London attractions with kids: Fun things to do for families

One of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, there is something in London for everyone. The weather is stubbornly unpredictable but the sights and people are predictably engaging. Where history lurks in every nook and corner, but so does modern, everyday life. And the two mingle in an understated way not found anywhere else.

If this is a family trip, you might be wondering what to do in London with kids? This post covers some of the best attractions in London with kids. There is also an interesting idea on a day trip outside London at the end of this post. Immerse into history, culture, iconic sights and entertainment with these family friendly things to do in London. A hop-on hop-off bus can be quite convenient to see London’s main attractions.

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Attractions in London for families

Explore the Harry Potter locations

I am a huge Harry Potter fan. One of my favorite things to do in London is to find film locations from the Potter films. The biggest and arguably the best Potter experience in London is the Warner Bros Studio Tour. This is a collection of props, sets and costumes from all the movies, complete with the real Hogwarts Great Hall.

This is a magical experience, especially if you are traveling to London with your kids. You’ll need to catch a train from London Euston to Watford (just outside of London) and book your tickets in advance.

If you are short on time in London, head over to Kings Cross. This is a popular and central area of London and is home to a few film locations. Head to Platform 9 to find the 9 and 3/4 sign; the infamous entrance to the Hogwarts Express platform. Next door to Kings Cross is St Pancras International Station. This location was used during the Chamber of Secrets film when Harry and Ron are trying to decide how to get to school after they miss the train.

The films made use of some of the most iconic landmarks in London. So don’t forget to check out St Pauls Cathedral (seen in the Half-Blood Prince), London Zoo (seen in The Philosopher’s Stone), Piccadilly Circus (seen in the Deathly Hallows) and Charing Cross Road (home of the Leaky Cauldron).

Contributed by Katie & Calum| Creative Travel Guide

Europe’s largest Ferris wheel, anyone?

London Eye is Europe’s largest Ferris wheel and was the world’s tallest when it was built. It is the UK’s most popular paid-for attraction. You can see for up to 25 kilometers in all directions – from the top of the London Eye – which encompasses the entirety of the city and more. Kids will love ascending up in the London Eye. They would love to see how many other famous London attractions they can view from the birds-eye vantage point.

It takes about 30 minutes to ascend to the top of the eye, which is just enough time to keep children entertained with landmark watching out of the window! You won’t be restrained to a seat. Large pods transport groups up to the top of the wheel, which accommodates up to 25 people. They are free to walk around at their own leisure and enjoy the panoramic vista of the London skyline. 

Tickets for the London Eye can be bought in advance or on the day. Buying in advance will save time queueing (there are always queues to get on the London Eye!). It will however, constrain you to a particular time slot, so be sure to check the weather before you buy tickets. The London Eye is located near Big Ben and Southbank – an easy walk from London Waterloo station. 

Contributed by Claire| Claire’s Footsteps 

How about the rich history at the Tower of London?

While we were in London with our kids, we really enjoyed our visit to the Tower of London.  The Tower of London is so rich in history, which I love.  Built by William the Conqueror, this Tower has hosted Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, a prisoner from the American Revolution, and Nazi spies among many others.

Even better, my kids had a great time during our visit.  The Yeoman Warders, who give the tours in their traditional beefeater uniforms, must be incredibly knowledgeable to hold the job.  Ours was very funny, a little sarcastic, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy his job.  It kept our girls listening and interested, and they barely noticed how educational it was.

A good portion of the central White Tower is set up so you can explore on your own. The spiral stone staircase, the huge dragon made of armor pieces, and the king’s privy chamber were particularly popular.  Another area of the complex housed some torture devices, always popular with the kiddie set (or many just mine!).

Two tips for you:  If you have an animal lover, keep an eye out for the Tower ravens. Legend says that if they ever leave the Tower, the building as well as the monarchy will fall. So, there are a number of them kept well fed, and we have many kid-taken pictures of the Ravens. Also, if you walk through the rooms within the outer wall of the Tower, on the Thames side, keep watching out the windows.  One of the best photos I took of the London Bridge I took from the window of the Tower of London. Read more on The Tower of London.

It is not just London, but UK that is full of rich history. So do look up UK Bucket list ideas if you are planning a longer trip.

Contributed by Megan| Wandertoes

Interested in museums with kids?

London museums definitely are among the top things to do with kids.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has an imposing terracotta façade. It is a hop and skip from the South Kensington station on the District, Piccadilly and Circle lines or a short walk from Hyde Park. The art and architecture of the museum are as fascinating as are the exhibits. It is rightly called a “Cathedral of Nature”.  

The entry to this museum is free and it does get pretty crowded, so make the most of your trip by following the museum trails. We entered through the Hintze Hall, taking in the giant blue whale skeleton that replaced Dippy the diplodocus in 2017 and the imposing statue of Charles Darwin at the foot of the stairs. A lot of specimens collected by Darwin on his voyages are on display here.

The Blue Zone had the kids thrilled to bits with the dinosaur exhibits including a moving roaring model of T-Rex. The Green Zone covered birds, marine fossils and minerals. The Red Zone explored how the earth is constantly being reshaped through film footage, exhibits and interactive games. There are specimens of rocks and minerals and exhibits on the science behind volcanoes and earthquakes. An earthquake simulator recreates strong seismic activity inside a Japanese supermarket.

Science Museum

The Science Museum, right next door, is also free (with some paid exhibits like the IMAX experience and the Wonder Land). There are 4 levels with interactive exhibits on energy, modern inventions, space and mathematics. The kids enjoyed the exhibits on space and modern inventions on the ground floor. The Pattern Pod is great, especially for younger kids, as an explorative space, combining lights, sounds and patterns. Plus the bubbles show in the basement was, as usual, a great hit. 

The Science Museum has a number of restaurants – we really enjoyed the pizzas and wraps at the aptly-named Energy Café.

Contributed by Shweta Markandeya

Picnic at Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is one of the best hidden gems in London. It’s located in the Hampstead Heath neighborhood of London, and is a fantastic spot to take the kids out for the day. Contrary to what the name suggests, Parliament Hill is a large grassy park with multiple playgrounds and ponds to explore. 

To get to Parliament Hill, you’ll take the Hampstead Heath overland train to the Hampstead Heath Station. Leaving the train station, hop across the street and make your way down the pathway to the right, through the trees and grass. You’ll soon pop out at Parliament Hill with wonderful views of London. 

The views from Parliament Hill are unmatched. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and really the entire skyline of London. 

To make a day out of visiting Parliament Hill, we recommend grabbing food and enjoying a picnic with the views. There are many benches to sit on throughout the park, or you can find a nice place just in the grass to lay out and enjoy. 

After enjoying a lunch, be sure to walk around and find the different ponds throughout Parliament Hill. You may be surprised to see that swimming is allowed in the ponds, making this a great spot to go on a warm summer day. During the summer months, don’t miss the free concerts at the bandstand on Parliament Hill, and enjoy a nice cuppa outside at any of the Parliament Hill cafes. 

Contributed by Heather|ArboursAbroad 

Sky Garden and the City of London 

For a family trip in London, spend a day in the City of London as there are a number of popular attractions that will be interesting to everyone. First of all, the City of London is the area with unique and whimsical modern skyscraper and architecture. Take the Tube to the Tower Hill Station and have a stroll in the City of London, or appreciate London’s unique skyline across the River Thames. 

One building, in particular, offer free access to the roof for the public to enjoy the view from a different perspective. While “Sky Garden” may sound like a man-made heritage back to the Babylon, this “Hanging Garden” is a modern tiered garden at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street. The building is nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie”, due to its strange swollen shape that was designed by Uruguayan architect, Rafael Viñoly.  

The observatory deck was opened since 2014, featuring unobstructed view of London, with seating areas, cafe, terraces, and walking path under a lush green space. Pre-registration is required, and the visiting time slots opens two weeks in advance. Check Sky Garden’s official website for the opening schedule and availability as the quota can be filled up pretty fast during high season and peak hours. 

Continue your day exploring other London classic attractions, including Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and the City Hall, another eye-catching architecture designed by architect, Norman Foster. 

Contributed by Kenny| Knycx Journeying

Take in iconic sights from The Shard

Perched upon the southern bank of the river Thames, The Shard building is named for its resemblance to a piece of glass. It is a unique part of London’s skyline, visible from all parts of the city.

A visit to the top of the Shard is a terrific addition to any list of things to do in London, especially for families traveling to the city. Older children are best suited for this activity, and they will love seeing London’s iconic sights from up above. Getting a bird’s eye view of London will help kids see where all of London’s sights are located relative to one another. For added fun, bring a list of the places you’ve already visited in London, and see who can find them the fastest!

You can look through the observatory deck’s telescopes to get a unique view of Big Ben, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. You will also be able to watch boats coast down the river Thames. Also if the timing is right, you can watch Tower Bridge open its gates to accommodate larger ships going in and out of London.

If you want to visit the observatory at The Shard with your family, plan on buying your tickets online ahead of time. You’ll be able to skip any queues and head directly to the viewing platform. This would leave you with plenty of time to explore the rest of London.

Contributed by Jessica| The Belle Voyage

Family Friendly Things to do in London

Afternoon Tea at Sketch

Looking for one of the fun things to do in London with kids? If so then head to Mayfair and enjoy afternoon tea at Sketch. Not only is the menu very kid-friendly, but the over-the-top decor is sure to put a smile on every kid’s face. 

However, while this afternoon tea in London is amazing, it is expensive. So, expect to spend £80 per person to enjoy a lavish feast that includes savoury cucumber ricotta finger sandwiches, cheese paninis, warm sultana scones, and premium desserts like vanilla/ hazelnut Battenberg. Also be sure to come hungry since portions are exceedingly generous. The service is also excellent and you won’t feel rushed as you sip on a wide array of teas. 

If you can, try to book an early afternoon tea right when they open the Gallery. This way you can take lots of photos without other people in them. 

Also, be sure to stop by the toilet before you leave. It sits right near the special, afternoon tea room and features a series of white, egg-shaped cones that look like little spaceships. They are enhanced by colourful, square, skylights that come in a rainbow of colours and that make this space look futuristic and space-like.

Contributed by Linda| Linda on the Run

Also check out the Afternoon Tea on River Thames.

Do a Bike Tour of the city

I highly recommend taking a Fat Tyre Bike Tour in London with kids.  The sites we saw during the 4-hour Royal London Bike Tour would have easily taken us over a day of walking around on our own.  We visited Buckingham Palace (conveniently timed for the changing of the guard), Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square and more. Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Biking through such a big city, I was initially worried for both safety, and whether we old folks could keep up. However, the route of Royal Tour took traveled largely through the Royal Parks, and on pedestrian and less traveled roads.  When we had to cross a busy road, our guide was great about keeping us together and getting us across safely.  Plus, while there was a good deal of biking, the pace was easy and the route was flat.  There were also plenty of breaks while our guide told us the great stories of the sights we were seeing.  It’s still a favorite London memory for our kids!

My tips for this tour: One, take water, you’ll want it.  Two, for the Royal London tour you are on your own to eat lunch in the Trafalgar Square area.  I highly recommend the Rooftop restaurant in The Trafalgar St. James hotel, overlooking the square.  It’s a little pricey, but an unforgettable view.  For the more budget conscious, the ubiquitous Pret is also right there. It is perfect for taking a quick something over to Trafalgar to dine al fresco on the steps.

Read more on The Fat Tyre Bike Tour.

Contributed by Megan| Wandertoes

Eat up a storm at Borough Market

One of the largest London food markets, there’s been a market at the current Borough Market site since the 12th century! No wonder it’s one of the most popular things to do in London for foodie families. The easiest way to reach the market is to take the tube to London Bridge station- the market is pretty much just across the road. Keep in mind that the market is closed on Mondays.

You’ll find a mix of ready-to-eat food stalls, restaurants, and grocery stalls on site. As the market is so popular, it can get very busy. You’ll want to visit early and come on a weekday to avoid the market madness. There are also usually cooking demonstrations one weekday a week by famous British chefs.

Some of the must-try foods here are: the Le Marche du Quartier duck confit wrap, the Kappacasein raclette- made with local Bermondsey-made cheese- and Bread Ahead’s famous donuts. You could pick out some foods with the kids, then bring it to the riverside for a picnic! The Thames River is just a stone’s throw away. You could even walk all the way to Tower Bridge, so that you can dine with a view of the Tower of London. If you’re after a sit-down meal, Arabica is one of the best restaurants in the area!

Alternatively, for families with older children who enjoy cooking, why not try one of the famous cooking classes organised in Borough Market? From making cheese with Neal’s Yard Dairy to learning to make bread at Bread Ahead, there’s something for everyone.

Contributed by Zhen| Greedy Girl Gourmet

Enjoy Street Art in London

Heading to London and looking for things to do with your teenagers? I bet a free street art walking tour will catch their interest! After all, which teen doesn’t like a little rebellion in their lives? We’re pretty sure that you’ll enjoy it as well.

Lead by actual street artists, you’ll wander through some of London’s best street art neighbourhoods. Like Brick Lane and Whitechapel on the search of the elusive Banksy and other famous artists from around the world. You’ll learn about the history of street art, the significance of tagging. Also why so many artists take the risk of painting a wall.

Do come prepared! Bring a water bottle and wear good walking shoes. The tours last between 2-3 hours and are probably not the best for those with really young children. Also, don’t forget your camera. After all, street art is continually evolving, so what you see the day of your tour, might not be there the next day. And you’ll need a little cash for tipping your guide at the end. We recommend about 10 £ per person!

On a budget? Don’t worry about it! That’s the advantage of free walking tours. They only cost what you can afford to pay, or you think the trip is worth. Hey, who knows, you might even find that you have an up and coming street artist in the family!

Contributed by Heidi & David| FlyAwayU

Shop at Harrods

If your kids are shopaholics, you should head straight to Harrods in London. Harrods is one of the most famous shops in the whole world, and it sells just about everything you can possibly imagine. Harrods is in Knightsbridge which is just below Hyde Park, so it’s in the touristy part of London, making it easy to access by walking, taking the tube or getting a bus. 

In terms of what will interest your children, it depends on their ages. If they are older, they might be interested in browsing the expensive perfumes and aftershaves, or maybe they’ll enjoy looking at the sports memorabilia on offer. If your kids are younger, then it’s probably best to spend time in Harrods’ gift shop.

While Harrods is famous in itself, one of the most iconic things you can buy in the shop are teddy bears with Harrods jumpers. There are new collectable bears released each year which are unique to the year, but you can also go for general bears or themed bears such as at Christmas time. 

Although it won’t be an option if you are visiting London on a budget, as it’s known to be extremely expensive. There are plenty of things to buy in the thousands and a few things costing tens of thousands of pounds! 

That being said, simply having a look around the store is a good way to spend an hour or longer with kids in London. The best part is you don’t even need to buy anything- although it can be hard to say “no” sometimes, right?

Contributed by Josh| A Backpacker’s World

Take an Emirates Stadium Tour

One of our kids’ favorite activities in London was a stadium tour of the Arsenal Football Club. Our kids love sports, so this was the perfect outing. It was so easy to navigate. We hopped on the tube and headed towards the stadium to Holloway Road on the Piccadilly Line. Once we arrived, it was a short walk to the stadium.

The tour is self-guided, so please check in and get an audio tour once you arrive. With kids, having a tour where you can pace yourself is always nice. We enjoyed exploring the Directors Box, Diamond Club, the dressing rooms, the conference room, and the media lounge. Our favorite part of the tour was access to the pitchside and home dugout.  The tour ends at the gift shop so you can bring a little souvenir home.

We found the tour to offer some great facts on the rich history of the program as well as authentic stops in the stadium. Stadium employees were scattered throughout the tour if you had questions or needed assistance. It is also a great spot to pick some themed based souvenirs from London for a football fan.

A bit of advice: we purchased the London pass, including our tickets to Emirates Stadium. I highly recommend the pass as so many of the best attractions in London are included. Also, we found the crowds to be low in the morning. Lastly, we paired our time at the stadium with a stop at the British Museum. It is easy to forget London’s size, so try to group your activities in similar areas together. 

Contributed by Rebecca| Fab 5 Family Travel

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Easy Day Trips from City of London

Day out at Greenwich

Greenwich makes for a great day out with kids. Located about 8 miles to the east of central London, Greenwich can easily be reached by public transport. You have a choice between rail, Underground, and buses. If you are traveling in the summer, a boat ride on the Thames is definitely the best way to get there!

While the town of Greenwich itself is attractive (and makes a nice change to the more cosmopolitan London), you will probably spend most of your time visiting the major sights: the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, and the Cutty Sark.

The Royal Observatory with the Prime Meridian Line is a not-to-be-missed stop. Taking a photo while standing with one foot in each hemisphere is a highlight! My kids loved doing this. The attached museum offers lots of interesting information about navigation, astronomy, and history and is fairly child-friendly. Here you will also find a planetarium, the UK’s largest telescope, and a great view of London.

Don’t miss the Cutty Sark! This former tea clipper has been converted into a museum and offers fun hands-on experiences for families. You can listen to voice reenactments of fascinating characters from the past, like the ship’s owner, the Captain, and the cook. We all also enjoyed checking out the collection of figureheads from different ships. There are many other things to do in Greenwich for your day out.

We visited Greenwich on a very rainy day and had a wonderful time. However, if you have a choice I would recommend going on a day with good weather as part of the Cutty Sark experience is on the open deck and we had to pretty much skip this part due to the driving rain.

Contributed by Kitty| Kitty Meets World

Visit the Warwick Castle

If you’re interested in visiting an authentic castle while in London, and you’re traveling with kids, I would recommend visiting Warwick Castle. This is an authentic castle that has been turned into a tourist attraction and is perfect for families.  It is laid back, picturesque, and had lots of exciting things going on when we visited. We went with our 4 and 7-year-olds, and they were the perfect ages to enjoy Warwick Castle.

There are tons of activities for youth such as trying archery and playing medieval games.  Little kids will be able to enjoy things like an amazing bird show with many kinds of raptors, peacocks wandering the grounds, or watching the launch of a flaming cannonball. There are suits of armor, arrow slits, stained glass windows, English gardens, and more.

Different tours and shows are available, based on the interests and ages of your children. The Dungeon tour is for a more gruesome experience with older kids and teens. The Dragon Slayer show is for family entertainment.

Travel tip: Take the train from Paddington station in central London.  The train journey is under 2 hours. It goes through beautiful English countryside, and Warwick Station is a fun 1-mile walk from the castle through the town. The town itself is quaint if you want to see old England.

Read more: Things to Do in London with kids

Contributed by David & Jamie| PhotoJeepers

History lesson at Hampton Court Palace

Explore the enchanting world of Hampton Court Palace, an easy train ride from London, with your family for a day filled with activities for kids of all ages. Immerse yourselves in the rich history of this iconic Tudor palace, originally home to King Henry VIII.

The grounds of Hampton Court are enormous, and a family will find something for everyone – from the vegetable gardens, to vibrant flower beds, to lush lawns perfect for a picnic or running about. There is even a maze! 

While some of the content may be above little children’s heads (like how much wine the court consumed, or that the ghost of one of Henry’s six wives haunts the gallery), kids will love the large Tudor kitchens. Each weekend historians and docents lead a demonstration of how food was cooked for such an enormous court. 

Maps for school visits are also available so children can see how food made its way from the kitchen gardens to the tables. A mobile app can also lead families through the palace to learn about the history of England’s royals, Henry, and Tudor life. Complete your family day out with a visit to the Magic Garden—a modern yet whimsical playground featuring mythical beasts, mazes, and a dragon’s lair. 

The easiest way to reach Hampton Court is by train from London Waterloo, which lets off an easy five minute walk from the Palace. You can book your entry tickets online.

Contributed by Laura| Hi Friends It’s Laura

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Last Thoughts

The summer buzz in London is amazing. But this is the peak tourist season so hotel and tour prices go up accordingly. Spring is also a good time to visit if you are considering Europe for a spring break. The temperatures are mild, and you can enjoy plenty of daylight hours for sightseeing. 

Another great day trip option from London is to experience the old world charm of Windsor Castle, if British Royalty fascinates you. If your kids are into theme parks and you have a day to spare, do check out a day or overnight trip to Legoland Windsor, outside London.

There are also some quirky and unusual things to do in London, if you are leaving your kids behind one evening. If you are looking to spend a few days outside London, do check out things to do in Dorset.

Whether you go to London with or without kids, it is important to select an area in this sprawling to stay that best suits you. Here is your guide to best neighbourhoods and hotels in London to stay at.

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You may enjoy reading about other city breaks:

Why Amsterdam with kids makes for a wonderful city break

Berlin with kids: A travel guide for a family city break

Interesting places in Singapore for a family holiday

3 days in Dubai: Family trip itinerary to the City of Gold

[This post was originally published in 2018, and last updated in January 2024.]

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