55 Things To Do In London With Kids | With Locations And Fees
Finding the best things to do in London with kids can feel overwhelming because the city has so many museums, parks, landmarks, shows, and family attractions. You will find free attractions, paid experiences, rainy day ideas, outdoor spaces, and practical tips for getting around.
Author:James RowleyMay 11, 2026377 Shares5.7K Views
Quick Answers Before You Read On
- London has over 55 family-friendly activities, ranging from completely free world-class museums to paid iconic attractions.
- Most major museums, including the Natural History Museum, British Museum, and Science Museum, are free to enter.
- The best time to visit with kids is spring (March to May) or early autumn (September to October) to avoid summer crowds.
- Family-friendly neighbourhoods to stay in include South Kensington, Marylebone, and the South Bank.
- Booking tickets in advance for paid attractions like the London Eyeand Tower of London saves time and money.
London has a way of making everything feel bigger, more magical, and more alive. I have taken children to many cities across the world, but nothing quite matches the feeling of watching a child's face light up when they see the Tower of Londonrising along the Thames for the first time, or when they spot a real Beefeater standing guard at the gates. This city is built for discovery, and it rewards curious young minds at every turn.
I have put together this guide after years of visiting London with children of different ages. London is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. The transport is accessible, the green spaces are enormous, and an astonishing number of world-class attractions are completely free. If you are planning a London trip with children, I promise you will not run out of things to do.
1. Natural History Museum
Location: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD | Fee: Free
The Natural History Museum is the single best free attraction in London for children, and I say that with complete conviction. The moment I walked in with my children, and they saw the enormous blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling of Hintze Hall, every complaint about the journey vanished instantly.
Kids can spend hours moving through the dinosaur galleries, the volcanoes and earthquakes exhibit, and the creepy-crawly section. General admission is free, though some temporary exhibitions carry a charge. Always book a timed entry slot in advance, especially during school holidays.
2. Science Museum
Location: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD | Fee: Free (Wonderlab: £10 per child, £13 per adult)
Right next door to the Natural History Museum sits the Science Museum, and together they make an unbeatable double feature. The main museum is free, and the galleries covering space exploration, the history of medicine, and engineering are genuinely gripping for older children.
The standout extra is Wonderlab, the interactive science gallery on the fourth floor. Children can race down friction slides, experiment with magnets, and trigger chemistry demonstrations. It costs a little extra but is worth every penny.
3. British Museum
Location: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG | Fee: Free
I have visited the British Museum more times than I can count, and it never gets old. For children, the Egyptian mummies are the main draw. Few things captivate a curious eight-year-old quite like a 3,000-year-old human wrapped in bandages inside a painted sarcophagus.
The museum also offers activity backpacks for families and explorer trails for younger visitors. The collections span virtually every civilisation in human history, and general admission is completely free.
4. The London Eye
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB | Fee: From £29 per adult, £24 per child
The London Eye is the kind of experience that genuinely thrills children regardless of age. The giant observation wheel on the South Bank takes about 30 minutes to complete a full rotation, and the views across the city are spectacular.
I recommend buying priority tickets in advance to avoid queuing with tired children. From inside the glass capsule, kids can spot Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul's Cathedral stretched out across the skyline. It is best experienced at sunset when the city glows warm and golden.
5. Tower Of London
Location: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB | Fee: Adult £35.80, Child (5-15) £17.90, Under 5s Free
The Tower of London is one of the most dramatic historic sites in the world, and children find it utterly captivating. I have taken children here at different ages, and the experience shifts beautifully as they grow.
Young kids love spotting the ravens and meeting the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) who deliver entertaining guided tours. Older children are fascinated by the Crown Jewels, the medieval armour, and the dark history of famous prisoners who once lived within these walls. Book tickets online for a discount.
6. Buckingham Palace
Location: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA | Fee: Free (exterior and Changing of the Guard). Palace State Rooms: Adult £33, Child £16.50 (summer only)
Watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of those quintessentially London experiences I always recommend to families. The ceremony happens at the front of the palace and is completely free to watch.
During summer, the State Rooms inside the palace open to visitors, and walking through the Grand Staircase and the Ballroom is genuinely awe-inspiring. The palace interior is only open during specific periods, so check the official royal family websitebefore booking.
7. Tower Bridge
Location: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP | Fee: Adult £12.80, Child £6.40
Tower Bridge is one of London's most iconic structures, and most visitors do not realise you can actually go inside it. My children were hesitant until they walked across the glass floor panels of the high-level walkways, 42 metres above the Thames.
The views are extraordinary and slightly terrifying, which children absolutely love. Inside the bridge, you can also see the original Victorian steam engines and learn the full history of how this engineering masterpiece was built.
8. ZSL London Zoo
Location: Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY | Fee: Adult from £29, Child (3-15) from £20, Under 3s Free
London Zoo sits inside the beautiful Regent's Park and houses hundreds of animals across immersive exhibits. The Land of Lions, Penguin Beach, and the gorilla kingdom are perennial favourites with children.
I particularly love Zoo Town, the role-play area designed for younger visitors, where children can take on jobs connected to zoo life and conservation. The daily talks and feeding sessions are educational without feeling like a lecture, and the staff are genuinely passionate about what they do.
9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Harry Potter)
Location: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR (approximately 20 miles from central London) | Fee: Adult from £55, Child from £47
This is the big-ticket day trip that every Harry Potter fan dreams of, and I can confirm it exceeds expectations in every way. The studio tour takes you through the actual sets used in all eight films, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest.
I spent six hours here and still felt like there was more to see. Book tickets well in advance because they sell out quickly. You can reach the studios by taking a direct train from London Euston to Watford Junction, then a short shuttle bus.
10. Madame Tussauds
Location: Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR | Fee: Adult from £27, Child from £22
Madame Tussauds has entertained generations of London visitors, and it remains a genuine crowd-pleaser for children. Spread across three floors and eight themed zones, the museum lets kids pose alongside wax figures of royals, pop stars, sports legends, and film characters. My children spent most of their time in the Marvel zone and the Star Wars section, both of which are exceptionally well done. Book online in advance for a significant discount on door prices.
11. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Location: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB | Fee: From £28 per person
London's largest aquarium sits right next to the London Eye on the South Bank, which makes it an easy addition to a full day of sightseeing. Children walk through immersive underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and thousands of marine creatures.
The penguin enclosure is always a highlight, and the interactive rock pool sessions are popular with younger children who want to touch real sea creatures. The Merlin Pass covers both the aquarium and the London Eye, which is worth considering if you plan to visit both. Families spending the day around this part of the city may also want to compare it with other family-friendly places in Londonnearby.
12. Hyde Park
Location: London W2 2UH | Fee: Free
Hyde Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks and one of the greatest free spaces in any city I have ever visited. Children can run across open fields, feed the ducks along the Serpentine lake, hire pedal boats, or simply watch the squirrels that approach with impressive confidence. In winter, the park transforms into the home of the famous Winter Wonderland event. I always recommend a morning stroll through Hyde Park as the perfect gentle start to a busy London family day.
13. Diana Memorial Playground
Location: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PT | Fee: Free
Inspired by J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan stories, the Diana Memorial Playground inside Kensington Gardens is one of the finest children's playgrounds I have seen anywhere in the world. A huge pirate ship sits at the centre, surrounded by teepees, sensory trails, sand pits, and a treehouse.
Children can climb, crawl, swing, and dig to their hearts' content. The playground is enclosed and well supervised, making it safe for younger children while still offering enough adventure for older ones.
14. Kensington Gardens
Location: London W8 4PX | Fee: Free
Adjacent to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is home to Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, and the Round Pond, where children love watching the swans and remote-controlled model boats. The gardens have a quieter, more manicured feel than Hyde Park and are a lovely spot for a family picnic on a sunny afternoon. The pathway from the park past the palace and towards the memorial gives older children a strong sense of London's royal history without setting foot inside a museum.
15. Victoria And Albert Museum
Location: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL | Fee: Free
The V&A is London's museum of art, design, and fashion, and it is far more child-friendly than its grand exterior suggests. The central garden with its beautiful fountain is a favourite summer stop for families.
Inside, the fashion galleries and jewellery collections tend to captivate older children, while the Cast Courts, filled with enormous plaster reproductions of famous sculptures, leave every age group speechless. The museum runs regular family workshops and activity trails throughout the year.
16. National Maritime Museum
Location: Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF | Fee: Free
If your children are drawn to ships, exploration, or adventure on the high seas, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is essential. The AHOY! gallery is designed for children aged seven and under, with an immersive soft-play space built around a maritime theme.
Older children love the giant interactive map covering the floor of one gallery, which they can walk across to explore different parts of the world. Admission to the museum is completely free, and the Cove playground outside is also free to use.
17. Greenwich Park
Location: King George Street, London SE10 8QY | Fee: Free
Greenwich Park is one of the most rewarding half-day outings I have taken with children in London. The park sits on a hill overlooking the Thames, and the view from the top, with the Canary Wharf skyline behind you, is genuinely breathtaking.
Children love standing on the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory and having one foot in each hemisphere. The deer enclosure in the park is a wonderful bonus, and the nautical-themed adventure playground keeps younger children entertained for hours.
18. Paddington Bear Experience
Location: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB | Fee: Adult £34, Child £24, Under 2s Free
Younger children absolutely adore this immersive 70-minute adventure through the world of Paddington Bear. The experience uses interactive sets, live performances, and themed activities to bring the beloved bear's London and Peru story to life.
My youngest was completely transfixed from start to finish, and even the adults in our group were charmed by how cleverly it was put together. The location right next to the London Eye makes it easy to combine with other South Bank attractions.
19. Shrek's Adventure London
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB | Fee: Adult from £24, Child from £18.50, Under 2s Free
Shrek's Adventure is a walkthrough experience that pulls children directly into the world of Far Far Away through a series of live fairy-tale-themed shows and interactive sets. It runs for approximately 60 minutes and keeps children engaged throughout with humour, audience participation, and lovable characters. I found it worked best with children aged four to eleven, though younger kids will enjoy it too as long as they are comfortable in slightly theatrical environments. Booking ahead gets you cheaper tickets.
20. Frameless
Location: 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7EJ | Fee: Adult £28, Child £18
Frameless is an immersive art experience where classic masterpieces are projected across multiple large-scale rooms with surround sound, creating an environment where famous paintings feel alive around you. I took the children here with some scepticism and was genuinely surprised by how much they loved it.
There are also multi-sensory sessions for younger children on Friday mornings. Allow at least two hours, as each room pulls you in differently. It is also a brilliant rainy day option right in central London.
21. National Gallery
Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN | Fee: Free
The National Gallery is home to over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, and visiting with children is a completely different experience from visiting alone. The family trails and activity packs available from the front desk give children a mission and a reason to look more closely at the art. The Trafalgar Square location is iconic in itself, and combining a gallery visit with time watching the pigeons and fountains outside is a classic London afternoon that costs nothing at all.
22. Tate Modern
Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG | Fee: Free (special exhibitions may charge)
Tate Modern on the South Bank is one of the world's greatest modern art galleries, and it consistently surprises children who walk in expecting to be bored. The Turbine Hall at the entrance has housed some of the most spectacular large-scale art installations in history, and there is usually something in there that makes children stop mid-step and stare. The gallery faces the Thames across from St Paul's Cathedral, and the Millennium Bridge walk between the two is one of my favourite London strolls.
23. London Transport Museum
Location: The Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7BB | Fee: Adult £24.50, Children Free
The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is far more fun than its name might suggest, and the fact that children under 18 enter free makes it an excellent value family outing. The All Aboard play area is designed for children aged seven and under and features a fleet of mini vehicles, including buses, boats, and even a cable car. Story sessions and craft workshops run throughout the year for under-fives, and the collection of historic vehicles spanning over 200 years of London transport is genuinely fascinating.
24. Horniman Museum And Gardens
Location: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ | Fee: Free (Aquarium: Adults £6, Children £3.80)
The Horniman Museum is one of London's hidden gems, and I recommend it to every family visiting the city. It houses an eclectic mix of natural history specimens, a world-famous collection of musical instruments, and anthropology galleries.
The gardens surrounding the museum are beautifully kept and offer sweeping views across the city. There is also a butterfly house and a small aquarium on site. Because the museum is less well known than the big South Kensington institutions, it is rarely crowded, which makes for a much more relaxed family visit.
25. Imperial War Museum
Location: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ | Fee: Free
The Imperial War Museum covers conflicts from the First World War to the present day and is far more emotionally nuanced and child-appropriate than many parents expect. The Holocaust galleries are powerful and sobering, but the museum also features accessible family exhibitions, activity packs, and interactive displays about everyday life during wartime. Older children and teenagers especially benefit from the depth of the displays, which bring history to life in ways that textbooks simply cannot match.
26. Regent's Park
Location: Chester Road, London NW1 4NR | Fee: Free
Regent's Park is one of my favourite places to take children in London, particularly in spring when the rose gardens are blooming, and the park feels impossibly beautiful. The boating lake is a popular activity during warmer months, and the open-air theatre inside the park runs productions throughout summer that are often suitable for families. The park sits immediately next to London Zoo, which makes it easy to combine both into a full day out.
27. Richmond Park
Location: Richmond, London TW10 5HS | Fee: Free
Richmond Parkis London's largest Royal Park and one of the most extraordinary free spaces in any city I know. Over 600 red and fallow deer roam freely across the park, and spotting them is an experience that leaves children completely speechless.
The park has traffic-free cycling paths, a children's play area near Pembroke Lodge, and beautiful woodland walks that feel a world away from central London. It takes about 45 minutes from central London on the District Line, but the journey is absolutely worth it.
28. Sky Garden
Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF (inside the Walkie-Talkie building) | Fee: Free (must book in advance)
The Sky Garden is a stunning free experience that gives you panoramic views across London from the top of the distinctive Walkie-Talkie building in the City. The open-air garden wraps around the top three floors of the building with lush planting, a restaurant, and viewing terraces.
Entry is free, but you must book a timed slot in advance. Slots release every Monday at 10 am. I recommend the morning slots for families, as the garden is quieter and the light is beautiful across the Thames.
29. Platform 9¾ At King's Cross Station
Location: King's Cross Station, London N1C 4AP | Fee: Free (gift shop on site)
For any family with Harry Potter fans, a stop at Platform 9¾ at King's Cross is compulsory. The luggage trolley disappearing into a brick wall is set up for photographs, and there is usually a queue of excited children waiting for their turn.
A dedicated Harry Potter shop sits right next to the installation and sells exclusive merchandise not available elsewhere. There is no charge to take photographs, and the station itself is a beautiful piece of Victorian and modern architecture worth exploring beyond the fan attraction.
30. National Army Museum
Location: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT | Fee: Free (Play Base soft play: £7 per child)
The National Army Museum in Chelsea covers the history of the British Army through interactive exhibitions, personal stories, and weapons displays that older children find fascinating. The Play Base area on the lower floor is a dedicated soft-play zone for children aged eight and under, complete with an assault course, a cookhouse, and a quartermaster's store. The main museum is free, and the Chelsea location makes it an easy addition to a day spent exploring this elegant part of London.
31. Covent Garden
Location: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8RF | Fee: Free
Covent Garden is one of the most reliably entertaining places to take children in London, and it costs nothing to enjoy the street performers who gather in and around the market piazza. I have watched my children spend an entire hour watching a juggler who involved them in the act.
The covered market also has a brilliant mix of food stalls, craft vendors, and independent shops that make browsing a pleasure for families. The whole area buzzes with energy from morning until evening throughout the year.
32. Trafalgar Square
Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN | Fee: Free
Trafalgar Square is one of those places that exists on every London checklist for good reason. Children love climbing on the enormous bronze lions surrounding Nelson's Column, and the fountains are irresistible on hot summer days.
The Fourth Plinth always holds a contemporary art installation that sparks interesting conversations with curious children. The square sits right next to the National Gallery and is within easy walking distance of the London Eye, making it a natural anchor point for a day of sightseeing.
33. Battersea Children's Zoo
Location: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ | Fee: Adult £15.95, Child (2-15) £12.95, Under 2s Free
Battersea Children's Zoo is a smaller, more manageable alternative to London Zoo, and for families with very young children, I actually prefer it. The zoo sits inside the lovely Battersea Park and houses meerkats, lemurs, otters, and a range of farmyard animals that smaller children can get close to. The adventure playground inside the park is also excellent, and the park itself has a beautiful riverside walk along the Thames that makes for a perfect family afternoon.
34. Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens)
Location: Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE | Fee: Adult from £24, Child (4-16) from £6, Under 4s Free
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful spaces I have ever visited with children. The children's garden is purpose-built for family exploration, and the Treetop Walkway gives older children a bird's-eye view of the tree canopy that feels thrillingly adventurous. The Hive, a stunning sculptural installation buzzing with the sound of real bees, is one of those rare attractions that leaves both children and adults standing completely still in quiet wonder.
35. WWT London Wetland Centre
Location: Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT | Fee: Adult from £16.29, Child (4-16) from £11.65, Under 4s Free
The London Wetland Centre in Barnes is a serene and unexpected escape from the city, and children with an interest in wildlife and nature will absolutely love it. The nature reserve covers over 100 acres and is home to birds, butterflies, water voles, and otters.
The multi-sensory playground is designed with younger children in mind, and the mud kitchen is a guaranteed hit. During school holidays, the centre runs family trails and nature-themed events that add extra depth to a visit.
36. Vauxhall City Farm
Location: 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS | Fee: Free (donations welcome)
If you are travelling with city-raised children who have never fed a goat or stroked a sheep, Vauxhall City Farm is a genuinely special experience. The farm sits in the heart of South London and is home to pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas, and various farmyard birds.
Children can feed the animals and learn about where their food comes from in a relaxed, unpressured setting. The farm is open Tuesday to Sunday and accepts donations rather than charging a set fee, which makes it wonderfully accessible for all families.
37. Young V&A
Location: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA | Fee: Free
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green is one of the finest children's museums I have seen in any country. It reopened after a major transformation and now houses three stunning interactive galleries called Design, Imagine, and Play, each containing thousands of objects relating to childhood, creativity, and design.
Children can play with over 2,000 toys from different eras and cultures, build things, draw, and experiment with materials. If your children enjoy hands-on creativity and games for kids, this is one of the most rewarding free museums to add to your London itinerary. The museum is significantly less crowded than the big South Kensington institutions, which makes the whole visit far more enjoyable.
38. Polka Theatre
Location: 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB | Fee: Varies by production - check polkatheatre.com for current prices
The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is the only theatre in London dedicated exclusively to children, and it runs an extraordinary programme of shows ranging from productions for babies right through to teenagers. The performances are imaginative, sensory, and often interactive, drawing even the most restless children into the story. The theatre also has play spaces that children can explore before and after shows. I have seen several productions here and been impressed every single time.
39. Little Angel Theatre
Location: 14 Dagmar Passage, Islington, London N1 2DN | Fee: Varies by production - check littleangeltheatre.com for current prices
The Little Angel Theatre is London's only permanent puppet theatre and one of the most charming performance spaces in the city. Many of the shows are designed for very young children, including babies, and the puppetry is of the highest quality.
My children have loved having meet-and-greet sessions with puppets after performances, which is something unique to this theatre. If you are visiting London with children under six, I would rank this highly on your list.
40. West End Show
Location: Various theatres across London's West End, most within the W1 and WC2 postcode areas | Fee: Varies widely - from approximately £25 to £150+ per ticket depending on show and seat
Taking children to a West End show is one of those London experiences that creates a memory they will carry for life. Productions like The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, and Back to the Future at the Adelphi are perennial family favourites.
I recommend booking directly through the official theatre websites or using TKTS, the official discount ticket booth in Leicester Square, to find same-day deals. Most theatres do not admit children under three, and some shows have higher minimum age recommendations.
41. Thames River Cruise
Location: Multiple embarkation points including Westminster Pier, Embankment, and Tower Bridge | Fee: From £15 per adult, £8 per child, depending on operator and route
Seeing London from the Thames is a completely different experience from seeing it from street level, and children find the perspective immediately exciting. I recommend the City Cruises route between Westminster and Greenwich as the best family option.
Along the way, you pass the Houses of Parliament, the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, and the old warehouses of Wapping. Most operators offer child-friendly commentary pointing out landmarks, and the journey is relaxed enough to serve as a welcome rest between busier activities.
42. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Location: Main starting points at Victoria, Baker Street, and Trafalgar Square | Fee: Adult from £29, Child from £15 for a 24-hour pass
The hop-on hop-off bus tours are one of the most practical ways to cover a lot of ground with children who are starting to flag on their feet. The open-top double-decker buses give children fantastic elevated views of the city, and the audio commentary keeps older children engaged between stops. I find them particularly useful on the first full day in London when you want to get a general sense of how the city is laid out before choosing which areas to explore on foot.
43. Hamleys Toy Shop
Location: 188-196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT | Fee: Free to browse
Hamleys is the oldest and arguably the finest toy shop in the world, and for children it is nothing short of a pilgrimage destination. Seven floors of toys, games, gadgets, and demonstrations create an atmosphere of pure joy that I have never seen matched in any other retail environment.
Staff members demonstrate products all over the store with theatrical enthusiasm, and the life-size Lego installations scattered throughout the building are spectacular. It costs nothing to browse, though leaving without spending anything requires genuine iron will.
44. Camden Market
Location: Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AF | Fee: Free to browse
Camden Market is one of London's most vibrant and eccentric destinations, and older children and teenagers in particular tend to love the energy and creativity of the place. The market stretches along the Regent's Canal and encompasses everything from street food to vintage clothing to handmade jewellery.
The street art throughout Camden adds to the visual excitement, and the canal-side walk is beautiful on a good day. I find that Camden works better with children over ten who can engage with the atmosphere rather than feel overwhelmed by it.
45. Borough Market
Location: 8 Southwark Street, London Bridge, London SE1 1TL | Fee: Free to browse
Borough Market, just south of London Bridge, is one of the greatest food markets in the world and a wonderful place to take adventurous young eaters. Children who have only known supermarket food are often astonished by the scale and variety of produce here.
I love walking through with children and letting them sample things, from aged cheeses to fresh-baked pastries to exotic spices. The market is free to visit, and the stallholders are generally generous with tasters, making it a delicious and educational family outing.
46. The Postal Museum
Location: 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA | Fee: Adult £18.50, Child £11
The Postal Museum is one of London's best-kept family secrets. Children can ride a miniature underground train through the preserved mail tunnels that once ran beneath the city streets, which is genuinely thrilling and unlike anything else in London.
The museum also has SORTED, a postal-themed soft play area where children can role-play working in a sorting office. Because the museum is less well known, queues are rarely a problem, and the whole experience feels refreshingly calm compared to the bigger attractions.
47. Museum Of London Docklands
Location: West India Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AL | Fee: Free (Mudlarks soft play: Babies £3.50, Children over 10 months £7)
The Museum of London Docklands tells the story of London's centuries as one of the world's great ports, and it does so in a warehouse setting that feels atmospheric and real. The Mudlarks gallery, designed for children under eight, is an interactive soft-play space themed around the history of the docks.
Older children can follow family trails through the main exhibition that touch on Roman trade, the slave trade, and the wartime Blitz. The main museum is free, with a small charge for the soft-play area.
48. Discover Children's Story Centre
Location: 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ | Fee: £10 per person
The Discover Children's Story Centre in Stratford is a wonderful, imaginative museum dedicated entirely to the joy of stories. Two floors of immersive play spaces called Story Worlds invite children into different narrative environments where they can become characters in the stories around them.
The Story Garden playground outside adds fresh-air fun to the experience. Interactive storytelling sessions, sing-alongs, and craft activities run throughout the day. It is particularly well-suited to children aged three to eleven.
49. Southbank Centre
Location: Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX | Fee: Free (most events and performances vary in price - check southbankcentre.co.uk)
The Southbank Centre is one of London's most important cultural hubs and runs a remarkable programme of free and paid events for families throughout the year. Children's theatre festivals, outdoor performances, storytelling sessions, and music events take place regularly, particularly during school holidays and summer.
The skateboarders who perform beneath the Southbank Centre's underbelly have been a London institution for decades and are always worth watching. The riverside location makes this one of my favourite spots to spend an unplanned afternoon with children.
50. Mudchute Farm
Location: Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3HP | Fee: Free
Mudchute Farm on the Isle of Dogs is London's largest urban farm and an extraordinary free attraction that most tourists overlook. The farm is home to over 100 animals, including pigs, horses, donkeys, llamas, and various goats and sheep.
Taking the DLR to Island Gardens station and walking to the farm is an adventure in itself for children who love elevated railway journeys. The farm offers a peaceful, genuinely rural feel in the middle of one of London's most urban neighbourhoods, which makes the contrast all the more special.
51. Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs
Location: Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, London SE20 8DT | Fee: Free
One of London's most unusual and delightful free attractions is a collection of approximately 30 life-sized prehistoric animal sculptures that have stood in Crystal Palace Park since the 1850s. Sculpted by artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins under the direction of scientist Richard Owen, who coined the word 'dinosaur', these Victorian-era models are set in a landscape around an island lake. They are anatomically incorrect by modern standards but historically fascinating, and children love hunting them out among the trees and reeds.
52. Twist Museum
Location: 248 Oxford Street, London W1C 1DJ | Fee: Adult £27.50, Child £21, Under 3s Free
Twist Museum is a sensory and optical illusion experience with over 80 exhibits that challenge how the brain interprets the world. The name stands for The Way I See Things, and the museum delivers exactly that kind of mind-bending fun.
Children and adults move through rooms that distort sound, colour, space, and perspective in ways that are consistently astonishing. It is an excellent rainy day choice right on Oxford Street, and the photos you take inside the exhibits make for some of the most memorable souvenirs of any London trip.
53. St James's Park
Location: London SW1A 2BJ | Fee: Free
St James's Park is London's oldest Royal Park and perhaps its most picturesque. The park sits between Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament and offers one of the most classically English views imaginable: wildfowl gliding across the lake with the palace visible through the trees.
The resident pelicans are a particular draw for children, and the park rangers feed them daily at around 2.30 pm. The small adventure playground inside the park is ideal for younger children who need to burn off energy mid-sightseeing.
54. Shakespeare's Globe
Location: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT | Fee: Guided tours: Adult £17, Child £10. Performances vary.
Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank is both a working theatre and a fascinating historical site. Guided tours run throughout the day and take you inside the open-air theatre, explaining how Elizabethan performances worked and what life was like for both actors and audiences in Shakespeare's time.
For older children with an interest in drama or history, this is genuinely captivating. The theatre also puts on productions throughout the summer season, and some productions are specifically designed for younger audiences.
55. LEGOLAND Windsor
Location: Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY (approximately 25 miles from central London) | Fee: From £40 per person when booked in advance
LEGOLAND Windsor is technically outside London but close enough to justify inclusion as a day trip, and for families with younger children, it is one of the best days out available anywhere in England. The park is packed with rides, attractions, and play zones specifically designed for children aged two to twelve.
DUPLO Valley is perfect for toddlers, while Miniland, the scale model city made from millions of LEGO bricks, captivates children and adults equally. You can reach Windsor by the Elizabeth line to Slough, then a direct bus to the park.
Tips For Staying In London With Kids
Preparing well for a London family trip makes an enormous difference to how much everyone enjoys the experience. I have made most of the possible mistakes so you do not have to.
- Book in advance for popular attractions:The Tower of London, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and the London Eye all sell out on busy days, particularly during school holidays. Booking online in advance not only guarantees your spot but usually offers a price discount compared to door rates.
- Use the Oyster card or contactless payment for transport:London's public transport is efficient and well-connected, and paying with an Oyster card or contactless bank card automatically caps your daily spending. Children aged 11 and under travel free on all TfL services when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. For more practical ways to save time and avoid common mistakes, these London travel hacksare especially useful for families.
- Start early:The Natural History Museum, British Museum, and Science Museum get extremely busy by mid-morning during school holidays. I always aim to arrive at opening time, which means less queuing and calmer galleries that let children actually engage with what they are seeing.
- Built-in rest time:London is a walking city, and young legs tire quickly. I plan every day around at least one park stop or quiet cafe break. The Royal Parksare perfectly spaced throughout central London for exactly this purpose. A tired and hungry child will find no attraction enjoyable.
- Pack for all weather:London's weather is famously unpredictable. I never leave the hotel without a lightweight waterproof jacket for each child, regardless of how sunny the morning looks. A short rain shower is rarely enough to ruin a day as long as everyone is prepared for it.
- Download the TfL Go app:The official Transport for London app provides real-time journey planning, live tube updates, and step-free access information. If you are travelling with a pushchair or a child with mobility needs, checking step-free routes in advance saves significant stress.
- Take advantage of free museum days during off-peak times:London's free museums, including the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, and the V&A, are genuinely world-class. During term time on weekdays, they are beautifully quiet. If you can visit during a school day, the experience is entirely different to a weekend in August.
- Carry snacks and a refillable water bottle:Museum cafes and tourist-area restaurants carry a significant price premium. I always travel with snacks and water, which keeps energy levels stable between meals and saves considerably on the food budget. Most London parks have cafes that offer good value for families.
- Consider a multi-attraction pass:If you plan to visit several paid Merlin attractions (the London Eye, SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, Shrek's Adventure, and others), the Merlin Annual Pass pays for itself very quickly. The Go City London Pass is another option worth considering against your planned itinerary.
- Communicate a meeting point to older children:In busy London attractions and public spaces, it is worth having a clear, pre-agreed meeting point in case anyone gets separated. I always show children what the nearest attraction information desk looks like and explain that the staff there can help if needed.
Best Time To Visit London With Kids
Timing a London family trip correctly can transform the experience from good to genuinely exceptional. Each season brings something different to the city, and understanding those differences helps you plan around your children's needs.
Spring (March To May)
Spring is my personal favourite season to visit London with children. The weather is mild, the parks are at their most beautiful with blossom and early flowers, and the city has not yet hit the peak summer crowds.
School holiday weeks in April can be busy at major attractions, but outside those weeks, London in spring is relaxed and lovely. The cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park and the daffodils across Hyde Park are genuinely spectacular, and children respond to the energy of a city waking up after winter.
Summer (June To August)
Summer in London is wonderfully vibrant, with long daylight hours, outdoor festivals, and a city that feels fully alive. The downside is that this is peak tourist season, and major attractions become genuinely crowded. School holidays in July and August mean that popular museums require timed-entry bookings, and queues at paid attractions can be significant.
If you visit in summer, book everything in advance, start each day early, and plan more outdoor activities during the cooler morning hours. The bonus is that many parks host free family events and outdoor cinema screenings.
Autumn (September To October)
Early autumn is arguably the most underrated time to visit London with children. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is still mild enough for outdoor activities, and the city takes on a golden, amber-lit quality that is genuinely beautiful.
September and October are my top recommendations for families who want to see everything without fighting enormous crowds. Many museums introduce new exhibitions in autumn, and the cultural calendar is packed with events following the summer break.
Winter (November To February)
Winter London is magical in a different way, particularly in December when the city dresses itself in lights. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park runs from late November through early January and is a children's dream of rides, markets, and festive entertainment.
Ice rinks appear at Somerset House, the Natural History Museum, and Hampton Court Palace. The trade-off is cold, grey weather and shorter days, which means planning indoor activities carefully. January and February are the quietest months of all and offer the best deals on hotels and attraction tickets.
Best Places To Stay In London With Kids
Choosing the right neighbourhood to base your family in London significantly affects how much time you spend commuting and how tired everyone feels at the end of each day. These are the areas I recommend most consistently for families visiting with children.
South Kensington
South Kensington is my top recommendation for families, and the reason is simple: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum are all within a ten-minute walk of each other. Staying in this neighbourhood means you can visit these world-class free attractions multiple times without planning a long journey.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are also immediately accessible, and the residential streets are quiet and walkable. The area has a range of hotels across different price points, from boutique properties to larger family-friendly chains. Recommended options include the Millennium Gloucester Hotel and various family suites at the Radisson Blu Edwardian.
Marylebone
Marylebone sits immediately north of Oxford Street and offers a calmer, more village-like atmosphere than many central London neighbourhoods. It is within easy walking distance of Regent's Park, London Zoo, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Madame Tussauds is also nearby.
The high street has excellent restaurants and cafes that cater well to families, and the area has a distinctly local feel that I find refreshing after busy tourist zones. The Landmark London hotel is one of the finest family hotels in this area, with large rooms and a beautiful central atrium.
South Bank And Waterloo
Staying on the South Bank puts you within walking distance of the London Eye, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, Borough Market, and the Southbank Centre. The riverside location means that every morning walk or evening stroll comes with extraordinary views of the Thames and the city beyond.
The Park Plaza County Hall and the Marriott County Hall both offer excellent family accommodation right on the South Bank, with views that are genuinely hard to beat. This area works particularly well for families planning to use the river as a transport artery throughout their trip.
Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury suits families who want to be close to the British Museum and within easy reach of King's Cross (for Harry Potter fans and Eurostar connections). The neighbourhood has a quiet, academic atmosphere and some beautifully preserved Georgian architecture.
Russell Square and Coram's Fields are both excellent outdoor spaces for children who need to run around. The hotel options in Bloomsbury range from budget-friendly guesthouses to the classic elegance of the Kimpton Fitzroy London, which has a stunning neobaroque facade and well-appointed family rooms.
Greenwich
Greenwich is further from central London but offers a uniquely self-contained family destination that I recommend for families who want a slightly different experience of the city. The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, the Cutty Sark, and the Royal Observatory are all within walking distance of each other, and the local market has excellent food.
Greenwich has a charming, village-like character that feels like a welcome break from the intensity of central London. Day-trippers can reach it easily by Thames Clipper river bus, which is itself a wonderful journey for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Way To Get Around London With Young Children?
The Elizabeth line, Overground, and DLR are all step-free in most stations and work well with pushchairs. Contactless payment on all TfL services is the easiest option, and children under 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult. Black taxis are legally required to accommodate pushchairs.
How Many Days Do I Need In London With Kids?
I recommend a minimum of five full days to do London justice with children. This allows two or three days for the major free museums, one day for a big paid attraction like London Zoo or the Tower of London, and one day for a neighbourhood or day-trip experience like Greenwich or Richmond Park.
Is London Safe For Families With Children?
London is a very safe city for families. Central tourist areas are well-policed and extremely well-visited. Standard city safety precautions apply. Keep bags secure in crowded areas, stay aware of your surroundings on public transport, and teach children what to do if they get separated from the group.
Can I Visit London With A Baby Or Toddler?
Yes, London is very baby-friendly. Most museums have baby-changing facilities and cafe areas suitable for nursing. The Royal Parks are excellent for pram walks, the Southbank has wide, flat walkways, and many family museums run specific sessions for babies and toddlers. Black taxis accommodate pushchairs without folding.
Final Words
London is one of those rare cities that genuinely rewards every age and every interest. I have returned here with children of different ages across many years, and the city has never once felt exhausted. There is always a new gallery, a new park corner, a new street performer, or a new restaurant that makes the whole place feel discovered afresh.
Go with an open mind, pack layers, book the big tickets early, and permit yourself to slow down. London with children is one of the great pleasures of family travel, and I genuinely hope this guide helps make your trip as rich, rewarding, and joyful as it can possibly be.
Jump to
Quick Answers Before You Read On
1. Natural History Museum
2. Science Museum
3. British Museum
4. The London Eye
5. Tower Of London
6. Buckingham Palace
7. Tower Bridge
8. ZSL London Zoo
9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Harry Potter)
10. Madame Tussauds
11. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
12. Hyde Park
13. Diana Memorial Playground
14. Kensington Gardens
15. Victoria And Albert Museum
16. National Maritime Museum
17. Greenwich Park
18. Paddington Bear Experience
19. Shrek's Adventure London
20. Frameless
21. National Gallery
22. Tate Modern
23. London Transport Museum
24. Horniman Museum And Gardens
25. Imperial War Museum
26. Regent's Park
27. Richmond Park
28. Sky Garden
29. Platform 9¾ At King's Cross Station
30. National Army Museum
31. Covent Garden
32. Trafalgar Square
33. Battersea Children's Zoo
34. Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens)
35. WWT London Wetland Centre
36. Vauxhall City Farm
37. Young V&A
38. Polka Theatre
39. Little Angel Theatre
40. West End Show
41. Thames River Cruise
42. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
43. Hamleys Toy Shop
44. Camden Market
45. Borough Market
46. The Postal Museum
47. Museum Of London Docklands
48. Discover Children's Story Centre
49. Southbank Centre
50. Mudchute Farm
51. Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs
52. Twist Museum
53. St James's Park
54. Shakespeare's Globe
55. LEGOLAND Windsor
Tips For Staying In London With Kids
Best Time To Visit London With Kids
Best Places To Stay In London With Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
James Rowley
Author
James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place.
His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations.
His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.
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