Planning a trip to London with kids and looking for family-friendly tours? Keep scrolling to check out the coolest London tours for families that we’ve done and loved!
This list of kid-friendly London tours for families was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a trip to London with your family?
Check out our list of the best kid-friendly tours in London! You won’t find this information anywhere else.
We have personally tried all of these tours (or our friends have) and recommend them wholeheartedly. These are the best things to do for kids in London. Your children will love learning about London while having fun too!
Book one (or more) of these London family tours today and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of London blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting London with kids.
Popular London Tours/Activities
- London Eye (this is a relaxing adventure where you can see a birdseye view of London)
- Double-Decker Bus Tour (this one has a 2-hour guided tour option)
- Harry Potter Walking Tour (this one is especially for families)
- WB Studios in London (this is a MUST-DO for any Harry Potter fan)
- Afternoon Tea (this one takes place on a vintage double-decker bus)
- Flytographer Photo Shoot (this is an easy and affordable London photography option)
Kid-Friendly London Hotels
- Crowne Plaza London Kings Cross (this is right by Kings Cross Station, which is really convenient)
- The Clermont London (this is an easy walk to the London Eye and Buckingham Palace)
- Georgian House Hotel (this is perfect for Harry Potter fans)
15 Amazing London Tours for Kids Worth Booking
Our family loves spending time in London. We most recently went on a London family vacation in June 2022 with our 8-year-old and 5-year-old. We love doing tours, so we added a bunch to our London itinerary.
These are the ones that we recommend to anyone visiting London with kids.
Double-Decker Bus Tour of London
I’ll be frank, my kids HATE having to walk miles every day when we visit London. So, I’m always looking for ways we can sit down but still go sightseeing.
London has a ton of double-decker bus tours that are pretty awesome and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
There is one that is specifically designed for kids, though. It’s with Tootbus (I promise they will laugh at the name) and it’s only 45 minutes long. Check the latest rates and availability.
Private Harry Potter Walking Tour for Families
To be honest, there are LOTS of Harry Potter tours in London that are pretty cool. But this one is perfect for families.
Embark on a magical 3-hour private tour with your family, exploring Harry Potter’s filming locations in London.
Visit famous spots such as Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, all while enjoying captivating Harry Potter stories. Check the latest rates and availability.
Harry Potter Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour
While I personally think that Harry Potter walking tours are the way to go, there’s also an option to do a bus tour instead.
You’ll still see a lot of the same filming sites and even get off the bus to take photos. And your kids might not complain as much since they aren’t walking.
This Harry Potter bus tour covers King’s Cross Station, the Millennium Bridge and more. Check the latest rates and availability.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
If you have any Potterheads in your family, you’ll definitely want to do a day trip to the WB Studios in London.
We did this specific tour because it included transportation from Victoria Station and we didn’t have to stress about getting there on our own.
Plus, we could just relax on the bus ride to and from the Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
The studio tour itself is INCREDIBLE! You won’t run out of things to do/see or photos to take. It’s seriously impressive! Check the latest rates and availability.
Afternoon Tea Double Decker Bus Tour
While there are TONS of London afternoon tea spots, it’s really fun to enjoy it on a double-decker bus!
For kids, they have the option of doing hot chocolate instead of tea and it comes in a tumbler with a LID! And there are tons of great food items for the whole family.
You’ll ride around London on a sightseeing tour WHILE enjoying afternoon tea. It’s great for people short on time or attention spans. 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, 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.
Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wands and Wizard Exploratorium
Another unique afternoon tea experience is this Harry Potter version. Yes, it involves casting spells with wands!
While you’ll get to enjoy tasting afternoon tea items, you’ll also learn about molecular gastronomy and use technology to create your tea concoctions. Check the latest rates and availability.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
It would be a shame to visit London without seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
It’s a formal ceremony in which the soldiers currently on duty, known as the Old Guard, are relieved of their responsibilities by a new set of soldiers, called the New Guard, all choreographed to military music.
While you can do it on your own for free, it’s really helpful to do a tour because your guide will know the best place to stand, can explain to kids what’s going on, and knows the backup plans in case of rain. Check the latest rates and availability.
Paddington Bear Walking Tour
If your kids love the Paddington Bear books or movies, this is such a cute tour for families! You’ll get to hang out in Paddington Station and see the famous statue of Paddington Bear.
You also get to walk past the site of Mr. Gruber’s antique store and see the inspiration for Windsor Gardens, (where the Brown family lived).
The tour guide will ask kids lots of trivia questions and keep them engaged as they explore London. Check the latest rates and availability.
British Museum Private Tour for Kids & Families
Our family LOVES doing private museum tours when we travel. It’s a great way for our kids to stay engaged while learning about art or history from an expert.
While you can visit the British Museum for free, I highly recommend booking this tour because you’ll get to see tons of historic treasures and find out why they are important.
Plus, your guide will tell cool stories and play games with your kids. Check the latest rates and availability.
Tower of London Kid-Friendly Private Tour
The Tower of London is a historic castle that has served various purposes since its construction in the 11th century, including a royal palace, prison, treasury, and even a zoo. It’s now home to the Crown Jewels of England.
You can just get tickets and explore on your own, but it’s super helpful to do a kid-friendly tour because you’ll get to hear cool stories about the Tower of London and the spooky ravens.
It’s also so helpful for kids to have an expert to answer their (many) questions about British history and all the weird stuff that happened at the Tower of London. Check the latest rates and availability.
Kid-Friendly Natural History Museum Tour
The Natural History Museum is one of the coolest London museums for families.
This fun, family-focused tour of the Natural History Museum, designed for kids, makes learning exciting with a collection of dinosaur fossils and a huge blue whale skeleton.
Your private guide, an art historian, will lead the way, and the tour price includes your entry tickets. Check the latest rates and availability.
London Westminster Abbey Kid-Friendly Tour
Explore the famous Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a stress-free family tour that includes skip-the-line tickets.
Your tour guide will keep kids engaged with interesting stories about the history of this iconic London landmark.
After the Abbey, your private guide will lead a walk around Westminster, showing you notable landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St. James’s Park. Check the latest rates and availability.
Tate Modern Art Gallery Private Guided Tour for Kids & Families in London
On this private family tour of the Tate Modern, enjoy a journey through the world of modern art, where masterpieces by artists like Picasso and Dali are on display.
The guide makes the visit fun and engaging for kids with stories, games, and activities as you explore this unique museum set in a former power station. Check the latest rates and availability.
Kid-Friendly National Gallery Tour in London
Take a fun and educational family tour of London’s National Gallery where you’ll see famous artworks by Van Gogh, Picasso, and more.
Led by an art historian, this 2.5-hour tour blends learning with enjoyment and includes a visit to Trafalgar Square. Check the latest rates and availability.
Family Day in London Tour
If you are looking for a kid-friendly London tour that hits all the city’s highlights, this is a great private tour option for the whole family.
It’s a half-day customized tour based on your own family’s interests. So, it could include parks, museums, or attractions. It’s up to you! Check the latest rates and availability.
Fun Things to Do in London with Kids FAQs
What are the best family-friendly attractions in London?
London offers numerous family-friendly attractions such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Tower of London, the London Zoo, the London Transport Museum, and the Sea Life Aquarium. Don’t forget the iconic sights like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard.
Is public transportation in London family-friendly?
London’s public transportation is extensive and very accessible. The Tube (London’s subway system) and buses are easy to navigate and children under 11 travel free when accompanied by a paying adult. Plus, the iconic double-decker buses and river cruises on the Thames can be fun for kids.
Are there any outdoor activities suitable for families?
London is full of beautiful parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Kensington Gardens where families can have picnics, rent paddle boats, or visit playgrounds.
There’s also the London Zoo and various city farms. A trip to Greenwich can include a walk up to the Observatory for a great view of the city and standing on the Prime Meridian Line.
How can I keep the cost of a family trip to London low?
Many of London’s top museums and attractions are free for children or offer family discounts. For sightseeing, consider a family pass for the London public transportation which offers unlimited travel for a day or week. Also, consider packing lunches some days as dining out in London can be expensive.
Can we tour famous kid-friendly movie locations in London?
Absolutely! There are Harry Potter-themed tours that take you to various filming locations, such as Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. There are also tours for Paddington Bear and Mary Poppins fans.
Are there any kid-friendly theatre shows in London?
London’s West End has a variety of kid-friendly shows such as “The Lion King”, “Matilda”, and “Aladdin”. Some theatres also offer behind-the-scenes tours that could be exciting for older children.
Tours in London with Kids Wrap Up
Exploring London with kids can be an enriching and delightful experience, with a plethora of engaging tours catered to younger audiences.
From the regal Buckingham Palace to the iconic London Bridge, the city provides an exciting historical playground that sparks the imagination of children and adults alike.
Tour options range from the intrigue of Harry Potter’s magical world to the fascinating collections of the Natural History Museum, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Visiting London with your younger kids isn’t just about seeing a city; it’s about immersing them in history, culture, and stories that they will remember for a lifetime.
So pack your bags and make London your next family adventure destination!
Looking for more London family travel resources? Check out my top London travel tips, kid-friendly London 4-day itinerary, best things to do with kids in London, hidden gems in London, things to do in London at night, family-friendly hotels in London, top London photography spots, best weekend trips in Europe, Europe travel tips, 1 day in London, 11 Terrific Things to Do in London with a Toddler, 8 Exciting Things to do in East London With Kids, and how to book a London family photographer!
