FAMILY FUN IN LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS
KIDZANIA SET out like a city, kids are given spending money in the form of Kidzos as they go in but then get to earn more by taking on jobs – anything from being a TV presenter to working in an ice-cream factory.
Once they earn a certain amount of cash they are able to open a bank account and are given a credit card.
This is super fun but can get really busy, which means children could spend a lot of time queuing to do the popular jobs (the airline pilots and TV station seem to get the most crowds). And as each session lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, they could be waiting a while for their turn.
You are limited to a maximum of four hours here but that is plenty of time for the children to do several jobs, spend their money and even make their own burgers at Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
Children love the realistic set-up of working in a supermarket (with real tills) or fighting a fire (with hoses the squirt water onto what appears to be a burning building).
Entry is expensive but keep an eye out for vouchers allowing parents to get in free.
Tickets cost £32 for children (at weekends and school holidays) and £16 for adults. You can also get a family of four ticket for £88. It’s cheaper if you go “off peak” out of school holidays on a weekday. WHERE: Westfield London Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GA.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK THIS is a magnificent museum both inside and out and this Christmas it has the added attraction of an outdoor ice rink.
You can enjoy free entry into the museum before or after a quick skate. The outdoor rink is a good size and to the side is a traditional carousel as well as stalls selling mulled wine and hot food. Adults from £12.65, children from £8.80, families from £39.60. Open now until January 8. WHERE: Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD.
WINTER WONDERLAND AT HYDE PARK CELEBRATING its 10th anniversary this year, this really is a magical winter wonderland with ice rink, fun fair, German market, Santa’s grotto and a circus.
You can also try the observation wheel, watch Nutcracker on Ice, Cirque Berserk or a Sooty Show.
It is free to go along but individual attractions will charge. Open until January 2 from 10am until 10pm. Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH.
CHRISTMAS AT KEW THE famous gardens are lit up in a magical wonderland for Christmas each year and it is promising to be an even bigger spectacle in 2016.
The illuminations light up the buildings, trails and planting while a mile-long trail takes people past a scented garden and huge Christmas trees.
There are peak and off-peak tickets but a family of four ticket costs from £48 to £52. It runs from now until January 2. WHERE: Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB.
SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE THIS beautiful 18th century building provides a stunning backdrop for a 900 square metre outdoor ice rink.
You can skate by day with the kids or return in the evening when it turns into a clubbing atmosphere with DJs providing the music.
It looks magical and runs all the way to January 15. Tickets are from £7.50 plus booking fee. WHERE: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.