Searching for things to do in London with kids? This is a full guide. As a vibrant city with a long history, London is not only a dream place for adults, but also a paradise for children to explore the world and broaden their horizons. Walking along the streets of London with your kids, you can not only feel the unique cultural atmosphere, but also gain countless warm and unforgettable parent-child moments.
There are many things to do with kids in London. You can explore ancient architectures and visit the British Museum. Each of the exhibits is a key to stimulating children’s imagination, leading them to various wonderful historical stories. London also has plenty of parks and activities specifically designed for children. From the Science Museum to the fantastic Disney Theme Park, each of them is the ideal place to attract children’s interest and develop a bond between parents and children. Here are 20 best things to do in London with kids. I hope you will have fun with your kids.
20 Best things to do with kids London (details)
1. Get close to animals at London Zoo
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- Location: ZSL London Zoo, The Regent’s Park, Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY
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- Ticket:
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| Ticket Types | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|
| Standard Weekend | £33.00 per adult |
| Standard | £31.00 per adult |
| Off-Peak Weekday | £27.00 per adult |
London Zoo is one of the best zoos in the UK. This is not only because it is the oldest scientific zoo in the world, which was built 200 years ago, but also because it has the largest number of animals on display in the UK. The richness and quantity of species are unmatched by other zoos. London Zoo now has nearly 800 breeds and 20,000 animals, including lions, penguins, gorillas and more. In addition, it is very close to the centre of London, not as remote and desolate as other zoos. In addition, every summer, there will be a mysterious “zoo night tour”.
2. London Aquarium
- Location: Riverside Building County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
- Opening time: Mon-Fri: 10:00-16:00; Sat-Sun: 10:00-17:00
Sea Life London Aquarium has always been a popular children’s attractions London. It is ideally located close to the London Eye. If you want to find things to do in London with kids, the aquarium is the place to be. Here, you can see sea animals such as seahorses, penguins and sharks, and spend a pleasant time with children.
3. Ice skating with children in London winter
Every winter, ice skating is one of the things to do with kids London. As a result, there are plenty of places in London where you can skate.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: This is one of London’s most attended outdoor events, with the largest outdoor open-air ice rink in the UK, which can accommodate more than 400 people at a time.
- Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: It is located in the front yard of Hampton Court Palace. Skate here to enjoy the splendour of the palace and views of the River Thames.
- Somerset House Ice Rink: A beautiful ice rink in front of a neoclassical palace in the heart of London.
- Alexandra Palace Ice Rink: This is London’s largest indoor ice rink and is open all year round. The venue also offers a variety of skating programs and lessons.
4. Enjoy the flowers and trees at Kew Gardens
- Location: 8152 Lefferts Blvd, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
- Opening time: 07:00-19:00
Kew Gardens was built in 1759 by Augusta, widow of the Prince of Wales, and later, was gradually opened to the public. In 2003, Kew Gardens became a World Heritage Site recognized by the United Nations for its rich plant species, magnificent scale and long history. Kew Gardens has 26 professional gardens and 6 greenhouse gardens. After hundreds of years of development and progress, Kew Gardens has successfully transformed from a botanical garden solely engaged in plant collection and display to a comprehensive institution integrating education, exhibition, scientific research and application.
5. Adventure with Paddington Bear
It’s a famous fictional character in English children’s literature. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in London, do a Paddington Bear-themed activity with the kids, These include a London Paddington Bear Guided Walking Tour, a London afternoon tea bus tour at Brigit’s Bakery, and a visit to the Paddington Bear Store Shop, visit the Paddington Bear mural in London, etc.
6. Experience a dream day at Shrek's Adventure London
- Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
- Opening time: Sun-Wed & Fri: 10:00-15:00; Thu: 11:00-16:00; Sat: 10:00-16:00
Shrek’s Adventure London was officially opened in July 2015, is the world’s first monster Shrek-themed park, with a wealth of rides and interactive experiences. It is also consistently the best family activities London has to offer. In this park, you can visit 10 classic scenes from animated movies and interact with actors dressed as characters from the show. Nonsense, thrilliness + chaos and infinite fun are the key words of this “adventure”. Come here and have fun!
7. Learn the transport history in London at the Postal Museum
- Location: Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DL
- Opening time: 10:00-17:00; Mon: closed
Postal Museum (formerly the British Postal Museum and Archives) is a postal museum operated by the Postal Heritage Trust. It was opened in 2004 as the British Postal Museum and Archive and opened as a postal Museum in central London on 28 July 2017. Artifacts include a postal carriage, the world’s first post box and the only Penny Black stamp in existence. The museum also exhibits several modern objects, including an original plaster cast of the outline of Queen Elizabeth II. It is estimated that it has been copied 22 billion times, making it the most copied work of art in history.
8. Adventure at Harry Potter Studio
- Location: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR
- Ticket: Studio tour: from £56
At Warner Bros Studio Tour London, you can explore movie sets with your kids, including Hogwarts’ Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley. You can even experience riding a magic broom in front of a green screen and later see a video of yourself riding a broom, which is a fee item but very popular. On the 9¾ platform, you can join your children on the Hogwarts Express train and experience the magical journey from the movie. At the end of the tour, you can also buy a variety of magic sticks, magic school uniforms, cups, commemorative T-shirts, etc. at the souvenir shop as a souvenir of the trip.
9. Come to Madame Tussauds to see your idol and favorite ip
- Location: The London Planetarium Marylebone Road, City Of Westminster NW1 5LR
- Opening time: 10:00-16:00
At Madame Tussauds London, you can take part in many activities. You can get close to more than 150 lifelike wax figures of famous people, including movie stars, sports legends, political titans and historical figures. You can also join your children on the Royal balcony and experience royal life with wax figures of members of the British Royal family. In the Star Wars Pavilion, you can meet wax figures of characters from the Star Wars universe and experience scenes from the movies. For family members who love a scary experience, Madame Tussauds’ Chamber of Horrors also offers an experience filled with mystery and horror.
10. Taste afternoon tea with at the Ampersand
Ampersand offers exquisite afternoon tea. The decoration here is similar to European fine bars, which allows you to enjoy the food while getting visual enjoyment. In addition to traditional cocktails, champagne, wine, etc., Ampersand also offers special Chinese and Japanese teas and lattes, which are very diversified. And Ampersand’s service is superb, ensuring that your afternoon tea experience is comfortable and enjoyable. This is one of the most popular things to do with kids in London.
11. See a play at Shakespeare's Globe
- Location: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
- Opening time: 10:00-17:00
Shakespeare’s Globe is known for its wonderful theatrical performances, including Shakespeare’s classics and new creations. This is a good opportunity to introduce children to the works of the great English writer Shakespeare. And you don’t have to worry about the works being too difficult for children, as the theatre offers family-oriented activities such as the “Ghosts & Ghouls Family Tour”. A family-friendly, spooky guide to the Globe Theatre that brings to life the ghosts, spirits and terrifying events of Shakespeare’s plays.
12. Learn about astronomy at the Royal Greenwich Observatory
- Location: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
- Opening time: 10:00-17:00
When it comes to what London has to do with children, how can you forget the Royal Greenwich Observatory? Royal Greenwich Observatory, built in 1675, is one of most famous children’s attractions London. In 1884, the meridian passing through this observatory was identified as the standard reference meridian for the global measurement of time and longitude, also known as the zero longitude. In 1997, the Royal Greenwich Observatory was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taking your kids to visit here can let them learn more about astronomy and become interested in the universe.
13. Watch a puppet show at Puppet Theatre Barge
- Location: 35 Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF
Puppet Theatre Barge is the UK’s only floating puppet theatre with a 40-year history of performing puppets, based in Little Venice, London. Here you can take your children to watch the puppet show. The theatre reinterprets traditional stories and children’s classics in a modern way, using marionettes to deliver a unique viewing experience. The environment is also very comfortable, the temperature is right, the seats are spacious, it is one of the best things you have to do in London with kids.
14. Take the Thames Nipper at the London Transport Museum
- Location: 39 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7BB
- Opening time: 10:00-18:00
London Transport Museum offers a range of family activities London UK, including meeting time-traveling passengers and experiencing the roles of Victorian and Edwardian engineers. The museum also offers a Depot home tour, an activity designed for family groups. The events team offers highlights Tours of our bus and train sheds, revealing the stories of some of the special vehicles in our collection. There is also a play area designed for children under the age of 7, where children can play a variety of classes for fun and education.
15. Enjoy water sports at Lee Valley White Water Centre
- Location: Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB
- Opening time: Mon-Tue: 09:00-18:00; Wed-Thu: 08:00-21:00; Fri: 08:00-23:00; Sat-Sun:08:00-18:00
Lee Valley White Water Centre is a water sports centre located in London, offering a range of exciting and fun things to do in London with kids. As the venue for the canoe slalom events at the 2012 London Olympics, Lee Valley White Water Centre offers a professional whitewater rafting experience. Visitors can experience 90 minutes of rafting activities, suitable for 14 years old and above. In addition to this, you can also experience other activities, including kayaking and paddling, paddle boarding activities and more. The centre also offers birthday party services, allowing children to experience the fun of water sports on their special day.
16. Ride an adorable mini railway at Brockwell Park
- Location: Brockwell Park, Brockwell Park Gardens, London
Brockwell Park is an 84-acre green park in South London, offering a wide range of activities for family days out in London. You can bring your kids here for exercise. The park features tennis courts, a BMX track, bowling alleys, soccer and basketball courts, as well as an outdoor fitness area and scenic running trails. Health is always the most important. Brockwell Park also hosts regular circuses, summer concerts and festivals, as well as the annual Lambeth Country Show.
17. Explore the Chislehurst Caves
- Location: Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL
- Opening time: 10:00-16:00; Mon-Tue: Closed
With over 8,000 years of history, Chislehurst Caves offers an engaging range of family activities london, especially families and history buffs. Your guide will take you through the winding tunnels and share the rich history and stories of this ancient site. Chislehurst Caves also hosts special events throughout the year such as Halloween-themed excursions, educational workshops and live performances to make a visit to this historic site even more exciting. Chislehurst Caves is also an educational centre, providing a wealth of information and knowledge suitable for school groups and historical societies to visit.
18. Get close to animals at Mudchute Farm
- Location: Pier Street, London E14 3HP
- Opening time: 09:00-16:00
Mudchute Farm is a very special family venue in London, one of the largest urban farms in Europe, offering a wealth of interactive experiences and educational activities. Mudchute Farm is home to more than 200 animals, including sheep, cattle, horses, alpacas, rabbits and other rare livestock breeds unique to the UK. Children can get up close and personal with the animals and even feed them by hand. A great feature of the farm is the Equestrian Centre, which offers riding lessons for all levels, whether beginners or experienced riders can find the right course.
19. Step into the past at the British Museum
- Location: 38 Russell Square, London W2 5LJ
- Opening time: Mon-Thu & Sat-Sun: 10:00-17:00; Fri: 10:00-20:30
British Museum has many world-famous collections. Besides, it also offers many children’s things to do London. For example, story sessions are held every semester during the half-term break. Stories will take place in different venues, telling stories related to the exhibits. The British Museum has designed family-friendly routes that consider a child’s perspective and make the exhibits more viewable. The British Museum website also provides online learning resources for children of different ages, opens up a virtual classroom, and uses digital technology to assist classroom teaching, so that children can have free history lessons in the British Museum without leaving school.
20. Go picnic in Hyde Park
- Location: Rangers Lodge, London W2 2UH
- Opening time: 05:00-00:00
Hyde Park offers a wealth of nature exploration activities. Kids can learn and discover the natural world by “pond dipping” (pond exploring) or “mini beast hunting” (searching for miniature beasts). On the Serpentine Lakes, you can hire pedal boats or rowboats with your children, a popular family activity all year round. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the most popular outdoor events in London during the winter, running from 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. With colorful lighting, exciting rides, international cuisines and a Christmas market, the whole family can enjoy the festive atmosphere together.
Free London attractions for kids
1. Explore earth's past at the Natural History Museum
- Location: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
- Opening time: 10:00-17:50
Natural History Museum has five branches: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology, with about 80 million collections. Many of these collections are of high historical and scientific value, such as the specimens collected by Charles Darwin. The museum is known for its exhibitions of dinosaur bones and palatial architecture, most notably a large diplodocus model. In 2017, these dinosaur models were replaced by a blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. As one of the best children’s attractions London, Natural History Museum can be both educational and entertaining.
2. Know more about the many inventions at the Science Museum
- Location: Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2DD
- Opening time: 10:00-18:00
Science Museum is a large museum located on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London. It was founded in 1857 as part of the National Museum of Science and Industry, and became an independent museum in 1909. The museum preserves and displays objects related to the development of natural science and technology, such as exhibits of mathematics, astronomy, aeronautics, and so on. You can see the unremitting efforts made by human beings to liberate themselves from heavy physical labor. From the earliest windmills to the later water turbines and steam engines, all of them show the civilization of human wisdom.
3. Play at the Diana Memorial Playground
- Location: 130 Bayswater Road, Broad Walk, London W2 2UH
- Opening time: 10:00-19:45
Located in Kensington Gardens, Diana Memorial Playground is a memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales. It was built after her death at a cost of £1.7 million on the site of the existing Peter Pan children’s playground. The design was designed by LUC (Land Use Consultants) and was inspired by Peter Pan. The most prominent feature of Diana Memorial Playground is a full-size wooden pirate ship that serves as a climbing area for children, surrounded by sand in which kids can play. Other features include slides, swings, and areas designed for people with disabilities, including fragrant plants and sound features (for the visually impaired).
4. See the dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park
- Location: The Information Centre Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, London SE19 2GA
- Opening time: 07:30-20:00
Crystal Palace Park is a large park in southeast London that is listed as Grade II on the List of Historic Parks and Gardens. After the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Crystal Palace, the largest glass building at the time, was relocated from Hyde Park and rebuilt with some modifications and extensions to form the core of the park. The park features landscapes, labyrinths, lakes, and full-size dinosaur models in concert bowls. The park is located on one of the highest points of Norwood Ridge. This ridge offers views of central London to the north. Therefore, it is also one of the best London attractions for kids.
5. Spot the deer at Richmond Park
- Location: Holly Lodge, Richmond TW10 5HS
- Opening time: The pedestrian path is open 24 hours a day. While in November and February, it is opened from 7:30-20:00.
Richmond Park is the largest of the “Eight Royal Parks” in the United Kingdom and the second largest walled city park in the United Kingdom, after Sutton Park in Birmingham. From the highest point of the park, you can also see St. Paul’s Cathedral not far away. The park not only has a beautiful natural environment, there are hundreds of deer, is one of the world’s most important wildlife reserves, but also a rare quiet in the city. If your children love nature and animals, cycling, running and photography, don’t miss this place. There are many children’s things to do London.
6. Visit the Museum of London Docklands
- Location: West India Quay, London E14 4AL
- Opening time: 10:00-18:00
If you are looking for things to do in London with kids, never miss Museum of London Docklands. Here you can learn about the history of the Thames, the development of the Port of London and the docks’ historical links to the Atlantic slave trade. The Museum is part of the Museum of London and is jointly funded by the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority. Much of the museum’s collection comes from the Museums and Archives of the Port of London Authority, which became part of the Museum of London’s Harbour and River Collection in the 1970s.
Conclusion
London, a city both ancient and modern, offers many things to do in London with kids. From ice skating in Hyde Park to the wax figures of celebrities at Madame Tussauds, from the wizarding world of Harry Potter Studios to the dramatic charm of Shakespeare’s Globe, every experience brings us closer to our family. Every moment of memory will become a precious treasure in our hearts. We can not only explore the depth of history, but also experience the richness of culture, and enjoy the warmth of family. Through these children’s activities London, children’s imagination is stimulated, curiosity is satisfied, and we also rediscover the innocence and joy in the company. Let’s carry this beautiful memory and continue on life’s journey until the next adventure begins again.
FAQ
Are you thinking about moving to London, but don’t know where to live? As a international metropolis, London has many neighbourhoods, which meet various demands. For family, there are several neighbourhoods you can select.
- Borough of Havering
- Wembley
- Fulham
- Chiswick
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Putney
- Putney
It depends on your age.
London Eye is the must-go attraction in London, and welcomes people from all ages. For people over 16 years old (included), they should buy adult tickets. Children’s tickets are for people who are 2-15 years old. If you take a baby under 2, you do not have to pay for him/her. However, remember to book for him/her in advance (free of charge).
Traditionally, the most expensive places to live in London are Knightsbridge, West Brompton, Kensington, Chelsea and so on. However, it doesn’t mean these neighbourhoods are the best. What suits for you is best.
Yes.
London is always worth taking your kids to go. As a cosmopolitan city, London is inclusive and has good infrastructure. Even if you have children, you will not feel inconvenient in London. What’s more, London has many buildings and artifacts that combine the modern and the historical. Taking children to visit these places can broaden their horizons.
