Explore the Blue Whale at the Natural History Museum
The iconic blue whale skeleton 'Hope' hangs in Hintze Hall. Free entry, open daily. A must-see for families visiting London.
Popular class types
Early years
Music, movement, sensory play, swimming and messy play classes can help younger children socialise, practise routines and explore safely.
School-age skills
Dance, martial arts, drama, coding, art, languages, gymnastics and swimming are common weekly choices for primary-age children.
Confidence builders
Small-group classes can help with speaking, coordination, teamwork, independence and trying new things away from school.
Choosing a class that lasts
Before comparing providers, decide what you want the class to do: build confidence, learn a skill, support fitness, make friends, prepare for exams or simply add fun to the week. That makes it easier to ignore options that look impressive but do not fit your child.
Match the format to your child
Parent-and-child
Often best for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and nervous starters. Check whether siblings can attend and whether you need to book every week.
Drop-off classes
Useful for independence once children are ready. Ask how staff handle unsettled children, toilet trips, collection passwords and late arrivals.
Small groups or one-to-one
Better for targeted support, exams, music, swimming confidence or children who find busy sessions difficult, but usually more expensive.
Questions to ask before booking
- Is there a taster session, and what happens if your child does not settle?
- Are parents expected to stay, wait nearby or drop off?
- How are groups split by age, ability and confidence?
- What is included in the price, and are there registration, kit, exam, grading or show fees?
- How does the provider handle safeguarding, first aid, allergies, additional needs and collection passwords?
- What is the missed-week, cancellation or make-up class policy?
Good signs when you visit
Clear welcome
New families know where to go, who is in charge and what children need for the first session.
Age-appropriate pace
Younger children get movement and repetition; older children get challenge, feedback and room to progress.
Plain-English feedback
Parents can understand what their child is learning and when to move up, pause or try another level.
Cost and routine checks
Weekly classes are easiest to keep when travel, parking, siblings, homework, dinner and bedtime still work. If a class needs expensive kit or weekend performances, check the full-year cost before your child gets attached.
- Compare monthly, termly and pay-as-you-go pricing rather than only the headline session cost.
- Ask whether uniforms, instruments, exam entries, grading belts, show costumes or competition fees are optional or expected.
- Check the notice period for leaving, especially if the provider uses direct debit or rolling memberships.
Seasonal timing tips
September and January can be busy because families reset routines, while swimming, exam-prep and performance classes may have waiting lists. Summer can be a good time to try short courses before committing to a full term.
Read our class and club choosing guide. If your child wants less structure, browse activities; for community groups, compare kids' clubs; for academic support, see tutors.