Summer in the city

A summer of space lands at the Science Museum this month, kickstarted by a Summer Space Trail inspired by Disney and Pixar’s new film, Elio.

Scavenge space objects around the museum and complete a series of mini challenges to receive a free badge and channel your inner space explorer.

On Saturday 26 July, the museum also launches The Space Show – a free family event that involves live science experiments, including a floating plate of whipped cream.

After dark, young campers can get a whole new perspective at the museum’s Astronights. Children aged 7-11 can experience hands-on workshops, take part in exciting science shows and get to see the exhibits after hours before snuggling up for an intrepid overnight in one of the museum’s galleries (11 July).

There will also be SENsory Astronights for those with special educational needs or disabilities (2 August).

Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD

For stir-crazy staycationers, the Little VIP Club at The Lanesborough pulls out all the stops for children of all ages. In its fourth year, the Little VIP Club gives little ones an all-access pass to adventure. Think treasure hunts, trail maps, mocktail mixology lessons and butler bootcamps, all designed by the hotel’s concierge team.

On arrival, they are even presented with their own personalised Little VIP business wallet, which unlocks complimentary soft drinks, milkshakes and ice cream with a simple wave of the card.

Parents enjoy 25 per cent off with the Family Time offer when you book two nights or more in the hotel’s two-bedroom suites or connecting rooms, plus a dedicated 24-hour butler service and a trip to The Lanesborough Club & Spa.

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA

For those with a soft spot for the beloved bunny Miffy, be prepared to burrow into a host of sweet treats. In celebration of Miffy’s 70th birthday, the character is going down the rabbit hole with The Knot Churros for a dessert collaboration that is adorably delicious. Exclusive Miffy-themed churros will be available this month for you to sink your teeth into in the picture-perfect setting of its Knightsbridge location.

The Knot Churros, 36 Knightsbridge, W1X 7JN

Who wouldn’t love to escape to a tropical paradise? To mark its first anniversary, Paradox Museum London is turning up the heat with its brand-new Tropical Paradise at Paradox summer experience – launching this month.

Visitors can expect exotic plants and birds, neon decorations and new photo opportunities, including a beach-themed entrance and a 3D optical illusion swimming pool for those who love to dive in at the deep end.

Other summer fun includes balloon artists, face painters, magicians and an exciting scavenger-style adventure, the Passport Safari Game, where young visitors can follow clues, solve puzzles and collect stamps throughout the interactive space.

This July also sees the opening of Paradox Museum London’s children’s birthday party space, the Dragon’s Nest. Partygoers can enjoy 75 minutes of immersive museum fun followed by food, games and a chance to see its resident dragon breathe smoke…

Paradox Museum London, 90 Brompton Road, SW3 1JJ

Love the theatre? Dinner by Heston Blumenthal promises to be full of tableside theatrics, with performances including its liquid nitrogen ice-cream trolley that transforms custard into soft scoop right before your eyes.

In true Heston style, this off-menu item is pulled straight from the history books – a tribute to Mrs Agnes B Marshall (aka the “Queen of Ices”). Her first book, The Book of Ices, released in 1885, included recipes for some of her most famous ice-cream varieties, including cucumber, white wine, marmalade, burnt almond and brown bread.

Sprinkled with toppings, this dessert will most definitely bring the wow-factor.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA

Caught up in the Labubu craze? These viral dolls have sent London (and the world) into a frenzy – to the point that purchases have been put on hold following the rising demand.

One store still stocking these fluffy-eared, sharp-toothed Labubus is Statement – a clothing store that specialises in highly sought-after designer collaborations. Take the Loewe x On Cloudtilt sneakers, or the Nike SB Dunk Low x Yuto Horigome skate shoes, which bring Japanese skateboarding to London.

STATEMENT, 50 Brompton Road, SW3 1BW