Five activities in London this September for young children

The summer holidays may be over but that doesn’t mean the fun needs to stop.

Luckily for Londoners there are endless opportunities for family fun this September.

Whether your child is an aspiring artist, a story-lover or a burgeoning ice skater there’s more than enough to keep little ones occupied

Here are five of our favourite family-friendly activities to do in London this autumn, to help you beat your post staycation blues.

UNIQLO Tate Play

Tate Modern September 1 to November 14 Free

UNIQLO Tate Play is Tate Modern’s new free programme of art, activities and play for families of all ages.

Taking inspiration from the art on display at Tate Modern, there are a range of free events and activities on offer to help families get creative and playfully explore art together.

Discover Children’s Story Centre

383-387 High Street, Stratford until September 26 £7.50, £6.50 conc, £25 family of four

Discover Children’s Story Centre is a place where children and their families can enjoy playing, learning and making up stories together.

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.

Youngsters can also enjoy the Fairy Tales exhibition, which is an immersive world designed by illustrator David Litchfield and author Ross Montgomery.

For children five and younger, there is a storytelling event - called the Adventures of Magnolia - which is a socially-distanced carnival adventure for young families.

All Aboard Playzone

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza all year round Free with entry to the museum

The London Transport Museum’s playzone is perfect for younger visitors aged up to seven.

Children can enjoy an interactive fleet of mini vehicles, drive a real bus and repair a mini Tube train with toy spanners.

The little ones can also work in the Lost Property Office and dress up in uniforms to become a mechanic, riverboat captain, station announcer or driver.

The museum is brilliant for youngsters who love Tubes and trains.

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

Alexandra Palace all year round Various prices

Ally Pally’s indoor ice rink is open year round for general skating sessions, figure skating classes, ice hockey training, children’s sessions and parties.

Courses for five to 15 year olds are now available to book so the wee ones can get their skates on.

Parents can also try out their skills, and hopefully avoid

Horniman Museum and Gardens

100 London Rd, Forest Hill all year round Free

The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is a free museum with extensive collections of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments.

Kids will love the gigantic overstuffed walrus, the new aquarium and beautiful gardens.

The museum also has a butterfly house, which is sure to excite little ones, and a special Monkey Business exhibition.

Youngsters can also enjoy the Animal Walk, which is home to goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and an alpaca.

The museum says: “The Animal Walk further brings to life founder Frederick Horniman’s vision of an outside space reflecting the museum’s collections.”