Off the beaten path... atypical fun in London town

I find that I am always looking for some interesting things to do in London that are maybe not part of my family's "expected" ideas for fun in the city. Not that there's anything wrong with doing things that are part of the majority of family fun (heck, we go to the movies and chill at the park just as much as any other family!) but I thought I would scrounge up a few things to do in London that, maybe, some of us hadn't thought of doing with our kiddos, or feel like trying out with our kiddos that might turn into a fun time for all.  That being said, I might not cover all things, and maybe it won't be appropriate for the age group of your children, but keep an open mind, and give some of these a try!

Let's start with arts and crafts (since this is something that my kids and I really enjoy doing).

4Cats Art Studio:

Located in Byron (Southwest London), 4Cats art studio offers a lot of great classes for adults and kids alike.  They also have family nights for those that want to bring their kiddos, grandkiddos, nephews, nieces or  neighbour kids, along for some arts and crafts fun.  They specialize in painting, sculpting and pottery and offer themed classes for, what I consider to be, a reasonable price.  I am trying out a class next month with a friend and our daughters, so I will let you know how it goes.  They also offer private family sessions, where you can go and create a piece of art that you can do with your whole family.  A friend of mine recently did this with her two little ones and husband, and they created a very cool painting that now hangs in her home as a feature piece. These classes can also make a great gift for someone who is artistically inclined.  Lots of fun all around!

Paint Night:

This is a cool option for those that would like to try out painting with canvas, and have a little fun while doing it. There are many of these vendors that offer this service, but the one that I have heard quite a bit about is "Jesse Robertson's Keep it Colourful Paint Night" - find her facebook link here. Jesse offers a fun, relaxed environment that comes with lots of options (munchies, even dinner if you like!) and she is mobile, which means that you can pick the venue with her or attend one of her popular paint sessions at various locations around London. 

Museum London: Imagination Station

Did you know that two Sundays a month, Museum London (located at the forks of the Thames River downtown) offers a couple of hours of fun for you  and your little one for FREE? Its a great opportunity for families to go and looks at some of the art exhibits or displays that the gallery has to offer, plus create a little something yourself to take home.  How great is that? Check out more info here.

Sports/Adventure:

Boler Mountain:

If you're from around here, chances are you have been to "the bump" at least once in your life.  But this local London ski hill isn't just for skiing.  You can go tubing there too!  Lots of family fun to be had here, and then grab a bite to eat in their chalet.  Check out more info here.

London Escape Rooms:

I have not personally done this activity, but I've seen and heard a lot about it, and so far have only heard good things.  If you're looking for some puzzling adventures with your kiddos, head here to solve a mystery and escape out of one of the rooms in record time! Check out their facebook page here.

London Walks:

Do you enjoy going for walks with your family? Feel like meeting up with others? Check out these Saturday Morning Walks in Fox Hollow, Springbank park, Kiwanis park or other areas - meet up with other fellow hikers and grab some fresh air and a chat - they meet up regularly throughout the year, and it's free for all.  Check out more info here. (this link will take you to the Fox Hollow info page, but the click on the brochure found at the link for all available walks).

Music/Entertainment:

Jazz for the People:

Like Jazz? Want to introduce your kids to it?  Check out these FREE Jazz concerts available through the London Public Library system, running for the next few months! Click here for more info.


Original Kids Theatre:

Want to go see a play with your littles, but don't feel like going all the way to Stratford or waiting for something to come to Budweiser Gardens? Check out our local, youthful talent with the Original Kids Company - they have plays that our own youth from London practice and put on for the general public to enjoy.  A great way to introduce your family to some theatre, and maybe even get them involved in it!  Check out the link to the Original Kids Spring 2017 season  here.

Family Movie day:

Skip the big lines and new movie frenzy, and go to the Saturday morning Family Movie at Westmount Cineplex for only $2.99!! A family-friendly movie is chosen and you get to go experience the big screen for a fraction of what it would normally cost to see a feature flick. More details  here.


I could do a write up on so many more events and things to do around London that are out of the ordinary but I will stop (for now) as these few things can offer plenty of fun for you as a family! If you know of a regular event that happens around the city that's "off the beaten path" and fun, feel free to leave a comment below. I love reader input :)  Now get out there and have some fun, London families!

Have a great day, London