London is probably the best city in the world in terms of activities for families and children including lots of free activities and events. We list here lots of initiatives that we believe London Mums and their children from babies to teenagers would enjoy especially at the most entertaining places such as the Science Museum, The V&A, Kew Gardens, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich, West End shows, the London Eye, the London Aquarium, Kingston upon Thames, Chelsea, SouthBank and so much more.
Hasbro Hub Piccadilly: A nostalgic toy adventure for families
- Activities
- Published on Saturday, 16 August 2025 11:10
- Last Updated on 18 August 2025
- ranjeetpanesar
- 0 Comments
This summer, right under the glowing billboards of Piccadilly Circus, a little slice of toy history has popped up for just six weeks. The Hasbro Hub is smaller and calmer than the big flagship toy stores London is famous for, which — if you’re anything like me — can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. This one feels more like a curated treasure chest. Perfect for a family day out in the last stretch of the school holidays.
What struck me first was the range of prices. While some toys are of course investment pieces, there were plenty of little surprises starting from just £3. It made browsing feel fun rather than daunting. And there’s plenty to stir nostalgia for parents as well as excitement for kids.
Walking through, I was instantly pulled back to childhood — shelves stacked with Monopoly, Connect Four, Boggle, and even Bop-It! (which, yes, I had to demonstrate to my child, much to their amusement). Monopoly, by the way, has quite a backstory: first created during the Great Depression in the 1930s, it became a worldwide hit when families sought affordable entertainment at home.
For superhero fans, there are Marvel action figures and Transformers galore. And then, to my delight, we spotted a shelf of Furbies — those big-eyed, slightly mysterious toys that caused a craze in the late ’90s, selling over 40 million in just three years. Needless to say, we couldn’t resist taking one home. Maybe because I never had one as a child, this felt like my second chance!
The biggest thrill for me, though, was seeing the original-style My Little Ponies on display. First launched in the 1980s, they were a huge part of many childhoods, and now they’re back in limited editions. We chose Cherry Jubilee for our collection, a decision met with squeals of delight from my daughter.
There’s also a whole wall dedicated to Peppa Pig, and younger children will love the character appearances and oversized games dotted around the space. A special table lets kids test some of the toys too (though on busy days, I imagine it can get quite lively!).
What I appreciated most was that this shop doesn’t overwhelm — it feels more like an “experience” than a shopping trip, with a thoughtful layout and plenty of space to breathe. It’s not every day you find a place that entertains children, sparks nostalgia for adults, and feels fun rather than frantic.
Family Info Box
Location: Right by Piccadilly Circus (W1)
Open: Six weeks only – summer 2025
Prices: From £3 upwards, with plenty of pocket-money-friendly finds
What to Expect: Classic Hasbro games (Monopoly, Connect Four, Boggle), toys from Marvel, Transformers, Furbies, My Little Pony, and an entire Peppa Pig wall
Highlights: Character appearances, giant games, toy-testing tables, and lots of nostalgia for parents
I am a mother of two teenagers and a London Mums magazine’s contributor. I review attractions, movies, restaurants, toys. In my profile picture, I am together with my partner in crime and London Mums’ editor Monica Costa.
