Best immersive experiences for families in London
Adult immersive experiences have gone from strength to strength over the last few years in London - from Hitchcockian thrillers and cocktails in ‘prison’ to Regency balls.
But with the school holidays fast coming up, what is there for kids and how do you find a show suitable for children amongst the macabre and often alcohol-infused?
It can be surprisingly tricky to find immersive experiences that the whole family can genuinely enjoy as I learned when I tried to find something for my little cousins (6 and 10) for August, but I managed to put together a list of some that I thought would be just as fun for me as it would be for them.
Just a note that it’s worth checking on baby change etc. facilities if you require them and children generally always need to be accompanied by an adult!
Any age
Image from: Wizard’s Exploratorium
Wizard Exploratorium
Once upon a time, The Cauldron was a very adult-only cocktail wizarding making experience, but they have recently branched out, creating lots of great family-friendly experiences, including a kid-friendly version of the original potion experience for under 18, a Little Wizards Afternoon tea option (for ages 11) and a wand making experience for ages 8 and under.
Fawlty Towers Dining Experience
Now every member of the family can eat dinner and experience shambolic service from Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Children under 12 can attend lunchtime shows for the lower price of £39 and get a kids meal. Under 5s will get in for free!
Immersive Art
What better way to introduce kids to art than by stepping into a painting (almost)! The Instagram-breaking Van Gogh experience will be joined on the London art scene by similar shows for Mexican Geniuses (Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera) and Gustav Klimt AND they are open and welcoming to all ages!
Age recommendation 5+
Image from www.monopolylifesized.com
Monopoly Lifesized
They’re going to have to learn about capitalism one way or another and running around a lifesize Monopoly board sounds like a pretty good education. The junior board is explicitly aimed at kids 5-8 and has you completing challenges, building houses, charge rent, escape jail and even control London’s waterworks. The other boards are suitable for 9+.
Age recommendation 10+
War of the Worlds
This theatre production with VR element (pictured) will allow people 10+ to witness the arrival of 300 foot Martian Fighting Machines, the evacuation of London, and even a visit to Mars.
The experience is built to be understood and enjoyed by those who don’t know anything about The War of The Worlds making it a great way to introduce kids to the story.
Sherlock Official Live Game
An escape room-theatre hybrid based on the fan-favourite BBC show Sherlock. It’s very much what it sounds like; play the detective with your team as you solve puzzles and travel through sets from the show.
Also note that children 7+ can be admitted at a parent/guardian’s discretion.
Age recommendation 12+
The Crystal Maze Live Experience
It’s the crowdfunded blast from the past that took London by storm when it first opened in 2016. Then it was booked solidly for months.
It’s now a bit easier to get tickets, but no less fun.
Don a fetching jumpsuit, run around four zones, do loads of activities and try to mimic the weird accent of the new custodian (who replaces TV’s Richard O’Brien) at The Crystal Maze LIVE.
Tomb Raider: The Live Experience
Made by the same creators as the Crystal Maze, they have recently taken over what looks like half of Camden market to bring us Tomb Raider. The experience includes FIVE worlds, including an icy Finish tundra, a sinking ship out at sea and the Costa Rican jungle. It’s open to adventurers 12 and above.