Easter Holidays: 9 Places in London to Take the Kids

by Shabana Adam | 29 March 2013

London Eye will be fun this Easter

9 Places in London to Take the Kids

Madame Tussauds

There’s no better place than the world of Madame Tussauds for the kids to get up close and personal to their favourite celebrities, including music and movie stars, the Royal Family and important historical figures too.

Of course, the celebs here are just wax works, but most are the spitting-image of their real-life self, and the real human hair used on the figures - including beards, moustaches and eyebrows – which need regular shampooing and styling – make these wax works all the more exciting to see for yourself.

Film Fans can cosy up to Shrek, Wolverine, the new figure of British actress Emma Watson and the world’s most famous vampire – Edward Cullen – aka Robert Pattinson, while music lovers are in for a treat, getting the chance to come face to face with stars like Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson.

There are hundreds of famous faces to be found in the attractions 14 zones. Aside from the glitz and glam, there is also the Spirit of London Ride and the amazing MARVEL Super Heroes 4D movie experience her – plenty to keep the kids entertained for the perfect day out.

Bigoodi

It’s not just the grown-ups who like a new haircut and a bit of pampering, now kids can relax and enjoy some down time while parents shop at the first UK ‘Concept Store’ for children, in Parsons Green.

Influenced by Parisian exclusive and quirky boutiques in the fashionable area of Le Marais, Bigoodi is the new destination where children can enjoy pampering and styling by the professional and enthusiastic staff whilst parents enjoy a unique retail experience.

With its fun chairs, colourful playroom, individual TV sets, nail bar, quirky mirrors, fashion items, lovely accessories, games and many other surprises, Bigoodi is the ultimate place for the children to spend a day out.

London Eye

This Easter the London Eye is the place to be for a fun packed day as Edwin the Easter bunny and his friends take over the spectacular wheel. Edwin has brought along his Chocolate Factory and his band of mini-bunny workers to make as many eggs as possible for visitors.

During Easter weekend, Edwin the bunny will be giving out little chocolate eggs. There will also be circus style performers too.

As well as meeting Edwin the bunny, guests will be able to interact with the onsite chocolate factory to help the production line along by way of motion sensors and remote control.

The London Eye, now in its 13th year, is one of the most iconic structures in London and offers fantastic 360 degree views of the city. It is the perfect family day out over Easter, set in the heart of the vibrant South Bank where there is much to do after you have taken a rotation.

Kew Gardens

This Easter Kew Gardens visitors can now enjoy Kew Palace at no extra cost. Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage are the only buildings from the original historic royal complex of Kew Park (later to become known as Kew Gardens).

Over the Easter weekend there will be a variety of exciting chocolate-themed activities on offer for all the family across the Gardens.

Families can explore the Royal Kitchens, with live cookery of a variety of items based on the February 1789 menu of George III, including the preparation of early Georgian chocolate.

On Easter Sunday there will be a traditional Easter Egg Hunt starting at the Palm House and finishing at Kew Palace, with delicious chocolate rewards on offer from the Easter Bunny. In addition, during the entire Easter holidays children can take part in an interactive ‘history of chocolate’ quest across the Gardens.

Stupendous Afternoon Tea - Mercer Street Hotel, Covent Garden 

A chic and sophisticated space for families who want to experience a traditional afternoon tea with the kids, the Stupendous Afternoon Tea at the Mercer Street Hotel in Covent Garden, offers delicious treats like classic finger sandwiches, traditional scones and mouth-watering sweet delights.

Situated just opposite the Cambridge Theatre which is currently showing the hit musical Matilda, the hotel’s Dial Bar & Restaurant offers a stylish setting for the adults yet laid back and comfy for the kids too. 

With the menu including tasty options like the Ludicrously Lovely Lemon Loaf Cake, Tremendously Terrific trifle and Fantastic Fondue, it'll bring out the sweet tooth in you whatever your age. 

Stupendous Afternoon Tea is served daily exclusively in Dial Bar from 2-5pm, and every child takes home a complimentary copy of Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic. 

London Dungeon

The new London Dungeon is the original scare attraction in London which has been scaring visitors for decades.

For over 37 years, The London Dungeon has been frightening people of all ages by bringing the darkest chapters of the capital’s blood-curdling history back to life through horrifying special effects, live actors and rides.

As well as 18 shows, there’s the fast flowing boat ride, Henry’s Wrath, the deadly dark drop ride, aptly named Drop Dead, a strangely fun journey through Balzelgette’s Victorian Sewer system and a terrifying Labyrinth trying to escape Jack the Ripper.

For those who like chills with their thrills – there is no other attraction in London that compares with The London Dungeon!

M&M'S World

Colour, chocolate and tons of fun, that’s what you’re guaranteed at M&M’s world.

Dedicated to the colourful fun of M&M'S Brand Chocolate Candies, M&M'S World London spans across four levels of pure shopping and activity excitement.

Step inside and you'll discover an extraordinary array of gifts for all ages and interactive family fun waiting for you at every turn.

There's even a giant wall of chocolate where you can create your own M&M'S selection from over 100 choices.

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio

Harry Potter fans can be transported into the enchanted world of the hit fantasy books and films with a visit to Warner Bros Studios in Watford. Explore the magic of the Harry Potter films with this unique walking tour.

The experience takes visitors behind-the-scenes and showcases a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props.

Step inside and discover the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s Office and discover never-seen-before treasures.

The tour also reveals some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made these films so hugely popular all over the world.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not

A visit to Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers a fascinating blend of entertainment, fun and education that the whole family will enjoy. Unbelievable, original and bizarre exhibits include an albino alligator, shrunken heads and even a copy of The Last Supper painted on a grain of rice.

This Easter, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London is offering free workshops for kids such as mastering the art of balloon modelling, learning how to juggle and practicing magic tricks from a line-up of expert performers and street artists, including renowned escapologist Rob Roy Collins and ‘Man of Danger’ Spikey Will.

Where will you be taking the kids in London this Easter? Tell us about your best days out in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK

FemaleFirst

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by Shabana Adam for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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