London Festival of Architecture for Families

Play Place

From 14 June, Leicester Square Gardens houses a new installation perfect to visit on a family day out. Experience Play Place, an exciting new installation designed for creative play right in the heart of London.

This vibrant playground, created by Delve Architects and Plaey Workshop, looks like a giant puzzle and is perfect for kids to explore. It's a fun way to spark conversations about making cities more kid-friendly.

Supported by Heart of London Business Alliance, Westminster City Council, and the London Festival of Architecture, and sponsored by Dragon Smoke Construction, Play Place is a must-visit. Don't miss out on this colourful, engaging experience for the whole family.

Scenes in the Square

While you're in Leicester Square Gardens, make sure to check out the Scenes in the Square trail. Explore icons from a century of cinema and entertainment through an interactive statue trail.

Hop onto your brooms to discover Harry Potter, scour the buildings for DC’s Super Heroes Batman and Wonder Woman, or cosy up on a bench next to Paddington and Mr. Bean. You can burst into song with musical stars Mary Poppins and Gene Kelly or dive into comedy capers with Laurel and Hardy or Bugs Bunny. There's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Tune into the audio walking tour narrated by TV’s Alex Zane. Completely free, the audio tour is packed with movie clips, trivia, humour, and interviews with stars like Hugh Bonneville from Paddington and Patricia Ward Kelly, the wife and biographer of Gene Kelly. You can find it on all podcast platforms.

Pi Park

Explore Pi Park at St James’s Market, where maths and design collide in an exciting installation for all ages.

Pi Park is the brainchild of researchers and students from the University of Westminster's Fabrication Lab, collaborating with innovators from MIT's SHED.

Discover a nature-inspired architecture and intricate engineering, including a timber gazebo and interactive concrete sculptures crafted with cutting-edge 3D printing technology.

Plus, get involved in family-friendly workshops designed to spark creativity and explore the world of architecture.

Panton Yokocho

Step into the vibrant world of downtown Tokyo at Panton Yokocho! With its red lanterns and vintage music posters, Panton Yokocho is like stepping back in time to a world of retro ramen. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, taste amazing broths and noodles.

Whether you prefer miso, shio salt, or vegan options, Panton Yokocho has them all. Love chijire wavy noodles or thin hosomen? Discover these regional specialities at Panton Yokocho’s downtown retro ramen bar and be transported to the lively ‘yokocho’ alleyways of Showa era Japan right in the heart of London.

As an LFA attendee, enjoy 20% off your bill. Click the link below to redeem and find out more.

Americana London

Experience a slice of Southern charm right in the heart of London’s vibrant theatreland at Americana London!

Indulge in mouthwatering Southern delicacies served in a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Watch Americana’s talented chefs create your favourite dishes right before your eyes in their theatre-style kitchen.

From sizzling flamed-grilled oysters to fluffy waffles, juicy grass-fed steaks, and flavourful smoked wings, Americana has dishes to satisfy every craving.

Look Up London: West End tour

Take your family on an exciting walking tour curated by Katie Wignall, London blue-badge tour guide and creator of the history blog Look Up London.

Stroll through the lively streets of the West End and discover hidden architectural treasures.

Look Up London brings you to the fascinating stories London’s West End has to offer, from London's oldest bookshop, first built shopping centre and an oasis of calm minutes from Leicester Square Gardens.

Join Look Up London for an exciting afternoon tour of fascinating stories in the heart of the West End.