Start with a visit to Trotters for a back-to-school haircut where the large tropical fish tank keeps children happily distracted. They’ll also come away with a gleaming gold (and edible) medal for their patience afterwards. While they’re occupied, you can take advantage of the moment of calm to pick up any last-minute back-to-school essentials.
Just a short walk away, the National Army Museum offers an experience that's both educational and fun for all ages. Explore thousands of fascinating objects in the galleries at your own pace or join one of the many child-friendly events, such as ‘Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine’ – an interactive family tour where kids can dive into the world of Army medicine. To really tire out little ones, visit the Play Base. Here you will discover soft play with a difference, complete with assault course, cookhouse, command liaison vehicle, quartermaster store and ‘in the field’ area, perfect for mini-colonels.
If the sun is shining, a few steps away lies the enchanting Chelsea Physic Garden: London’s oldest botanic garden. This hidden gem offers an ideal spot for children to immerse themselves in nature amidst beautiful surroundings. Little witches and wizards can get stuck into the ‘Funky Bubbles Soap Making’ workshop, where they will delve into the apothecary behind crafting their own botanical soaps with an array of colours and fragrant plants.
Too much fun can result in hungry tummies. Book your spot at Kids’n’Sushi Masterclass at Sticks’n’Sushi on the King’s Road, where little ones can master some serious sushi skills and then enjoy the fruits of their own labour. With a menu comprising kappa hosomaki roll with cucumber, pink Alaska uramaki roll with salmon, avocado, cream cheese and lumpfish roe and shake nigiri with salmon, you will all leave well-fuelled for the afternoon ahead!
For something a little more relaxed, Summer in Sloane Square is open until the end of September. Enjoy delicious al-fresco dining and cocktails for the grown-ups from four of the neighbourhoods much-loved restaurants including The Botanist, offering incredible pizzas, Côte Brasserie with a menu of sharing platters to nibble on, Court in the Square, by the Royal Court theatre, and stylish seafood from Azzurra.
After a re-fuel, treat your kids to an afternoon of music and lyrics with a trip to see Zog and the Flying Doctors at Cadogan Hall. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, throughout the performance Zog (Joe Stilgoe) tends to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu.
For the little fashionistas, head to a creative workshop at The Fashion School. Choose from a variety of courses for all ages, including ‘New Season Wardrobe’ and ‘Back to School: Early Autumn Wardrobe’, where creativity can run wild, kids can learn a range of sewing skills and take home a new wardrobe addition in time for autumn.
When the late summer sun gets a little too much, the Duke of York Square fountains twinkle all season long. It offers the perfect spot to cool down in the warmer weather, with nearby seating for parents who want to watch from somewhere dry.
After a jam-packed day of gallivanting, your children might need a little energy boost to get them home happily. What better way to fuel them for the journey than with a refreshing scoop or two from Ice Cream Union. Take a leisurely stroll down Pavilion Road, find a spot on the pedestrianised mews and savour a gigantic scoop from an incredible selection of homemade flavours including banana split, cornflake and raspberry ripple. And if you’re lucky, this little treat might keep them occupied long enough for you to pop in to some of the beautiful boutiques.
