15 Fun Things to Do in London With Kids
When it comes to family fun, London has a knack for mixing excitement with a touch of magic.
Here are the best things to do in London with kids that will keep smiles wide and spirits high.
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1. Visit The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum gives families a solid day out in London with free entry to its much-loved galleries. Kids love the roaring T. rex and Triceratops skull in the Dinosaurs gallery, which is packed with fossils and prehistoric creatures that once ruled the planet.
Learning here feels more like play, with hands-on displays and interactive exhibits built for curious minds. There’s room to roam, and the real fossils plus approachable presentations keep even the squirmiest kids interested.
2. Explore The Science Museum’s Interactive Galleries
The Science Museum is packed with interactive activities that keep kids busy for ages. Children can get up close to real spacecraft, run science experiments, and get into tech through play.
There are activities for all ages, from tech zones to space galleries. Little ones love the water play area. The permanent collections are free to visit.
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3. Take A Harry Potter Studio Tour
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour lets families wander through real sets from the films, like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Dumbledore’s office, all up close.
Kids can hop on a broomstick for photos and check out wand choreography demos. Hogwarts Express and Platform 9¾ are perfect for those magical snapshots.
There’s more Harry Potter stuff to do in London than just the studio; you can visit filming locations or hunt for wizarding merch around town.
4. Spend A Day At The London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo has over 10,000 animals from over 650 species right in the city. Squirrel monkeys swing overhead in Meet the Monkeys, and penguins waddle around the historic pools.
Set in Regent’s Park with heritage buildings and gardens, there’s plenty to explore. Memberships mean year-round entry to both London and Whipsnade Zoos; it’s a great way to support wildlife conservation and make memories with your kids.
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5. Watch A Family Show At The Unicorn Theatre
The Unicorn Theatre is the UK’s biggest children’s theatre, staging shows for everyone from babies to teens. Nestled near Tower Bridge, it’s a short stroll from London Bridge station.
They put on fresh, inventive productions made for young audiences. About 80,000 kids see shows here each year, and the family-friendly performances are always a hit.
6. Ride The London Eye For Panoramic Views
Kids get a real kick out of watching London shrink below as you climb 443 feet above the Thames. The London Eye gives everyone a chance to spot Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s from a climate-controlled capsule.
Each slow spin takes about half an hour—plenty of time for photos and games of “I spy” with the skyline. Booking ahead online saves you from the worst of the queues.
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7. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
At SEA LIFE London Aquarium near South Bank, kids come face-to-face with over 10,000 sea creatures. Sharks, penguins, rays, jellyfish, turtles—they all glide by just inches away.
Walk through a huge coral reef display and catch feeding sessions throughout the day. Tropical fish and rainforest species round out the experience. Talks about ocean conservation sneak in some learning while everyone gawks at the marine life.
8. Enjoy A Picnic And Playground At Hyde Park
Hyde Park covers over 350 acres, so there’s loads of space for your family to spread out and chill. Pack a picnic and let the kids run wild on the grass.
There are several play areas for climbing, swinging, and sliding, plus a paddling pool for cooling off on hot days.
Originally a royal hunting ground from Henry VIII’s days, Hyde Park opened to the public in the 17th century. It’s easy to spend hours here without spending a thing.
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9. Visit The Tower Of London
The Tower of London gets way more interesting with special kids’ audio guides. These tell wild stories about the Crown Jewels, famous prisoners, and the ever-present ravens.
The audio guide tour helps families dig into the castle’s thousand-year history. Kids pick up on dramatic escapes and royal scandals as they wander the ancient fortress walls.
10. Young V&A
The Young V&A museum just went through a bold revamp, and now it’s packed with all sorts of hands-on adventures for kids. Interactive play zones, a sandpit for building whatever their imagination dreams up, and a dress-up area stocked with historic costumes.
Admission is free, which always feels like a win. Grown-ups can wander through displays that tug at memories, while the younger crowd dives into creative activities scattered all over the galleries.
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11. Take A River Cruise On The Thames
Floating down the Thames means front-row views of London’s best landmarks, minus the traffic and tired legs. You’ll glide past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, all while picking up quirky facts about the city.
The Thames RIB Experience brings high-speed fun on rigid inflatable boats—kids can’t get enough of these zippy rides. If you want something more relaxed, there are classic sightseeing cruises, too.
12. Go On A Treasure Hunt At The British Museum
The British Museum is massive, with around eight million artifacts—enough to overwhelm any grown-up, let alone kids. A self-led scavenger hunt turns the visit into a game.
Grab a booklet and map, then roam the galleries searching for specific objects. Friday evenings are a smart pick since the museum stays open late and crowds thin out. Kids end up racing through ancient civilizations and actually picking up some history along the way.
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13. Cycle Through Richmond Park
Richmond Park is a dream for family bike rides, with nearly 2,500 acres of wild space to explore. Pedal past ancient oaks and rolling grasslands, always on the lookout for the real stars here—deer.
About 600 red and fallow deer roam the grounds, so deer watching is almost guaranteed. They’re wild animals, so keep your distance. Spotting a herd grazing quietly never gets old, and it’s the sort of outdoor memory that sticks.
14. The Shrek’s Adventure! Interactive Walk-Through
Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona are waiting at this walk-and-ride attraction right next to the London Eye. The adventure mixes a 4D flying bus ride, live actors, and ten fairy tale themed shows where you collect special ingredients.
Plan for about 90 minutes to make it through the interactive walkthrough loaded with special effects and detailed sets. Meeting DreamWorks characters and hands-on activities mean kids get to see, hear, touch, and even smell their way through Far Far Away.
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15. Catch a Movie at a Kid-Friendly Cinema
The Prince Charles Cinema dishes out affordable family-friendly film screenings in a cozy spot that won’t empty your wallet. Expect a mix of new releases and old favorites, all with solid sound and decent tech—nothing fancy, just what you need for a good time.
Special events pop up here and there, like sing-along screenings where the whole crew can get loud together. If you’re rolling in with a big group (10 or more), there are discounts floating around for select shows.
