Things to do in London with babies

The Young V&A is a spin-off of the Victoria & Albert Museum, co-designed by and aimed at children to help them develop creativity and confidence. As such, it regularly offers different events and workshops for children of all ages, including toddlers. For example, babies can further hone the one thing they're really good at – making noise – at the informal Sound Explorers sessions, or you can book a multi-week sensory play course.

Unicorn Theatre is considered the leading theatre for young audiences in the country, and its programme includes productions for children of all ages. Toddlers from six to 18 months of age can enjoy “Baby Show”, a sensory performance in a garden-inspired set. Featuring captivating images and sounds, the performance is designed to keep the little ones enthralled throughout. The show is followed by a play session.

In collaboration with Adventure Babies, an award-winning company offering sensory storytelling classes run by trained professionals nationwide, the renowned Natural History Museum runs regular sensory storytelling sessions for toddlers. Featuring sensory props, a sing-along, and messy play, the magical story about the natural world is designed to engage babies and help their development.

The famed British Museum is well-equipped to handle children of all ages. In addition to baby-changing facilities and a family centre where you can enjoy a picnic, the museum hosts different activities for under-5s. Toddlers can join the Little Feet teddy bears as they explore different exhibitions and historic periods, or they can get a themed backpack with activities for use in any area of the museum.

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is a very interesting place even – or especially – for those who don't know much about naval history, babies included. The museum runs weekly sessions for under-5s in its dedicated Learning Space, with experienced facilitators taking families on different journeys with the help of playful and creative activities that are sure to prove useful at home as well.

Once one of the fastest ships in the world, now a fascinating piece of naval history, the Cutty Sark welcomes children of all ages aboard. Its weekly Toddler Time sessions are designed to support little ones' development. Taking place on the ship, the sessions use music and storytelling to present the history of the Cutty Sark and the stories of its crew.

Crying babies are generally frowned upon in the cinema, but not at Picturehouse's Watch with Baby screenings. Parents or carers with babies under the age of one can bring their little one along to select Picturehouse cinemas to watch the latest Hollywood releases. Slightly-less-little little ones aren't forgotten about either – Picturehouse's Toddler Time programme is designed exclusively for pre-schoolers.

Flip Out is an all-weather family destination featuring indoor trampolines and adventure playgrounds, ideal for children of all ages. While older kids jump around, babies can enjoy the soft play area at the Brent Cross branch. They can explore the colourful area safely to their heart's content as their carer looks on.

Highlighting humanity's scientific achievement through interactive exhibits, the Science Museum is guaranteed to blow kids' minds. Under-5s can visit The Garden, the museum's dedicated space for discovering science through play. Accompanied by friendly Explainers, they'll learn how to observe, test, and draw conclusions – or just have a jolly good time trundling around the play area.

The Tate galleries are some of the most famous galleries in the world, and little ones can enjoy a visit there too. Different activities for babies and toddlers are available, ranging from free Read Aloud storytelling sessions in Tate Britain's dedicated Story Space to workshops exploring sensory sound-making objects.

Inflata Nation in North London offers a fantastic family day out with entertainment for all ages. Filled with inflatables, the park provides a variety of fun things to do, including bouncy slides, ball pits, and thrilling obstacle courses. There's a special mini inflatable section specifically tailored for toddlers under four years old, and there are also special Inflata Tots classes when the whole arena is open exclusively to pre-schoolers and their carers.

The Children & Families series at the famed Royal Albert Hall includes a broad range of workshops and shows for children of all ranges, promising an unforgettable day out for the whole family. Babies and toddlers can attend storytelling and music sessions hosted by seasoned storytellers. The 30-minute sessions aim to engage and encourage interaction between parents and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement, and stories, exploring the Hall's diverse musical history.

Promoting a holistic approach to fitness, the boutique Milo and the Bull gyms can be found at multiple locations in South London. New mums can get back on the workout programme at one of the gym's Strong Mum sessions, where their babies can join them in the studio while they exercise. The strength classes are attended by a community of like-minded mums and mums-to-be and held in small groups of up to eight people to ensure the safety of mums and babies.

The London Transport Museum, conveniently located in Covent Garden, hosts weekly singing, stories, and crafts workshops for little ones under five years. Spanning 15 minutes of crafts and half an hour of interactive singing and storytelling, these activities are designed in collaboration with the educational organisation Artburst and feature timeless transport-themed toddler hits such as “The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round.”

Babylon Park is a space-themed amusement park in Camden, perfect for visitors of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Little ones and their carers can enjoy a variety of attractions, including blasting off into space aboard the Alien Ship, riding the train convoy, going around on the kiddie Ferris wheel, exploring the baby-friendly Gymboree, and more.