits: The museum’s interactive exhibits engage children in thinking about how everyday objects are designed and how they can create their own innovations.
Location: 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG
Admission: Free (some temporary exhibits may charge an entry fee)
Kensington Central Library: Storytelling and Educational Resources
For a quieter, more relaxing experience, Kensington Central Library is a wonderful spot to take children for a bit of educational downtime. The library regularly hosts Storytime Sessions, where kids can listen to exciting tales and engage with books that spark their imaginations.
Key Attractions:
- Children’s Library: This section of the library is filled with picture books, educational resources, and interactive displays aimed at young readers.
- Workshops and Reading Challenges: Throughout the year, the library runs workshops that help kids develop their reading and writing skills. From craft activities to coding classes, there is always something new to learn.
The library also offers quiet reading corners, perfect for parents and children to sit down and enjoy a good book together.
Location: Phillimore Walk, W8 7RX
Admission: Free
Kidzania London: Interactive Role-Play City
Although Kidzania isn’t located directly in Kensington, it’s close enough to include on this list. Situated in Westfield London, Kidzania is an interactive city designed specifically for children aged 4 to 14.
Kids can take on real-world roles such as doctors, firefighters, chefs, and even airline pilots in a realistic, scaled-down city. It’s a highly educational environment, teaching children about different careers, teamwork, and responsibility while allowing them to earn “Kidzos,” the city’s currency, which they can spend on various activities.
This immersive experience offers a blend of fun and learning, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.
Location: Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA
Admission: Tickets start from £25
Kensington is a hub of fun and educational activities for kids, offering a blend of cultural, historical, scientific, and outdoor experiences. Whether your children are fascinated by dinosaurs, love the idea of exploring a palace, or want to design their own creations, there’s something here for every interest.
From the renowned museums like the Natural History Museum and Science Museum to the tranquil beauty of Kensington Gardens and the creative spaces of the Design Museum, the area is rich in learning opportunities. The Kids Point encourages families to explore these activities, making education an exciting adventure for your little ones. Kensington provides an environment where children can expand their knowledge, fuel their imaginations, and have fun—all in one place.