London is a big tourist attraction for both grown-ups and children. It is actually filled with activities for toddlers and kids, ranging from museums with special sections dedicated to children and their dreams, to theatre shows or musicals like The Lion King (watching it as an adult is even better).
Here is a list of 12 exciting places we think you should visit with your children when you're in London, to ensure the enjoyment of kids and adults alike!
1. London Sea Life Aquarium - Which type of shark are you?
This is a great aquarium with over 500 species of marine life in 14 themed zones. You can walk along the Ocean Tunnel and the Shark Reef. Seven species of sharks can be found here, some unusual ones as well, and the tank is a massive 2 stories high.
It’s just south of the river Thames near the London Eye. A great visit in typical British rainy weather to keep your kids busy while you explore Europe’s largest collection of marine life, and if you’re lucky enough to be there in good weather there’s a great kids playground near the London Eye on the South Bank too.
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Bishop's, London SE1 7PB
For all ages
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
Again, adult or child, the World of Harry Potter is an absolute must-do, must-see and must-enjoy activity just outside London. Start at Platform ¾, enter the Great Hall, and befriend a full sized Buckbeak, chill around the Gryffindor Common Room and finish off with a taste of Butterbeer!
Childhood memories and excitement are guaranteed! Be sure to book well in advance as tickets are sold out pretty quickly. Plan your trip and get your ticket here.
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
For all ages
3. Natural History Museum - A glimpse into history
If you’ve been to this museum before or have seen it in some of its movie appearances from Paddington Bear to The Mummy, you still remember Hope, the huge blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. Just one of the attractions that is sure to be stuck in your kids’ memories forever.
If that isn’t enough, check out the dinosaur skeletons or animatronic T-Rex - you’ll be sure to mesmerise the small ones. Plus, you can experience the ground-shaking sensation of a real life earthquake here! That’s only the tip of the iceberg for some of the attractions and exhibits at the museum, so be sure to check it out on your trip around London. Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance currently!
Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Ages 5+
4. Emirates Air Line Cable Car - Ride with a view
A cable car connecting Greenwich to the Royal Docks takes you on an aerial journey across the river Thames. A ride normally takes about 10 minutes, but if you hop on after 7pm, you can enjoy the slower evening ride to take in the views of the city.
Address: 27 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London E16 1FA
For all ages
5. Royal Observatory Greenwich - A look at the stars
If you’ve taken the cable car to Greenwich, your children will thank you for taking the time to look at the stars with them. It’s an amazing feeling to be standing on the place where the Meridian passes, and a day on the Greenwich side of the river is guaranteed to bring a smile on your face.
Set your watch by the Shepherds Gate clock, explore the Universe, touch a 4.5 billion years-old meteorite or roll down Greenwich Hill. Book your ticket here.
Address: Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ
Ages 5+
6. Changing of the Guard - Buckingham Palace
Stories of kings and queens will always tickle children's imaginations, so why not entice them a bit more and bring them to a real palace? Plus, the Queen still lives there most of the time, so there is a chance to see some of the royal subjects.
The changing of the guard is an old tradition which is scheduled to take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from August to May and daily in June and July starting at 11am. St. James’ Park is also just a few steps away, perfect for giving the children their time to run free.
Take a tour to visit the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace including the changing of guards, and then bring your kids to meet the magnificent horses that live in the stables.
Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA
For all ages
7. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour - To rest your feet
Visiting any big city is never easy and the novelty and excitement can get you and the little ones tired quite quickly. Rest your feet and see the rest of what the city has to offer on a hop-on hop-off bus.
Plan your trip and choose out of the 24-, 48- or 72-hour tickets along 2 available routes. Check out the best attractions in London by driving around and hopping off when you’ve reached the destinations you want to explore further. Get your hop-on hop-off ticket here.
Address: 110 Buckingham Palace Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 9SA
For all ages
8. Hamleys
There’s a reason why it is known as the Greatest Toy Store in the World. There’s something for everyone, and loads of entertainment and toys to try. With everything from bath toys for babies to dolls, collectables, action figures and Legos, to costumes and science kits, make sure you visit to immerse yourself in the magical world of children.
Address: 188-196 Regent St, Soho, London W1B 5BT
For all ages
9. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Gardens
Crowded on sunny days, the gardens surrounding Kensington Palace are full of children and laughter. The huge pirate ship with a sand beach around it inspired by Peter Pan makes this worth the trip for your kids to have a play, while for parents there is plenty of seating around. For the children (up to 12 years old) there is also a sensory trail, with teepees and sculptures to spot among the trees and plants.
A nice relaxing family day beaming with history and mystery, and we’d also recommend a visit inside the palace - its rooms and exhibitions are definitely worth it.
Address: Sunken Garden Pond, London W8 4PU
For ages up to 12
10. Regent’s Park - The place to roam free
For some fun in the park, Regent’s Park is one of our favourites. Big playgrounds, animals from the zoo that can be easily spotted for free, like camels, elephants and animals from the petting zoo, make this park a full attraction. Take your children to feed the ducks or go rowing in a boat on the lake, the day is yours. There is also plenty of choice for hot dogs, candy stands and beverages around, so you don’t need to carry refreshments with you if your feet are getting tired!
Address: Chester Rd, London NW1 4NR
For all ages
11. ZSL London Zoo - Disney animals in real life
One of London’s oldest and most beloved zoos, with over 650 species of animals, is guaranteed fun for the kids, and an educational experience to boot! Visit Penguin Beach, Gorilla Kingdom, Rainforest Life, Tiger Territory and Land of the Lions, or dare to go through Europe's only spider experience walk-through.
On top of all this, the zoo is very well known for its efforts towards conservation and animal welfare, so you’ll be supporting a great cause by visiting.
Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY
For ages 1+
12. Theatres and Shows
There are plenty of theatres in London that host many children’s book stories and amazing fairy tales as illuminated, glitzy shows. For example, visit The London Palladium to see The Wizard of Oz or the Lyceum Theatre to see The Lion King. The little ones will be mesmerised by a snowfall indoors, a witch flying over the audience, and Elephants and Giraffes walking right past their seats!
You would do well to plan your trip to London in advance and to book your show tickets, as they get sold out very quickly. Check the Klook website for more information and available shows.
Overall there is so much to do in London to tire out the whole family! Make sure you book your tickets with Klook for the best prices and speedy confirmation; it’s one less thing to worry about!
