On the hunt for the best things for kids to do in London? We’ve got you covered! My sister and our kids have just returned from another wonderful visit to London and we’re excited to share with you our top recommendations of the best things for kids to do in London which excited us the most and hope will help you create your own perfect London itinerary.
London, The Big Smoke, is the capital city of England. It’s a sprawling city, home to 9.3 million people and spread over a total area of 1, 583 square kilometres.
It’s one of the most visited destinations worldwide which attracts around 30 million international visitors each year. Visitors are drawn to London to enjoy its endless spectacular sights which are fun for grown-ups and a real treat for the little ones.
Time and time again, we return to London to enjoy its fantastic cosmopolitan atmosphere, an array of world-class museums and Art Galleries such as the Natural History Museum and the British Museum, iconic London landmarks such as the World Heritage Site listed Tower of London and expansive parks like Hyde Park which are lovely pleasure grounds.
With so much to do and so little time, tackling London, especially with the kids can feel overwhelming, so careful planning is essential. To help you out, we’ve listed the best things to do in London with kids which can be done in three to five days.
Things for Kids to Do in London
1. Take the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros Studio London
Price: Family Ticket with Audio Guide £171 Duration 3 ½ hours
A highlight of a family trip to London, whether you are avid Harry Potter fans or just curious explorers, is to visit Warner Bros Studio London and take its impressive Harry Potter Studio Tour London. This tour highlights 10 years of the Harry Potter movies making since it was first released in 2001.
Exhibits at the studio include authentic sets, props, costumes, demonstrations of behind the scene visual effects as well as other fascinating secrets used in the production of Harry Potter films. The tour follows a self-guided format allowing you to get up close to the exhibits and explore at your own pace.
En route, fun interactive stations let you experience some of the wizardry tricks featured in the films. Kids will enjoy taking a ride on the wizarding broomstick and flying away all over London. Equally mesmerizing to kids is walking through the Forbidden Forest, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Diagon Alley.
The studio cafe makes for a nice break during the tour and also offers an opportunity to try the famous Butterbeer if you’re brave enough.
Good to Know!
Book your tickets online well in advance as spots fill pretty quickly especially if you’re visiting during school holidays.
We set aside half a day for the Harry Potter Studio Tour London, but we felt we could have done with a full day as there is so much to see.
Getting to Warner Bros. Studio London
Warner Bros. Studio London is located in Watford, 25 km northwest of central London, so it’s a bit of a trek, but worthwhile. Direct train service from London Euston to Watford Junction is the best option from central London. Warner Bros. offers a free shuttle bus from Watford Junction to the studio. Allow about 1 ½ hours if using this option.
If you want a Harry Potter souvenir, but can’t make it out to Harry Potter Studios in Watford, The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ in London’s Kings Cross train station, one of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations in central London, is a great choice.
Join a London Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
2. Explore the National Maritime Museum
Price: Free Attraction, Accepts Donations
The National Maritime Museum, located in Greenwich, is one of the best free things for kids to do in London with kids which is an absolute must. This world’s largest maritime museum opened in 1937 to showcase the history of the British Navy, historical maritime artefacts and navigation instruments all related to Britain’s activities at sea across the centuries.
The National Maritime Museum’s extensive collection is presented in various themes which include British discoveries, trading, famous battles and navigation activities in the different seas of the world.
Exhibitions at the museum are all quite informative and thought-provoking even for young minds, such as the exhibition dedicated to the famous Battle of Trafalgar, great explorers and naval heroes like Captain Cook and Admiral Horatio Nelson, Britain’s role in the Slave Trade and a glimpse of life in Antarctica.
Kids will get stuck into the various stimulating digital displays and activity stations which are dotted around the museum. They will also enjoy a fun spin on the Great Map!
The Ahoy! The gallery at the museum provides little ones with an opportunity to role-play an array of maritime activities. It’s one of the most popular things to do with toddlers in London, but keep in mind that a separate booking is required.
Good to Know!
Greenwich is one of the perfect spots for days out with the kids in London which should include visiting other fantastic attractions in the Royal Museums Greenwich collection, all located within the National Maritime Museum’s vicinity such as the Cutty Sark (a 19th-century historic sailing ship ), the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory and a stroll in the spacious Greenwich Royal Park.
While in Greenwich, you can’t miss the Greenwich Market for some delicious street food especially if you’re visiting during a weekend when the market is in full swing.
More Info: Royal Museums Greenwich
3. Visit the Natural History Museum
Price: Free Attraction (Prior Booking Required)
The Natural History Museum, located in the Museum Quarter in South Kensington, is one of the definite must-see attractions for kids in London. Since it was established in 1881, the museum has amassed a huge wealth, scientifically, of natural history specimens including those collected by the renowned English Naturalist, Charles Darwin.
It’s only to be expected that the Natural History Museum collection would be mind-blowing considering the museum’s splendid architecture. Kids, as well as grown-ups, will be wowed by the real 25-meter-long skeleton of a blue whale nicknamed Hope, furnishing the museum’s central hall ceiling.
Our kids’ most memorable experience at the Natural History Museum was the dinosaur exhibition, especially the roars of the T-Rex which are outstanding. Equally interesting to them were exhibition pieces in the Gem and Mineral Hall as well as in the Mammals section.
The Natural History Museum is without a doubt one of the best family experiences in London as it’s very engaging and educational. Kids will talk excitedly about all the fascinating facts that they will discover at the museum long after your visit.
Each year, the Natural History Museum hosts the captivating Wildlife Photographer of the Year which is worth just coming to the museum in itself. This is one of Tyrone’s favourite exhibitions at the museum, so it should win the hearts of the young wildlife fans in your family as well.
Here are some of the outstanding images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 captured using a mobile phone camera by Tyrone.
Good to Know!
The Natural History Museum is huge with lots to see, so you won’t be able to cover everything in one visit. It’s best to pick a zone or exhibition to focus on depending on your interests but be sure to include the Dinosaur exhibition.
Book ahead online to guarantee admission.
South Kensington (Circle, Piccadilly and District lines) is the nearest station.
4. Explore the Science Museum
Price: Free Attraction (Online Booking required)
When in London with kids, the Science Museum is another absolute must. The museum is mainly catered to children to inspire their curiosity and imagination, and it does this very well, however, it is still engaging for older children and adults.
The Science Museum was founded in 1857 as part of the South Kensington Museum, in 1885 the science exhibition of South Kensington Museum was renamed the Science Museum.
It’s located on Exhibition Road, the same place you’ll find the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) making it a great place for an informative day out with kids in London.
When we visited the Science Museum we were amazed by the number of interactive displays for children (the Wonderlab). The interactive displays were good at teaching complicated topics such as climate change to our young children in an interesting way.
There are plenty of exhibitions for adults to enjoy as well such as the Clockmakers’ Museum Gallery and the Flight Exhibition. Some of the exhibitions and events are paid admission but they are worthwhile to check out.
One of the current events as of April 2022, is the Power Up event where the Museum has 160 consoles and games from the last 50 years for visitors to play with, this is great for everyone, kids, teenagers and adults can all play some of their favourite childhood games.
The Science Museum also has Imax Screenings where you can watch the museum’s fascinating 3D documentaries such as Antarctica and Hubble.
This museum is one of the most fun things to do in London with kids you shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re in the area as it is after all free.
Good to Know!
When you’re finished at the Science Museum you can walk around the area for food in one of the many restaurants and after that go back to one of the other museums like the Natural History Museum or the V&A or even walk 10-15 minutes to Hyde Park for a nice walk.
Tip – The famous Diana Memorial Fountain, located adjacent to the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, is worth checking out whilst in the area. It’s popular with kids who love running around the surrounding expansive green space and having a splash in the gushing water stream.
5. Take the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Price: Duration 90mins – Adult £45 Child £35 (Thurs to Sun)
Since its launch in 2020, the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is fast becoming one of the best London activities with kids, so make a point not to miss it, especially if your kids are huge fans of the TV show.
Kids utterly love Peppa Pig and the tour bus which is decorated and furnished with all things Peppa Pig is bound to impress them into good behaviour at least for a while.
The tea tower is one of the big highlights of this tour. It features assorted Peppa Pig-themed tasty pastries which should get the kids intrigued such as Grandpa Pig’s chicken and tomato burger bun, George’s fruit tart with creme patisserie and Peppa Pig’s Cookie Shortbread.
The tablets provide fun sing-a-longs and a Peppa Pig-guided animation of the London tour. There is also a Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour activity book included within the tour, all are guaranteed to keep the kids enthralled.
Similar to other London bus tours, the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour will take you around most of central London’s famous attractions such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Piccadilly Circus.
Good to Know!
The Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is geared towards children who are at least 2 years old. It also comes with a kid-friendly toilet which is very handy. If you have dietary requirements, remember to note them when making your booking.
More Info: Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
6. Wander Around Covent Garden
Covent Garden neighbourhood, located in the West End, is among our top favourite spots in London which we make a point to check out when we visit London. It’s one of the most attractive and vibrant places in London which should make it on your list of things for kids in London.
In the heart of Covent Garden, you’ll find the Piazza and the Apple Market, a one-time open-air fruit and vegetable market. Both are lined with high-end boutiques, trendy bars, eateries as well as elegant confectionery stores which are sure to satisfy your little ones’ sugar cravings.
The pretty and colourful streets of Covent Garden are also home to over 20 theatres including the Royal Opera House, Cambridge Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre, so it’s the place to go for exceptional kid-friendly performances such as Disney’s The Lion King, Frozen The Musical and Matilda the Musical.
Another firm favourite of our kids is the free street performers, especially the magicians, which you’re sure to spot during your visit to Covent Garden. Just remember to cheer them on and throw in a few pounds at the end if you find one that interests you.
More Info: Covent Garden
Tip – The Little Angel Theatre in Islington hosts puppet plays and various other performances suited for toddlers, so if you’re travelling with some and planning to see a show in London, check it out as it’s highly rated.
7. Explore London Transport Museum
Price: £18.50 Adult Year Ticket, 0-17 Years Free
The London Transport Museum is located in a building which previously housed the Covent Garden vegetable, fruit and flower market. It’s accessed via an entrance facing the Covent Garden Piazza. This museum is among the most incredible London family friendly activities which are sure to win the hearts of your little ones.
The London Transport Museum is at the top of the list of our favourite family friendly activities in London. Perhaps this is because it’s not as overwhelming in size as most popular museums in London but still comes with plenty of exhibits and activities which are equally intriguing to kids.
The museum is a perfect place to spend an hour or so with kids uncovering London transport curiosities which include the fascinating history of the centuries-old London rail system as well as its role in the growth of London across the centuries.
Kids will love grabbing a seat in some of the giants of steam locomotives, and early electric trains as well as getting into the driver’s seat of a real London city bus. The museum’s dedicated play zones and digital interactive stations will surely immerse kids in the fascinating world of the London transport system.
More Info: London Transport Museum
8. Try Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream Chinatown
Travelling for us is all about new experiences, trying new things and meeting new people, so heading to Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream in Chinatown to try its offerings came naturally to us and we are so glad we did.
Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream specializes in serving Filipino ice cream which is made using basic old-style or street-style methods hence “dirty”. The ice cream comes in interesting Filipino-inspired flavours which you won’t find anywhere else in the city such as ube or purple yarm, milo or chocolate malt and black coconut.
Kids will be excited to try the ube-filled bilog (a Filipino milk bun loaded with ice cream, toasted and dusted with fine sugar) which happens to be the store’s signature treat. Since Mamasons is a tiny place, you will probably have to eat the ice cream while strolling through the colourful and energetic streets of London’s Chinatown.
We really can’t wait to return to Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream as we are still working our way through their appetising menu.
Good to Know!
Mamasons other London stores are in Kentish Town and Westfield.
9. Tour London’s Tower Bridge
Price: Adult £10.60, Child £5.30
Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable London landmarks which has been towering over the Thames River in the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark since 1894.
It’s perhaps the most gorgeous bridge in London which was tastefully built in a neo-Gothic style. The bridge’s facade is designed to blend perfectly with the nearby striking Tower of London, a World Heritage Site, so it’s quite a pretty sight.
The Tower Bridge exhibition, held in the bridges’ two towers’ higher level walkways and Victorian engine rooms, is one of the most attractive activities in London for families. This exhibition combines discovering fascinating facts and history about the bridge.
Since the bridge is a working drawbridge, the exhibition also shares interesting insights into the processes and people involved in the upkeep of this iconic structure.
Parts of the walkways connecting the bridge’s two towers are covered with transparent glass which offers incredible footage of the ground below, though it’s not for the faint of heart. Kids and grown-ups will enjoy walking around it and posing for some awesome Tower Bridge photos.
The Shard skyscraper is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, but it’s normally hard to see its full glory, however, the walkways of Tower Bridge are the perfect spot to view it and many other impressive buildings in London’s skyline around this area of Thames River.
Good to Know!
The entrance to the Tower Bridge is located in the north tower of the bridge. Be sure not to miss the Victorian engine rooms which are located in a separate building close to the south tower. The engine rooms are home to well-preserved steam power engines which once powered the bridge before switching to electricity in 1976.
More Info: Tower Bridge London
10. Visit Borough Market
Borough Market is a place not to miss when in London for foodies especially if you’re visiting other popular attractions in Southwark, where it’s located such as the iconic Shard, London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
This is one of London’s oldest and most incredible food markets which dates back to the 12th century. The market initially existed as a wholesale fruit and vegetable market and has now evolved into mostly a food market offering speciality products, a plethora of street food from across the globe and a variety of bars and restaurants.
Borough Market is a buzzing place which is filled with an assortment of colourful stalls and products as well as friendly traders who are happy to engage and inspire kids about all the various foods they sell.
Everyone in the family will find something tasty at the market from the famous, gigantic sausage rolls at Ginger Pig to an impressive assortment of truly irresistible doughnuts at Bread Ahead Bakery. Borough Market is truly among the very best things to do in London for families which is not to be missed when visiting London.
Good to Know!
Grown-ups shouldn’t miss the great coffee at Colombian Coffee Company but expect to queue as it’s quite popular with Londoners and visitors alike.
Opens every day of the week (10 am to 5 pm Mon-Sat and 10 am to 3 pm Sun).
11. Ride the London Eye
Price: Adult Fast Track Online Tickets £43.50, Child – £40 (30-minute ride)
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is without a doubt one of the top attractions to see in London with kids which shouldn’t be missed on any trip to the city.
It’s Europe’s tallest spinning observational wheel or Ferris wheel which measures 135 meters in height and 120 meters in diameter, so it’s quite a huge structure.
Taking the kids on a ride on the London Eye is one sure way to make your trip to London magical. The London Eye offers the highest and most captivating view of London’s skyline which you won’t experience anywhere else in the city unless of course if you’ve included the Shard in your itinerary.
Views of London landmarks such as the House of Parliament (Palace of Westminster), Big Ben (Elizabeth Clock Tower), and Buckingham Palace along with beautiful stretches of River Thames are particularly outstanding atop the London Eye.
As well as offering a platform to view London, the London Eye’s 32 capsules come with interactive tablets which provide information about all the attractions around it. A camera in the pods allows you to take awesome photos which are lovely especially if you’re travelling as a group.
Good to Know!
The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the Thames River and is quite close to other family-friendly attractions which are worth checking out like the Sea Life London Aquarium, the London Dungeon and the Jubilee Gardens.
Buy your London Eye Tickets ahead.
12. Stop by Forbidden Planet London Megastore
If you or your children are fans of anything science fiction or fantasy related you have to stop by Forbidden Planet London Megastore, London’s largest comic book shop. My son Tyrone makes a point to stop by every time we’re in London.
Forbidden Planet is spread over two floors which are universally accessible. On the ground floor, you’ll find all sorts of amazing figurines, and merchandise while on the lower floor, you’ll be met by a vast collection of comic books, novels, board games and manga (graphic novels from Japan) for all ages.
Good to Know!
Forbidden Planet is only a 10-15 minute walk away from Leicester Square, so you could also pop down, visit M&M’s World, cross the walk and check out the Lego Store.
13. Stop by M&M’s London Store
M&M’s London Store, located in Leicester Square, just a few steps from Piccadilly Circus and opposite Lego Store London, is the world’s largest candy store. It’s one of the most exciting London things to do for kids guaranteed to bring smiles to their faces and those of the grown-ups.
Kids are treated to a succession of amazing surprises which will surely send them into a frenzy of excitement. The store stretches out over four floors which are dedicated to M&M’s sweets and chocolates of all colours conceivable, a wide selection of M&M’s related merchandise as well as various fun activity stations which will certainly get the kids immersed in all things M&M’s.
Gigantic tubes of sweets and chocolate lining the store walls allow you to pick and mix your favourites which are priced by weight. Bear in mind that prices at the store are quite inflated, but it’s still possible to have fun without breaking the bank. Just being in the M&M’s store is an attraction in itself, so make a point to visit.
14. Stop by Lego Store London
Lego Store London, located on Leicester Square across from M&M’s London Store, is the largest Lego store in the world, so it’s ideal to visit if you happen to have Lego fans as we do in our family.
The two floors of the store are furnished with awe-striking Lego models of top London attractions like Big Ben, a London Underground train carriage, and a beautiful mosaic of London’s skyline.
Kids will enjoy the store’s activity stations where they get to make their Lego mini-figures or create Lego mosaic portraits from photos taken in a booth in the store and buy them to bring home.
There are also beautiful London-themed Lego souvenirs which are great to buy to take home to loved ones.
Good to Know!
Expect to wait in line, though it’s for a short time because the store only lets a certain number enter at a time.
15. Visit Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Price: Free Entry
The Princess Diana Memorial Playground, located in Kensington Gardens in the heart of London and near Princess Diana’s former home, is one of the most fantastic free things to do with the kids in London, especially for families with young children.
This beautiful playground opened in 2000 in memory of Princess Diana who was known for being a charitable person with an interest in children from all walks of life.
The big attraction at the playground is the colossal wooden pirate ship which is surrounded by fine sand and water, all aimed to imitate an abandoned ship at sea. Kids will love climbing and exploring the various decks of this ship.
Other parts of the playground which are popular with kids and not to be missed include a sensory trail, Indian tepees, swings and slides.
The playground’s Cafe is the perfect place for refreshments. Equally popular are the many picnic spots which are dotted around the park.
Good to Know!
Choose to visit the playground early in the day especially if your visit falls during a weekend or a school holiday because it’s quite popular with Londoners.
A child must be 12 year old or under and accompanied by an adult to be admitted to this playground.
More Info: Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Staying in London Longer?
16. Spend a Day at London Zoo
Price: £33 – Adults, £21.45 – Child
We really can’t talk about things to do in London with the kids and not include London Zoo and Regent’s Zoo. Nestled in the northern fringes of Regent’s Park and close to Camden Town, London Zoo is the place to go with kids in London especially if they’re passionate about wildlife.
Established in 1828, London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo worldwide. Across the centuries, it has amassed over 19,000 animals made up of 750 various species to its collection.
Three different routes at the zoo allow you to explore and discover your favourite animals from around the world. Asiatic Lions, Giraffes, Gorillas, Sumatran Tigers and Humboldt Penguins are popular with kids at the zoo.
An array of amazing experiences are offered at the zoo (some at an extra cost) including live feeding demonstrations and close encounters with animals, all are sure to get the young wildlife fans in your family thrilled.
Affordable and kid-friendly experiences at the zoo to consider include meeting the monkeys or meerkats and an opportunity to feed the gorillas.
London Zoo makes for a perfect family day out in London, so consider adding it to your itinerary if your stay in London is long.
Good to Know!
Booking online is required for admission.
More Info: London Zoo
17. Explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Price: Free Entry
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, located in Stratford Town, east of London City, is another lovely park worth adding to your list of London activities to do with kids. This magnificent sporting and leisure park was built to host the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and later opened to the public fully in 2014.
The park offers a huge variety of exciting outdoor and indoor family-friendly activities. For older kids, at the Orbit Tower, there is the breathtaking world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. The Orbit Tower is Britain’s tallest public sculpture with observational decks offering wonderful views of the Olympic Park and London’s skyline.
Kids of all ages will love to run, climb and jump in the Tumbling Bay Playground and Pleasure Gardens Play Areas, which both feature rock pools, sand pits, climbing walls, swings, slides, large spaces to roam around and much more.
If you’re visiting from March to October, don’t miss the Waterworks Fountains which are just outside the London Stadium. The Waterworks Fountains are computer-controlled water jets designed to make incredible twists and bends which are sure to get the kids, as well as the grown-ups, excited.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a fantastic spot for a family picnic as the park is furnished with an abundance of manicured gardens and seating areas. You can also choose to relax in the many cafes and restaurants offering a wide range of food and drinks which are dotted around the park.
Good to Know!
London Stadium, located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is home to West Ham United, so if you’re a fan of the club or attending a match, it will be ideal to combine your visits.
On a sunny day, explore the park on a bike. Bring along your bikes or hire some at the View Tube Cafe.
18. Explore Crystal Palace Park
Price: Free Entry
Crystal Palace Park, located in south London, is another perfect spot to take the kids for a fun-filled day in nature. Activities that kids love to enjoy at the park include exploring a gigantic maze, colossal 19th-century dinosaur statutes, a modern 1,100 square metre skate park along with plenty of play areas and walking trails.
On a sunny afternoon, we suggest that you rent pedal boats and take them to the water. Just remember to bring along some dry clothes and towels.
Crystal Palace Park is also home to the National Sports Centre, but this facility is mostly geared towards the local community.
Every Sunday, Crystal Palace Park, hosts a food market which is worth checking out as it offers delicious street food from around the world, as well as some wholesome baked treats and speciality products.
19. Head to the Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace – One of London’s fabulous day trips that the whole family will love. It’s an impressive 500-year-old Tudor and Baroque-styled palace which is the former home of Henry VIII. There are plenty of things to do at Hampton Court Palace, however, the Magical Garden, the Great Fountain Garden and the palace’s world-famous maze are big hitters with kids.
More Info: Hampton Court Palace
20. Visit the Battersea Park Children Playground
Battersea Park Children Playground – Battersea Park Children’s Playground offers various adventure games which are popular with children aged 14 and under. Within Battersea Park, you can also find a children’s zoo, a boating lake and huge outdoor sporting facilities, all popular things for kids to do in London.
More Info: Battersea Park
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I hope you enjoy your trip to London.
We will make additions to the list as we travel to London and discover other cool family attractions in London. We have many other kid-friendly attractions on our bucket list such as:
- Vauxhall City Farm – Vauxhall City Farm – to experience a bit of rural life amid a busy city. The farm’s alpacas are featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, so if you’re a fan don’t miss it.
- Madame Tussauds – the world-famous wax museum. The museum’s Star Wars Experience is one of the highly-rated family attractions in London
- Big Fish Little Fish Rave – family-friendly rave concerts at various locations in London.
We can’t wait for our next London trip!
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