Taking kids to London can be difficult enough. Teenagers can be even more of a hassle. At the awkward pubescent years where they’re not quite old enough to go out by themselves and they’re not quite young enough to be molly-coddled and looked after, it’s an age where it can feel like you are very removed from your kids indeed. The truth of the matter is that London is the perfect city for teenagers. With so much going on, you’re bound to find something to cater to their interests. After all, it has over two millennia of history, over a thousand square kilometres and the comfy luxury of the Piccadilly London West End. Below are some of our top picks of things to do with your teen kids.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is home to some of the most unique experiences out there. Whether you’re looking for acres of park land or a beautiful lakeside cafe, Hyde Park is the place to try. What’s more, you’ll be able to make the most out of the parks galleries, swimming lidos, rowing boats and pedalos, putting a smile on even the surliest teenagers face.
Bungee Jumping at the Olympic Park
There’s a lot of adventure waiting at the Olympic Park near Stratford. Whether you’re looking for a dazzling dish of outdoor swimming, a cycle track or bungee jumping trips off the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit monument, there’s plenty to get the heart pumping, even though the Olympics were six years ago.
Take a trip on a Thames motorboat
If a trip on one of the more leisurely Thames boats is off the cards for the thrill seekers among your young, then why not try a motorboat tour, if you can hack it. Racing at 40 miles an hour on the choppy waters of the Thames, the speedboat tour will take you past many of the cities best riverside attractions, surging through 50 minutes worth of adrenaline rushing tourist goodness.
Take them to Legoland
If all else fails, there’s always the theme parks in and around the city. Let’s start with one of the most famous and charming of the London theme parks, Legoland. Based just out of London in Windsor, Legoland will take you on a journey through lego towns, dragon back roller coaster rides and even a run in with pirates.
Take them to Chessington
Another London theme park is Chessington World of Adventures. Here you can find great rides which are suitable for a wide range of ages, ensuring fun for all the family.
The Harry Potter tour
Based in Ealing’s Warner Brother Studios, this tour will take you on a journey through the making of the famous Harry Potter films. It’s almost impossible to find someone who isn’t a fan of the franchise, and this exhibition and tour takes you through real sets, costumes and technology used in the making of the films.
Take them to a gig at the O2
The O2 in Shepherds Bush, Brixton and Wembley are all stellar venues for some of the biggest acts in the world. Whether you’re teenager is into hip hop, rock or pop music, there’ll be something they’ll want to see at the O2 Arena.
West end shows
If you’re staying at Park Grand accommodation, make sure you keep an eye on the shows playing at the nearby West End theatres. Whether it’s a classic play, a musical or a contemporary drama, there’s plenty on amongst the Soho glitz and glamour.
