The Ultimate Guide to London with Kids: The Best Things to Do & Family Days Out
Planning a day out in London with kids? Start here. Because London is brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. But it is also enormous, busy, expensive, occasionally baffling and very good at convincing you that you can fit seven attractions, three museums, lunch, afternoon tea and a West End show into one Saturday.
You can't.
Well, you probably could. But we'd rather you didn't.
We've spent years exploring London with kids, testing attractions, eating our way around the capital, getting rained on, getting lost, discovering brilliant places we weren't expecting to love and occasionally wondering why we thought dragging everyone across London on a Saturday morning was a good idea. So we've pulled it all together.
This is our big guide to London with kids: the attractions worth knowing about, the free stuff, the museums, theatre, parks, animals, unusual things to do, rainy-day ideas, teenagers, toddlers, first-time visits and how to actually put together a decent family day in London without spending your entire bank balance or 14 hours on the Tube. And because we're not here to tell you that absolutely everything is "unmissable", we'll also tell you what we'd actually choose. Because there's a difference.
First things first: what kind of London day are you after?
Before you start booking everything in sight, work out what sort of day you're actually trying to have.
We want the classic London experience
Go for the big hitters.
The London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, a trip along the Thames and a wander around the West End. You don't have to do all of them. In fact, please don't. Pick a couple and enjoy them properly.
We want to spend as little as possible
Good news. London has an enormous number of brilliant free things to do with kids, including some of the world's best museums, huge parks, galleries and plenty of things you can simply wander around and enjoy.
Our advice? Spend your money on one big experience and build the rest of your day around free stuff.
It's raining
This is London. We have absolutely no idea why anyone is surprised. Head for the museums, indoor attractions, theatre, immersive experiences and other places where you can spend several hours without becoming a human umbrella.
We've got toddlers
Lower your expectations. Not of London. Of how much you're going to achieve.
One main attraction, plenty of time to stop, somewhere to eat and ideally a playground somewhere nearby.
You're welcome.
We've got teenagers
Excellent. London is actually fantastic for teenagers, particularly if you stop trying to make every activity educational. We've got ideas for them further down.
It's our first time in London
Don't try to see everything. Pick one area, do two or three things, stop for food and actually look around. London isn't going anywhere.
The best things to do in London with kids
There are hundreds of attractions, experiences and places you could visit in London with children. These are some of the big ones we'd put on your radar.
Best for: First-time visitors and classic London views
Location: South Bank
Allow: Around an hour once you factor in getting there and queues If you've never been on the London Eye, it's one of those experiences that makes sense on a first London trip. You get the skyline, the Thames, Big Ben and a rather good "look, we're actually in London" moment.
Is it cheap? No. Would we necessarily do it every time we're in London? Also no. But for a first visit, particularly with younger children who love anything involving going up in the air, it's a good one.
London for Kidz verdict: Worth doing once. Especially if you've never done it before.
And don't make the mistake of travelling across London just for the Eye. South Bank is packed with things to do, so make a proper day of the area.
Best for: London landmarks, history and kids who like heights
Location: Tower Bridge
Allow: Around 1–2 hours
Tower Bridge is one of those London sights that looks impressive from the outside but is even more interesting when you actually go inside. The glass walkways are the bit kids tend to remember. And yes, some of them will absolutely lie down on the glass floor while you contemplate your life choices. Pair it with the Tower of London, the Thames and the City for a brilliant London day.
London for Kidz verdict: One of our favourite iconic London experiences because it feels like you're actually doing something rather than simply looking at a famous building.
Best for: History, gruesome stories and children who enjoy a bit of drama
Location: Tower Hill
Allow: At least half a day
Forget trying to explain several hundred years of British history to a child while standing outside.
Take them in. There are towers, armour, ravens, royal history, prisoners, executions and the Crown Jewels. It's history with considerably more blood, betrayal and shiny things than your average school lesson.
London for Kidz verdict: A brilliant choice for older primary-school children and teenagers, particularly if they're interested in history.
Best for: Harry Potter fans
Location: Leavesden, just outside London
Allow: Several hours
Technically outside London, but we're including it because we'd be pretty useless if we didn't.
If your kids love Harry Potter, this is one of those experiences that can justify making a whole day of it. You get the sets, props, costumes and behind-the-scenes magic of the films, and there is enough to keep even fairly serious Potter nerds occupied.
London for Kidz verdict: If Harry Potter is their thing, go. If it isn't, save your money for something they actually care about.
The best free things to do in London with kids
Here's where London really comes into its own. You can spend an absolute fortune in this city.
You can also have a fantastic day out without spending a penny on admission.
Dinosaurs. That is probably enough of a reason. But there's considerably more to it than dinosaurs, with huge galleries covering everything from volcanoes and earthquakes to mammals and the natural world.
It's one of those places where you can spend two hours or half a day depending on the age and stamina of your children.
Our tip: Don't attempt to see everything. Pick a few things your kids will love and go from there.
If your children are the sort who want to touch, press, pull, twist and generally interact with everything, the Science Museum is a very safe bet. It's brilliant for curious kids and particularly good when the weather has decided that your carefully planned outdoor day was hilarious.
London for Kidz verdict: One of our go-to rainy-day options.
This is one for younger children and anyone who likes getting hands-on. It's colourful, interactive and much more inviting to children than the sort of museum where everyone whispers and you spend your visit saying, "Don't touch that." Which is always fun with a four-year-old.
Yes, it's enormous. No, you don't need to drag the children around every gallery.
Choose a few things. The Egyptian galleries are an obvious starting point, particularly if you've got kids who are fascinated by mummies, ancient history and all the slightly creepy stuff.
Our tip: Give older children a mission. "Find the mummy" is much more effective than "We're going to spend three hours looking at ancient artefacts."
This one doesn't always get the attention it deserves. It's a great option if you're around Canary Wharf, the Docklands or east London and want something a little different. There's plenty of London history, but the setting itself makes it interesting. And because it isn't always the first place every tourist heads for, it can be a refreshing change from the central London crowds.
London with toddlers and pre-schoolers
Doing London with a toddler requires a slightly different strategy. Your child does not care that you have travelled across London to see a world-famous landmark. They care about snacks. Possibly pigeons. Definitely buses. And whether they can press the button. So plan accordingly.
Some of our favourite options for younger children include:
Young V&A
London Transport Museum
Natural History Museum
Battersea Park
Hyde Park
Regent's Park
London Zoo
children's theatre and shows
playgrounds
riverside walks
Covent Garden and its street performers
Our toddler rule
Don't book three things. Book one. Then leave room for whatever happens next. Because toddlers have a remarkable ability to turn a 20-minute walk into an expedition.
London with primary-school children
This is probably the easiest age group to plan for because London is absolutely stuffed with things that work brilliantly for them. Try:
Thames boat trips
London theatre - not just the big players: lots of the smaller theatres put on amazing shows aimed at toddlers including Little Angel Theatre and the Puppet Theatre Barge
Immersive experiences such as Discover Story Centre, Paddington Bear Experience and Frameless London
Greenwich
Parks and playgrounds
And don't underestimate the simple stuff. A ride on a double-decker bus can be just as exciting to a child as a £50 attraction if they've never done it before. There are also cable cars in London - yes really! Always a hit with toddlers (and parents!).
London with tweens and teenagers
Now we're talking. Because teenagers are actually incredibly easy to entertain in London.
You just need to stop calling it a "family day out". Try:
Fast boat. River. London landmarks.
Much more exciting than standing next to you while you read a plaque.
For older kids who enjoy horror, history and being slightly terrified.
Escape rooms
Perfect for competitive families. Particularly if your children enjoy pointing out that you are the reason the group is failing.
Shopping
Oxford Street is obvious, but don't overlook Covent Garden, Carnaby, Seven Dials, Camden and the markets.
Street food
Let them choose. Everyone wins. Borough Market, South Bank Food Centre and Camden Market are good shouts.
Football
If you've got a football-obsessed teenager, London is basically a giant playground. Stadium tours and match-day experiences can make a brilliant addition to a trip. You can even abseil off Tottenham Hotspur stadium!
West End shows
Don't assume teenagers hate theatre. They hate being told they're going to a show they don't care about. There is a difference.
Instagrammble Spots Around London
From Brick Lane to Leake Street Arches, Camden to Primrose Hill, there are a huge number of cool areas around town where the teens can get the perfect 'gram. Framless London, The Twist Museum, Paradox Museum and God's Own Junkyard are other hugely 'grammable spots.
The best London museums for kids
We could write an entire guide on this. Actually, we have. But if you're starting from scratch:
For dinosaurs
Natural History Museum
For science
For transport
For younger children
For ancient history
For military history
For maritime history
For something different
For older children and teenagers
Science Museum, Imperial War Museum, British Museum and the Clink Museum.
Our biggest museum tip: Don't make your family see everything. A lot of museums are free.
Your time isn't.
The best London attractions for kids who love animals
If you've got an animal-mad child, you're spoiled for choice.
A classic for a reason. It's a proper day out, so allow plenty of time.
Particularly good for younger children. And the park itself gives you somewhere to burn off some additional energy afterwards.
Good for children who are fascinated by what's happening under the water.
One of our favourite combinations because you can mix indoor exhibits with outdoor space.
More than a garden. It's a huge day out with plenty to explore, and particularly good when everyone needs some fresh air.
Meet pigs, cows, turkeys, rabbits, ducks and even three alpacas, Ben, Jerry and Tom. There's a gorgeous ecology area on site as well as a herb and dye garden, picnic area and riding school.
Yes, unbelievably London has its own wetland area, and its packed with opportunities not just to spot wildlife, but often has plenty of family activities happening too.
Not technically London, but just a 30-minute train ride from Liverpool Street, or a short trip to junction 28 of the M25, this place covers 53-acres and gives a forever home to around 700 rescued animals, with every penny of your visit going back to helping care for the residents you'll meet including Highland cows, alpacas, cats, rabbits and around 70 horses and donkeys!
The best parks and outdoor spaces in London for families
London isn't all traffic, Tube stations and people walking directly into you while looking at their phones. We promise. There are some brilliant green spaces.
Hyde Park
Perfect for combining with central London.
Take a walk, have a picnic, let the kids run and then carry on with your sightseeing.
Regent's Park
One of our favourite choices when you want a proper break from the city.
And obviously you can combine it with London Zoo.
Greenwich Park
One of the best places for a family day because there's so much around it.
Park, views, museums, Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory and Greenwich itself.
You can easily spend most of the day here.
Richmond Park
For families who want space, wildlife and a bit of breathing room.
And yes, the deer are spectacular. Just remember they're wild animals. Give them space and don't be that person trying to get a selfie while standing six inches away.
The best things to do in London when it rains
Because eventually it will. Your options include:
Museums: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, London Transport Museum, Young V&A,
Indoor attractions: SEA LIFE, London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, immersive experiences including Shrek's Adventure London and indoor options such as Twist Museum, Monopoly Lifesized or why not discover London's dark and grusome history at the wallet-friendly Clink Museum?
Theatre: West End shows and family productions
Food: Find somewhere good for lunch and make the food part of the day rather than an emergency refuelling stop. Check out our family-friendly dining guide for some fun options including a pottery cafe, a vampire-themed pizza joint, a neon playground and afternoon tea buses!
Something different: Try an indoor experience you've never done before - we have a whole guide packed with indoor ideas in London. And remember: A rainy day doesn't automatically mean you need to spend £100 on an attraction. Some of London's best museums are free.
The best things to do in London when you've got one day
This is where people go wrong. They try to see London. All of it. In one day. Don't.
Our first-time family London day
Morning: Start around Westminster. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey from outside. Walk towards the river.
Late morning: Head along the South Bank. Stop for food.
Afternoon: Choose ONE big attraction.
The London Eye, SEA LIFE, a river trip or something else that genuinely appeals to your family.
Late afternoon: Wander towards Covent Garden and the West End.
Evening: Dinner and, if you've got older children, a show.
That's a proper London day. You haven't ticked every attraction off a list. But you've actually experienced London.
The best two-day London itinerary for families
If you've got two days, breathe. You've got time.
Day one: Classic London
Westminster, South Bank, London Eye or river cruise, Covent Garden, West End
Day two: Choose your adventure
History: Tower of London + Tower Bridge
Museums: Natural History Museum + Science Museum
Animals: London Zoo + Regent's Park
Royal London: Buckingham Palace + St James's Park + Westminster
Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Greenwich: Cutty Sark + National Maritime Museum + Greenwich Park
The secret is not trying to combine all of them.
Choose the day that suits your children.
The best London areas for a family day
South Bank
Probably one of the easiest places to recommend for families because there's loads happening within walking distance. The London Eye, SEA LIFE, the Thames, food, street performers, the Southbank Centre and plenty of space to wander.
South Kensington
Museum heaven. Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A all sit close together.
And yes, you can technically do all three. We wouldn't.
Westminster
Perfect for classic London sightseeing. Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St James's Park are all within reach.
Tower Bridge and the City
Brilliant for history and landmarks. Tower Bridge, Tower of London, the Thames and the City itself.
Greenwich
One of our favourite family areas. It's different enough from central London to feel like you've gone somewhere, but still completely London.
Covent Garden and the West End
Excellent for a family wander, food, theatre, street entertainment and generally soaking up London.
The best things to do in London with kids for FREE
If the budget is looking slightly nervous, don't panic. Some of the best family days in London cost absolutely nothing to enter. Try:
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
British Museum
Young V&A
Imperial War Museum
Museum of London Docklands
National Maritime Museum
Tate Modern
National Gallery
Greenwich Park
Hyde Park
Regent's Park
St James's Park
Richmond Park
Walking along the South Bank
Seeing the Changing of the Guard
Exploring Covent Garden
Watching street performers (Covent Garden & South Bank are great locations for this)
Spotting London's famous landmarks
Mudlarking along the banks of the Thames (check tide times first though!)
And don't forget that free doesn't have to mean boring. Sometimes the best London day is simply a walk, a picnic, a museum and a ridiculous amount of ice cream.
The best unusual things to do in London with kids
This is where we leave the obvious stuff behind. Because sometimes you don't want another museum. You want something you'll actually talk about afterwards. London has plenty.
Try an immersive experience.
Take a speedboat down the Thames.
Explore one of the city's stranger museums.
Go underground.
Try an escape room.
Find a quirky food market.
Go on a themed walking tour.
Explore the streets around Camden.
Head east and discover the Docklands.
Or simply pick an area you've never explored and see where you end up.
Some of our best London days have involved considerably less planning than the ones where we've spent three hours creating a spreadsheet. We do have a guide on some quirky things to do to save you the research.
The best family theatre in London
You can't write a proper guide to London with kids without talking about the West End. There are shows for little ones, older children, teenagers and adults who have been dragged along by their children but end up loving it anyway. Some productions are enormous, spectacular family favourites. Others are smaller and brilliantly suited to younger children. Our advice?
Don't choose a show simply because it's famous.
Look at the age recommendation.
Read the running time.
Think about whether your child can actually sit through it.
And if you've got a teenager, let them have some input. They are considerably more likely to enjoy it.
London with kids on a budget
You don't need to spend hundreds of pounds to have a great day. Our favourite formula is:
One paid experience + one free attraction + one cheap food stop + plenty of walking.
For example:
Museum in the morning.
Lunch from a market or casual restaurant.
Walk along the river.
One paid attraction.
Then home.
You've had a proper London day without needing to re-mortgage the house. And before booking anything, check whether there are family tickets, off-peak prices, combination tickets or advance-booking discounts. It can make a surprisingly big difference. We have a guide on ideas for less than a tenner per person here which should also help you get the ball rolling.
Where should you eat with kids in London?
This is another one where we're not going to tell you that every restaurant in London is "family-friendly". Because technically, if they allow children through the door, apparently that's enough.
It isn't.
We look for somewhere where:
Kids won't be treated like an inconvenience
You don't need to whisper
Food arrives before everyone loses the plot
There's something children will actually eat
Adults don't feel like they're eating in a primary-school canteen
And preferably there's a decent drink involved
Because parents deserve lunch too. We have a guide to the family-friendly dining options we love right here.
Getting around London with kids
The Tube can look terrifying when you've got a buggy, bags and three children. But once you've got the hang of it, public transport is one of the best ways to get around London. And sometimes the journey itself becomes part of the fun.
A double-decker bus can be more exciting than you'd expect. The Thames can save you from another Tube journey. And walking between nearby attractions is often quicker — and considerably more interesting — than going underground.
Our biggest piece of advice? Don't underestimate London distances. Something can look close on a map and somehow involve two Tube lines, a 12-minute walk, a lift that isn't working and a child asking whether you're nearly there every 47 seconds. Check your route before you set off.
What we wouldn't do
This is important. Because sometimes the best family travel advice is what not to do.
Don't cram too much in.
You will enjoy London more if you do three things properly than eight things badly.
Don't cross the whole city for one attraction.
Build your day geographically.
Don't assume expensive means better.
Some of London's best experiences are free.
Don't book everything months in advance.
Leave room for spontaneity.
Don't ignore your children's ages.
A brilliant attraction for a ten-year-old may be absolute torture for a toddler.
Don't try to make every activity educational.
They're children. Let them have fun.
And don't forget to enjoy yourself.
This is London. You're allowed to have fun too.
So, what are the absolute London for Kidz favourites?
If you forced us to pick a handful of things for a family visiting London for the first time, we'd start here:
For the classic London experience: South Bank + London Eye + Thames Rockets
For history: Tower of London + Tower Bridge
For dinosaurs: Natural History Museum
For science: Science Museum
For animals: London Zoo
For younger children: Young V&A + a good playground
For teenagers: Immersive experiences, shopping, theatre and whatever weird thing they've spotted online that week
For free: Natural History Museum + Hyde Park
For a rainy day: Clink Museum (or London Dungeon)
For a really good family area: South Bank, Covent Garden or Greenwich
For theatre: Pick a show your children will actually enjoy
For something different: Go somewhere you've never been
For a first visit: Don't over-plan it
Our golden rule for London with kids
You don't have to see everything. In fact, you shouldn't. London is the sort of city where you can come back dozens of times and still find somewhere you've never been. So choose a few things your family will genuinely enjoy.
Leave some gaps.
Stop for food.
Have a drink.
Let the kids mess about.
Take the scenic route.
Get on the wrong bus once in a while.
And if the whole carefully planned day goes completely to pot? Congratulations. You've probably had a very authentic London experience.
More London for Kidz guides
We've got loads more ideas if you're still not sure what to do:
Our regularly updated guide to what's actually happening in London this weekend.
Because free is good.
For when you've done the obvious stuff.
Our guide to the museums actually worth putting on your list.
For when London gets gloriously spooky.
Because apparently we're now Christmas people.
And finally...
We're not going to tell you that London is perfect. It isn't.
It's busy. It can be expensive. The Tube can be sweaty. Someone will probably complain about walking. Someone else will need the toilet approximately four minutes after you leave the restaurant. And there will almost certainly be a point where you wonder why you didn't just stay at home.
But that's London.
And then you'll turn a corner and see Big Ben. Or watch a boat speed past. Or find an incredible little market. Or stand underneath a dinosaur. Or watch your teenager genuinely get excited about something they insisted they wouldn't like.
And that's the good stuff.
That's why we love London.
And that's why we'll keep exploring it. Because there is always another corner to turn, another weird little place to discover and another excuse to drag the kids into town.
Welcome to London. Now go and have some fun.
