First Young Visitors Check into KidZania

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Giant children's centre now open on Westfield's top floor

KidZania London has opened its doors to the public at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush on Thursday, June 25.

Excited young visitors have been checking in to the 75,000 square foot child sized city which has been created on the top floor of the shopping centre.

Celebrations on the opening day - or Foundation Day as the centre calls it - have included the turning on of the Eternal Flame Globe symbolising the spirit of kids.

Local children also took part, singing on the balcony above the Central Bank of KidZania.

Adults given their first glimpse of the centre this morning called it "astonishing" and "fabulous".

Calling itself an educational entertainment experience, KidZania says it gives children aged 4 to 14 a chance to experience the world of work through role-play and learn essential life-skills such as team-work, financial literacy and communication.

There are more than 60 real life professions, including paramedic, pilot, actor, stylist, pit-lane engineer, radio DJ and many more. You can see the full list - from acting and aviation academies to vault guard apprentice and university students - here.

City locations include an airport, stadium, theatre and main square.

KidZania's city can also be booked by adults for corporate events such as receptions and awards ceremonies for up to 1,200 people.

Tickets are available priced from £28 for kids aged four to 14 and £16.50 for accompanying adults.

Children aged four to seven inclusive can only enter KidZania if accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over at all times. Adults may leave children aged seven to 14 inclusive unaccompanied at KidZania and therefore do not require to purchase an adult ticket. However an adult must be present at time of check-in and provide suitable contact details.

While kids enjoy the KidZania experience, accompanying parents can choose to observe from outside the establishments, or go to The Parents Lounge. The lounge provides a quiet reading area, free Wi-Fi Internet access, computers and a coffee shop.

Tickets are still available for the first week - go here to find out more and book a visit.

If you visit KidZania, do let us know what you and your kids thought of it on the forum.

June 22, 2015