Shoreditch 20 years ago was for young people out to party with wild abandon. Now their children are taking over, join them with this round-up of things to do near Shoreditch with Kids.
Hanging out in Hoxton and Shoreditch used to be just for 20-somethings. Many of those young people grew old (ouch) and had kids and the area is now surprisingly family-friendly. We’ve round up some of our favourite places in the area to bring the kids for a fun day out. Mix it up for even more fun!
1 Hoxton Hall
Hoxton Hall is a beautifully restored Victorian music hall that offers an array of family-friendly performances, including storytelling, puppet shows, and seasonal productions. The intimate setting makes it an ideal introduction to theatre for kids, while its lineup often features interactive elements that engage younger audiences. Don’t miss their kid friendly cabaret.
Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6SH
Tickets from £10-£25 (adults), £8-£20 (children), depending on the performance.
2 Museum of the Home
Once the Geffrye Museum, this free museum is part of the beautiful 18th-century Grade I-listed former almshouses on Kingsland Road in Hoxton. Perfect for curious kids and adults alike, the Museum of the Home provides an immersive look into how people lived across centuries. The rooms are beautifully recreated to reflect various time periods, and families can enjoy hands-on activities including old school video games and storytelling sessions. Seasonal events, such as winter-themed exhibits or Lunar New Year celebrations and summer parties in the walled gardens, add an extra layer of excitement.
Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA
Opening Times: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays).
Free entry, but donations are encouraged.
3 Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
This quirky shop is a must-visit for families with a sense of humour with fun items to purchase like “Salt made from the Tears of Homeschooling” (a personal favourite during lockdown) and “Cubed Earwax”(actually really tasty toffee). Great gifts for those people who have everything! Your children can even write to Vampires and Dragons and get a letter back. Sure to spark those wild imaginations while sneakily supporting their creative writing. The shop’ is associated and proceeds go toward the Ministry of Stories who run workshops encouraging children to write. Listen to some of their brilliant work here.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, 159 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6PJ
Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 PM – 5 PM
Free to have a muse
4 Brittania Leisure Centre
A haven for active families, Britannia Leisure Centre offers a variety of sports and recreational activities. Highlights include a family-friendly swimming pool with slides and play areas, a soft play zone, and a gym with programs tailored to kids. It’s an affordable, weather-proof destination for burning off energy and staying healthy.
Brittania Leisure Centre, 40 Hyde Road, London, N1 5JU
Opening Times: Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Weekends, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Prices: Adults £6.50, Children £4.50 (pool entry); additional charges for classes or soft play.
5 Hackney City Farm
Hackney City Farm is a slice of countryside in the heart of the city. Families can meet friendly farm animals, including goats, pigs, and chickens, while learning about sustainable farming practices. The farm offers pottery classes and craft workshops, and its cozy café, Frizzante, serves fresh, locally sourced food. It’s a perfect spot for little animal lovers and those looking for a relaxed, educational day out.
Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmiths Row, London, E2 8QA
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
Prices: Free entry; donations appreciated. Pottery classes from £5 (without wheel) and £10 (with wheel).
6 Hackney BMX
Hackney BMX Club is a thrilling destination for active families, offering an opportunity to try BMX riding in a supportive environment. The club caters to riders of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to aspiring professionals. With taster sessions, coaching, and equipment hire, it’s a safer way to introduce kids to the sport or hone their skills. Nestled in Haggerston Park, it also provides a great setting for a day outdoors.
Hackney BMX, Haggerston Park, Audrey Street, London, E2 8QH
Check the website for seasonal and special session times.
Taster sessions: £6 per child, £8 per adult. Memberships and equipment hire available
7 Mama Shelter
A great place to stop for lunch if you fancy a break. There are old-school video games where children can play away to their heart’s content and an incredibly long foosball table which is also free. These extra features make it possible at times to even have a conversation. Although possible doesn’t not necessarily mean probable. There are no guarantees. The hotel’s restaurant offers a diverse menu, including kid-friendly meals, and the outdoor courtyard is perfect for relaxing. The venue also occasionally hosts events for families.
437 Hackney Road, London, E2 8PP
Open daily
8 Colombia Road Flower Market
A bustling destination, Columbia Road Flower Market is a feast for the senses. The street comes alive with stalls selling a dazzling array of flowers, plants, and gardening supplies, creating a buzzing atmosphere for children and adults alike. Nearby independent shops, including toy stores and cafés, provide plenty of options for browsing and snacking. While this one is more for parents, and not the best for prams as it gets quite busy on a Sunday, is a sensory experience and a great place to learn about different types of flowers and pick out some favourites. If it gets too much head over to Hackney City Farm.
Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG
Opening Times: Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM (market hours).
Entry is free; flower and plant prices vary by vendor.
9 Avora Experience
Avora Experience offers a family-friendly immersive adventure where kids become intergalactic explorers in a vibrant, alien world. Designed with younger audiences in mind, during their family sessions children can engage in interactive storytelling, treasure hunts, and creative activities. They’ll love discovering the enchanting environments, meeting fantastical characters, and solving challenges to complete their mission. There are cocktails for parents and exciting mocktails/potions for kids.
5C, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY
Check the website for specific dates and availability for kids’ events.
10 Rich Mix Cinema
Rich Mix Cinema is a family-friendly cultural hub offering an eclectic mix of films, from blockbusters to independent and foreign cinema. Their kids’ screenings are specially curated to entertain young audiences, with lower sound levels and relaxed seating. Beyond films, Rich Mix frequently hosts family-friendly workshops, live performances, and interactive activities that engage all ages. The café-bar provides a welcoming space for parents to unwind while kids enjoy the day.
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – Late (screening times vary).
Adults: From £10 Children (under 16): From £7
Family Tickets: From £24 (2 adults + 2 children)
11 Spitalfields City Farm
One of the most urban of the city farms, Spitalfields lies tucked away behind Brick Lane. Offering a charming mix of animals, gardens, and educational programs, this is a place where families can meet donkeys, chickens, and rare breed sheep, explore the wildlife garden, or participate in workshops on sustainability and urban farming. The farm regularly hosts family-friendly events, from seasonal fairs to craft markets, making it a dynamic and engaging outing.
Buxton Street, London, E1 5AR
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM
Free entry; donations welcome. Workshops and events start at £5
12 Shoreditch Street Art Tours
Shoreditch is famed for its vibrant street art, and these guided tours offer a unique way for families to explore the area. The tours are interactive, with guides encouraging kids to spot hidden gems and understand the stories behind the artwork. Perfect for families with older children or budding artists, the tours provide a colourful, creative look at East London’s culture.
Meeting point at Shoreditch High Street Overground Station, London, E1 6PJ
Opening Times: Daily tours at 11 AM and 2 PM
Adults £20, Children (under 16) £10; family tickets available at £50
13 Whitechapel Art Gallery
Whitechapel Gallery is a treasure trove of contemporary art and creativity, offering families an inspiring and engaging experience. Alongside its thought-provoking exhibitions, the gallery frequently hosts family workshops where children and their grownups experience art and learn together through a diverse range of artist led events, activities and exhibitions.
77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7QX
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Closed on Mondays.
Free entry to main exhibitions; special events or workshops may have a fee (usually £5–£15)
14 Rainforest Soft Play Café – under 6 yrs
Located within the Rainforest Nursery, the soft play café offers a safe, stimulating environment for younger children to explore and enjoy. This vibrant space is perfect for climbing, sliding, and making friends while parents relax with a coffee or snack from the on-site café. With its focus on early years play, this is an ideal choice for toddlers and pre-schoolers seeking fun and adventure in a nurturing setting.
297 Haggerston Rd, London E8 4EN
Weekdays 9 am – 1 pm, Weekends 10 AM – 2 PM
1 hour – £7.5 includes one adult 30 minutes – £5.5 includes one adult – purchase socks
15 All Star Lanes
For a retro-inspired family outing, head to All Star Lanes. This boutique bowling venue combines fun and style, offering kid-friendly bowling sessions alongside a menu of American classics like burgers and milkshakes. The venue’s welcoming atmosphere ensures kids and adults alike can enjoy a playful yet relaxed day out, especially during quieter daytime slots.
95 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Opening Times: Weekdays 12 PM- Late, Weekends, 11 AM – Late
Bowling from £7.50 (children) and £9.95 (adults)
16 Dennis Severs House
Dennis Severs’ House offers an immersive journey through time, making it a unique experience for families with older children. This historic house presents a recreation of life as a Heugenot in a 17th- and 18th-century London household using sound and smell within a home set as if residents had only just left. Visitors are guided by the sights, sounds, and even smells of a bygone era, sparking imagination and curiosity. The “Silent Tour” encourages children to engage with the space through observation and storytelling, making history come alive in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.
8 Folgate Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6BX
Opening Times: Friday-Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Daytime Tours)
Check the website for additional special event times.
Adults: £16 Children (under 15): £12
17 Young V&A
Technically more Bethnal Green than Shoreditch, but definitely worth a visit if you are in the area! Formerly the Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A is a hub of creativity and learning designed specifically for children and families. With interactive exhibits, hands-on play areas, and displays featuring toys, games, and fashion from different eras, it’s a delight for young minds while older people enjoy the nostalgia. The museum frequently hosts family-friendly workshops, storytelling sessions, and maker activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.
Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London, E2 9PA
Opening Times: Daily: 10 AM – 5:45 PM (closed Mondays).
Free entry for all visitors; some special workshops or events may have a small fee
18 Spitalfields Market
While not quite what it used to be, Spitalfields Market still offers a lively and vibrant experience for families, blending shopping, dining, and entertainment. With a mix of artisan stalls, unique boutiques, and food vendors offering kid-friendly options, there’s something for everyone. Special events, such as craft workshops, live music, and seasonal markets, inject some excitement for kids. The weekend stalls have a variety of products that are fun to discover and some great street food.
56 Brushfield Street, London, E1 6AA
Opening times: The weekend markets are best Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Free but easy to spend money!!
19 Lost in Light
Squid Soup’s Lost in Light might not be around for ages so make sure to go as soon as you can. With 5 rooms of stunning installations that invite children to play among sound and light, t’s like stepping into a whole new world where light and sound make art feel alive, as if you’re part of it. Squid Soup’s work has been showcased globally, and it’s easy to see why. Lost in Light is a must-see, blending innovation, creativity, and fun into an unforgettable sensory journey.
118 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3PJ
Openging Times: Family friendly hours are weekdays: 12 PM to 3 PM Weekends: 10 AM to 3 PM
Adult: £18-23 Children 5-16 yrs: £9-12 Under 5yrs: Free (family tickets available)
20 Toconoco
Toconoco is a hidden gem for families seeking a peaceful retreat. This Japanese-inspired café near Regent’s Canal is family-friendly, with a dedicated play area for kids and a thoughtfully curated menu featuring delicious, wholesome food. Parents can relax with a matcha latte while little ones explore toys or participate in occasional craft workshops.
28 Hertford Road, London, N1 5QT
Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Free entry; menu items range from £3-£10