Are you looking for things to do in London with kids? Maybe you have a family holiday planned in the big city, or maybe you’re just visiting for the day… Whatever situation you’re in, this list of things to do with kids in London is going to be your ultimate guide!
London has plenty of things to do for a big family day out, especially for the kids! – But you just have to know where to look and where to go.
The list of things on what to in London with kids in endless but hopefully our list of things will help fill your mind with ideas and suggestions and make your family holiday the best one yet!
Classic Tourist Attractions
Did you know that almost all of London’s major tourist sights can be seen from The Thames? Taking a boat down the river provides you with all those perfect photo opportunities, and you won’t even need to leave your seat. This is one of those perfect things to do in London with kids, as you don’t need to worry about them wandering off or walking too far and getting tired. On the trip you’ll be able to spot Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge… The list goes on!
If you’re looking for things for kids to do in London, one of the city’s most famous landmarks is definitely a tourist favourite. The queues can be long for The London Eye, but once you’re at the top of the wheel you’ll be able to see right across the city! Perfect for children, as there’s little chance of anyone getting lost, and the pods are relatively big, so they’ll always be able to see something that interests them.
The Tower of London
Let your kids explore London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site, The Tower of London! Where you can get up close to the Crown Jewels in the year of the Platinum Jubilee, meet the Yeoman Warders and the ravens and see the Towe like never before! This would be a great day out in London for kids and the adults! This
Visit M&M World in Leicester Square
Leicester Square, 1 Swiss Ct, London W1D 6AP
If your kids love chocolate, then a trip to M&M World in Leicester Square has to be on the top of the list for you. This huge shop is dedicated to the famous chocolate brand, and is comparable to a real-life version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. You may not want to buy them too much chocolate…. But this had to make our ‘things to do in London with children’ list. What kid wouldn’t love it?
Educational Attractions
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
There are plenty of educational things to do in London with kids. The Science Museum is a fantastic day out in London, for kids of all ages. It’ll spark their curiosity, and probably yours too! The different exhibitions are tailored to different ages groups – and its free admission.
Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
Located in the London borough of Greenwich, this museum is one of the largest maritime museums in the world. It’s a short walk from The Thames, and a perfect stop-off if you’re getting around the city by tour boat. There is lots to discover for little pirates or mermaids, and the museum has special activities and exhibitions for families. Admission is free.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE
If you’re looking for things to do in London with kids who love nature and the outdoors, then Kew Gardens is an outdoor wonderland. Best in the summer (when the threat of rain might be lower!) kids will love exploring this nature haven.
Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9PA
This museum is a treasure-trove of childhood nostalgia and toys, dating back hundreds of years. For adults, it’s amazing to discover things you thought you’d forgotten about, but for kids it’s like travelling back in time and seeing how other children throughout history have lived. During the school holidays, the museum often put on special exhibitions or activities for children too.
Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
The British Museum is one of the biggest and most iconic museums in London, and they do some fantastic tours and activities for families and children. If your kids love exploring history, then they’re going to love discovering all the artefacts and items hidden inside these walls.
Free Activities
This time-old tradition is iconic in London and has appeared in many movies and TV shows. If you want to feel utterly London-ified then this is definitely something you’ll want to witness. The kids will be in awe, and will never forget it. It’s a short walk from The Thames, and a perfect stop-off if you’re getting around the city by tour boat.
If you want to go inside the palace, the magnificent state rooms are open to visitor for 10 weeks each summer (22 July – 2 October 2022) and on selected dates during winter and spring! – There is a price attached to tickets. However, the real experience is walking up to the front gates and peering inside – and for this there is no fee attached. Learn some fun palace facts ahead of time to keep them entertained, and your kids will be amazed at the building, and being so close to The Queen herself.
See the lights in Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is known as ‘the Times Square of London’ – and is an outdoor area of the city where there are shops, billboards and (sometimes) entertainers. If your kids have never been to a big city before, then this is surely going to wow them. We recommend visiting in the evening, so the lighting from the billboards glow even more.
See the Fountains or climb on the Lions in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the most photographed areas of London, and you’ll recognize it once you arrive. There are some huge fountains in the Square to take a look at, and (for bigger kids) there are the famous stone Lions guarding Nelson’s Column which many people try to climb. If you do manage to get atop one, you’ll have a great view. It’s a short walk from The Thames, and a perfect stop-off if you’re getting around the city by tour boat.
Tower Bridge is one of the World’s most recognisable bridges, and it costs nothing to take a walk across and soak in all those amazing views. Top tip – if you buy your kid a cheap disposable camera, they won’t mind walking around, as they’ll love having the opportunity to take lots of photos! It’s a short walk from The Thames, and a perfect stop-off if you’re getting around the city by tour boat.
Activities for Teenagers
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB
This spooky attraction is definitely suited to older kids, rather than younger ones. The recommended age for The London Dungeon is 12 years and above, though it is up to the discretion of the accompanying adult. If your kids are desperate to do something different, and a bit quirky, this certainly ticks the box. Just be ready for a fright!
Marylebone Road, Marylebone, London NW1 5LR
A chance to have a selfie next to all your favourite celebrities. What teenager would say no to that? Madame Tussauds has long been a favourite for teenagers and older kids – and you might even end up taking a selfie or two yourself!
Railway Approach, London SE1 9SG
Younger kids may not appreciate the view from up here – but teenagers should love it. So long as they’re not scared of heights! The observatory is the highest point in the city and offers incredible views right across the skyline. We’d recommend visiting on a clear day, or a clear night – to make sure you get the best possible visibility.
21 New Globe Walk Bankside London SE1 9DT
Located right on The Thames, so a perfect stop-off if you’re getting around the city by tour boat, this theatre is one of the most unique buildings in London. Modelled after the original Globe Theatre, all plays are performed the way they would’ve been back in Shakespeare’s time. It’s a unique experience and one your teenagers will love – especially if they have been learning about Shakespeare in school. Anything that brings history to life is great – and this does just that.
2-4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY
When looking for things to do with kids in London – here’s another spooky experience, perfect for keeping teenagers on their toes. We’d recommend going around Halloween, or in the evening hours.
If your teenagers are moaning about walking too much, then a boat tour is the ideal way to sightsee in the city. Book your tour ticket and enjoy all the main tourist sights from the comfort of your seat. Depending on the weather, you can sit on the top deck with a breeze in your hair, or the bottom deck protected from the elements – it’s up to you. There are refreshments on board and loads of amazing things to see including Big Ben, Parliament, The London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and more. There are multiple departure points too, so you simply choose the one closest to your hotel.
