Leave early to avoid the worst of morning traffic on the M3/M25 corridor; set your satnav to Westfield Stratford City (E20 1EJ) and enable live traffic for best routing. Allow extra time for motorway congestion and service stops if needed.
Use the Westfield Stratford City car park (multi-storey) which offers direct access to the shopping centre and pedestrian routes to the Olympic Park; pre-book a space if you prefer and note entrance/exit routes to speed departure. Check car park signage for height limits and accessibility spaces.
Enter the mall and grab a centre map or use the Westfield app to plan which stores and facilities to visit first; many cafés open earlier than shops so you can get breakfast right away. Centre opening hours vary by store but public areas are accessible on arrival.
Choose a family-friendly bakery like Gail's for pastries and warm drinks or Starbucks for quick breakfasts; most cafés open around 8:00–9:00 so you can eat soon after arrival and settle the group's energy for shopping. Good stop for child-friendly options and takeaway snacks for later.
Explore kid-favourite stores such as the LEGO Store and the children's departments in John Lewis; many shops open at 10:00 and stay open until 20:00, giving a comfortable morning of browsing and purchases. Look for family rooms and baby changing facilities while you shop.
Pick a family-friendly restaurant inside Westfield — Nando's for grilled options, Wagamama for noodles, or PizzaExpress for pizzas and kids' menus; most restaurants open from 11:30–12:00 and provide high chairs and children's portions. Reservations aren't usually required midweek but check wait times at weekends.
A short stroll from Westfield brings you to the Olympic Park with large playgrounds, grassy areas for running around, and seasonal splash areas; the park is open all day and is a perfect post-lunch place to let the child burn off energy. This is free and family-friendly with accessible paths.
Climb or take the lift up the ArcelorMittal Orbit for panoramic views of London — the slide is available if booked in advance and is a memorable activity for older children; typical opening hours are approximately 10:00–17:00 but check the official site before you go. This is a standout photo opportunity and small adventure.
Head to V&A East for family-friendly galleries and workshops (check exhibition opening hours, commonly 10:00–18:00) or enjoy a scenic riverside walk through the Olympic Park to unwind before heading back to the mall. Both options are low-cost and relaxing for tired shoppers and small children.
Choose a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant back in the centre — Wahaca offers colourful, child-appealing dishes while Giraffe has varied options for picky eaters; aim for an early dinner to avoid the evening crowds. Most restaurants serve until 9–10pm, so dining early is convenient for a stress-free return.
If the family still has energy, catch an early film at Vue (check showtimes when you arrive) or do final browsing and pick up souvenirs; typical film times start mid-afternoon and run into the evening. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular family films.
Collect your car from the Westfield car park, check your route home on your satnav with live traffic, and confirm any planned stops for fuel or breaks. Allow extra time for car park exit queues at busy times and for M25 traffic.
Head back along the reverse route (A12/M25/M3/M27) aiming to avoid peak London outbound traffic where possible; use a navigation app to pick the least congested route and take regular breaks if needed. Expect the return drive to take around 2–2.5 hours depending on conditions.
Unload purchases and settle in after a full day; check car park receipts to ensure no additional fees are owed if you exceeded pre-booked time. Rest and enjoy photos and souvenirs from the day's activities.