London offers a multitude of family-friendly attractions and activities, ensuring a memorable vacation for visitors of all ages. Here are some ideas for family outings in London:
The British Museum: Explore one of the world’s greatest museums, home to a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years and cultures. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the Elgin Marbles. The museum also offers family trails and hands-on activities.
The Natural History Museum: Delve into the natural world at this iconic museum, which features exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, gemstones, and much more. Don’t miss the life-sized animatronic T-Rex in the dinosaur gallery or the famous blue whale skeleton in the Hintze Hall.
The Science Museum: Ignite curiosity and imagination at the Science Museum, where interactive exhibits explore topics ranging from space exploration to robotics. Kids will love the Wonderlab, an immersive gallery filled with hands-on science experiments and demonstrations.
The London Eye: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from the top of the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. Book a family capsule and marvel at landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Tower of London: Step back in time at this historic fortress, which has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury over the centuries. Take a guided tour to learn about the Tower’s fascinating history, including its infamous residents and the Crown Jewels.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: Embark on a magical journey behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Explore sets, props, and costumes from the beloved movie series, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts Castle.
ZSL London Zoo: Spend a day surrounded by animals at ZSL London Zoo, home to over 750 species from around the world. Highlights include the penguin beach, tiger territory, and the popular Land of the Lions exhibit.
The West End: Treat your family to a night of theater in London’s West End, where you’ll find world-class productions and family-friendly shows. From beloved musicals like The Lion King and Matilda to magical spectacles like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Hyde Park: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most famous parks. Rent a rowboat on the Serpentine Lake, explore the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic in the sunshine.
The London Transport Museum: All aboard for a journey through London’s transportation history at this interactive museum. Kids can climb aboard vintage buses and trains, try their hand at driving a tube train simulator, and explore the evolution of London’s iconic red buses.
Madame Tussauds: Rub shoulders with your favorite celebrities and historical figures at Madame Tussauds wax museum. Pose for photos with lifelike wax sculptures of movie stars, sports icons, world leaders, and more.
The Shard: Take in panoramic views of London from the observation deck of The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building. The View from The Shard offers stunning vistas of the city’s skyline, landmarks, and beyond.
Kew Gardens: Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes. Kids will love the Treetop Walkway, the Children’s Garden, and the interactive exhibits at the Kew Science Festival.
London Dungeon: Step into London’s dark and gruesome past at the London Dungeon, where actors, special effects, and immersive sets bring history to life. Experience thrilling rides, live shows, and interactive storytelling as you journey through 1,000 years of London’s history.
KidZania: Let your children unleash their imagination and explore the real-world activities at KidZania London. This indoor city for kids allows them to role-play as firefighters, doctors, chefs, and more in a safe and interactive environment.
HMS Belfast: Climb aboard HMS Belfast, a historic warship moored on the River Thames. Explore its nine decks, including the gun turrets, engine rooms, and crew quarters, and learn about its role in World War II and beyond.
The Diana Memorial Fountain: Cool off on a hot day at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. Kids can splash and play in the shallow, flowing water while adults relax on the surrounding grassy banks.
London Zoo Overnight Experience: For a truly unforgettable adventure, book an overnight stay at London Zoo’s Gir Lion Lodge. Sleep in luxury lodges overlooking the lion enclosure, enjoy exclusive after-hours tours, and wake up to the roar of the lions in the morning.
Museum of London Docklands: Discover the history of London’s docks and river Thames at the Museum of London Docklands. Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays explore the maritime heritage, trade, and industry that shaped the city’s East End.
Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard: Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Watch as the Queen’s Guard, dressed in their distinctive red uniforms and bearskin hats, march to the sound of military bands in this centuries-old tradition.
The Coca-Cola London Eye River Cruise: Embark on a scenic river cruise along the River Thames aboard a comfortable sightseeing boat. Admire London’s famous landmarks from a unique perspective as you glide past iconic sights such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge.
The Postal Museum and Mail Rail: Dive into the fascinating world of postal history at The Postal Museum, where interactive exhibits and immersive displays explore the story of the British postal service. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride Mail Rail, a hidden underground railway that once transported mail beneath the streets of London.
Royal Observatory Greenwich: Journey to Greenwich to visit the Royal Observatory, home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Explore the historic site, marvel at the views of London from Greenwich Park, and learn about astronomy and navigation through engaging exhibits and planetarium shows.
The Cartoon Museum: Delight in the art of cartoons and comics at The Cartoon Museum, where you’ll find a diverse collection of British cartoons, caricatures, and comic strips. Discover beloved characters, political satire, and humorous illustrations spanning centuries of cartooning history.
London Transport Museum Depot Open Weekend: If you’re visiting London during one of the London Transport Museum’s Depot Open Weekends, don’t miss the chance to explore its vast collection of vintage vehicles, posters, and artifacts not usually on public display. Enjoy guided tours, workshops, and family-friendly activities at this unique event.
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park: Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a visit to Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, a tranquil nature reserve nestled in the heart of London’s regenerated docklands. Discover ponds, wetlands, and woodlands teeming with wildlife, perfect for a family nature walk or birdwatching adventure.
Museum of Childhood: Journey back in time at the V&A Museum of Childhood, where nostalgic toys, games, and artifacts celebrate the joy of childhood throughout the ages. From vintage dolls and teddy bears to interactive play areas, the museum offers something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
London Wetland Centre: Explore a haven for wildlife at the London Wetland Centre, a nature reserve located just a short distance from central London. Wander through marshes, ponds, and gardens, spot birds and insects, and participate in family-friendly activities such as pond dipping and guided walks.
Southbank Centre: Experience the vibrant cultural scene at the Southbank Centre, a hub of arts and entertainment located along the South Bank of the River Thames. Enjoy free outdoor performances, art installations, and family workshops, or catch a family-friendly show at one of the centre’s venues.
Richmond Park: Escape to the great outdoors at Richmond Park, the largest of London’s Royal Parks. Explore ancient woodlands, grassy meadows, and serene lakes, and keep an eye out for deer roaming freely throughout the park. Enjoy picnics, cycling, and wildlife watching in this natural oasis.
Hamleys Toy Store: Dive into a world of wonder at Hamleys, the oldest and largest toy shop in the world. Explore seven floors filled with toys, games, and interactive demonstrations, including magic shows and puppet performances.
Emirates Air Line Cable Car: Soar above the River Thames on the Emirates Air Line cable car for panoramic views of London’s skyline. Enjoy a unique perspective as you glide between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, spotting landmarks such as the O2 Arena and Canary Wharf along the way.
London Aquarium: Dive beneath the waves at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, home to thousands of marine creatures from around the world. Walk through underwater tunnels, encounter sharks, rays, and jellyfish, and learn about ocean conservation efforts.
London Transport Museum Acton Depot Open Day: If you’re a transportation enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the London Transport Museum’s Acton Depot during one of its open days. Discover vintage buses, trams, and underground trains, and learn about the history of public transportation in London.
The Crystal: Explore sustainability and urban innovation at The Crystal, a sustainable cities initiative by Siemens. Discover interactive exhibits on green technology, energy efficiency, and smart cities, and learn about solutions for a more sustainable future.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour: Step into the world of William Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse. Take a guided tour to learn about the theatre’s history, architecture, and the life and works of the Bard.
The View from The Shard: Silent Disco: Experience a silent disco like no other at The View from The Shard. Dance the night away to tunes played through wireless headphones while enjoying 360-degree views of London’s glittering skyline from the Shard’s observation deck.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Climbers and Creepers: Unleash your inner explorer at Climbers and Creepers, an interactive indoor play zone at Kew Gardens designed for children ages 3-9. Climb, slide, and crawl through a jungle-themed adventure playground filled with plants and creatures.
Museum of London Archaeological Archive Tour: Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum of London’s archaeological archive, where you can discover hidden treasures from the city’s past. Explore artifacts, Roman ruins, and interactive displays, and learn about the archaeological process.
Leicester Square: Immerse yourself in the heart of London’s entertainment district at Leicester Square, where you’ll find street performers, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions such as the LEGO Store and M&M’s World.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens: Explore an eclectic mix of natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments at the Horniman Museum. Kids will love the aquarium, the hands-on exhibits in the Hands on Base, and the beautiful gardens with panoramic views of London.
London Zoo’s ZSL Night Safari: Experience London Zoo in a whole new light with the ZSL Night Safari, an after-hours event where families can enjoy guided tours, animal encounters, and special activities after the sun sets. Discover nocturnal animals and learn about their fascinating behaviors.
Royal Museums Greenwich: Discover maritime history and astronomical wonders at the Royal Museums Greenwich, which includes the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Queen’s House. Explore exhibits, climb aboard historic ships, and stand on the Prime Meridian line.
Dennis Severs’ House: Step into a living time capsule at Dennis Severs’ House, a unique historic house museum in Spitalfields. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of daily life in an 18th-century Huguenot silk weaver’s home as you journey through its atmospheric rooms.
London Duck Tours: Hop aboard an amphibious vehicle for a London Duck Tour, a fun-filled sightseeing adventure that takes you on land and water. Learn about the city’s landmarks and history from entertaining guides as you cruise along the River Thames and navigate the streets of London.
The Grant Museum of Zoology: Get up close and personal with a fascinating array of animal specimens at the Grant Museum of Zoology, part of University College London. Explore exhibits on evolution, biodiversity, and animal behavior, including the famous jar of moles.
The Magic Circle Museum: Enter the enchanting world of magic at The Magic Circle Museum, where you can explore exhibits on the history and practice of magic. Discover props, posters, and artifacts from famous magicians and learn about the secrets behind their illusions.
London Canal Museum: Learn about the history of London’s canals and waterways at the London Canal Museum, located in a former ice warehouse near King’s Cross. Explore exhibits on boat-building, cargo carrying, and the lives of canal workers, and take a boat trip on the Regent’s Canal.
London Wetland Centre Bat Walks: Experience the magic of London’s nocturnal wildlife with a guided bat walk at the London Wetland Centre. Join expert guides as they lead you through the reserve at dusk, using bat detectors to identify different species of bats.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: Enjoy a magical evening of outdoor theatre at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which presents a diverse program of classic and contemporary productions during the summer months. Pack a picnic and settle in for a night under the stars.
These are just a few of the countless family-friendly attractions and activities awaiting you in London. Whether you’re exploring its world-class museums, enjoying its iconic landmarks, or immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, London offers endless opportunities for family fun and adventure.
