What are the best places to take kids in London?
Attractions
Attractions in London for kids are plentiful. Ever popular choices include the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds and London Zoo.
We explain how to get the best value from these attractions by combining tickets using a pass like the London Pass, Merlin Passes, or Discount London.
Budget days out
If you are looking for a budget–friendly day out with your kids we also discuss the many Royal Parks. In addition, where you can take part in such activities as cycling, skating, boating or even watching pelicans being fed!
Alternatively, if the weather’s not on your side, then the London Museums, offer good value entertainment for many hours. Additionally, they are free to enter; however, you can offer a small donation.
Furthermore, the Changing of the Guard is another low cost option to keep your children entertained; consequently we discuss your best options.
Harry Potter for kids in London
For kids who are obsessed with Harry Potter, a must-visit is the ever-popular Harry Potter Studio Tour London in Watford, just an hour from London.
Furthermore if you’re in London, you can explore some iconic Harry Potter film locations. Additionally, there are affordable Harry Potter walking tours, making it easy to dive into the magic!
River Cruises and hop on bus tours for families in London
If you’re looking for a different perspective of London, consider exploring it from the river! City Cruises is the top river cruise operator in London, specializing in showcasing the city’s famous landmarks from the stunning vantage point of the River Thames.
The 45-minute circular cruise is a popular choice with many families. With a Toot Bus Must See London ticket, you can get this sightseeing cruise included for free. Alternatively you can choose to opt for a cheaper tour, the Toot Bus Kids Tour, with a live guide who tailors it just for families!
Big ticket days out and fabulous and free stuff to do for families in London
This page aims to cover many different options for entertaining the kids in London from Big ticket days out (with discount ticket bundling options) to the fabulous and free.
We also have a blog you can check out: 10 best family attractions in London.
Low cost or free activities in London for children
Not all things to do in London need to have a big price tag attached. One of the wonderful thing about London is that if you seek them out, there are plenty of places to take the children which are either free or very low cost.
Here we look at some of the best budget activities, including the Royal Parks, Changing of the Guard and London museums.
Royal Parks
London has several large Royal Parks. St James, Regent’s Park and Hyde Park are extensive parks. Dotted all around London are squares and smaller parks where you can get away for a few moments from the noise and traffic. For children there are a few parks that offer something just that bit different:
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
With Princess Diana’s Memorial Playground and Fountain and the Serpentine for swimming and boating
Hyde Park has a great pond – the Serpentine – where you can hire boats and in the summer months, even swim in the natural, dechlorinated lido.
Various cycle stations throughout the park can rent bikes. In-line skating is quite popular on Serpentine Road, and you can rent skates at the Club Blue Room near Marble Arch.
Hyde Park also hosts a tennis centre, lawn bowls, putting green and café.
In the North west corner of Kensington Gardens you will find a very popular Peter Pan themed play-area complete with wooden pirate ship at its heart! This playground in memory of the late Diana Princess of Wales offers much for all children up to the age of 12, including wheelchair users.
Southwest of the Serpentine Lake and into Hyde Park you can find the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial – a large oval fountain where anyone is free to wander; it is popular with children in the summer months.
St James’s Park – watch the pelicans being fed
In the heart of London St James’ Park offers ceremonial parades (Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards) and a lake with a lot of bird life where there are plenty of water birds. Great views of Buckingham Palace too.
The famous pelicans are fed every day at 2.30pm, and there’s a children’s playground, with deckchairs from April to September, as well as café serving food from breakfast to dinner.
Regents Park – more boating, birds and theatre performances
Like St James’s Park and Hyde Park there are many birds; Regent’s Park is the centre for waterfowl breeding for The Royal Parks. Like Hyde Park, you can hire boats on the boating lake.
At the southern end of the park you will find Queen Mary’s Gardens where in the summer months you can enjoy Open Air Theatre performances, established nearly 100 years ago in the 1930s.
Throughout Regent’s Park at regular intervals are café’s for you to partake in a refreshment while you stroll. On the northern border of Regent’s Park is the London Zoo, another great kid’s attraction.
The Changing of the Guard
Enjoy the splendour of the troops in their military red at the Changing of Guard outside Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards.
Buckingham Palace
Located immediately adjacent to St James’s Park and The Green Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks. If you’re considering taking children to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, it might be a bit challenging.
To get a decent view you will need arrive early and grab a spot by the palace railings, if not children might miss out on a lot of the action. Even those who do get a glimpse often find it a bit disappointing.
Horse Guards
The Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards can be much better for children than at Buckingham Palace. Crowds are less, you get a good view and you can get a photo to remember the occasion.
The event takes place daily at 11am (10am on Sundays) and lasts about 30 minutes. Whitehall, which is located east of St James’s Park, holds it on Horse Guards Parade.
London Museums for children
London museums have in recent times extended many of their exhibitions to include activities and hands on exhibits for kids. Examples of this are the British Museum with its digital Discovery Centre, free activity backpacks and free regular events. The Natural History Museum has its own Investigate science lab and Darwin Centre especially for kids.
London Transport Museum
Most London museums are free (donation optional); furthermore, some, such as the London Transport Museum charge only adult entry while kids go free.
Featuring many exhibits for children to play on, as well as more the 80 vehicles including the iconic London red bus. Additionally, offering a fascinating look at the iconic transport vehicles of London’s past.
Science Museum
The Science Museum stands out as one of the most family-friendly spots among London’s museums, making it a must-visit destination.
It emphasizes cutting-edge technology and offers engaging, hands-on experiences that are both interactive and current. They dedicate the basement to children, featuring various sections tailored to different age groups.
Additionally, the museum hosts workshops designed specifically for kids.
London Museum Docklands
London Museum Docklands has its own ‘interactive space’ for kids where they are free to try hands-on activities such as role-play or building. To enter this area for free you need to apply for a ticket in advance through their website or on arrival.
Other low cost activities for children in London
– Take your pick from dozens of low cost London Museums with loads of exhibitions and activities for children including:
– See London from the magical side – lose yourself in Harry Potter film locations in London including Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station.
– Get down to one of London’s many free popular City Farms: Hackney, Mudchute Farm and Park and Vauxhall City Farm.
– Check out scheduled bridge lift times to see the raising of Tower Bridge – or buy tickets to go inside!
– Visit Covent Garden to marvel at this day’s street entertainers in the Western Piazza.
– Take a dip in Hampton heated open air pool. There is plenty for kids with regular teaching and inflatable sessions. Two pools in a sunny woodland area on the outskirts of Bushy Park with a grassed area to relax in. Moonlight swims!
– Enjoy a British Fish & Chip shop takeaway!
– Ride a London red bus.
London hop-on hop-off buses for children
Kids Tour – from Tootbus
A sizable proportion of all visitors to London enjoy the hop-on hop-off double deck bus tours.
Tootbus (formerly Original Tour London) offer a specific tour aimed at families with children, called the Kids Tour. This specially designed route offers a bespoke live guide who will enthrall kids and adults alike with their tales of London past and present.
This tour aims to be reasonably priced, fun and educational.
There are even special deals to be had during seasonal events such as Christmas.
London public transport for children
Surveys and anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that a lasting memory for many visitors to London is the public transport system.
It’s a great idea to take your kids on the London Underground and the top deck of a London red bus at least once! Turn it into a fun adventure by giving them a bus and underground map, and let them plan your journey through central London.
Remember, children under 11 travel free on London’s buses and Underground so it’s a cost effective as well as entertaining way of getting the most out of London.
Popular family attractions within central London and surrounding area
Here are the major attractions in London that you’re likely familiar with. You can often buy a combined ticket for many of these, which can help you save money over time.
Some tickets are designed to be used within a short period of time, such as the London Pass, while others, such as the Go City London Explorer Pass, allow you 60 days. Or in the case of the Merlin Annual Pass, a whole year to visit the big attractions.
Popular attractions in and around London
Below we show you some of the best family friendly attractions in London, covered by the Merlin passes and the London Passes.
For fans of Harry Potter, we have information on the ultimate ways to satisfy your Harry Potter cravings, whether it’s visiting the Harry Potter Studio or taking a stroll through iconic film locations.
Read on kids (and big kids)…
Harry Potter themed days out in London
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Fast becoming one of the most popular attractions in the London area today, The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers something for everyone – even non-Harry Potter fans will enjoy the behind the scenes experience of the best selling film series.
Featuring a huge array of sets and props the breathtaking detail of the intricate artwork is highly comprehensive and film lovers everywhere will learn plenty from the experience.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an hour’s journey from central London in Watford. Tours operate from London or it is reasonably straight forward to travel independently. Details of independent public transport to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and a selection of approved tours can be found by following the link below.
More about Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Harry Potter self guided or professionally guided walks in London
For those looking for a budget-friendly adventure, Harry Potter enthusiasts can explore various filming locations in London. One must-see spot is the iconic Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station. You can either visit on your own at no cost or join an affordable walking tour starting at about £15 per adult.
More about Harry Potter in London
Award winning Muggles Walking Tour of London
Things to do for Paddington lovers in London
Experience two great adventures with your children featuring The Paddington Bear™ Experience and an exciting Paddington Bear walking tour around London.
The Paddington Bear Experience is an interactive story-based experience located in London’s County Hall on the Southbank. On this adventure you’ll help Paddington and the Brown Family prepare for a special occasion; the Marmalade Day Festival.
On the Paddington Bear Walking Tour you’ll naturally start at Paddington station and admire the beautiful Paddington statue, you’ll also get to stop at the famous antiques shop, Mr Gruber’s, go to the hustle and bustle of Portobello Market and visit the Paddington Shop, plus many more exciting Paddington locations.
These two experiences are sure to fully immerse you and your family in all-things Paddington in London.
Kew Gardens
Explore Kew Gardens in Richmond, located in southwest London, for a fun-filled day that’s perfect for children, featuring a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Discover the Rock Garden, a dramatic valley carved through the landscape filled with waterfalls and plants from Himalayan mountain streams; a stunning woodland garden; Arboretum; Bamboo Garden and much, much more.
There are various activities designed for children, such as The Hive, Kew from the Trees, the Children’s Garden, family nature experiences, and programs tailored for families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Furthermore, included in your ticket are Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens. Check seasonal opening times.
Top 5 Merlin attractions in London – great for families
Buy a Big City Saver Pass by Merlin to save money on top London attractions
Merlin owned top London attractions include: London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeon, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and Shrek’s Adventure! London
If you are going to visit all five we would strongly recommend purchasing a Big City Saver Pass (previously Merlin’s Magical London pass) to save yourself heaps on the entry price.
For theme parks just outside London see our information on Merlin Theme Parks.
Attractions include:
Big City Saver London Attraction Pass: 2, 3, or All 5 Attractions
HUGE SAVINGS: Buy a 2, 3 or 5 attraction pass for top London attractions
Off-peak prices available
Attractions include:
• London Eye • Madame Tussauds London • London Dungeon • Shrek’s Adventure! London • SEA LIFE London Aquarium •Tower of London • Big Bus Tour
2 attractions, Adult from £50 Child (age 2-15) from £45
3 attractions, Adult from £70 Child (age 2-15) from £63
5 attractions, Adult from £100 Child (age 2-15) from £90
Merlin’s London Attraction Pass: 2, 3, or All 5 Attractions
HUGE SAVINGS: Buy a 2, 3 or 5 attraction pass for top 5 London attractions
Attractions include:
• London Eye • Madame Tussauds London • London Dungeon • Shrek’s Adventure! London • SEA LIFE London Aquarium
2 attractions Adult from £45 Child (age 2-15) from £40.50
3 attractions Adult from £50 Child (age 2-15) from £45
5 attractions Adult from £60 Child (age 2-15) from £54
Merlin Annual Pass for theme parks near London
Beyond central London, the Merlin Annual Pass covers the main London attractions plus all the big theme parks in the UK – and this is where the real money saving begins if you are a regular theme park goer.
All the below theme parks are also resorts so if you want you can choose to extend your stay and make a two-day adventure of it. Sometimes the parks offer discounts such as offering the second day of theme park entry for free if you book a stay, so it is worth looking out for these seasonal offers.
For example, with this pass you would get free entry into LEGOLAND Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park.
Attractions include:
Top kid friendly attractions included with London Pass
London Pass saves you money on entry tickets to over 80 popular attractions in London
The London Pass gives you free entry (after purchasing) to over 80 different attractions in and around London.
Popular attractions for all the family included with the pass are: the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Big Bus, London Eye, Chessington World of Adventures, Madame Tussauds, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, View from the Shard, and London Zoo. For older kids there’s also the terrifically chilling London Bridge Experience.
The London Pass offers you great savings on purchasing individual tickets. If you intend on visiting a lot of attractions in London this will be your cheapest way to do it.
Access 90+ London attractions, 1 to 10 day passes available.
Attractions include:
- Chessington World of Adventures
- London Zoo
- Tower of London
- The London Eye
- Madame Tussauds
- Windsor Castle
- Hampton Court Palace
- London Bridge Experience
Save Money! – Combine big London attractions together to save £££’s with Discount London
Combine your own mix of attractions into a money saving package. Discount London are one of the leading providers of discounted tours which provide excellent value for money by bundling tours into packages of two or more. Generally the more tours you buy in one package, the more you save per attraction.
Well known and popular attractions are all on offer – from Madame Tussauds, to Tower of London and Tower Bridge Exhibition to the London Eye, London Zoo, Westminster Abbey and a whole lot more!
Toy Shops in London
Hamleys
Regent Street is in the main shopping area of London leading up to Oxford Street. Along Regent Street you will find the flagship Hamleys, established in 1760; the oldest and one of the largest toys shops in the world.
Hamleys is set over seven floors and has over 50,000 lines of toys! Staging regular events and even birthday parties.
Harrods
A world-famous luxury department store in London, located in Knightsbridge. Renowned for its distinctive offerings, including the ‘Toy Kingdom’ that was launched in 2012.
Harrods ‘Toy Kingdom‘ is one of the most extravagant and immersive toy stores around. Featuring six different “worlds” including jugglers, acrobats and magicians demonstrating the latest hands-on toys.
Popular London Attractions – Advance Purchase and/or Fast Track Tickets
London Eye: Amazing panoramic flight on the world’s highest observation wheel. » Fast track tickets available.
The Shard: Tallest building in Western Europe with viewing of London from the top. » Fast track tickets available.
St Paul’s Cathedral: Cathedral of the Diocese of London, venue for royal weddings. » Pre-book to guarantee entry.
Westminster Abbey: Along with St Paul’s, England’s main religious building. » Pre-book to guarantee entry.
Tower of London: Home of the Crown Jewels and a rich thousand-year history. » Fast track tickets available.
Madame Tussauds: See wax statues of the most famous people in the world. » Fast track tickets available.
London Dungeon: The creepiest attraction in town, the London Dungeon. » Fast track tickets available.
Hampton Court Palace: Henry VIII Medieval Palace set in vast grounds. » Pre-book to save money.
The London Zoo: World-class zoo in the centre of London. » Flexi tickets available.