Looking for the best things to do in Canary Wharf?
You’re in the right place!
We live only two stops away on the Elizabeth Line so often pop across at weekends, after school/work and almost every school holiday.
It’s not as popular as Oxford Street or Camden as it has more of a work vibe but there’s so much to do, see and eat there, that spending time in Canary Wharf outside of your job and for purely recreational reasons is something of a local secret.
Some of the activities in Canary Wharf are only on in the Spring and Summer as they’re outside, so always check the website (and the weather) before you head down.
If you’re wondering what to do in Canary Wharf, with or without the family, keep reading.
Family Friendly Things To Do In Canary Wharf
Children’s Art Trail
A free art trail with hand-picked works that will appeal to budding young artists.
Download and follow the map to find them all and try to complete the testing tasks along the way.
Mini Golf by Craig & Karl
Montgomery Square, London E14
We love the many free things to do in Canary Wharf.
We head down every summer for mini golf.
Simply see the steward for your free putter and ball.
Playing here is one of our favourite Canary Wharf things to do.
Cabot Place, Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, London, E14 4QS
Flip Out Canary Wharf is London’s biggest indoor adventure park with attractions including laser quest, interactive football, slides, crazy karts, bumper cars, soft play and more.
This location is different from all their other branches are there are no trampolines here.
Summer Screens
Canada Square Park & Cabot Square, London, E14
Visit every summer for free exciting games, races, and championships shown on big screens.
Outdoor cinema? One of the best things to do in Canary Wharf for free.
Family Film Club
Canada Square Park, London, E14
Free cinema on select Saturday mornings.
Ping Pong
Montgomery Square & Union Square, London, E14
Available from 12 pm to 6 pm in Spring and Summer, head to the square for a free game of ping pong.
10 Bank Street, London E14 4DE
London’s largest premium padel club, Padium is now open.
A blend between tennis and squash, padel is played on a small walled court as a doubles game.
Padium has seven indoor panoramic glass courts, one outdoor court, shower facilities, a mezzanine lounge, a pro shop and the Ace Bar serving up healthy refreshments.
Padel is currently played in over 90 countries with an estimated 25 million active players, including David Beckham, Serena Williams and Roger Federer.
The sport originates from Mexico and now has over 30,000 courts in Europe and is starting to take off in the UK with around 250 courts nationwide.
22 Churchill Place, London E14 5RE
If you’re after fun things to do in Canary Wharf, try GoBoat.
It’s so much fun even though I found it very hard to steer the actual boat!
You turn the rudder in the opposite direction of travel which I just couldn’t seem to do.
Thankfully, others on board were not as stumped.
Up to eight of you can set sail in a fully electric boat and enjoy up to three hours sailing around the docks.
You’ll get to see Harbour Quay Gardens, Crossrail Place, Billingsgate Market, Blackwall Basin and The O2.
You can pre-order food or take your own picnic to enjoy on board.
Crossrail Place, London E14 5AR
So it’s not as cheap as your local multiplex but watching a film here is such a pleasant experience that once you’ve visited, it’s hard to go back!
All the latest releases are available and you get to watch your movie perched on a sofa with the option of ordering delicious food directly to your seat.
Bank Street Basketball
Bank Street Park, Canary Wharf, London E14 4SG
Bring 5 friends between 10 am and 8 pm and head to Bank Street Park for a free game of 3 x 3 basketball on a colourful court designed by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori.
10 Cabot Square, N Colonnade, London E14 4EY
Shuffleboard is a game of finesse and strategy, tracing its roots back to 15th-century England.
Take part in this classic game of skill, where you take turns gliding weighted discs across a court or tabletop toward the scoring area.
Prices start at £13 per person for 90 minutes and they offer an extensive food and drink menu.
Depending on the time of year, other Canary Wharf activities include:
- Beach volleyball
- Art trails
- Live jazz
- Open water swimming
If you want to keep it low key, grab something to eat and enjoy people watching in the award-winning Jubilee Park.
Our Favourite Canary Wharf Coffee Shops
More than just delicious coffee, every cup sold helps support people experiencing homelessness with a living wage job, housing and training.
Award-winning coffee served in a restaurant that also offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
If the weather is good, make use of the plentiful outdoor seating area.
Good coffee and an even better bakery/restaurant.
Made from old shipping containers, go for coffee in the day and cocktails in the evening.
Great coffee plus doughnuts, ice cream and chocolate bars.
Our favourite place, Notes serves speciality coffee, craft beers, wine and cocktails.
They have a great food menu offering delicious seasonally-inspired dishes throughout the day, to eat in or takeaway.
With four locations in Canary Wharf to choose from, you’re never far away from good coffee at this Italian bakery.
The Best Places To Go For Brunch In Canary Wharf
We love that they offer all-day brunch, plant-based options and a menu for kids.
Sit outside if the weather allows.
We’ve raved about Breakfast Club numerous times on this site and any brunch recommendations wouldn’t be complete without including their delicious pancakes.
Technically probably more lunch than brunch – although brunch is certainly available – we like the idea of booking one of these Himalayan Salt Pods from 12 pm onwards.
Brought to you from the team behind Mildreds, mallow has room for 150, an outdoor terrace and a delicious 100% plant-based menu.
Set across two floors and with two outdoor terraces, the menu combines British classics with Asian cuisine for a delicious brunch.
Canary Wharf, located in the heart of London’s financial district, offers a wide range of family activities.
With its iconic skyline filled with towering skyscrapers, this bustling neighbourhood provides a unique blend of business and leisure.
Families can explore the vibrant shopping malls, such as Canada Place and Jubilee Place, where a plethora of stores cater to all ages and interests.
The area also boasts an array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, serving diverse cuisines from around the world.
Some of our favourites include:
- German Doner Kebab
- Butchie’s
- Rice Guys
- Seoul Bird
- Franco Manca
- Big Easy
If you like Asian food pop into supermarket Tian Tian and stock up on delicious groceries from Korea, China, Japan and Vietnam.
If you want someone to make it for you, head to Jubilee Place and go downstairs for Seoul Bird’s yummy fried chicken (or cauliflower for the vegans).
There’s a new reasonably priced kids menu (for 12 year olds and under) if the family is with you.
In addition, the nearby riverside parks, such as Jubilee Park and Westferry Circus Gardens, provide ample space for children to play, while parents can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the River Thames.
Canary Wharf also hosts various events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, live performances, and seasonal festivals, offering entertainment for the whole family.
Whether it’s shopping, dining, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, there are plenty of Canary Wharf family activities to keep everyone entertained.
FAQs
Can you drive to Canary Wharf?
There are a variety of car parks with pricing starting from as little as £5 per day.
You can have three hours’ free parking in any of the public car parks when you spend £10 at any of the participating shops, cafés, bars or restaurants.
The area is so accessible by public transport that we suggest leaving the car at home and using the tube/train.
Canary Wharf station is on the DLR, Elizabeth and Jubilee lines, a short walk from Poplar station or you can take the Thames Clipper.
What is Canary Wharf famous for?
It’s one of London’s leading financial areas and is known for its collection of high-rise buildings. Most pictures of London’s skyline will feature Canary Wharf.
In 2023, it’s home to five out of the top ten tallest buildings in the United Kingdom.
Is it worth visiting Canary Wharf?
Absolutely!
There’s so much to do, see and eat here that you can easily spend a full fun and interesting day.
Is it cheap to live in Canary Wharf?
It depends on what you’re looking for.
You can buy anything from a houseboat for £90,000, a two-bedroom shared ownership apartment from £117,000 right up to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury penthouse apartment for £5.1 million!
You’d get more for your money if you’re prepared to live outside of the immediate area.
What are your favourite family things to do in Canary Wharf?
