Term-time daycamps for kids in London

[diannje]

We're visiting London in June with DS5 and DD8 for 10 days during term time (international travellers so it's not term time for them).

Although we have all the usual museum days lined up, I was hoping to have a couple of "grown-up" days to go shopping/run errands where we could drop the kids off somewhere for the day and go about our business.

Does anyone know of anything akin to a kids club or activity day in London during termtime that we can drop-off in the morning and pick-up in the late afternoon?

I was thinking something like a science day or drama day, or possibly a sports day for them which we might be able to sign-up to but there is nothing like this during term-time.

Any recommendations most welcome.

I doubt you'll find anything as its term time - other children will be at school so there isn't the demand. You could try sitters - and basically hire a babysitter for the day to take them out.

Obviously there's not going to be much because every child who lives in london appart from those who are off school as sick, or home schooled are going to be in school.

Your easiest option is probably to contact a nanny agency and hire a nanny for a couple of days to take the kids to some of the family attractions of London that you are less interested in yourself but that the kids will like.

If you want them to interact with other kids then finding a homeschool group may help - there will be lots of small networks of homeschooling families but their whole ethos will be based on the understanding that a parent will stay with the child. They won't be set up for offering childcare so you would probably need to pay a childminder to take them to such a meetup, and it probably wouldn't be all day

Not a day but I believe Kidzania you can leave them for 3 hours if you are in the centre.

Kidzania wouldn't take the younger one unaccompanied though, only the 8 year old.

I can't think of anything. This is why childcare for one-off inset/strike days are so tricky. As PP said, they often need to be 8 to be left at less supervised places. You probably would need to book a babysitter to take them somewhere or split up (assuming you are coming with another adult). Somewhere like Kidzania does offer entertainment near shopping. Or the Transport Museum near Covent Garden.

That just doesn’t exist (why would it?). You’ll need to hire a nanny for a couple of days to look after them.

You might find Saturday workshops at something like the globe but I don’t think you could leave the kids without an adult (though a many might be ok)

I think your only possible hope is seeing if any of the international schools in London are running any holiday clubs- the American and French schools should have finished in June.

Thanks for the helpful replies. I was hopeful there might be something for tourists in my situation given the size of the city, but looks like no-one has heard of any such service. Fyi NY has a few. I wouldn't feel comfortable with a one-off nanny.

I'll look for some sort of Saturday workshop (drama / sports) just in case there is anything but otherwise we'll manage by taking turns on parent duties.

I expect you have accommodation secured already. However you might get somewhere by looking for a hotel that offers childcare and booking a couple of nights.

reservations.com has a page that says

Luxury Hotels in London that provide Childcare
Live the good life in London by reserving a luxury hotel or resort! Luxury hotels are 4-and 5-star accommodation types that offer the best of the best to their guests, such as room type, hotel location, hotel views, and hotel amenities. If you want to reserve a luxury hotel in London that is also a kid-friendly resort with a kids’ club, daycare or babysitting, we suggest The Franklin Hotel - Starhotels Collezione, COMO The Halkin, or DoubleTree by Hilton London-Islington. Some of the luxury amenities you can enjoy with a stay at one of these hotels are Dry Cleaning, Lounge Bar, and Laundry facilities.

Best Rated Hotels in London that provide Childcare
Reserve one of the best hotels in London for a hotel stay that will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated enjoy a night out or adventure without the kids by reserving one of the best hotels in London that provide a daycare or kids entertainment. For a family vacation, we suggest Union Níké Apartments, Holiday Inn London Mayfair, and Park Plaza London Riverbank these are a few of the best hotels in London that provide Childcare as one of their amenities.

I hope you don’t mind me asking but I would be very interested to learn details of the NY version of what you are seeking in London for your children.
Enjoy your time in London!