Planning a trip to London with toddlers and are thinking about kid-friendly activities? Keep scrolling for my list of the best things to do in London with a toddler worth adding to your London itinerary!
This list of things to do in London with a toddler was co-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.
Guest post by Charity De Souza
London is an iconic city packed with family-friendly activities.
While a trip to the big city may seem daunting, you’re spoiled for choice with things to do in London with a toddler.
You can spend a day exploring one of the interactive museums or run loose in the city’s spacious green spaces – London attractions for toddlers are as diverse as the city itself.
If you’re overwhelmed with navigating London with a toddler in tow – fear not! As a mom who has traveled to capital cities with kids, I know the key to a good family trip is in the preparation.
In this guide, we’ve hand-picked the cream of the crop. You’ll find the best attractions for toddlers in London, including iconic landmarks, fun educational destinations, and outdoor activities.
We included free things to do in London with a toddler as well as fun activities that you both will enjoy, like British Afternoon Tea.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of exploring London with your little ones.
11 Best Things to do in London with a Toddler
London Zoo
Almost all toddlers will love a day of seeing exotic animals, so take them to the London Zoo!
The London Zoo is an exciting destination for all ages, with over 650 species to discover, from gorillas and Komodo dragons to mischievous monkeys swinging through the treetops.
It’s one of the easiest days out in London with toddlers, as this attraction boasts immersive and interactive exhibits designed to engage and delight even the youngest of visitors.
There’s even a dedicated Animal Adventure playground for kids, designed to bring them closer to nature through play. In this area, toddlers can come face to face with meerkats, porcupines, pigs, alpacas, llamas, and goats. On a hot sunny day, they can cool off in the Splash Zone.
Head to Penguin Beach, England’s biggest penguin pool, to see a South American beach landscape filled with flipper friends.
Alternatively, you can peek at Sumatran tigers through floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the Tiger Territory or escape to London’s only living rainforest to observe monkeys, sloths, and tamanduas.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of the best places to visit in London with a toddler, featuring a collection of fascinating dinosaur skeletons and hands-on exhibits.
One of the best free attractions in London for families, a self-guided tour of the museum reveals a treasure trove of interactive experiences.
Walking through the famous Dinosaurs gallery in the Natural History Museum is one of those top things to do in London with a 2-year-old, as they’ll be mesmerized by the massive T-rex skeleton.
A highlight of this museum is the Fossil Marine Reptiles area, which boasts one of the most complete fossils of prehistoric sea animals in the world. There’s even a giant sloth that kids can marvel at.
Next, they can learn about natural forces in the Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery.
When you need a break, stop at the on-site Central Cafe, which offers a selection of sandwiches, fruit, and pastries. Little ones can fuel up before continuing on.
For a more immersive behind-the-scenes experience, book a private tour of London’s Natural History Museum.
Science Museum
If you’re visiting London with a toddler, the Science Museum is a great idea. Another free attraction, it’s home to a huge collection of award-winning exhibits designed to engage, captivate, and keep kids entertained.
Like a playground of discovery, the age-appropriate exhibits and hands-on activities at the Science Museum make learning fun.
Power Up is a favorite with its hands-on gaming experience, featuring video games from the past 50 years, while Wonderlab has live science shows and demonstrations. In this area, toddlers can see lightning strike, play on giant slides, and travel through space.
What makes this one of the best toddler-friendly museums is its dedicated section for preschoolers.
They can explore science through play in the Garden, an interactive gallery featuring water exhibits and huge blocks for sensory play.
Catering to kids under 9 years old, the Pattern Pod is another multi-sensory area in the Science Museum. They can explore water ripples without getting wet, create images on touch screens, and follow robot trails.
Hyde Park
Offering the perfect mix of natural beauty and wide open spaces for burning off energy, Hyde Park is one of the best parks for toddlers in London. This Central London attraction a long-time family favorite, even nicknamed “The People’s Park.”
It’s hard to find such an open space in a capital city, and Hyde Park goes above and beyond with its beautiful lakeside paths, waterfront cafes, and abundance of wildlife, such as swans.
Kids will love the on-site playground, which features climbing frames, a swing set, and a slide.
After a day of sightseeing, you can also unwind with a stroll along the winding paths in the north of this toddler-friendly attraction.
The scenic path is perfect for those traveling with babies in London, with beautiful views of the park’s picturesque meadows on full display.
In warmer months, you can also enjoy an afternoon of boating on the lake. Swimming and a kid’s pool are also available at the Serpentine Swimming Club.
Hyde Park is also adjacent to Kensington Gardens, which is known for its blooming floral displays and photogenic flower walks.
London Transport Museum
My children love all things transportation, so it makes sense why the London Transport Museum stands out as one of the best things to do in London for toddlers.
One of the top London museums for the whole family, exploring the city’s famous transport system that has operated for over 200 years.
They can play conductor for a day at Playzone, which is a perfect spot for toddlers featuring mini vehicles such as trains, boats, and an Emirates Air Line cable car.
It is located on the ground floor and features fun exhibits like a Lost Property office, cafe, and information desk. For infants, there’s an interactive wall and building blocks.
There’s also a series of fun interactive exhibits in the Future Engineers gallery, including the chance to “drive” a modern Elizabeth line train and “fix” a train.
As you explore the museum, you can see what transport was like in London in the 1800s and get up close to an 1860s steam engine train.
Young kids can also learn about the formation of London transport and the world’s first underground railway.
Diana Memorial Playground
Nestled within Kensington Gardens is the Diana Memorial Playground, which deserves its own spot on this list of things to do for toddlers in London.
Located next to her Kensington Palace home, the Central London attraction is a tribute to Princess Diana’s legacy of compassion and love for children.
Small children can hop aboard the large wooden pirate ship, follow the sensory trail, and explore the various teepees and whimsical play structures.
Best of all, there’s plenty of seating available for parents around the play area.
It’s a unique space you can see when visiting London, designed for less able and able-bodied children to play together. The Diana Memorial Playground was also inspired by the stories of Peter Pan.
London Eye
Wow your entire family with an excursion on the famous London Eye, one of the world’s tallest observation wheels.
It’s one of the most photogenic ways to see the city and a bucket list activity in London.
The journey on the London Eye takes about 30 minutes. You’ll be inside one of the 32 pods that rise up over the water above the dazzling skyline.
While aboard, you can marvel at stunning panoramic views of London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. On a clear day, you might even be able to see Windsor Castle.
It makes for an especially picture-perfect excursion if you can time your visit at sunset.
If you want complete privacy, book a private pod for you and your family.
Afternoon Tea
When you think of the top London activities for toddlers, afternoon tea might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, enjoying tea in London isn’t just about sipping tea and nibbling on scones—it’s a quintessentially British experience that even toddlers can appreciate.
Most places are family-friendly, providing high chairs and accommodating staff who understand the unpredictable nature of little ones.
Now, what will they love about it? Well, the treats, of course. From dainty finger sandwiches to miniature cakes and pastries, there’s something to entice even the pickiest eater.
If you’re ready for your afternoon tea adventure, here are some of the best places to go.
The Langham – They have a Children’s Afternoon Tea with jigsaw-shaped sandwiches, chocolate brownies, and fresh fruits.
One Aldwych – Who can pass up a Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea? It includes cakes, sweets, mallows, and creams.
Aqua at the Shard – This tea experience is inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan in Neverland. While you’re here, you can enjoy the view from atop its 360-degree viewing gallery at The Shard.
British Museum
The British Museum is one of the best toddler-friendly attractions in Central London, and older kids can get in on the fun too.
You and your family can experience history books come to life at this completely free museum, which showcases two million years of human history, art, and culture.
It boasts a collection of objects from around the world in over 50 galleries, ranging from ancient times to the present day.
They’ll love the display of Egyptian mummies, experiencing the rich history and cultures of Africa, and journeying across North America to the ancient civilizations of Mexico.
If you’re up for a challenge, the museum has a Museum Mission program, while fun-filled activity backpacks and the Museum explorer trail are also designed for little ones.
When hunger strikes, the museum’s cafes and restaurants usually have high chairs on request, and the Pizzeria has a kid’s menu. You can also enjoy a picnic by the museum’s front lawns.
Get the most out of your visit and book a small group guided tour.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London Aquarium is easily one of the best things to do in London with a toddler.
Who doesn’t love an underwater wonderland where you can be mesmerized by all sorts of aquatic creatures?
It’s a delight for the whole family, where you can get up close to hundreds of colorful fish.
The aquarium zones give you a glimpse into some of the world’s most incredible animals, including huge sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and penguins.
A highlight is the Shark Walk, where you’ll walk over a glass window for a look at the ocean creatures swimming below your feet. The Ocean Tunnel is where you can marvel at enormous Green Sea turtles over your head.
Head to the Rockpool Explorer area and touch a stingray, then say hello to the colony of friendly penguins in the Polar Adventure.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
The family-friendly, free Horseman Museum and Gardens offers an exciting day out in London with your toddler.
You can get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies in its tropical indoor garden, then browse jellyfish, tropical tree frogs, and live coral in the aquarium.
The World Gallery is another highlight, displaying more than 3,000 objects from across the globe.
Outdoor activities at the South London attraction include 16 acres of gardens and an Animal Walk with goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and alpacas.
Things to do in London with a Toddler FAQs
How do you get around London with a toddler?
Getting around London with a toddler is easy with its somewhat stroller-friendly buses and accessible Underground Tube stations. Just remember to fold your stroller on buses! I don’t recommend doing double strollers or wagons, as they take up too much room.
Is London a good place to travel with a baby?
London is a fantastic place to travel with a baby! There are plenty of parks, baby-friendly museums, and family restrooms throughout the city.
Where can I take my 2-year-old in London?
Take your 2-year-old to the London Transport Museum, the Natural History Museum (they’ll love the dinosaurs), and the many city farms and playgrounds.
Is it worth visiting London with toddlers?
Absolutely! London has a ton of toddler-friendly attractions, like the Science Museum’s interactive garden and the magical Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens.
What are the best play areas in London for toddlers?
The Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens and the Tumbling Bay Playground in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are among the best play areas for toddlers in London.
London with Toddlers Wrap-Up
It comes as no surprise that there’s no shortage of excitement and learning opportunities in London – this is truly a city for all ages.
In this guide, we’ve narrowed down the best things to do in London with a toddler, from the city’s many parks to its interactive museums.
You’ll even save money with the amount of free attractions in London!
You can keep younger visitors entertained aboard the iconic London Eye or afternoon tea, then run loose at the Diana Memorial Playground.
With its rich history and family-friendly attractions, London offers a memorable adventure for both parents and toddlers alike.
About Charity
Born and raised in Florida, Charity has lived in Thailand, China, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, and England, and now lives in Portugal with her husband and two sons. Charity has traveled to over 60 countries – some of her favorite experiences include skydiving in Switzerland, eating ramen in Japan, and watching a sunset in the Sahara Desert.
Looking for more kid-friendly London travel resources? Check out 15 Lovely London Tours for Families Worth Booking, 27 Lovely London Things To Do for Kids, Paris vs. London for Families, 11 Desirable Day Trips from London by Train, 8 Exciting Things to do in East London With Kids, and 10 Lovely Family-Friendly Hotels in London!
