With the school holidays here, you might be wondering how to fill the long summer weeks with the kids, but we’ve got you covered on Oxford Street. From art festivals to karaoke brunches, here are some activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Take in a show at the Underbelly Festival
The popular Underbelly Festival is returning this summer, taking over Cavendish Square from July to September, bringing you the best in circus, cabaret, comedy and street food. There are shows for the family, including special kid-friendly performances. Shows include Dizney in Drag: Once Upon a Parody, Tweedy’s Massive Circus and the award-winning circus from YCUK. On top of that, you’ll be able to feast on street food including fish and chips and tacos, and sip on Espresso Martinis and Spritzes, whilst relaxing on deck chairs. Shows start at £11.50, but you can access the square for free and enjoy the food and atmosphere there.
Book a family stay in the capital
Want to experience all that Oxford Street and London have to offer, with everyone? You’re in luck, because The BoTree is offering an epic 50% off family stays. If you book a stay of three nights or more between 21st July and 2nd September, you can enjoy big savings off their two-bedroom suites. It’s a stone’s throw away from excellent shopping, as well as parks, attractions and galleries, so perfect for the whole family. And once you’re done with your day, you can head back to the hotel and have a family feast at LAVO, which happens to offer an excellent Bambino Menu.
Shop summer collections
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a bit of shopping, would it? As well as hosting special offers, retailers are dropping all their new summer collections to ensure you have the best holidays yet, whether you’re planning picnics, beach days or holidays abroad. At Calzedonia, you can shop for new swimwear and cover-ups as well as lightweight linen pieces. Flying Tiger has a collection of toys that are perfect for the beach and garden, to keep the kids entertained all summer. At Uniqlo, you can pick up summer staples at reasonable prices. Then of course, you have the big department stores: M&S, John Lewis and Selfridges, which will have you covered, from outdoor dining to luggage and holiday wardrobes. And don’t forget The Disney Store for some magical toys and souvenirs or MINISO for their surprise concept ‘blind boxes’ – sure to keep the kids busy.
Enjoy the green spaces
Did you know Oxford Street offers some of the best picnic spots in the capital? There are several parks you can relax in, all with their own unique vibes. Brown Hart Gardens is a Grade II listed raised terraced garden with lush planters, plenty of seating and a new water feature situated in one of the garden’s original stone seats. Cavendish Square offers a prime picnic spot thanks to its circular garden with clusters of tall trees, ornamental lawns and flower beds. Grosvenor Square was one of the first of its kind in London, offering classically-inspired landscaping and a welcome escape for busy city-dwellers. Soho Square is a secluded spot with pretty gardens arranged around a historical building, and then of course you have Hyde Park, which is a huge 350 acres and home to famous landmarks including the Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana Memorial Fountain.
Challenge your mind
You’re never too young – or old – for a challenge. The Twist Museum was developed with artists, neuroscientists and philosophers to test the power of your mind. The result? Mind-altering immersive rooms full of unexpected interactive illusions that will show you how your brain interprets reality. If it’s virtual reality you’re after, head straight to the world-renowned Outernet, home to the biggest screens in the country, which showcase everything from art exhibitions to live music. Current shows include Color Stripe Study, by Zach Lieberman & Daito Manabe, a collaborative piece with a dive into the work of creative coding, and Nature Relaxation: Flying Over Kauai, a visually breathtaking and immersive aerial voyage over Hawaii’s garden islands. Perfect for a rainy day.
Go to the cinema
After a day of shopping and eating, the Cinema at Selfridges is the perfect place to stop. There, you’ll be able to catch a showing of the latest blockbusters as well as classics for the whole family, including Bad Boys: Ride or Die, The Fall Guy or Inside Out 2 and The Garfield Movie.
Sing Your Heart Out at Boom Battle Bar’s Big Boom Events
No matter your music preferences, there’s an event to satisfy all music lovers this summer at Boom Battle Bar. Swifties will adore the Taylor Swift Brunch, taking place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June. Expect to Shake it Off with bespoke cocktails and Taylor’s biggest hits. If it’s Hip Hop or Dance Hall you prefer, don’t sweat it. Until 29th June, you can listen to your favourite tunes during an epic bottomless brunch in partnership with Kahlua, where DJs do their thing. From 6th July to 10th August, it’ll be festival bangers being played out on the dance floor, with rum punch and fruity spritzes being served to go alongside them. You can also expect plenty of giveaway opportunities to win tickets to some of the UK’s hottest festivals.
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