Over half term we were invited to try out KidZania which is an experience for kids based at Westfield London. We had never been before so didn’t know much before we arrived and were a little confused to arrive at KidZania International Airport! We were given 50 kidZos (the currency of KidZania), electronic tags around our wrists and a map of the city and then let through into KidZania.
KidZania is a real life role play experience for 4-14 year olds, blending learning and reality with entertainment. Your experience lasts for 4 hours and as we went when it had just opened it was very quiet. We headed for the Aviation Academy and both children decided they wanted to learn how to be pilots. Unfortunately parents weren’t allowed in so I found a bench and sat down for the next 20 minutes.
Outside each activity you’ll find an information panel telling you how many children can take part, if they have to pay or get paid, and how long the activity lasts. They had a great time and soon it was time to pick another activity.
By now KidZania was filling up but we never had to queue for very long. The children took part in activities at the Chocolate Factory, the City Tour Bus, Fire & Rescue Unit, Painting School, the Recycling Centre and the Supermarket. Each activity was led by a member of staff and although parents couldn’t take part, I found my children came out having learned some new facts and had lots of fun.
Some activities they paid to take part in, like becoming a Chocolatier at the Chocolate Factory. Some activities they were paid for taking part, like working at the Recycling Centre. They were able to spend any kidZos at the Department Store.
Their favourite activity was learning how to be fire fighters. There was even a fire engine to jump into and hose pipes to use and help put a fire out! This was the only activity with a significant queue, and they waited about 30 minutes to take part in it.
Our 4 hours went really quickly and it felt like we only managed a few of the activities. There were so many more we wanted to do, such as the Ice Cream Factory, the Pit Lane Experience and run around delivering parcels with the Medical Courier Service.
KidZania is a really interesting concept which my children loved. They can’t wait to go back again and learn about more of the activities. Each activity offers a unique role-play experience where kids learn financial literacy, careers, teamwork, independence and real-life skills. You can find out more on the KidZania website.
Disclosure – we were given complimentary tickets for this experience but all thoughts are my own.
What a cool place this is. I almost wish I was a kid again.
This looks so awesome! What a fantastic idea!
Great post!
Sarah xxx