Looking for 7 family-friendly things to: do in London Ontario?
London, Ontario offers a compact mix of indoor and outdoor options that work for rainy afternoons, sunny park days, and weekend family celebrations. This list collects seven vetted, bookable activities that are kid friendly, easy to combine into a half-day or full-day plan, and include quick details on how long to expect to stay, what ages they suit, approximate pricing or booking channels, and accessibility or safety notes you should check before you go.
How these seven family-friendly activities were chosen
Selection criteria focused on family friendliness, ease of booking, indoor options for all seasons, nearby clustering around The Factory, and suitability for mixed-age groups. The list is editorial and non-paid, not a ranked competition. When you need current event calendars and visitor information for seasonal programs, consult local tourism listings and the attraction pages directly.
The seven options
1) London Children
p Museum: hands-on learning for younger kids
What it is
The London Children
p Museum offers interactive exhibits built for exploration, sensory play, and early learning. Exhibits encourage curiosity and often include rotating, seasonal displays that keep repeat visits fresh.
Why families like it
Young children respond well to tactile, low-risk play that teaches cause and effect. The museum supports caregivers with seating and clear sight lines so supervising multiple children is easier than at free-form play sites.
Practical details
- Typical visit length: 60 to 120 minutes depending on age and engagement.
- Age notes: best for toddlers to early elementary, though older siblings can enjoy rotating exhibits.
- Booking and hours: check attraction pages or local tourism listings for current hours and seasonal closures.
- Accessibility and facilities: museums usually provide universal washrooms and stroller access, but confirm specifics before arrival.
2) The Next Level VR arcade inside The Factory: immersive room-scale VR
What it is
The Next Level is a virtual reality arcade located inside The Factory at 100 Kellogg Lane. The venue offers over 4,000 square feet of play space, 22 individual gaming pods, and 24 625 HTC Vive Pro headsets using room-scale tracking and motion controllers. It also operates 12 themed VR escape rooms for teams of 1 to 6 players and maintains a private party room for events and birthdays. These details come from the venue
published information.
Why families like it
VR works well for mixed-age groups because players take turns while others observe on large wall-mounted TVs in the party room. The range of game types includes cooperative multiplayer and creative experiences so siblings with different comfort levels can still share an outing.
Practical details
- Typical visit length: 30-minute or 1-hour pod sessions are standard. Escape rooms and party bookings are usually reserved by the hour.
- Age guidance: many active VR titles are recommended for kids 8 and up, while some seated or creative experiences may suit younger players. Confirm age rules for specific games when you book.
- Price guidance: the venue uses time-based pricing and publishes party rates on its site.
- Hours and location: The Next Level lists daily hours and is centrally located inside The Factory, making it easy to pair with other nearby attractions.
- Party bookings: learn about dedicated packages and spectator seating on the kids birthday party London page.
You can find general venue information and online booking on the main site at The Next Level.
3) Storybook Gardens and Springbank Park: outdoor play and seasonal events
What it is
Storybook Gardens and adjacent Springbank Park are classic outdoor family staples in London, offering playgrounds, themed gardens, splash pads in summer, and seasonal events like story hours and festivals that change through the year.
Why families like it
Open green space and structured play areas let kids burn energy while caregivers picnic or walk riverside paths. Seasonal programming means repeat visits can feel new, and wide lawns provide safe distancing on busy days.
Practical details
- Typical visit length: 1 to 3 hours depending on playtime and picnic plans.
- Age notes: excellent for toddlers to preteens, with accessible paths for strollers.
- Costs: many outdoor amenities are free, though seasonal attractions or special events may charge admission.
- Parking and transit: parking is available nearby but fills quickly on warm weekends, so consider transit or an early arrival.
4) Fanshawe Pioneer Village and local heritage sites: active history lessons
What it is
Fanshawe Pioneer Village and similar heritage attractions provide living-history exhibits with costumed interpreters, hands-on demonstrations of crafts and farming, and family-friendly workshops that bring local history to life.
Why families like it
Hands-on craft activities and role-play create memorable opportunities for kids to learn practical skills and compare past daily life to modern conveniences. Short demos fit easily into a family schedule.
Practical details
- Typical visit length: 90 to 180 minutes for demonstrations and exploration.
- Age notes: suitable for elementary and older children who enjoy active learning and outdoor walking between exhibits.
- Booking: check seasonal hours and group visit policies on individual site pages before you go.
5) Indoor family entertainment centres such as The Rec Room for mixed-age fun
What it is
Indoor family entertainment centres combine arcades, bowling, dining, and flexible activity spaces so groups with varied ages can split up and reconvene. The Rec Room is an example of this multi-attraction model in the region.
Why families like it
These venues let families mix competitive play, hands-on arcades, and full meals without changing locations. They are especially useful when weather makes outdoor plans risky.
Practical details
- Typical visit length: 2 to 4 hours, including meals.
- Age notes: wide appeal from young children to adults, though some attractions have age or height minimums.
- Booking and bundles: reserve lanes or party spaces ahead for peak times and special events; check each venue for package details.
6) Seasonal farms and pick-your-own activities near London for outdoorsy families
What it is
Pick-your-own farms, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and berry farms around London operate seasonally and offer outdoor, educational experiences where kids learn about food sources and farm life.
Why families like it
Farms encourage hands-on learning and active exploration while producing a tangible souvenir to take home. They also make for straightforward, budget-friendly outings on a clear day.
Practical details
- Typical visit length: 60 to 180 minutes depending on activities chosen.
- Age notes: best for toddlers and older kids who can safely walk between fields; supervise young children near equipment and animals.
- Safety and gear: wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and check each farm’s website or event listing for petting barn rules and booking requirements.
7) Covent Garden Market and family-friendly food stops: mix food and discovery
What it is
Covent Garden Market is a lively indoor market offering local produce, bakeries, ready-to-eat options, and seasonal stalls that make for an easy, low-cost family stop that pairs well with nearby attractions.
Why families like it
Markets let families graze and sample rather than commit to a full sit-down meal, and they expose children to local foods and vendors in a compact, walkable space.
Practical details
- Typical visit length: 30 to 90 minutes depending on food and browsing.
- Age notes: suitable for all ages, with quick snack options for smaller children.
- Pairing: combine a market stop with The Factory area or a short walk to nearby parks for a balanced day.
Suggested half-day itinerary around The Factory
Start mid-morning at the London Children
p Museum for an hour of hands-on exhibits. Walk or drive a short distance to The Next Level inside The Factory for a 1-hour VR session or an escape room booking. Finish with a snack or light meal at Covent Garden Market or nearby vendors. This sequence balances active play, immersive tech, and easy food options for mixed-age groups.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a session at The Next Level and do I need to reserve in advance
Reserve online through the venue’s booking system. The Next Level offers 30-minute and 1-hour pod sessions, escape room and party bookings via its site and a reservation flow. Advance booking is recommended for weekends and party bookings.
What ages are suitable for VR and other family attractions in London Ontario
Age suitability varies by attraction. Many VR centres and family venues recommend kids 8 and up for active VR titles, though some seated or creative experiences may be suitable for younger children. Museums, markets, and parks typically welcome all ages. Confirm age policies for specific games or events before booking.
Are the attractions wheelchair accessible and what should I ask before I book
Accessibility varies by site. Ask each venue about step-free entrances, accessible washrooms, mobility seating and any accommodations for service animals. For museums and large public attractions consult their visitor pages or local tourism resources for accessibility notes.
Do I need to bring anything for seasonal outdoor activities near London
Bring water, sunscreen, hats, closed-toe shoes for farm visits, and jackets for changing weather. For animal barns bring hand sanitizer and follow posted safety rules. Confirm parking and arrival details with each farm or park before you go.
Is there family parking or transit access near The Factory and the listed attractions
The Factory area and Covent Garden Market have nearby parking and transit options, but parking can fill on busy days. Consider transit or arrive early on weekends. For precise directions and up-to-date hours consult venue listings and maps.
Final question
Ready to plan a family outing that mixes hands-on learning, outdoor play, and a taste of immersive VR at The Next Level?
Visit The Next Level to check availability and book sessions or parties. You can learn more about birthday packages on the kids birthday party London page.
Sources: The Next Level official site for venue details and booking, and local tourism listings for general attraction and seasonal information.