Things to do with kids in Stratford

Let their imaginations run wild at Britain’s first centre dedicated to storytelling. Nurture a love of reading with interactive storytelling sessions, workshops and more. The Discover Centre also plays host to a range of engaging authors and illustrators. Find out who’s visiting on their what’s on page here.

Spend the day indulging their curiosity and enjoy a bite to eat in the Discover Cafe. Enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, salads, snacks, ice creams and freshly baked cakes.
Planning a birthday party for your little one? Find what’s available in the Party Room packages.

Prices start from £6.50 per adult or children over two years old. Family tickets are available from £22 for a family of four.

Climb the treehouse, cross the wobbly bridge, splash in the rock pools or dig in the sandpit - there’s plenty to discover at the Tumbling Bay Playground. Located at the north of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, there’s loads of outdoor space to run, explore and play. Perfect for running down energy levels!

What’s more, the Timber Lodge Cafe sits alongside the playground, providing the ideal place to enjoy refreshments. Relax, unwind and tuck into fresh, home-cooked treats after an afternoon of play.
The Tumbling Bay Playground is free to use.

Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with the farmyard animals of Hackney Farm. Situated on the site of a former brewery, Hackney City Farm have transformed the space to bring a taste of the rural countryside to the city.

Children can look forward to meeting goats, sheep, chickens and donkeys as well as some small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. The farm is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm and is completely free to enter. Workshops and classes are held weekly throughout summer, check their weekly schedule here.

For a day out with a difference, head to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to visit the iconic Arcelormittal Orbit Slide. A staple of the 2012 Olympics, this red tower of twisted metal is the world’s tallest and longest slide. Not sure if you want to commit to the drop? Enjoy beautiful views of East London from the viewing platform by taking the lift to the top.

If you’re little ones aren’t so little any more, Stratford East Theatre have the perfect opportunity to keep them engaged and entertained throughout the summer with various classes. The Junior Youth Theatre (aimed at age 11-14 years) is held every Monday between 6 - 7.15pm, where participants can create, devise and perform their own plays. Find out more about how young people can get involved here.