Best Things to Do With Kids in London
The best things to do with kids in London prove a shoe-in for families that are interested in learning about history, seeing amazing sights, and enjoying a thriving city that offers just enough of a balance between the well-touristed path and what lies off it. Our list includes attractions that’ll entertain your kids, and keep you immersed while they do their own thing. The London Transport Museum, for example, has plenty of vehicles and hands-on exhibitions to get the kids up and on their feet, while adults will enjoy touring the space (and maybe sitting down in Tube car), and learning more about the extensive, historic London transit system. During a Chocolate Walking Tour, everyone can enjoy tasting sweets while taking in some London architecture on foot. On the London Eye, sweeping views of the city will knock the kids off their feet, as they are offered well into the evening hours. No matter what they’re interested in, children will definitely enjoy what’s on this list, so take a good look at the best things to do with kids in London to ensure a great time in town the next time you’re planning a vacation.
Ariel Way
Children will love spending time at Kidzania, a self-proclaimed indoor city run by kids, located in the Westfield Shopping Centre. Inside, they can explore more than 60 real-life activities, and role-play as doctors, construction workers, actors, dentists, and bankers, and more. Blending reality with entertainment, exhibits like the Aviation Academy, Dance Club, Estate Agency, and The Library allow visitors to learn more about the responsibilities and practical skills that come with a certain job, as well as the fun parts about it. Since this place is so popular, however, plan to visit in the morning. In the afternoon, lines form around popular activities and deter impatient children from experiencing the magic.
Westminster Bridge Road
What kid doesn’t like Shrek? At Shrek’s Adventure, the whole family can enjoy a 75-minute experience that includes 4D renderings of the movie and 12 fairy-tale-themed shows, which use actors, storytelling, and special effects to make the experience immersive for all five senses. At the beginning of the “misadventure,” everyone will be placed on a bus simulation experience that includes water spray, air blasts, fog, and aroma, before families can explore it at their own pace. Aside from characters in Shrek, kids will also appreciate appearances from other Dreamworks creations, like Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar. Along the way, there will be plenty of photo opportunities you will be thankful for later.
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden
This is a tour run by Warner Brothers Studios, a permanent exhibit that gives a behind-the-scenes of how Harry Potter came to be. Kids who are a bit older and recognize the movie will be keener to appreciating this detailed run-through, which will definitely allure Potter-fan parents as well. Throughout, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through iconic sets like The Great Hall and Diagon Alley, spot your favorite props like the memory cabinet, and get an up-close look at authentic costumes from the sets. On the more technical side of things, you can also explore the special effects behind the Chamber of Secrets door, the invisibility cloak, and the whomping willow, among others. Scale models teach you how the sets were created and, at the end of your visit, make sure to stop by the gift shop so you can buy something to commemorate your experience.
207 Regent St
The Chocolate Ecstasy Tour is how a family of chocolate lovers should spend their afternoon. As the original London tasting tour, the experience begins with an introduction before a tour guide leads you down cobblestone streets with various boutiques along the way. While kids won’t be interested much in learning about the history of different London neighborhoods or architecture, they’ll jump at the opportunity to sample some truffles, caramels, and pralines along the way. The tours are categorized by neighborhood; either book one in Mayfair or in Chelsea. If kids love ice cream, consider opting for the Ice Cream Ecstasy Tour instead.
Winkfield Rd, Windsor
Legoland is an entire theme park designed for children. Divided into several different worlds, kids can explore sections like Kingdom of Pharaohs, Land of the Vikings, and Ninjago World. At Miniland, they can even see an entire tiny London made of Lego or build their own Lego creations at the exploratorium. Legoland is usually the best option for families with children spanning varying ages, because there are both attractions and rides for younger children, like a spin on the DUPLO Train or the Dragon ride. Older kids, however, will appreciate the L-Drivers electrical cars or the Laser Raiders tag game inside a constructed ancient temple. Tickets can be a little steep, but if you purchase them online a week in advance, you can save over 15 euros.
Spur Road
Witnessing the Changing of the Guard may be a hit-or-miss for some kids, but it’s something everyone should see at least once while in London. Luckily, it’s free, so if someone doesn’t enjoy it, you can just be on your way to the next activity. The experience happens daily in the summer, and every other day in the winter, just outside Buckingham Palace. To get the best view, make sure to be there by at least 11am (it starts at 11:30). At the Western end of Trafalgar Square, you’ll find a strip called The Mall, which is close enough to see everything but distant enough to not get lost in the crowds.
Westminster Bridge Road
Teenagers or kids who are a bit more mature will enjoy a visit to the London Dungeon to see an alternate side of the city’s history. Using a mixture of live actors, special effects and rides, the place uses gallows humour to recreate various gory and macabre historical events. Explore simulations like The Great Fire of London, Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and the Whitechapel Labyrinth, which are all classified by different “scary scores,” and the whole family can be immersed in the historical accuracies. These kinds of educational activities are perfect for those who want to learn at their own pace, but also are great for those who get bored easily. Both kids and adults are encouraged to play the part and see where the role takes them.
35 Blomfield Rd
Seeing a show on a converted barge is an opportunity that no family should pass up. Of course, the shows are always inside, and you won’t really notice the boat rocking (unless a significantly larger ship passes by). The puppets are marionettes handled by unseen puppeteers up above, which provides kids with a nifty illusion. The show lasts about an hour, with an intermission for refreshments. Right now, you can see two different shows: My Shadow and Me, a cartoon created completely out of darkness and light, allowing everyone in the audience to use their imagination; and The Butterfly’s Spell, a love story between two bugs that explores themes like forbidden love and the inevitability of death. To make the experience more fun for adults, you’re also encouraged to BYOB.
39 Wellington St
The London Transport Museum has lots of hands-on activities within its expansive collection of trains, buses, trams, and subway cars. For kids under 5, there’s a play area where they can interact and make friends. Others can explore exhibitions that give further details on the growth of the suburbs, how the transit system operated when London was at war, and the ways it changed from the early 20th century to the present day. Throughout, kids will be able to hop inside vehicles and pretend they’re driving. They can also interact with video screens and illuminated boards. Buy a ticket on the website to skip the line.
Westminster Bridge Road
Leaving London without a ride on the London Eye would be egregious. Fortunately, it’s something the whole family can enjoy. In winter, pods are completely enclosed and heated. Views of the London skyline from atop the Eye are spectacular. It’s ideal for younger children as well, as the ride takes about a half-hour, and goes at a reasonable pace to ensure everyone is comfortable. Open as early as 11 some mornings, and as late as 6 some evenings, it’s a great way to kick-start your day or to relax while watching the sunset after a long afternoon exploring one of the greatest cities in the world.
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For more on the best things to do with kids in London, also see:
Full Suitcase – 12+ Very Best Things To Do in London With Kids
Bon Voyage With Kids – An Epic Five Days in London Itinerary Your Kids Will Love