Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the companies or products mentioned in this post.
What’s the worst thing about growing up? For me, it has to be losing those glorious 6 week-long summer holidays full of friends, fun and absolutely zero responsibilities! However, just because we still have to work, it doesn’t mean we adults can’t enjoy the summer too. That’s why I’ve put together this list of fun activities to help Londoners of all ages release their inner-child and jump into summer with the same enthusiasm you did back in the good old days…
Slip-n-Slide
On Saturday 22nd July, throw on your swimsuit and head to Alexandra Palace, where their now infamous giant waterslide will be making its annual appearance at the Palaces’ Summer Festival.
Slide down the 100m long course on an inflatable dinghy and land in a small refreshing pool of water at the bottom. Disclosure: you will definitely get wet!
But who cares when you can dry off in the sun with a beer and burger whilst enjoying the live music and other activities the festival has to offer.
Trampoline Mania
Practice your parkour on an endless sea of trampolines and stunt areas at London’s biggest trampoline park. In addition to their existing Wandsworth and Brent Cross locations, Flip Out have recently opened a new mega-adventure park in London’s E6.
In addition to over 50 trampolines, the East Ham location also has 12 climbing walls, an indoor caving experience, a super-slide with a near-30ft drop, a laser maze and a Ninja Warrior course. Plus once you’ve run out of fuel from all of the activities you can grab a bite to eat at either the onsite SCI-FI themed diner or New York-style hot dog stand.
The park is open until 10pm every evening, and a 1-hour session on the trampolines is just £12. Perfect for some after-work shenanigans. However, with all the other activities available it’d be pretty easy to spend an entire day here!
Find out more about Flip Out and watch my video here.
A Bar with an Adult Ball Pit
By now, most Londoners have heard of BallieBallerson, the Stoke Newington bar with an underground ball pit. Grab a space-themed cocktail upstairs before diving into the 250,000 glow in the dark balls whilst DJs spin funk and ragged house.
But did you know that BallieBallerson now also has a second location at Shoreditch’s BOXPARK? Where for just £10 you can turn up (no reservation needed) and jump in for a 30-minute session (on Monday it’s free for anyone living inside the M25).
Stressed at work? No worries. Just leave all of your adult responsibilities behind and pop by for a lunchtime ball fight. Release the stress and BOOM, you’re ready for those afternoon meetings!
Read my full review and find out more about BallieBallerson here.
Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course
IT’S TIME… TO FACE… THE BEAST!
The world’s largest inflatable obstacle course is heading to Alexandra Palace this August bank holiday weekend. 272 meters of pure craziness. Take on the 32 obstacles as you compete against your friends to tame the beast.
Sessions are divided into kids in the morning and adults (16+) in the afternoon. So there’s no need to worry about wiping out a 6-year-old girl as you nosedive over a wall to overtake your friend who you bet a pint that you’d beat.
Follow London City Calling on social media for an update if the Beast returns to London again.
Speed Boat Down the Thames
Like a scene straight out of a James Bond movie, you too can speed along the Thames, bouncing around with the twists and turns, listening to an action-packed playlist to increase the adrenaline rush.
After an informative tour by one of the comedian guides, you’ll jet back down the river at speeds of 35mph (which is faster than it sounds when you’re on a small boat!) through the Thames Barrier, past the O2 arena and under Tower Bridge.
Find out more about the Thames Rockets and buy tickets here.
The World’s Longest Tunnel Slide
The ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was installed as a unique and iconic piece of public art for the London Olympic games in 2012. A while after the games had finished a giant slide was added to the structure.
The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit is not only the world’s highest slide but at 178m long, it is also the world’s longest tunnel slide. Twisting around the structure 12 times, with both dark and light sections so riders can catch a glimpse of the city skyline on their way down, the slide takes 40 seconds to descend.
Voted by TimeOut London as the top thing to do in London in 2016, the slide is a must for adrenaline junkies looking for a thrill in the city!
Find out more about the Slide and buy tickets here.
Ultimate Aqua Splash
Whilst you’re down at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park you can also pop into the London Aquatic Centre to tackle the UK’s largest indoor inflatable aqua experience. Re-live those many childhood birthday parties… but in supercharge mode!
Find out more and book tickets here.
Emily is a born and raised London girl, starting life in the north of the capital then moving down to Fulham in the southwest. She has a master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works full-time running this blog and as a freelance travel writer, splitting her life between London and travelling the world as a digital nomad.
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