Is your child an aspiring doctor or dentist? Or are they planning on being a fire or police officer? Maybe they are inspired by fashion or excited by cars?
Kidzania at Westfield London gives them a chance to experience life in their chosen career, earn “money” (called KidZos) and then spend it in the mini-shops or other activities there. What a brilliant idea – educational and empowering entertainment – harnessing the power of play and imagination in a safe, purpose-built environment in a break from modern life’s technological gadgetry.
It’s a huge place (75,000 square feet) and allows kids from four to 14 a chance to try out different professions and live like an adult. Everything in the mini-city – hospitals, theatres, film studio, aeroplane cockpit, science lab, bus station, banks – is two thirds life size and they arrive on an aeroplane through an airport terminal.
Kids get a four hour slot which is monitored by a digital wristband. Activities include aviation academy, beauty salon, city tour bus, dance club, pit lane experience, fashion studio, sports stadium, garment recycling and painting school. And there’s so much more.
Kids under seven must be accompanied although adults are not allowed to take part in the activities. But they might be invited to act as customers in the hotel or at the department store if they are not relaxing in the parents’ lounge.
Lots of major brands have sponsored the mini-City’s establishments including the Bank of England, British Airways, Cadbury, Early Learning Centre, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, H&M, Renault, the Scout Association and Unilever.
Tickets are £29.50 on the day but start at £7.75 for school groups.
Opening times:
During school terms Monday - Friday: 10.00am - 18.30pm last admission is 14.30pm.
Weekends: 10.00am - 19.30pm last admission 15.30pm.
School holidays: 10.00am - 20.00pm last admission 16.00pm.
http://london.kidzania.com/en-uk/
