Visiting London with kids can be quite daunting for the first time. However, a lot of families have praised how friendly London is with so many things to do with kids. In this article, I am going to help you find the best child friendly activities in London, the top London shows to attend with children and also reveal the best outdoor attractions.
With over 9 million inhabitants, London is the second most populated city in Europe. It is also very large with 32 boroughs, commonly known as districts. You won’t have the time to visit them all but you will read and hear about Mayfair, City of Westminster, Camden or Kensington & Chelsea.
Also, London must be one of the greenest cities in Europe when you count how many parks we have in Central London and the surroundings. So I will mention the greatest parks not to be missed in London too!
Theatres, museums, art galleries or cinemas: you could easily spend a whole week visiting different venues. But what’s suitable for your kids? What are the essential things to do with your kids when visiting London?
To help you design the perfect London itinerary with the kids, I have created a map available at the end of the article where you can see all activities listed on this guide.
So let’s find out all these activities in London. Let’s go!
Best London Attractions for Families
1. Sea Life London Aquarium
✓ Tried & Tested
Get ready to come face-to-face with sharks, octopus, penguins and rays. Sea Life London will take you on a fascinating journey meeting with oceans creatures just like if you were cousins with them. There are some live feeding times you could check once inside the venue. Finally don’t forget to visit the SeaHorse Kingdom. Even though entries don’t come cheap, this aquarium has a lot to offer to families which makes one of the great things to do with kids in London.
Price: £££ (FREE for children under 3)
Opening Times: Weekdays: from 10am until 6pm Weekends: from 930am until 7pm
Address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK
BabyBreaks Tip: It is highly recommended to pre-book your tickets online
2. The Making Of Harry Potter
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- the dining room entrance is just magical and brought tears in our eyes
- the street where you can see all Wizards shops left and right
- making a movie with your kids pretending flying on the broom
What kid (or big kid) doesn’t love the World of Wizardry? The WB Studio Tour has a ton of Harry Potter goodness to explore. You can see sets such as Hogwarts’ Great Hall, props used in the film including a plethora of wands, and see what magical seasonal events they have going on.
Price: £££ (FREE for children under 5)
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Watford WD25 7LR
BabyBreaks Tip: make sure you to visit the shop after your visit as it has the widest choice of items related to Harry Potter. However make sure you tell your kids before hand about your budget for the shopping spree 🙂
3. Opera Dots at Royal Opera House
At BabyBreaks, we are big fans of activities around Music in general so when we heard about Opera Dots at the famous Royal Opera House, we were enchanted by the idea of introducing Opera to young listeners under 5. Royal Opera House organises a 45min workshop throughout the year. The venue expect parents and their children to participate as much as they can too!
Please note you need to book in advance the session and sessions get sold out quickly
Price: £
Address: Bow St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
4. The London Eye
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The London Eye being the most popular paid tourist attraction in London makes it something you can absolutely not miss. The kids will absolutely adore the anticipation of going on the ride and seeing London like never before. Visiting at night is even more magnificent than during the day. Regardless of what you think, London Eye is iconic to London when you look at all the photos taken by tourists in the recent years. Check out Instagram if you don’t believe me!
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
5. Madame Tussauds
A London favourite and an international institution, everyone should have the chance to see the life-life creations of celebrities and famous historical figures at Madame Tussauds. The waxworks are, undoubtedly, the number one reason to visit, but they’re not the only ones. Theatrical walk-through adventures like the Sherlock Holmes experience and the thrilling Alien: Escape sequence can make the trip feel like a lot more than just a chance to see some wax statues.
Price: £££ (FREE for children under 3)
Address: Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 5LR
6. The Clink Prison Museum
Ever heard of the phrase “being sent to the Clink?” It all comes from his historic and notorious prison. First built in 1144, the Clink is now a museum that offers a fantastic look into prison life throughout the centuries. Scandalous tales, archaeological treasures, and some questionable prison implements are all included. It’s a fully interactive trip, with sights, sounds, and themes that can be chilling, so be sure your kids can handle it.
Price: £
Address: 1 Clink St, London SE1 9DG
7. Tower of London
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- being able to see the Crown Jewels is something quite special
- meeting these famous ravens and learnt they had little chicks last Spring
- the shop has some interesting Medieval artefacts replica
Perhaps the most storied building in all of London. A fortress defending from invaders, the royal residence of kings past, and a prison that has been part of countless stories. Children can see the living history of power in Britain, from the Crown Jewels to tours of the dungeons where even kings and queens have been held in the past.
Price: ££ (FREE for children under 5)
Address: St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
8. Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum
Chelsea Football Club needs no introduction and surely your boy or girl will ask you to visit the place if they are massive football fans. The tour allows you to see behind the scenes of this dedicated football arena called Stamford Bridge. So expect to see the player’s changing rooms, the famous tunnel that leads to the pitch and of course plenty of opportunities to take pictures. And I will be surprised if you don’t back with a Chelsea T-shirt too!
Price: ££
Address: Fulham Rd., London SW6 1HS
9. Cinema at Vue Cinema Shepherd’s Bush
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The Vue cinema at Shepherd’s Bush has all the latest films, with spacious and comfortable viewing rooms and being located right next to Westfield makes for the perfect day out with the kids. The films vary for all ages and some being in 3D or even 4D. with deals constantly being available you won’t have to take out that much money out of your wallet.
Address: Ariel Way, London W12 7GF
10. HMS Belfast
It doesn’t take a genius to see what’s so exciting about being to get on and explore an actual warship. You and the kids can explore all nine decks of the HMS Belfast, seeing a host of displays about what life on the ship would have been like during the war. One of the most powerful ways to hear stories from life in the Second World War, without a doubt. One of the most original things to do in London with your kids for sure.
Price: £ (FREE for children under 5)
Address: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
11. Emirates Stadium Tour
The Emirates Stadium Tour is truly for everyone with 10 available languages tour guides available. The interactive tour takes you around the Arsenal Stadium, which includes access to directors box, the Diamond club, the home and away dressing rooms and so much more. With children under 6 going free, your family will absolutely love it. Are you ready to explore where the home of the Gunners?
Address: Hornsey Rd, London N7 7AJ
12. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the most cultural place in England so it’s a must do if you have enough time to spend in London. Visiting the inside of the Palace or take a sightseeing trip around Buckingham Palace through St James’ Park or the Mall will be a door opener to a lot of Instagram photo shoots for sure. State Rooms can be visited but only 2 months per year so make sure to plan accordingly. This year, you can access these rooms from 22 July until 2 October 2022.
Address: London SW1A 1AA
13. TOMB RAIDER the LIVE Experience
Please note that this attraction is suitable for children aged 12+
Here is a new exciting adventure attraction that opened a few months ago at the Stables Market in Camden. If you and your teenagers are big fans of the video game TOMB RAIDER, you will certainly enjoy this immersive experience.
Without giving any spoiler, this attraction requires to solve puzzles with a guide that will take you different corners of the room. Expect some jam pack actions, laughter, frustration and above all a fantastic collaboration game play.
The games is played with a team of 8 so you would probably play with strangers and try to solve many puzzles with clues given by your guide and other actors.
Are you ready to take the challenge?
Address: The Stables Market, Lower Basement & Upper Basement Atrium NW1 8AH
14. LEGO® store in Leicester Square
We agree with you that visiting a LEGO® store might not be the most cultural activity of the day on your family holiday in London. However, this LEGO® is the biggest store in Europe and feels more like a museum than a shop with different themes like Harry Potter or a huge reproduction of Big Ben. No wonder why visitors might have to patiently wait outside waiting for their turn to visit the flagship store of LEGO®.
Price: FREE entrance (but your kid(s) might ask you to pay for a LEGO® box)
Address: 3 Swiss Ct, London W1D 6AP
15. M&M’s London
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As soon as you arrive in Leicester Square, you can smell the typical scent of the chocolate and nuts right through your nostrils. You can’t miss it…you’re about to enter the world of M&M’s. This place claims to have the largest candy wall in the world. While M&M’s London has nothing to do with English culture, a lot of tourists swear by it and features this attraction on their London wish list.
So if you are visiting the West End, take some time to visit this gigantic 35,000 square feet shop and explore through four different floors the world of the famous chocolate brand.
Price: FREE
Address: 1 Swiss Ct, London W1D 6AP
Fun Things to Do in London with Kids
16. Little Dinosaurs
If you happen to live near Alexandra Palace or have found an Airbnb or a holiday apartment in North London, you can’t miss the soft play centre Little Dinosaurs.
This dedicated play area is recommended for families with young children like toddler or baby and is open every day of the week. There is an indoor and outdoor space at the venue. So depending of the weather, your children will have plenty of activities to do and enjoy fun play zones to keep them happy.
Recent reviews show that local families are supper happy with this soft play activity in London. Make sure to reserve your 2-hour slot for your kid prior to arrival.
Address: The Grove, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7BA
17. Play Base at National Army Museum
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You might think why should I go to the Army Museum with my young kids. Fear not, it has one of the greatest play area called Play Base for kids under 8 years old. Make sure you book online in advance to avoid disappointments. A lovely soft play area among our things to do in London with young kids for sure.
Price: £ (FREE for children under 1)
Opening Times for Play Base at National Army Museum: Daily: 9.40am – 5.20pm
Last admission: 4.20pm
BabyBreaks Tip: Play Base could be very popular on the weekends and only 5 tickets are free per session for kids under 1 so make sure you book your session far in advance here
18. Gambado Chelsea
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What We Love
- seeing your kids having a blast with other children
- knowing your children can’t escape the place (gate security check)
- coffee place for parents
Gambado Chelsea offers young children a great large indoor play area where they will explore, play, party and have fun together in a secured environment. Parents can watch their kids having fun whilst sipping a cup of coffee and some cookies of course. This is a great venue that you could visit in the morning or just before dinner time to ensure your kids will fall asleep quickly in the evening.
Price: £ (FREE for children under 1)
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm & Weekends until 6.30pm
Address: 7, Station Court, Townmead Rd, Chelsea, London SW6 2PY, UK
19. KidZania
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- discovering our kids having interests towards specific careers and jobs
- staff is very friendly and patient with a busy and exciting crowd
- kids 8+ can be left on their own so you can do some shopping at Westfield
KidZania is an interactive city made for children from 4 years old until 14 that combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play. This attraction company is one of the fastest growing global learning and entertainment brands in the world.
Kids can independently explore a scaled indoor city of over 7,000 square meters with more than 100 exciting careers that they can try. Your child will learn how to be a Pilot, a Vet or a Dancer.
This unique attraction will take your kids in their own world for 4 hours. So prepare yourself for a great indoor adventure. No wonder why this venue has become more and more popular when parents are looking for things to do in London with their kids during holidays.
Price: ££
Address: Westfield London Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GA, UK
BabyBreaks Tip: we find that sessions in the morning are less crowded because they clash with lunch time. But don’t worry you can have lunch inside KidZania between jobs too!
20. ClueQuest Escape Room
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What We Love
- we found the host super friendly with our kids and made sure everyone was comfortable and understood the rules
- the room was very clean and wasn’t tired at all despite the popularity of escape rooms these days
- the booking system on their website is very easy to use
With growing up kids, we tend to look out what could be the family friendly escape rooms available in London. ClueQuest is one of the venues we have experienced recently with a small group of 4 children aged 8 and 9 and 2 adults. The experience lasts about 1 1/2 hour and as you know you have 1 hour to find clues to escape the room. We actually exited the room in 56 min and the game was medium level (Plan 52 was the room we booked).
Price: £££
Address: 169-171 Caledonian Rd, London N1 0SL
21. Shrek’s Adventure London
Here is another immersive London attraction for families based around the famous Dreamworks movie Shrek. Merlin Entertainment, the owner of Madame Tussauds has designed this fun experience since 2015 with different live shows, interaction with characters and so much more.
If you want to have fun with your children, this place must be on your things to do in London for sure. Make sure to pre-book your tickets to save you money.
Price: £££
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
22. Kidz Adventure Playzone
Situated not too far from Alexandra Palace Park in North London, toddlers and young children will certainly have a blast playing at the indoor soft play park Kidz Adventure Playzone.
Don’t expect a massive indoor playground but enough space for pre school children to have fun together whilst you can sip a hot drink at the Kaz café.
Activities available at Kids Adventure Zone are varied such as climbing walls, tunnels, slides and plenty more.
Address: 2 Coburg Rd, London N22 6UJ
23. Discovery Planet
South of the River Thames you can find a top indoor play zone called Discovery Planet. The venue has been operated for more than 18 years and offers different experiences and activities for children under 10 years old with a height restriction of 134cm.
Open every day, Discovery Planet is located on the second floor or the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. So a good way to reward your kids after a few hours strolling the shopping alleys.
Birthday parties are also organised at the place if you need a fun place to blow the candles with your son or daughter.
Address: Redriff Rd, London SE16 7LL
24. TWIST Museum
If you are a London family, you’ve probably seen some ads regarding this brand new museum, which opened its doors on Oxford Street. Twist Museum is all about illusions and perceptions so expect you and your children to be intrigued by what you see.
The fun experience lasts less than 1 hour so perfect if you are visiting the area or do some shopping on one of the most famous streets in the world.
Don’t forget to charge your phone or bring a proper camera in order to take funny pictures with your children during your visit. The venue exhibits fun rooms with lots of colours so very Insta friendly!
General pre-booked tickets prices are a bit steep though: £23.50 for an adult and £18.50 for children between 4 and 14 years old. So try to reserve your slot in off peak times to save you money. The museum also has a family ticket for 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children for £74.
Address: 248 Oxford St, London W1C 1DH
25. Immersive Game Box
Immersive experiences are really becoming the norm in the main capitals of Europe. No wonder why the gaming industry has also jumped on the bandwagon and created this new attraction called Immersive Game Box.
This new concept is all about shared play. You will find different games to play like Angry Birds, Squid Game based on the Korean TV show, Shaun the Sheep and so many more.
There are different levels of difficulty and family beginners will certainly enjoy Temple of Coins where you are tasked to collect as many coins as possible and avoid getting caught by ghosts.
Different venues are available in London such as Southbank or Wandsworth. A new location will open soon in Shoreditch so very convenient if you are visiting East London.
Address: various
26. Puttshack White City at Westfield
Just like escape games, it seems that mini golf is flourishing in London with new venues like Puttshack White City in West London.
This fun attraction in London will delight lots of kids who want to compete with their peers or their parents in a round of gold.
The venue is very lively with a nice bar & restaurant in the centre so perfect before or after a game of golf.
You will have the choice to play 3 different courses with some exciting challenges to play as few shots as possible to complete the round. There is also a hole where you can win a pizza, a drink or a free round of golf if you hit the hole in 1.
Make sure to pre-book your mini golf session especially on the weekend, as Westfield shopping centre can be quite busy.
Address: Westfield, Ariel Way, London W12 7HB
27. Jungle Rumble Putney
If you are living in West London near Putney or Fulham, you can find 3 different courses of indoor mini golf at Jungle Rumble Putney.
Located opposite Putney Exchange shopping centre, the venue welcomes couples, families and groups every day of the week. However children are only allowed before 7pm.
Whether you play Royal Tahiti, Surfers or Ocean course, you’ll surely have lots of fun playing with your children before or after dinner in the neighbourhood.
Price wise, a family of 4 can play 1 round of golf for £30 or £44 pour 2 rounds. This is quite a reasonable price compared to more central locations.
Unfortunately no restaurant inside the venue but you will find nearby Wagamama, Franco Manca or Five Guys if you need a place to eat.
Address: 68-70 Putney High St, London SW15 1SF
Best London Museums for Kids
28. V& A Museum of Childhood
A true collection of childhood, with over 26,000 objects from over 400 years, including toys, puzzles, and board games from just about every period one could look into. The collection of playthings, clothings, photos, and more could be perfect for whisking your kids away to another time, helping them imagine what life might have been like had they been born into a different age.
Price: FREE
Address: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
29. National History Museum
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- the Dinosaurs trail which the animatronic T.Rex
- spending time at the Creepy Crawlies gallery and check how ants work together
- entering the Vault with the world’s largest collection of coloured diamonds
Children have an affinity for stories about dinosaurs and what the world was like before our time is practically a given nowadays. The Natural History Museum has plenty of displays on not just that. There are constant events and displays on human evolution, space, local wildlife, and much more. They might even get interested in the program to become a Naturenaut and help the museum with its research from home.
Price: FREE for Permanent Exhibitions
Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
BabyBreaks Tip: did you know that the venue organises sleepovers through the year. Have a look at their future dates for Dino Snores for Kids
30. Introduce your kids to Contemporary Art at Tate Modern
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- lower ground floor where kids can go wild
- shop has a lot of colouring and art books dedicated to children
- top floor offers an amazing view of London
“Tate Modern is always a fun museum to explore with my children. Big spaces, big artworks and definitely some interesting conversations going on between us”
Emily, mother of 2 children
Never underestimate the curiosity of kids, especially when it comes to the arts. The Tate Modern offers a wide range of art galleries and displays, including three-dimensional pieces, and installations incorporating modern visual and audio media. You might just end up igniting a creative passion in one of the kids.
Price: FREE for Permanent Exhibitions
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
BabyBreaks Tip: make sure to check private or small group tours with the company The Little Grand Tour for children 6+
31. London Transport Museum
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The city is well known for its trains, so it should be no surprise they have a huge collection of vintage transport at the London Transport Museum. There is a wide range of interactive displays here, and always a range of events going. For instance, you can explore some of the Underground’s disused and abandoned stations, or look at posters from over 100 years ago, giving you insight into what the stations might have looked like way back when.
Price: £ (FREE for children)
Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 7BB
32. The Musical Museum
The Musical Museum is a hidden museum in London that needs to be discovered by curious children interested by music.
I bet this museum is not well promoted in traditional paper London guides. But recent reviews have clearly revealed this great indoor attraction in London.
Located in West London at Kew Bridge, the Musical Museum welcomes visitors Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm. But a guided tour is highly recommended if you want to grasp the history of these instruments.
What you can see at the museum is four centuries of music and instruments inventions and evolution. The highlight of the visit is the massive Wurlitzer cinema organ that was used in cinemas in the 1920s and 1930s to make sounds effects and music while you are were watching a silent movie.
A few concerts are also organised at the venue so check out the website if you want to see this organ in action.
33. Postal Museum
Do you have any kids who are Postman Pat fans? Then they might like to see how their hero works up close. The Postal Museum looks as far back into the postal service of the UK as it can. For instance, you can see artifacts from the Victorian era, and join in a host of period activities and workshops. We love this play area as well which makes this venue a top choice of things to do in London with your kids.
Price: ££ (FREE for children under 3)
Address: 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA
34. Science Museum
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- the Transports room where you can see trains, planes and more
- workshops are Wonderlab are fun ways to get your kids interested by science
- the interactive space The Garden for young children located on Level -1
Science Museum is one of London favourite museums for boys and girls who like to experience themselves all the different science areas, have fun and learn. You can spend a whole afternoon there and why not ending the visit with a movie at the IMAX theatre.
Price: FREE for Permanent Exhibitions
Address: Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD, UK
Opening Times: Daily from 10am until 6pm Closed on 24, 25 and 26 December
35. The Design Museum
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What We Love
- on the 1st floor, you can play with different speakers and hear your voice in echo
- lots of interactive screens to play with whilst exploring different designs
- the exhibition Moving to Mars is mind blowing and fun to do with kids 5+
The Design Museum is one of the recent museums that opened in London. The museum was funded by one of the most iconic designer in the UK Sir Terence Coran. The new museum in the Kensington area has opened in 2016 and already won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2018. Permanent exhibition allow you to discover the evolution of objects such as the Apple Mac or how humans have listened to music through Technology (remember the CD player or the famous Sony Walkman).
Price: FREE for Permanent Exhibitions
Address: 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6AG
36. Churchill War Rooms
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- the huge interactive digital tables where you can learn about the Winston Churchill long life
- the war rooms with sounds effects that make you feel you are living World War 2 in the secrets of Churchill’s headquarters
- Audio guides that explain every corner of the rooms so you can learn whilst walking around the different exhibitions
If there are underrated museums in London, Churchill War Rooms is one of them. I didn’t have high expectations when we went there with my daughter aged 5 years old at that time. We were super captivated by the whole museum, especially the recreated war rooms where Churchill used to live and work during World War 2. Highly recommended even if army stuff is not your cup of tea as we say in English!
Price: ££ (FREE for children under 5)
Address: Clive Steps, King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ
37. Museum of Brands
In our Western world, brands are everywhere so it is quite a challenge for our children not to be exposed to the famous fizzy drinks, crisps or cosmetics. So why not opening a museum dedicated to brands which takes you on two centuries of consumer culture. The question is which brands your kids will remember, recognise and why?
Price: £
Address: 111-117 Lancaster Rd, London W11 1QT
38. Museum of London
This underrated museum in Barbican is a good way to learn the whole history of the city London from prehistoric to modern age. There are also some temporary exhibitions to discover such as the roots of the music genre ‘grime’ or also some photos exhibition about the football player Harry Kane. Last but not least, this museum is free for all (some exhibitions might be charged).
Price: FREE
Address: 150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5HN
39. Horniman Museum & Gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens is the place for an educative day out with the kids learning about rich history but at the same time enjoying the elves greatly. The Horniman Museum and Gardens includes a museum, an aquarium and a butterfly house which is phenomenal for all ages. You can also catch one of there numerous events which you will cherish after you leave.
Address: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
Best Days Out with Kids in London
40. Enjoy a Thames River Cruise
The Thames is known to be the longest river in England and we couldn’t think of a better way to explore the different sides of the city by taking this cruise that lasts around 1 hour. You will board the boat at Westminster and enjoy a journey that takes you all the way to Greenwich where you can enjoy a nice walk in the green or even plan a picnic over there. This cruise is a perfect way to enjoy the views of London with the family and have a break too. Return tickets are also available.
41. Kensington Gardens
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- the huge boat that will entertain your kids for a while
- sensory trail where you can play hide and seek
- discover the gardens in Spring with huge collection of flowers
Hyde Park is of course very well known among London visitors but you can also visit Kensington Gardens and discover Kensington Palace where part of the Royal Family lives.
This park also offers a popular playground close to Kensington Palace with a huge sand beach with a pirate ship that will keep your children occupied for a long time. You would also find plenty of space and seating area for you while your supervise your children having fun. Your kids might even play Cowboys and Indians while hiding underneath teepees. No wonder why this attraction is one of the most popular among kids days out in London.
Price: FREE
Address: Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground, Broad Walk, London W2 4RU, UK
42. Battersea Park with Children Zoo
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What We Love
- this small zoo makes it more accessible for children under 5
- fun playground with a huge sandpit
- enjoying feeding time with merkats and otters (among others)
Battersea Park is an underrated park with fantastic views over the Thames river and one hidden secret is that it has a Children’s Zoo which is a great alternative to the over populated Regent’s Park London Zoo (now called ZSL London Zoo). This zoo will make your kids discover all kinds of animals from Ferrets to Meer Kats or Chipmunks. After your visit to the zoo, head over the Children playground, which has everything for toddlers up to juniors.
Price: £
Address: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ, UK
43. London Wetland Centre
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What We Love
- be surrounded by wild nature and birds in London
- feeding time with otters
- spotting birds hidden in wooden cabins
Who knew that London has a wildlife conservation centre where you can observe birds, otters in total freedom. This activity is located on the South West side of London between Putney and Barnes. This neighbourhood had been cherished by Londoners for many years because the feeling is very different to live there compared to the city centre. Barnes also has different grounds to play rugby, cricket and more. Don’t forget to check out our favourite family pubs in London because one of them is in Barnes.
Price: £
Address: Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT, UK
44. Borough Market
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- I took the children on a day out in London and we made a lunch break at Borough Market and sit down by the church nearby to enjoy super fresh and tasty focaccias (thick Italian sandwiches)
- Kids also love to see all the different fishes and seafood at the fishmonger stall
- You can’t resist take back home some amazing cheese
If food exploration is something you would like to take with the kids, Borough Market will excite you as soon as you enter the London oldest market. You will taste International cooking with great quality food stalls. There are also different places where you can have lunch. A little tip, try to be there before 12pm on Saturday as the venue can be crowded in the afternoon.
Price: FREE (but you need to buy food!)
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK
45. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a sporting complex built for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2012 London Paralympics, situated to the east of the city adjacent to the Stratford City.
In the north of the Park, children of all age will enjoy the Tumbling Bay playground featuring rock pools, sand pits, tall treehouses, and wobbly bridges, as well as slides, swings and plenty of space to run about.
The Tumbling Bay sits alongside the Timber Lodge community centre and café, where parents and kids can relax with a range of fresh, home-cooked food and drink.
Price: FREE
46. Chiswick House & Gardens
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- we visited the gardens in January 2021 the day after snow fell in London: children were making a snowman and fight with snow balls too
- the gardens are big enough to let your kids go wild and feel secure too (beware of the lake or ponds though)
With several awards won in 2019 such as Walled Garden of Year, Chiswick House & Gardens are a great place to visit with your children. Expect to wander around 65 acres of gardens with a mix of wilderness, classic 18th century heritage with several ponds to discover. You can also visit Lord Burlington’s Villa which was built between 1726 and 1729.
Price: FREE for Gardens entries
Address: Burlington Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2RP
47. Kyoto Garden at Holland Park
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- going there for each season so you can capture different colours with flowers and tree leaves
- walk through the bridge and check out the Koi fishes
Kyoto Gardens is a well kept secret in London that not many family travellers know about. So if you are around the Kensington area, I highly recommend to go to Holland Park and check out one of the best child play areas in London and stop by Kyoto Gardens. Weekends can be a bit busy but you won’t have to wait to long to walk around the path.
Price: FREE
Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA
48. Commute on the Thames river with Uber Boat
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- Uber Boat is very modern and comfy whether you sit outside or inside
- the operators offers an unlimited family ticket all day with 2 adults and up to 3 children for £36.70
Buses and the London Underground are easy commutes to get around London. I bet your kids will ask while entering the double decker bus ‘can we sit upstairs please?”. Another way to navigate around the British capital is to take Uber Boat by Thames Clippers that takes you in different pier locations from Putney in South West London to Woolwich in South East side of London. On a sunny day, it is great to go to London Bridge and stop by the Tate Modern or Borough Market.
Price: ££ (FREE for children under 5)
Address: 23 piers to hop on and off between Woolwich and Putney (some piers don’t operate during weekends)
49. Catch the deers at Richmond Park
✓ Tried & Tested
What We Love
- the huge interactive digital tables where you can learn about the Winston Churchill long life
- the war rooms with sounds effects that make you feel you are living World War 2 in the secrets of Churchill’s headquarters
Part of the Royal Parks, Richmond Park is the famous place where you can spot deers in the wild. Yes, that’s right. If visiting a zoo is not your thing, you and your children will be mesmerised by the beauty of Richmond park and its official deer residents. With 2,500 acres of land, Richmond Park a perfect place for a day out in the wild in the South West of London that can be easily reached by the London Underground on the green District Line. Apparently, Richmond Park is home to over 600 deers. How many will you spot on your visit?
Price: FREE
Address: Richmond
50. An afternoon at Covent Garden
✓ Tried & Tested
A visit to London can’t be complete without an afternoon or an evening at Covent Garden. This busy place on weekends has a lot to offer for families with a vast choice of shops and restaurants suitable for everyone. Our favourite shop is actually Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, which is a tiny little place where you can find creative toys and theatre accessories.
Price: FREE
Address: Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AR
51. Shopping and Food at Camden Market
✓ Tried & Tested
If you have teenagers coming with you on your next holiday in London, Camden Market is on the best London market to go to. Vintage clothes, food trucks, records vinyls and more can be found at Camden Market. And don’t forget to enter the premises of Cyberdog, a massive unique shop around electronic music and bright fluorescent clothes.
Price: FREE
52. A narrow boat trip in Little Venice
If you plan to go to Camden Market in an original way, why not taking a narrow boat from Little Venice to Camden Lock. Different operators offer one way or return tickets and a few operate a private ride that can take up to 10 persons.
The journey to go to Camden is usually about 45 min and boat run frequently around the day. Make sure to check out the timetables based on the operator you choose.
Price: ££
53. Bushy Park
✓ Tried & Tested
Bushy Park is the second largest royal park out of eight available in London. It has over 1000 acres of land and is a perfect place for a picnic around nature. The park is also a great place to walk with old medieval farming systems till visible, beautiful 17th century water garden and remains of military camps that where essential in World War II. Bushy Park is also home to Hampton Court Palace, a gift to Henry VIII and makes for a great historical walk with the children. Finally, a 12 mile canal named Longford made entirely by hand is a must see.
54. Kew Gardens
✓ Tried & Tested
Kew Gardens will blow you away with its absolutely astounding greenery. With so much to do such as admiring an incredible 50,000 flowers collection, Kew Gardens is truly a perfect venue for a day out with children. The Wakehurst is over 500 acres of biodiverse plants from the far corners of the Earth. Kew Gardens Is really amazing for the youngsters with everybody under seventeen going in for free and tickets can be booked beforehand online perfect for relieving unneeded stress.
Address: Richmond
55. London Zoo
✓ Tried & Tested
The London zoo is extraordinary for everyone of every age. The sheer amount of activities is mind blowing such as my personal favourites: feeding the penguins, meet the monkeys and the sensory session for new-borns taken on an underwater adventure including sounds, textures and sights. Parking facilities are available at the zoo. The zoo is excellent however planning must be taken into account due to the vast expanse of the zoo. And the youngster will relish will all the memories they make there.
Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY
56. Harry Potter Walking Tour
The Harry Potter walking tour is a guided walk around London seeing all the filming sets for the shooting of the world phenomenon Harry Potter films great for fans of the books or films. The price for 2 hours starts at £23 per person. Kids under 4 go free. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the wizarding world of Harry Potter? Make sure to bring your Oyster card with you as this tour will involve some traveling on public transportation.
Address: Minerva Square, opposite the Mudlark pub
57. Mudchute Park & Farm
Mudchute Park & Farm is set over 32 acres of land and is jam packed with activities for the kids to enjoy ranging from feeding the farm animal’s or learning how to keep a chicken. There are also numerous events going on around the park. Mudchute Park is also home to a diverse collection of wildlife making for a great walk through nature.
Address: Pier St, London E14 3HP
58. Spitalfields Market
✓ Tried & Tested
Spitalfields Market is one of London’s oldest markets and is great for al ages with things to do such as shop, eat and drink, and just take a walk to see what there is. Anything you choose will keep the whole family entertained while visiting a truly different side of London.
Address: 56 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA
59. Hampstead Heath
✓ Tried & Tested
Picnic at Hampstead Heath is a great idea for enjoying the over 800 acres of land with spectacular views great places to eat and drink swimming ponds and tons of upcoming events. Hampstead heath also has a rich history of being a battle ground for the so called “lungs of London “which took place in the early 1880s. The park also includes a biodiverse selection of wildlife from red capped mushrooms to rabbits that you might spot from time to time.
60. Alexandra Park & Palace
We are so lucky to have in London many parks scattered around every corner of the city and Alexandra Park & Palace is one of them. Located in the North of London not too far from Alexandra Palace train station, this green area is perfect day out for your kids to breath some fresh air and play with his or her peers.
With a playground, a skate park, a garden centre and so much more, Alexandra Park is one of those cherished places that locals keep coming back all year round. Also you can book a zipline adventure for your children at Go Ape: a fun way to test your kid’s abilities at this popular attraction before trying a much more challenging route in the forest like Thetford Forest in Suffolk.
Address: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
61. Crystal Palace Dinosaurs
I have never quite understood this fascination for dinosaurs that most of young children have today (I wasn’t hooked on extinct animals in my childhood) but if there is a place to visit on a day out in London with the kids, it is certainly Crystal Palace Dinosaurs.
As its name suggests, this attraction is situated in North London in Crystal Palace Park by Penge West train and overground station.
This free entry park allows visitors to spot big Dinosaurs sculptures in beautiful landscapes. Your children should definitely bring their favourite Dinosaurs book and match with the species they will discover during the adventure.
By the way did you know that there are dinosaur parks in the UK to discover all year round?
Address: Thicket Rd, London SE20
Best London Shows for Kids in 2023
62. Puppet Theatre Barge
Marionettes and Puppets shows are not that popular in London so I was very happy to discover this venue called Puppet Theatre Barge based in Little Venice which is the only floating puppet theatre in the UK. The production is usually suitable for your children aged 3+. They currently perform a play called The Hare and the Tortoise which runs for 45min.
Bear in mind that the boat is leaving Little Venice from 4th July until late September to relocate in Richmond for the summer holiday. They will perform the same puppets show and also a play around cinema and shadows suitable for teenagers and adults only.
Price: £
Address: Little Venice or Richmond
63. Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre)
Recommended for children 6+
Without a doubt, Matilda the Musical is probably the long lasting show that children love seeing in London. If you are fan of the Roahl Dahl story or have been the different movie adaptions, you would surely enjoy this full production with a great cast and a wide stage full of suprises.
We were lucky enough to be seated in the front row and I will always remember the look of the face of my children (aged 8 and 11 years at the time).
Not only the play is so much fun to watch but also the singing makes Matilda the Musical one of the best shows to see In London with kids.
Address: Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU
64. Disney’s The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre)
Recommended for children 7+
Here is another popular West End show that attracted millions of visitors in the past 22 years now. Disney’s The Lion King has wowed the audience for so long because of the great stage set with plenty of puppetry and colourful costumes.
Who thought that a Disney animation movie could be transformed into a live show with so many details and precision?
The play is simply incredible for your eyes and of course the singing talents are so refreshing to hear.
If you plan to attend the show in the weekend or during school holidays, plan well in advance as lots of London visitors book this show as part of their itinerary.
Address: 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ
65. Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre)
Recommended for children 5+
Whether you are an ABBA fan or not, this musical will please every crowd based on a great storyline. Currently displayed at Novello Theatre, this family friendly show in London is still very popular and gives you such a positive mood that you want to sing along during the entire performance
Strangely enough, the musical failed to win Best New Musical at the Laurence Oliver Awards in 2000 but 23 years later, Mamma Mia! is still one of the best shows to see in London with kids.
They even made a film adaption back in 2008 with a sequel in 2018 called Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again!
Address: Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
66. Frozen the Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
Recommended for children 6+
If you fancy to see a great spectacle with your children, Frozen the Musical will surely be a hit. Based on the Disney animation movie, this new West End production has been released in 2021 and plans to continue until October 2023 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
The storyline needs no introduction. Same goes with the songs in case you haven’t got tired of hearing Let It Go!
If you have young children and don’t want them to go to bed too late in the evening, you can book the book for the matinee session on Saturday or Sunday at 3pm and 2.30 respectively.
Address: Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
67. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre)
Recommended for Children 10+
You’ve read every Harry Potter Book and watched repeatedly the movies series back-to-back, time to discover the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
This fantastic show has won different Laurence Olivier Awards in 2017 including Best New play and Best Actor. In 2023, this 2-parts play is still going strong with Londoners and visitors who dedicate almost a day to see this show. The show is bookable in two parts that lasts 2h40min for part one and 2h35 for part two.
If you are brave enough to see both parts on the same day, there is enough time in between to enjoy an early dinner with an opportunity to head to Covent Garden or Leicester before heading back to the Palace Theatre and enjoy part 2 of the play.
Address: 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY
68. Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre)
Recommended for Children 7+
Wicked is among the most celebrated West End shows that has been running for its 17th year at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The play is freely adapted from the Wizard of Oz famous story.
This musical attracts every year great singers to embody characters like Elphaba, Ginda or The Wizard.
With a brand new cast for 2023, this musical is probably the one to watch if you have a limited budget in mind and can attend an evening performance on a weekday. Prices start at £27 per seat.
Address: 17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1LG
69. The Tiger Who Came to Tea (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
Recommended for Children 3+
If you have young children who are happy to sit for 1 hour and enjoy watching a play, pencil down a day in your calendar and book your tickets this summer for The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
This famous children’s book adaption keeps coming back to the West during Summer school holidays due to popular demand.
One of the great things about the play is how engaging the cast is with the audience. So be prepared to hear a lot of kids screaming, laughing and talking during the play.
This year the play will be hosted at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and opens on Monday 10th July 2023 and runs until Sunday 3rd September 2023.
Address: 18 Suffolk St, London SW1Y 4HT
70. Back to the Future (Adelphi Theatre)
Recommended for Children 10+
Last on our list of the best London shows to see with kids is Back to the Future. The 80s movie is finally getting a West End adaption with lots of special effects.
The musical was crown the Best New Musical at the Laurence Olivier Award in 2022 and has since driven more and more families due to excellent reviews and worth of mouth.
The show lasts around 2h40 with an interval and has lots of funny moments suitable for the whole family. Also, the songs created by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard will definitely resonate in your head. And yes parents will enjoy hearing again ‘The Power of Love’ song so reminiscent of the classic Michael J Fox movie.
So far you can book your tickets for this show until October 2023 so hurry and secure your tickets for a great family show.
Address: Strand, London WC2R 0NS
BONUS: Spend a day at Hampton Court Palace
If you have been a few times in London and look at something to do for the whole day with the family, I highly recommend to visit Hampton Court Palace. Home of Henry VIII, this listed Grade 1 Royal palace is a beautiful building that has over 500 years of history. Gardens are absolutely stunning during all seasons. We love the fact that you will meet real life characters that you can chat to during your visit. It makes the whole visit so much more interesting and interactive.
Map of London with Things to Do with Kids
I have created this map of London with the following colour code:
- RED: Best London Attractions for Families
- BLUE: Fun Things to Do in London with Kids
- YELLOW: Best London Museums for Kids
- GREEN: Best Days out with Kids in London
- BLACK: Best London Shows for Kids
CONCLUSION
So there you have it! I hope you found my selection of the best things to in London with your kids useful for your next holiday in London. In this article, I have highlighted obvious activities such as the National History Museum but also off the beaten track attractions like Churchill War Rooms.
Greater London has also so many parks and gardens to discover during all seasons. Your children won’t be bored with the diversity of playgrounds and adventure trails available in the English city.
If you are still unsure about where to stay in London, don’t hesitate to look at our best kids friendly hotels and homes in London. Lots of different options available to you at different budget prices.
Happy Family Travel!
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