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.

You can also check out my recommended list of things to do in March in London with kids and what to do in April with your children seasonal shows and activities during half term holiday.

So let’s find out all these activities in London. Let’s go!

Best London Attractions for Families

1. Sea Life London Aquarium

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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

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BabyBreaks Tip: It is highly recommended to pre-book your tickets online

The best aquarium to visit in London with kids
Source: Merlin Entertainments

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

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Source: Merlin Entertainments

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

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Madame Tussauds London - Kids friendly activity in London
Source: Merlin Entertainments

TOP SAVER TIP: I highly recommend to book this Big City Saver ticket to access multiple attractions and save money.

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

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A prison museum to visit with children in London
Source: BabyBreaks

7. Tower of London

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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

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Source: GetYourGuide

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

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Source: Chelsea Football Club / Tom Leighton

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

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Source: Pexels

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

HMS Belfast is fun thing to do with children in London
Source: @v_on_sea / Instagram

If you happen to visit London for a few days and want to see as many attractions as possible and save money, don’t hesitate to purchase in advance this Explorer Pass which includes lots of museums and activities listed on this article.

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

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Source: GetYourGuide

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

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Source: GetYourGuide

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

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Source: TOMB RAIDER: the LIVE experience

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

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fun things to do with kids in London
Source: Martin Pettitt / Flickr

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

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Source: BabyBreaks

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

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Source: Little Dinosaurs

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

Address: Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT, UK

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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

30. Introduce your kids to Contemporary Art at Tate Modern

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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

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BabyBreaks Tip: make sure to check private or small group tours with the company The Little Grand Tour for children 6+

Tate Modern for Families
Source: BabyBreaks

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

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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.

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Source: The Musical Museum

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

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Postal Museum - Things to Do in London with Kids
Source: Postal Museum

34. Science Museum

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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

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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.

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41. Kensington Gardens

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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

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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

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Source: Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

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

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44. Borough Market

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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

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Source: Pixabay

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

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2ST, UK

47. Kyoto Garden at Holland Park

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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

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Source: Ewan Munro / Flickr

48. Commute on the Thames river with Uber Boat

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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)

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fun way to travel around London by boat
Source: BabyBreaks

49. Catch the deers at Richmond Park

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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

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Deers At Richmond Park
Source: BabyBreaks

50. An afternoon at Covent Garden

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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

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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 

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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: ££

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A boat trip to Little Venice for families
Source: GetYourGuide

53. Bushy Park

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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.

Address

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 Deers at Bushy Park
Source: BabyBreaks

54. Kew Gardens

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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

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Kew Gardens is a great day out with children in London
Source: GetYourGuide

55. London Zoo

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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

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Source: GetYourGuide

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

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Source: Pixabay

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

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Source: Pixabay

58. Spitalfields Market

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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

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Source: Pixabay

59. Hampstead Heath

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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.

Source: Pixabay

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

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A unique puppet show in London for children
Source: Puppet Theatre Barge / Facebook

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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