Are you planning a family trip to London but aren’t sure what to do? Check out these awesome London things to do for kids that your whole family will enjoy!
This list of the best London things to do for kids was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Taking your whole family on vacation to the English capital and want to know all the best London things to do for kids?
Oh, you’re in for a treat. There are endless things to do in London for children of all ages, in all seasons, for children with a variety of different interests
It helps that London is such a sprawling, diverse metropolis. It offers every type of museum (many are free!), exciting and iconic attractions, and world-class outdoor spaces.
There are so many London attractions kids love that you might need some help narrowing them down. This guide is a complete list of all the best family experiences London has to offer so everyone will enjoy a fantastic trip to London!
27 London Things To Do for Kids
Harry Potter Studio Tour
One of the best family things to do in London is to book tickets to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour in North London.
If anyone in your family likes the Harry Potter universe then it’s a must-visit. This tour includes countless props, sets, and experiences related to the making of the Harry Potter movies that guarantee a magical experience.
Book an early slot as you will be at the studios for at least half a day, if not longer. This is my favorite tour option that includes transportation from London.
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Ride the London Eye
The London Eye is a 440-foot/135-meter Ferris Wheel on the south bank of the River Thames and offers unrivaled views across the city.
It’s one of the best attractions for kids in London as it turns very slowly and there’s plenty of space for strollers and little ones to toddle around.
London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is one of the most fun activities for kids in London, hands down.
It involves costumed actors, amusement rides, set pieces, and theatrical performances that will teach you and your kids all about the gruesome past of the English capital. Check the latest rates and availability.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy and affordable AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
Madame Tussauds
Who doesn’t love visiting a waxwork museum and seeing lifelike statues of your favorite British celebrities, sports stars, actors, and people from history?!
Madame Tussauds is one of the top family-friendly things to do in London. It’s probably the closest you’ll get to meeting the British Royal family, too! Check the latest ticket rates.
The View From the Shard
The London Eye’s views are spectacular, but it’s not the tallest building in Western Europe. But The Shard is!
Taking the elevator up to the top of The Shard building for the phenomenal views is one of the top things to do in London with the kids.
You can take your own drinks and snacks and children under three enter for free. Check the latest rates and availability.
Hamleys Toy Store
Wondering what to do in London with kids that will end with you spending way too much money spoiling them? Visit Hamleys Toy Shop, a London institution that first opened its doors in 1760.
There are several floors packed with toys, impressive toy displays, and events.
Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace
One of the best free things to do in London is to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace which is where King Charles lives.
This ceremony happens at 10:45 AM every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and lasts for 45 minutes.
London Zoo in Regent’s Park
Sitting within the magnificent Regent’s Park, London Zoo is one of the biggest city zoos you’ll ever visit and one of the best things to do in London with kids.
You can see penguins, reptiles, exotic birds, lions, monkeys, and so much more in habitats as close to natural as possible. Check the latest admission rates.
Eat Fish and Chips
You cannot visit England without chowing down on fish and chips during your trip! Thankfully, eating battered cod and thick salted fries is one of the most kid-friendly things to do in London.
Some of the best places to order this authentic meal are Poppies Fish & Chips, Golden Union, and Hobson’s Fish & Chips.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens aren’t just the best botanical gardens in the world (arguably) but they’re also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fun things to do with children in London.
Your kids can run around this 500-acre estate as they please and see all the cool and exotic plant life. Check the latest admission rates.
Climb ‘Up at the O2’
Traveling to London with children who are of elementary age or older? Kids as young as 8+ can take part in a guided climb on the roof of one of the most iconic performance venues in London.
Pedalo in Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake
Hyde Park is one of London’s many lush parks and it’s home to the Serpentine Lake where many visitors love hiring pedal boats.
One of the most fun things to do in London for kids is to hire one of these pedalos on a sunny day and sail around the lake. Watch out for the swans!
Thames River Cruise
Speaking of sailing, other things to do with kids in London on the water is to take a river cruise down the Thames.
There are audio guides so you can learn more about the landmarks along the river without having to tire out your kids on a walking tour.
River cruises are much easier than walking or cycling tours if you have very small children too. Check the latest rates and availability.
Diana Memorial Playground
Some of the best places for kids in London must be the dozens, if not hundreds of awesome playgrounds dotted around the city.
You need to check out the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Garden. It’s a huge wooden pirate ship, for crying out loud!
The Tower of London
You can’t visit London without visiting the famous Tower of London (and Tower Bridge next to it). Luckily, it’s one of the best things for kids in London too. Find out more about bringing kids to the Tower of London.
It’s a former prison and where you’ll find the actual Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy with Beefeater guards standing by. There’s tons to see and explore at this landmark so no one will get bored here. Check the latest rates and availability.
Luna Outdoor Cinema
Something fun for kids in London to do in the evenings is to watch an outdoor cinema experience. If you’re visiting during the summer months, check out Luna Outdoor Cinema’s rooftop movie theater schedule.
Winter Wonderland
Looking for things to do in London with kids at Christmas time? You have to check out the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.
There’s a huge ice skating rink, a helter shelter, markets, and more. It’s one of the best things to do in London in November and December.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
Dining on afternoon tea is a quintessential English experience and there are lots of fun, child-friendly options.
Book the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea for a children’s literature spin. You’ll also find Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins afternoon teas too.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
This 18th-century astronomical observatory is now a cool planetarium with talks scheduled multiple times a day.
If your kids love science and space, they’ll love learning about the history of the observatory and the night sky.
The views from Greenwich are great and visiting the Prime Meridian line, which was the starting point of measuring east or west time, is pretty cool too. Check the latest admission rates.
Street Performers in Covent Garden
Just walking through Covent Garden is a great way to kill an hour or two as your kids will enjoy watching all the street performers and buskers in Covent Garden.
As long as you keep a close eye on them (it gets very crowded there), they will be mesmerized by the human statues, musicians, and costumes.
Shrek’s Adventure Attraction
Located close to the Houses of Parliament, Shrek’s Adventure is a 4D experience with interactive performances, rides, and more.
It’s the perfect attraction to visit on a rainy day, and those are quite common in London. Check the latest admission rates.
Natural History Museum
One of London’s best museums also happens to be one of the best free attractions in London! Most museums in the UK are free (or partly free) so they’re great if you’re traveling on a budget.
The Natural History Museum is not only a stunning Victorian building but it has some of the best hands-on exhibits and animatronic dinosaurs.
Dippy the Diplodocus is an 85-foot/26-meter-long plaster cast of a dinosaur and the museum’s crowning glory. You can also book a guided tour.
Red Double Decker Bus Tour
Whether you’re a fan of bus tours or not, you have to admit that taking a red double-decker bus tour in London is more of a cultural experience than most.
Your kids will love riding on the top deck and listening to the local, live guide. Check the latest rates and availability.
Pose in Red Telephone Boxes
Whilst London’s red telephone boxes are becoming rarer and rarer, there are still some beautiful authentic phone boxes that make great backdrops for family photos.
Parliament Square opposite Queen Elizabeth Tower has a line of them. You could create a fun picture with your kids popping out of each one pretending to make a call.
Watch Musicals on the West End
The number one place for entertainment for kids in London, and adults too, is to see a musical in London’s theater district called the West End.
Some of the best long-running shows for kids are The Lion King and Matilda.
Stroll Along the South Bank
One of the best places to go if you’re traveling to London with young kids is to stroll along the South Bank.
The South Bank is a wide, pedestrianized area with lots of performers and street food trucks. It’s very stroller-friendly and offers wonderful views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Looking for something to do in London a little unusual and off-the-beaten path? The Horniman Museum and Gardens has an aquarium, musical instrument displays, and lots of other quirky objects that kids can touch and explore.
Not only that but there are gorgeous manicured gardens surrounding the museum too.
London Things To Do for Kids FAQs
Is London Underground free for kids?
The London Underground (the English capital’s metro/subway network which is also known as ‘the tube’) is the best way to get around all the must-see places in London and it is free for kids.
Kids under the age of 11 can travel for free on the London Underground, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and Transport for London (TfL) rail services with a paying adult.
Up to four children under 11 can travel on the London Underground with one adult with a ticket.
This is also the case for London’s bus and tram network! London can be an expensive city so it makes all the difference if your kids can travel between the top London family attractions for free.
How do I plan a day in London with kids?
The best strategy for planning a day in London with kids is to stick to one neighborhood.
It’s a huge city and there are countless family activities London has to offer. Bring up Google Maps and make sure you haven’t chosen activities and eateries that are 30-minute journeys away from each other on the Underground.
Don’t overfill your itinerary with dozens of London activities with kids as it’ll be tiring. But on at the same time, have a few extra attractions in mind nearby just in case your top choices aren’t a hit with your kids.
What to buy in London for children?
There are so many souvenirs in London for kids! If you want to treat your children or need gifts for nieces/nephews, head to the right places.
Kids love presents from Hamley’s Toy Shop, Harrods Department Store, the M&M Store, or the Lego Store. They all have London-exclusive products like teddy bears, t-shirts, and nick-nacks.
Some iconic London designs and landmarks you can find on almost any popular souvenir item are the Big Ben clock, red telephone boxes, and red double-decker buses.
London Things To Do for Kids Wrap Up
If you’re struggling to figure out what to do with kids in London, you won’t be stuck for long.
The English capital is such a well-touristed and huge city that there are tons of London things to do for kids and the whole family.
Many of the main landmarks are the top places to find family fun in London anyway.
As long as you plan for the inevitable rainy days, you’ll find that traveling to London with kids is a great idea and your entire family will have a great trip.
Looking for more London travel resources? Check out my top London travel tips, best London tours for families, kid-friendly London 4 day itinerary, hidden gems in London, things to do in London at night, family-friendly hotels in London, top London photography spots, Europe travel tips, 1 day in London, 8 Exciting Things to do in East London With Kids, 11 Terrific Things to Do in London with a Toddler, and how to book a London family photographer!
