Family activity in London — ideas needed.

[doradoo]

I'm looking for some ideas of a special activity to do for an extended family in London on a Saturday in July.

We have a budget of about £500 and a group of 17 from babes in arms to Grandparents. The activity doesn't need to include a meal as that is being planned for later in the day.

We'd looked at a private capsule on the Eye, but are just over the headcount which puts the group into a more expensive price bracket and would mean its almost £750 for 30mins if you include drinks.....

So just wondering what other things might be worth a look - any ideas?

Buckingham Palace is open to public in summer. Maybe they could do a private tour?

You could do the Shrek world. Fun for children and adults. Or the Sealife centre. There’s also lots of museums in London with things for children and adults to enjoy.

Trip on the river
London zoo
Natural history museum
Harrods
London bus ride, stopping off at key sites

Oh yes, a little river cruise could be lovely. Either on the Thames or you can do routes like Camden-Little Venice etc.

Self guided walking tour harry potter, chocolate lovers tour etc

Treasyre hunt such as monopoly where you tey and take as many pictures at monopoly streets as possible

You don’t say what sort of things you like but

• brunch or meal at sky garden - or book free tickets if you are organised enough. A bit like the wheel. Could combine with Tower of London or riverboat trip.
• many museums with great stuff (science, V&A and NHM are all close to each other) - smaller ones also lovely. Have a look at a guide book.
• theatre or shows. South Bank often have family friendly stuff or west end of course.

River bus ( £6) to Greenwich and go to the maritime museum, park and observatory, suitable for all ages. Museum is free

As pp suggested, Greenwich would be ideal! Plenty of open space outside if it's a lovely day. You've got the Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, Observatory and Planterium. Something for everyone. We love going there.

The monument, dlr to the cable car, trip across the river then a boat trip across the river

How about GoApe in Battersea Park

GoApe

There's also plenty to do in the park itself, including

Battersea Park Zoo

And the nearby development at Battersea Power Station

Power Station

Thames Rib powerboat trip?

Also, the park set up in memory of Princess Di. Kids can run around, and adults relax and natter in the park.

Thanks for the suggestions, perhaps a boat trip might be an option? We've done most of the museums etc and the age range is difficult for something to keep everyone happy!

Should also say am looking for something special/ wow factor to celebrate big birthdays

Kew Gardens

Tower Bridge exhibition in the Tower Bridge. You can get a combined ticket with the Monument, but depending on how fit the grandparents are the monument might not be a great call as you have to climb a lot of stairs - and I actually don't think you can fit 17 people on the Monument at the same time.
Maybe the HMS Belfast
And then a walk along the South Bank towards the Royal Festival Hall.
I love stopping there for a coffee. There's lots of space for kids to run around and for adults to sit and rest. Plus there is the "singing lift" which used to amuse my kids for hours.