BaySixty6

Sprawling skatepark under the Westway

Phillip Proctor

Striking a balance between preteen-pleasing grittiness and parent-placating friendliness, this well-equipped skatepark has been the hangout of choice for west London’s young skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMXers for a quarter of a century. Tucked beneath everyone’s favourite inner-city motorway, BAYSIXTY 6 offers open-air skating in all weathers and for all abilities, with beginners-only sessions every morning during weekends and school holidays – including equipment hire for those who aren’t ready to commit. The park also offers girls-only nights for older ones (all ages are welcome, but the session runs from 7-10pm) and a holiday skate ‘camp’ for all ages, so literally anyone can get on board.

Bay 66, Acklam Road, W10 5YU
Westbourne Park
baysixty6.com

Gosh! Comics

Escape to the printed page

Mauricio de Souza

This long-serving Berwick Street gem was a sanctuary for comic book fans long before the Avengers invaded our screens. While not exclusively geared towards younger readers, Gosh! offers a diverse selection of gorgeously illustrated picture books and graphic novellas for children, spanning mainstream titles and more niche publications, as well as hosting semi-regular family workshops and book signings. Unsure which comic book universe to delve into first? The clued-up (but never stuck-up) staff will be more than happy to introduce you to their cartoon heroes.

1 Berwick Street, W1F 0DR
Piccadilly Circus
goshlondon.com

Roller Nation

Roller-skating club with a weekly family disco

Charlotte Schreiber

What are Saturday afternoons for if not shuffling around in sweaty hire skates to the dulcet tones of TLC? Roller Nation will delight disco kids and nostalgic parents alike with its weekly Family Jam sessions – a chance to boot up and get down to oldschool classics and chart bangers with everyone you hold dear (with the possible exception of elderly grandparents – although hey, if they’re up for it). Weekend sessions tend to sell out, but don’t be intimidated by the crowd – the vibe is relaxed and friendly, and we promise no one’s counting the number of times you fall on your face.

117 Bruce Grove, N17 6UR
Bruce Grove
rollernation.com

Gootopia

Gratifyingly gooey workshops

Gootopia / Nishi Bowan

Want to know where in London to find the most disgustingly satisfying, child-friendly fun? The enduring craze that is slime-making has come to a railway arch in Brixton. Part practical workshop, part interactive theatre, Gootopia’s hands-on sessions are a delight for the senses, with plenty of chances to squish, sniff and pop (and, let’s face it, probably lick). Also, provided it’s stored properly, slime lasts for ages – so you’ll be finding bits of it glued to the carpet for months to come. You’re welcome.

494 Rathgar Road, SW9 7EP
Loughborough Junction
gootopia.co.uk

Yonder

Timber-clad indoor climbing space

Corey Rid

Bouldering has never looked cooler than at this preposterously beautiful climbing paradise, where children (and adults) of all ages are free to scale 900m2 of wall, unbound by ropes or harnesses. The jungle-themed kids’ wall is a great place to start, with its closely-spaced climbing holds and adorable slide, while more daring climbers will have their courage rewarded with an exhilarating plunge from the top of one of the loftier walls. Keen to hone their skills? Yonder offers weekly classes for serious scramblers aged 6-15.

6 Hooker's Road, E17 6DP
Blackhorse Road
thisisyonder.com