Planning a trip and wondering about the best activities in London for kids? With so many famous sights, museums, and things to do, it can be hard to decide what’s really worth your time, especially when you’re traveling as a family.
This guide breaks it down simply as a set of tips from one parent to another. Real plans from a real family who took the trip!
Here are the family-friendly activities in London we enjoyed, what we loved, what we’d recommend, and how to approach each one without making your trip more complicated.
If we were sitting across from each other and you asked, “Okay, what should we actually do in London with kids?” this is exactly what I’d say. What’s worth it? What would I avoid, and how would I redo some stops?
I realized that planning our Spring Break Trip abroad was quite different when I considered ideas with my son in mind, compared to simply listing the highlights my husband and I chose.
I knew we needed to slow down, include some no-pressure fun alongside all the art and history lessons, and maybe even consider creating spaces or community parks if we wanted to make it through the day mentally! And, you know what, the more I looked, the more I realized London had fun options for kids and families all across the city.
Although the list wasn’t endless, it was very specific. Here’s the list I put together of kid-friendly options in London, which I used to help create our 4-day London itinerary focused on children.
What You’ll Find in This Guide:
- Must-see London experiences (with realistic expectations)
- Museums that are actually worth your time
- Fun and memorable experiences kids will love
- Why you should add a show to your trip
- Extra around London for extended exploring
Iconic London Experiences for Families
These are the big “you’re in London” moments – but here’s how to do them without overdoing it.
- Buckingham Palace – We visited in the evening and admired it from the gates — honestly, that was enough for us. You don’t need to tour the interior to enjoy it. Sometimes it’s about seeing it, taking a picture, and moving on. We avoided the crowds and still have the photos to prove we were there. (This was a big mindset shift for me, and I’m so glad we had this realization on our walk back to the hotel one night.)
- Changing of the Guard – This is one of those classic London experiences, and you probably already have it on your checklist. But I’d tell you, you don’t need to be in the front row. I didn’t know that before we went, but now that we experienced it the way we did, I’m happy with what we saw! We watched from a distance near the edge of St. James’s Park and along the route, and we could still see everything clearly. It felt much less stressful than being packed in at the gates. For the record, we walked up from “the mall” to approach Buckingham Palace and got to see the horse guard ride by as well.
- Westminster Abbey (With a Blue Badge Guide) – Having a guide really makes a difference. Without context, it might just seem like “just another beautiful building.” With a guide, it becomes meaningful, layered, and memorable. Plus, someone else is talking in your ear, telling you what to notice, and you just get to participate. If you’re deciding where to spend money on a guide, this is a great place to do it.
- Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) – This is one of those landmarks everyone wants to see—and you will. But here’s the honest truth: once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it. It’s tall, iconic, and easy to spot from all over the city, making it a helpful landmark for navigation. You don’t need to go out of your way to get close because you’ll naturally be near Westminster Abbey. Also, you can’t really tour it (especially as an international visitor).
- The London Eye is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. For us, seeing it was enough. Neither of us felt the need to wait in line, ride to the top, or spend much time there. But that’s an option. You can buy tickets to go inside or even book a private pod if you want more space. It looks especially pretty in the evenings.
- Red double-decker buses—this might seem simple, but for kids, it’s a special moment. My son couldn’t spot one quickly enough, and he definitely wanted a picture to send back to his class because he was missing school. You’ll see them all over—some are part of public transportation, and others are hop-on, hop-off tourist buses. And yes, you can ride them to get around the city.
- Red Telephone Booths – These are exactly what you think they are: classic, bright red, and very “London” (and on every corner). They make for an easy, fun photo stop, especially early in your trip. Just pay attention to which one you step into, and it’s a quick, fun memory to capture.
Here’s what to know:
- Most are decommissioned
- Because they’re historic, they can’t be removed
- Some still have old pay phones
- Others have been repurposed (ATMs, emergency equipment, etc.)
- Some are… a little rough
Museums in London (What’s Actually Worth Your Time)
London has amazing museums, but you don’t need to visit all of them unless you have multiple weeks or are on a repeat trip! The good news is that many of them are free. You need to reserve tickets for admission, but they are FREE!
British Museum
If you choose one, I would pick this one (even though every other blog you read will say the Natural History Museum).
- Plan more time than you think
- Includes many recognizable pieces of history
- Great for kids learning about world history or school projects
- Great place to see tangible artifacts that prove the Bible is true – parents will totally geek out over what you can see, all under one roof.
- Highlights: There’s a top 10 list that makes it easy to bounce around, including the Rosetta Stone, Ramsey’s artifacts, jewels, the Easter Island Head, and the Parthenon sculptures. (The Tour Guy has a great list that’s helpful.)
Natural History Museum
This one is beautiful and well done. There is so much to see, and it has all kinds of things kids love (and grown-ups, too!). It is a busy landmark and highlight spot for most people visiting the city, and the recently opened garden park outside provides plenty of space to hang out and enjoy the indoor and outdoor scientific magic.
But here’s my honest opinion:
👉 If you’ve visited similar museums in the U.S., it might not feel like a must-see.
👉 It’s great, but you can skip it if your schedule is tight.
👉 If you’ve not been to a lot of these and you have a budding scientist in your group, then head this way.
Science Museum
If you have kids who love how things work, this is a great option to add to your list. The Science Museum is highly interactive, with hands-on exhibits, space exploration, engineering displays, and plenty to keep curious minds engaged. It’s especially great for elementary- and middle school-aged kids who like to touch, explore, and figure things out—not just look at exhibits. Like many London museums, it offers free general admission (you’ll just want to reserve timed tickets ahead of time), which makes it an easy add if you’re building in flexible time during your trip.
Victoria and Albert
We didn’t visit this museum mainly because of time, but it felt like something I wish I had checked out. However, I don’t think it’s a must-see for kids. It focuses more on art and viewing, so I’d skip it if you’re planning for the kid zone.
Important Note About Museums:
Many major museums in London are free, but you still need timed-entry tickets. This helps control crowds, and having tickets in advance lets you join a faster line. You can reserve them the night before or the morning of. Just remember, it’s a small step that makes a big difference in your day.
Fun + Memorable Experiences Kids Will Love
These were moments that made the trip feel truly special, not just checking the box and saying we stopped there. I’d encourage you to find a way to sneak these in!
Harrods Food Halls
I had heard this place was worth visiting, but I didn’t fully understand why until we were there. Yes, you have to walk past tempting shoe and purse shops, but then we reached the Food Halls. We wandered through chocolate rooms, pastry counters, and coffee areas … and ended up grabbing a treat and soaking it all in. It’s part experience, part dessert stop—and a really fun break in your day. We ate dinner nearby one night and then walked over for dessert.
Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus
This was such a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy afternoon tea. The theme was perfect for the city yet very kid-friendly, and the pastries were made with that in mind.
If you want to try afternoon tea without the formality, this is a great option. As we researched, there are multiple character-themed options to choose from for different kid interests.
Lego Store
Someone on our afternoon tea tour told us about the Lego Store at Leichter Square, and across the street is a giant M&M’s store. It was such a fun stop for our Lego-loving kiddo. The scenes and figures they created from LEGOs are unbelievable. He loved wandering around, looking at all the Lego creations, and, of course, shopping for his own souvenir. It was a great way to flex his financial literacy on his own terms!
Walking + Wandering the City
This might sound simple, but it mattered more than anything else. Some of our favorite moments were walking between destinations, stopping when something caught our eye, just taking in the city from the zip code on our sneakers. Don’t underestimate how much this adds to your trip and keeps the vibe chill.
Don’t Skip This: See a Show in London
We ended up getting last-minute tickets to Back to the Future, and it was one of the best nights of our entire trip. I just didn’t have “theater” on my radar when planning this trip, and it was so much fun to search for the Lego Store and stumble into the theater’s discount booth.
Leicester Square hosts the “day of” ticket booth for last-minute and discounted tickets. Even if you have your eye on something, wait and grab tickets on the spot. Our son loved seeing his parents be spontaneous, and it provided a bonus night of entertainment instead of playing cards in the hotel room.
/image – college courtyard
Make It Meaningful
One of my favorite parts of the trip had nothing to do with a specific destination; it was making connections. Before we left, I looked up some family history because I knew both my husband and I had ‘English’ roots. While we did see a castle our family owned, we were able to connect the dots to visits to Westminster Abbey and even a college on our Oxford outing day.
Even something as simple as saying, “Your great-great-grandfather was connected to something like this…” makes the experience resonate differently and re-engages them amid all the historical details.
Helpful Tips for Saving Money
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, the Go City London Pass can help you save money. It provides access to various attractions and makes planning easier if you prefer having everything bundled together.
Another resource we often used during our planning was Viator UK Tours and Get Your Guide. Although we didn’t use With Locals in London, we did in other cities. For personalized experiences or private tours, this is a really good option for families. (They accommodated our interests and tailored the experience, considering we had a kid in our group tour.)
Eat at your hotel if breakfast is included. If not, plan for two meals out and some snacks. Start with coffee, then have an afternoon lunch. However, eating out in London can be costly. There are many ways to explore the city and enjoy a meal at an old pub or a fancy dinner spot, making it feel like you’ve experienced the city either way. Breakfast is often just coffee and a pastry, so keep it simple at a street spot and move on.
Other Stops Worth Considering in London with Kids
If you have extra time or want to customize your trip to fit your family’s interests, these are excellent options to consider. Think of this as a menu to choose from, not a “bucket list” to tackle.
- Tower of London – Walk through a historic fortress, see the Crown Jewels, and explore towers that feel like something out of a storybook, especially if you have a chance to meet a Beefeater and see their distinctive uniforms.
- Hyde Park is a perfect place to slow down, with wide-open space to run, picnic, or simply take a break from busy sightseeing days. Our very first stop was a small coffee hut at the entrance gate; it will always be a memory of feeding birds and drinking coffee as runners started their morning. You can also grab lunch and a book to sit on the green lawns, or enjoy a coffee and read through the afternoon while kids run around or play ball.
- Borough Market – A historic food market with many options—perfect for families with adventurous eaters. It’s also an opportunity to see something that’s been happening in the same place for 1000 years.
- Portobello Road + Notting Hill – Colorful homes, street markets, and one of those “this feels like London” experiences—fun, easy, and very photogenic. It was definitely an extra stop for me, but if you have girls, I think they would love it! Especially if you’re there on a Saturday morning for the flea market.
- Shrek’s Adventure! London – Interactive, silly, and perfect for younger kids. It’s completely on theme and not necessary, but it’s fun if your kids are into that character right now. It’s also right by the eye, in the middle of all the busy areas near the Thames River bridges.
- The Paddington Bear Experience is immersive and story-driven—great for kids who love Paddington. We didn’t do it because I wasn’t aware of it, but if I were to redo our schedule, we might add it after the Tower Bridge.
- ZSL London Zoo – A classic zoo experience in the city, perfect for combining with a park day.
- Harry Potter Tours – walking tours and filming locations across London—especially fun for older kids and fans of the series. (And if it inspires your kids to read before you go, BONUS!)
- Arsenal F.C. or other football matches – If your family loves sports, catching a game is an unforgettable cultural experience. And even if they are not playing, you can still tour the arenas.
- Food Tours – Perfect for older kids or adventurous eaters and is a great way to make London’s food scene more inviting and fun.
- Madame Tussauds London—A bit cheesy, maybe a little strange—but honestly? Tweens love it. And whenever you can keep them engaged, you’re winning!
- Cutty Sark + National Maritime Museum – Head to Greenwich for ships, pirate history, and hands-on exploration—ideal for kids who love adventure.
- Garden at 120 offers a free rooftop view from the 15th floor without a reservation or Shard access. We didn’t need it, but our tour guide told us it’s the place to go.
- Scavenger Hunt – as you do your trip research, note things you might see, and maybe even create a little passport for kids to check off each night. I find that having a “hunt” helps my kid pay attention and stay engaged throughout the day of a trip.
/image – visual passport of iconic sights (red bus, telephone booth, songbird, “old jack” flag, boat, London Eye, Big Ben, Paddington, arch, platter of fish and chips, graffiti, black cab, pigeon, window box flowers, British Guard, underground sign)
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in London with Kids
You don’t need to do everything. In fact, you shouldn’t.
If you’re planning a family trip to London, the best way is to:
- pick a few meaningful experiences
- leave room to explore
- mix iconic sights with fun, memorable moments
Because the things your kids will remember most are the moments you share.
It’s not about how many places you checked off.
It’s how the trip felt. And I’m the kind of mom travel planner who wants to leave them wanting to come back for more!And hear me say this is about balance. I had things on my “must”-do list that I wanted to balance with things they might enjoy. But my money paid for the trip and my time planned it, so both our interests were considered. Which I call the ultimate mom win!
Ready to Keep Planning?
Here are the posts that will help you map it all out:
👉 Tips for Traveling to London with Kids
👉 4-Day London Itinerary with Kids
👉 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
👉 London: What I’d do differently
