What to do in London with kids?
London, a global metropolis rich in history and culture, is a true playground for families seeking adventures and discoveries. This iconic city, known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, offers a multitude of activities that will charm both young explorers and their parents. From interactive museums that trace centuries of history to historic parks offering a haven of peace in the heart of urbanity, London knows how to captivate all audiences. Add to this immersive experiences that turn learning into play and captivating shows that light up the famous West End theaters, and you have a top destination for enriching family vacations.
Whether you're drawn to the royal splendor of Buckingham Palace, the ingenuity of the London Eye, or the magical atmosphere of the Harry Potter Studio, London offers a multitude of activities to create unforgettable memories with your children.
To avoid large crowds and enjoy a more pleasant experience, consider visiting London during off-peak times, such as early autumn or late spring. Attractions are generally less crowded, allowing for a better experience for families with children.
Museums, attractions, and activities for children
Cultural and Educational Attractions
Child-Friendly Museums
- Madame Tussauds: dive into the fascinating world of wax where children can meet their idols and historical figures. The museum offers an immersive experience with themed areas ranging from cinema to pop culture. Young visitors can also enjoy the "Spirit of London" attraction to discover the city's history in a fun way.
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- National Maritime Museum: located in Greenwich, this museum invites children to explore Britain's rich maritime history through interactive exhibits like navigation simulators and maritime exploration games. It's an educational destination that combines fun and learning.
- Transport Museum (London Transport Museum): this captivating museum offers an interactive exploration of London's transport systems, from the famous red buses to underground trains. Children can enjoy driving a bus and train simulator, making the learning of public transport history both fun and educational.
- Natural History Museum: a family favorite, this museum offers spectacular exhibits like the famous dinosaur skeleton in the main hall and a variety of interactive experiences that engage children with the natural world, from evolution to ecology.
- Science Museum: with its many interactive galleries, this museum allows children to immerse themselves in the world of science and technology. Exhibits on space, energy, and physics are presented in a playful manner to stimulate curiosity and scientific awakening.
- The British Museum: although more classic, this museum also offers activities designed for children, such as treasure hunts and educational workshops that help them discover ancient civilizations and historical artifacts in an engaging and interactive way.
Historical Visits
- Tower of London: a must-see for families, where England's history comes to life. Children will be captivated by the Crown Jewels and the legendary Beefeaters. Guided tours offer a fascinating insight into the history of this ancient fortress.
- Tower Bridge: discover one of London's most iconic symbols. Children and adults can explore the bridge's inner workings and enjoy the breathtaking view from the high walkways. Interactive exhibits provide insight into the history and engineering of this architectural masterpiece.
- HMS Belfast: explore this historic warship moored on the Thames. Children can board to discover the life of sailors during World War II, visit the ship's decks, and learn about its historical role in various conflicts.
These museums and historical sites offer enriching experiences that can educate and entertain children of all ages, making every visit to London as informative as it is exciting.
Parks and Green Spaces
Playgrounds and Nature Discovery
- Kensington Gardens - Diana Memorial Playground: this iconic park offers a playground inspired by the story of Peter Pan, perfect for stimulating children's imagination. The pirate ship and teepees are favorites, providing children with a beautiful setting to play and explore.
- Hyde Park: one of London's largest parks, ideal for a family day out. In summer, children can go boating or pedal boating on the Serpentine, while the vast green spaces are perfect for ball games or simply running and playing.
Outdoor Activities
- Climbing the O2 Arena Dome: offers a unique experience with a breathtaking view of London. It's an exciting activity for children over 8 years old, allowing them to see the city from a different perspective.
- Speedboat Tour on the Thames: for an adrenaline-filled adventure, nothing beats a fast cruise on the Thames. Children over 10 years old can enjoy this exciting experience, discovering London landmarks while feeling the thrill of speed.
Aquarium and Zoo
- London Zoo: explore diverse natural habitats and meet a wide variety of animals. Interactive educational sessions allow children to understand conservation issues and learn about animal biology in a practical and engaging way.
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium: dive into an underwater world and discover fascinating marine creatures through immersive windows and underwater tunnels. Educational workshops and demonstrations enrich the visit, making the experience both informative and captivating.
Immersive experiences
- Frameless: the UK's largest immersive digital art experience. Located near Marble Arch, this exhibition offers 4K resolution visuals on walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a mesmerizing experience for children and parents alike.
- Monopoly Lifesized: a life-sized version of the classic board game. This interactive attraction allows visitors to walk on a full-scale Monopoly board, participating in challenges and tasks based on the game's famous properties, combining strategy and physical activity in a playful experience.
- Shrek's Adventure! London: dive into the magical world of Shrek! This interactive adventure takes you through a playful journey populated by beloved DreamWorks characters. Visitors actively participate in the story, making it an ideal outing for families seeking an immersive and entertaining experience.
- Kidzania London: an educational theme park where children can explore over sixty different careers in a safe and interactive environment. This space allows children to play at being adults, trying out various professions from airline pilot to surgeon, encouraging learning through play.
- London Dungeon: offers a dive into London's dark history with 19 interactive shows. It's perfect for older children and teenagers who enjoy thrills and dramatized history.
Theme parks
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter: a must-visit for Harry Potter fans of all ages. Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of the films, with authentic sets and costumes, and demonstrations of the special effects used in the movies.
- Legoland Windsor: a theme park that inspires creativity through Lego bricks, featuring themed areas and attractions suitable for different age groups. It's a place of entertainment that encourages both play and learning.
- Chessington World of Adventures: This theme park and zoo offers a variety of attractions suitable for the whole family. From thrilling roller coasters to safari expeditions and themed areas dedicated to different cultures and creatures, Chessington provides a complete adventure for children and adults alike.
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- Peppa Pig World(Paultons Park): Perfect for young children, this theme park is dedicated to the world of Peppa Pig. With its colorful rides, play areas, and character meet-and-greets, Peppa Pig World is a top choice for families with young children wanting to immerse themselves in their favorite animated character's world.
- Thorpe Park: This amusement park is ideal for thrill-seekers. With world-renowned roller coasters, refreshing water rides, and virtual reality experiences, Thorpe Park mainly attracts teenagers and adults in search of adrenaline.
These theme parks offer a range of experiences, from gentle family adventures to intense thrills, ensuring entertainment and fun for all ages.
Legoland Windsor: Explore a world built around the famous Lego bricks. With various themed areas and attractions, it's the perfect place to spark children's creativity and offer them a day full of action and adventure.
Tourist passes
Some tourist passes combine several tourist attractions for a much more advantageous rate than the total of individual tickets.
The London Pass
The London Pass allows you - for a duration of 1, 2, 3, or 6 days - to access over 80 tourist attractions in London at a preferential rate.
The London Pass does not offer access to all attractions - only to those included in the pass.
London Explorer Pass
The London Explorer Pass allows you to save up to 39% on your tourist stay, thanks to preferential rate packages for 2, 3, 5, or 7 attractions - to choose from over 50 attractions (activities, museums, and guided tours).
Merlin Annual Pass
The Merlin Annual Pass combines 8 of the most visited family attractions:
- The London Eye
- Shrek's Adventure! London
- The London Dungeon
- Sea Life London
- Madame Tussauds London
- Chessington World Of Adventures
- Thorpe Park
- Legoland Windsor
Staying in London with family
To reduce your travel time between accommodation and various attractions and activities, prioritize accommodation in the city center. Neighborhoods like Kensington or Greenwich offer comfortable and accessible options with good access to main attractions. Look for hotels or apartments with child-friendly amenities, such as spacious rooms, kitchens, and play areas.
Staying in the city center will also allow you to return quickly in the middle of the day (forgotten items, accidents, naps, etc.).
House or apartment rental
Renting a house or apartment is the ideal option for a family staying in London; more comfortable than a standard hotel room, it will offer you the possibility to settle in "like at home".
You will find seasonal house and apartment rentals on:
Hotel
For smaller budgets, major hotel chains such as:
offer family rooms (2 to 3 children under 12 years - or even 16 years) for the same rate as a double room.
Do not hesitate to book your accommodation several months in advance to get the best rates!
Dining in London with family
In London, most restaurants are family-friendly (high chairs, children's menu, etc.) - there are even restaurants where children can eat for free!
These restaurants usually clearly display the "Kids eat free" policy.
- Barbican Kitchen: every day from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm, enjoy a free children's meal with an adult meal ordered.
- Bodean's: every day from 12 pm to 5 pm, enjoy a free children's meal with an adult meal ordered.
- Bread Street Kitchen: every day, enjoy a free children's dish (under 12 years) with an adult main course ordered.
- The Real Greek: every Sunday, enjoy a free children's meal (under 12 years) with an adult order of at least £10.
London is a wonderful city for families, offering a wide range of activities to captivate children of all ages. Whether you're interested in history, nature, technology, or cinema, this metropolis has something to offer every visitor. Plan your trip carefully, and you're sure to create lasting memories for the whole family.