No school wants an exam robot for a student, and more and more often, schools offer interviews because they are looking for engaged, passionate learners with well-rounded cultural interests. London is packed with great days out, and sometimes you can even end up learning tons without realising it! Here are our top cultural picks for kids.
Take a free walking tour
Strawberry Tours are the number one free tour company in Europe, and offer a huge variety of fun and fascinating, family-friendly walking tours, each lasting about two and a half hours. The Harry Potter walking tour is a must for any Potter maniacs, and all the glamorous and gruesome history of London comes to life in the London Landmarks tours. See StrawberryTours for more information.
Watch some inspiring theatre
Matilda, the magical musical based on the Roald Dahl classic, is an award-winning, international smash hit. Featuring a huge cast of extremely talented kids, this spectacular and imaginative staging lends new insight to the novel. Day seats are available in person at the Cambridge Theatre box office from £5 (see www.theatremonkey.com/dayseatfinder.htm for more information).
School of Rock, based on the hit film starring Jack Dee, has been brought to life by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a gobsmacking cast of young rockers who all play their own instruments live! Day seats are available in person from the New London Theatre box office from £20.
The Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge is London’s premier dedicated children’s theatre. With a different, dynamite show on almost every other week, you are sure to find something to marvel at. Check the website and choose something together! Tickets start at £8, with some free events, varying from show to show.
Let sparks fly at the new Wonderlab
The free London Science Museum is a must-see, but its brand new on-site attraction Wonderlab (reopening on 16 October 2017) is worth a special visit. Tech-heads and engineers will go wild as they create real lightning, smoke, explosions, and even sit on a chair of nails. As well as taking time to explore and play, plan your visit beforehand so you can be on the front row for all four 20-minute interactive science shows in Wonderlab’s beautiful new show space. Day passes available from £6.
Whatever you choose, remember, learning is not just about practising for exams. Our advice for happy, well-rounded, passionate children is to get out, explore, and have fun!