The best indoor activities in London for kids

Ice skating isn’t just limited to the festive season. At Alexandra Palace, you can take to the ice year-round. For budding gliders who are unsteady on their feet, ice scooter skating aids are available, and during term time, there are toddler classes and ‘happy hour’ sessions for under-16s and under-fives.

Various prices.

There all all-level events for skaters and BMXers aged seven and upwards, including drop-in beginners’ sessions and group lessons. Don’t have a board or bike for your child? There’s equipment available to hire on-site.

Various prices.

Bunker 51 is an old south London war shelter that’s been turned into a LaserTag and paintball arena. It has a strong military vibe, but kids will be too busy having fun blasting balls of paint to notice (eight-year-olds and up can take part). Not only is it a seriously fun day out, but if a nuclear apocalypse happens while you’re there, you’ll be safe as houses.

Various prices. Booking essential.

Climbers aged four-plus can scale the walls at this brightly coloured arena. It’s designed to appeal to all ages and levels of experience, and equipment is provided.

£22.50, £12.50 two-to-four-year-olds.

Great for kids who love online challenge games, ClueQuest is one of a growing number of experiences offering adventurers a similar challenge in real life. Teams of two to six players get locked in a room and have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and mysteries in order to escape.

Prices from £30 per person.

Discover is a magical world where children up to the age of 11 can embark on an indoor story trail, aided and abetted by fantastic characters whose role is to help kids invent their own stories. There’s also a café and a shop that sells cool picture books and toys that are easily affordable with the average pocket money..  

£10, £9 concs, £34 family of four.

These indoor trampoline parks host ‘Mini Flippers’ sessions for under-fives and parents to jump together. The East Ham branch also offers a Ninja Warrior course for older kids, plus indoor caving, a laser maze and loads more. While most of the attractions are more suitable for older kids, there’s a toddler soft play area, so true young’uns don’t have to be left out. There are also venues in Wandsworth, Croydon and Brent Cross. 

Various prices. 

Young swimmers must try the breathtaking pools at The London Aquatics Centre. It’s a cathedral to water sports, with 50-metre pools and amazing diving facilities. What you really want to check out, though, is the 40-metre assault course they pop up during the holidays, where you get to run, jump and do all the other things they don’t let you do in normal swimming pools. It’s suitable for children aged eight and over, and should be a big hit. 

Family Swimming with Inflatable £11 adult, £8 child.

There are four nine-hole courses to choose from at this neon-splatted venue in Hackney. Those aged under 18 years are welcome Sunday to Wednesday before 6pm (but must be accompanied by an adult) and can chow down on hot dogs, nachos and pick ’n’ mix for a mid-round snack.

£8-£18.

Let your little ones run away with the circus! Kids aged eight to 12 can try their hand at skills including tightwire walking, diabolo and trapeze, all under expert guidance, in these three-hour Saturday afternoon workshops. A Summer School runs in the holidays for more extensive training, while there are also courses available year-round. 

£39. Summer School £362.50 for 4 days.

These indoor tracks, located in Docklands, Edmonton, Acton and Mitcham, let racers aged eight to 12 take the wheel of a Cadet Kart. Not to leave the grown-ups out, there are adult karts available for those aged 13 and over. Bigger kids (and adults) can join in the fun with adult karts, available for those aged 13 and up. On your marks for a speed racing experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.

Various prices.