Ten ways for kids to fly in London
We've rounded up the best places for kids to soar through the sky, loop the loop and feel as free as a bird
If you're fed up of trudging around the same kids musuems and looking for some more unusual things to do with the little ones, take a spin on our places where kids can fly, quite literally, through the London sky.
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Indoor Skydiving
Would-be skydivers can feel the amazing freefall thrill of being suspended in midair by a 120mph updraft wind tunnel. Sound terrifying? The good news is that the two introductory flights only last one minute each – and you're never too far from terra firma.
Ages 4-plus. Locations in Milton Keynes and Basingstoke. www.airkix.com. £49.
Oxygen Freejumping
Trampolining leaps into a new dimension at this exhilarating world where every step you take sends you soaring. Just pop on the 'special jumping socks' (available to purchase) then go to town on the 150 connected trampolines and obstacle course. Ages 5+, plus 'Little Os' sessions for under-5s.
Unit 15, Vision Industrial Park, Kendal Avenue, W3 0AF. 60 min Freejump session £12.50.
Young Flyers Aerial Skills
Swing on the trapeze and master fancy moves with Aerial Silk and Aerial Hoop during the six-hour half-term workshop. Flying Fantastic run regular courses for kids looking for fun ways to hang out - quite literally! Ages 7-15.
Flying Fantastic, The Wilditch Centre, Culvert Rd, SW11 5BB. Half-term course Oct 26 and 27, 9.30am-12.30pm, £80.
Emirates Air Line
These cable cars give a unique bird's eye view across the Thames. Those fascinated with flight should also try the Emirates Aviation Experience at the North Greenwich terminal, with interactive displays, life-size aircraft models and the world's first public flight simulators.
All ages. Emirates Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0FR. North Greenwich. Single fare: £2.30 child (5-15), £4.50 adult. Emirates Aviation Experience £3 for adults and £1.50 for under-12s; simulator from £45 for 30 mins.
Youth Parkour Camp
Dynamic leaps and creative climbs are par for the (obstacle) course with freerunning. Parkour Generation's Youth Parkour Camp (October 26-30, 10am-1pm) includes a two-hour structured parkour class, plus one hour to let rip with supervised free play on the equipment.
Ages 7-15. Chainstore Gym & Parkour Academy, 64 Orchard Place, E14 0JY. www.parkourgenerations.com. East India DLR. £25 per day.
Tree Top Walkway at Kew Gardens
Peter Pan types will feel like they're flying among the foliage of the 18-metre high, 200-metre long tree top walkway, as they breathe in the fresh arboreal air like true adventurers. The Great Spice Heist Adventure also runs Oct 24-Nov 1, with maps, puzzles and a pirate treasure hunt around the gardens.
Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Kew Gardens. Adult £15, child 4-16 £3.50, under-4s free.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Also known as the Peter Pan Playground, wild boys and girls are invited to run amok and let their imaginations soar. Inspired by 'The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow up', the delights on offer include a sea monster sculpture, giant swing, tepees, walkways, ladders and slides, with the grand centrepiece of the vast wooden pirate ship sailing a sea of sand.
All ages. Near Black Lion Gate, Broad Walk, W2 2UH. Bayswater. Free.
KidZania Aviation Academy
A first-class behind-the-scenes insight into commercial flight. Pint-sized pilots can master the complicated sequence of tasks before, during and after each flight in the cockpit of a lifesize British Airways A380 cockpit, whilst cabin crew recruits will learn the art of hospitality and master those tricky moves for the safety demonstration.
All ages. Westfield London Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, W12 7GA. From £16.50 ages 15+, £28 ages 4-14, £10 ages 1-3, free under-ones.
Clip N Climb Chelsea
A head for dizzying heights is desirable at this fun physical play zone where kids can try 22 different challenges that combine climbing walls, scaling towers – and falling with style (as Woody from 'Toy Story' would say). Only the brave should attempt the Vertical Drop Slide and Leap of Faith!
Ages 4+. 19 Michael Rd, SW6 2ER. Fulham Broadway. £19, 4-15 years £14 for 90-minute session, incl 30-min induction.
The Science Museum
The Flight Gallery is filled with every kind of flying machine from glider to jet, while the Fly360 simulator allows you to really feel the thrills and spills of the Red Arrows. And why stop there? Grab a spacesuit for a zero-G photo opportunity to convince your friends that you really are a high-flyer.
All ages. Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD. South Kensington. Free.
Find great things to do at a safe height
101 things to do in London with kids
There need never be a dull moment in this city – London is jam packed with fantastic experiences and days out for families and kids. Here are 101 of the best things to do with children in London.
