With temperatures set to hit 37 degrees this week, Londoners are bound to be cranky. And that includes babies and toddlers, who struggle to regulate their body temperature. Sleep schedules are abandoned for late-night buggy walks, and emergency ice-cream is a staple. Here are some air-conditioned spaces to cool down and cheer up little ones.
Young V&A Museum
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green is a top recommendation. It offers buggy parking and baby change facilities, with interactive areas like a drawing station, dress-up, and soft building blocks for under-twos. The free venue also has an air-conditioned cafe with high chairs. Address: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA. Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green.
Everyman Cinema Baby Club and Toddler Club
Everyman’s Baby Club for babies under 12 months runs Tuesday and Thursday mornings with reduced sound and low lighting. Staff bring cake and drinks to your seat. For toddlers aged 1-5, Toddler Club is on Fridays and Saturdays. There are 13 London locations; check the Everyman website for details.
Frameless
Frameless London offers a parent and toddler ticket for £21 on Monday-Friday mornings in term time. Babies and toddlers can explore four immersive art rooms without time limits. Alternatively, a 20-minute sensory class with live singalong costs £14.50 for one adult and one child under three, with gallery access afterwards. Address: 6 Marble Arch, W1H 7AP. Nearest Tube: Marble Arch.
The Army Museum
The Army Museum has a soft play area called Play Base, featuring an army truck, assault course, cook house, and quartermaster’s store. A child’s ticket costs £7 (or £6.50 from 25 June under a new government scheme). Main museum access is free with the ticket. Address: National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT. Nearest Tube: Sloane Square.
Local Libraries
Many libraries have air conditioning, as listed on the government Cool Spaces map. Examples include Peckham Library, Catford Library, Woolwich Library, and Hackney Central Library. These free spaces often host baby and toddler events like storytime or Rhyme time. Check your local council’s website for timings.
The Postal Museum
The Postal Museum’s air-conditioned play space Sorted! costs £5 per child and £2.50 per adult for a 45-minute session. It includes soft play, dress-up, and role play. The underground train ride in the main museum is also cool, but general entry is £20.50 for adults (children under two free). Address: 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA. Nearest Tube: Farringdon.
