London Kids

This private members’ club comes at a price, but the variety of activities available to kids and parents is pretty astounding. It’s located right in Chelsea, with views of the Thames; parents can enjoy the gourmet food, stunning modern décor, and the amazing views, while kids have the options of beach club (indoor pool), massive soft play center, music booth, kitchen (with cooking activities), music room, and art lab. Kids will love it, and adults will find the whole experience oddly peaceful for a kids’ activity center.

Popstarz Parties organizes a full disco with a light-up floor, a karaoke session, plus plenty of games, dancing and singing competitions.

A great old-fashioned kids entertainer, Mr. Marvel does everything from magic tricks, to balloon modeling, plus an old-fashioned Punch and Judy show. He's great for ages three to eight and is always a hit.

Huggle stocks a huge range of kid and baby related products. Founders Rachel and Jason Heller buy with an eye for practicality and good design, and the range of options is pretty astounding, making this the perfect place to stock up for a baby on the way.

Using revolutionary technology from the USA, which dehydrates the nits and head lice, The Hair Force ensure everything is removed. Treatments can be administered in their lounge or within your home.

The Harrods Ice Cream Parlour came to life in the summer of 2011, serving up traditional gelato treats from Morelli's—an Italian ice cream specialist since 1907—plus Harrods’ modern twists. Highlights include the Banoffee Basket—caramel, banana, and cream—as well as plenty of cookie-and-ice-cream combos. The setting is, in true Harrods style, pretty over-the-top, with a mix of Art Deco, pastel colors, and sundae-glass chandeliers. Once the little ones have had their sugar fix, take them over to the toy section for a complete and indulgent Harrods kids experience.

Gill's classes run every holiday from 9am until 3pm, over the course of which they teach about five to six dishes. Gill demonstrates and then the kids learn to make everything from scratch. Many courses are themed around seasons and holidays like Valentine's, Halloween, and Christmas. She also runs children's birthday parties with international cuisine themes like American, Italian, and Japanese.

Julie Clark is an incredibly talented face painter who kids just adore—she can do fairies, jungle animals, Dracula, you name it.

The cushiest chairs and the best snacks can be found at Everyman Cinemas which feature kids matinées on Saturday mornings. Each Saturday brings a different film for the burgeoning film crowd.

Established in London in 1918 by a Japanese immigrant, the Budokwai is still regarded as London's premier martial arts club. Don't let this intimidate the little ones—the juniors classes are particularly great, and in addition to judo, Budokwai offers karate, aikido, and jiujitsu for all levels from beginner to master. Kids are taught carefully, and judo teaches more than just fitness: Patience, discipline and self-defense are among the other qualities gained.