What to do with three 12 year old boys in london

[whataboutbob]

My 12 year old would like to invite two schoolfriends round but doesn’t want to do the kind of things he’d have been quite happy doing a year or two ago. So Lego, the natural history museum or going to the pool aren’t going to cut it. I’m at a loss. We are in south London and don’t have a car so it’s public transport. Has anyone else been in this situation and found pre teen friendly activities? Any suggestions gratefully received.

[Singleandproud]

Ripleys isnt there any more. Bodyworks is in its place. Its a shame because we enjoyed Ripleys too.

[YoungAmerican]

I imagine they'll expect to be at your house. If that fails, I've found activities like crazy golf on brick lane rather a big hit (may be a slight trek though), bowling, or check out some more unusual films in smaller cinemas.

[YoungAmerican]

Also wellcome - sometimes good and interesting stuff - and the grant museum of zoology near UCL
Bodyworks is a pretty cool suggestion but maybe check with the parents first as they may have quite strong objections

[idril]

If they have to do an activity I would say

• slide at the olympic park
  
• escape room (although these can be quite tricky so might need adult involvement)
  

Trampoline park might be OK but in my experience, 12 year olds get a bit bored with them unless they can do proper flips.

[YoungAmerican]

Climbing walls also a great suggestion - there's one in vauxhall I think

[whataboutbob]

Thanks everyone. In the end we went to the museum of London- they are studying the Middle Ages in history. After that we walked through the city to borough market, which was a little disappointed as most stalls were closed. Then back home and they sorted themselves out, playing trivial pursuit and chatting.
The Olympic Park would have been good but distance meant it was not possible.
I think Speaker’s corner would be a contender in future. Also the Wellcome collection- great idea.
Bigger brother (16) is pretty much autonomous with his social life at the weekend but the 12 y.o. Is in that tricky space where he needs help and he attends a school which he commutes to so can’t just call in on friends or have them round easily.