London is one of Europe’s most exciting capitals for families! Offering a rich mix of educational attractions, interactive museums, and memorable experiences that genuinely work for both adults and children. I speak from personal experience: I spent an entire summer exploring the city with my son, deliberately searching for activities and museums that were curious, engaging, and interesting for both of us.
London truly offers something for every taste, but our own passions shaped this selection. Rather than focusing on the Changing of the Guard or classic museums, we naturally gravitated towards science museums and transport-related attractions. Places where curiosity, engineering, and real stories take centre stage.
And that perspective is exactly what you’ll find reflected in this family-friendly list of the best things to do in London with kids.
What Not to Miss in London With Kids
London really does have so much to offer families! The Natural History Museum is one of our favorite museums in the world, and it is such a fun day out because you can get to see towering animal skeletons and the famous animatronic T. rex up close.
And the Cutty Sark is a fantastic choice too! It’s one of the most famous historic ships in the world, and it’s preserved as a museum. The Museum of London Docklands is another interesting spot to visit with kids. It’s amazing how they’ve brought the history of the docklands to life with those exhibitions – definitely a good way to sneak in some education while having fun!
In this blog, you’ll read about the most popular things to do in London with kids, as well as some hidden gem places! This guide is all you need for exploring London as a family!
1. Explore the London Transport Museum
Located in the vibrant Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum is perfect for families, especially for children fascinated by vehicles and history. I still don’t quite understand why it’s not always listed among the very first museums to visit in London! It’s genuinely beautiful and easily one of the most fun museums in the city.
With its vast collection of iconic buses, trains, and trams, it brings London’s transport story to life through interactive galleries and playful exhibits. Children can climb aboard historic vehicles and explore freely, learning how travel in the city has evolved over time. We spent an entire afternoon here and could easily have stayed for two full days without getting bored!
An adult’s ticket to the London Transport Museum costs £24.50.
2. Discover Engineering at the Museum of Water & Steam
For families interested in engineering and industrial history, the Museum of Water & Steam in Brentford turned out to be a delightful surprise. We discovered it almost by accident. At the time, my son was going through a phase of being incredibly fascinated by sewers and underground systems, so this museum felt like a natural stop. It ended up being one of the most enjoyable visits of our summer.
Set inside a beautifully restored Victorian pumping station, the museum lets children see giant steam engines in action and understand how London’s water supply works through genuinely hands-on exhibits. What makes it especially perfect in summer is the outdoor area, where kids can cool off in a water playground made of pipes, channels, and mechanisms designed to build aqueducts and dams.
We had so much fun there that it became a highlight of our trip!
3. Wander Through the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a true classic of any London trip, and I’ll admit we go back every single time we’re in the city without ever getting bored. The museum is so vast that each visit feels different, as we always end up discovering a new section and never manage to see everything in one day.
The dinosaur galleries are simply unique and unforgettable. Walking past real fossils, towering skeletons, and the famous animatronic T. rex is an experience that leaves children wide-eyed and adults just as amazed. This part alone makes the visit worthwhile and remains one of the most impressive dinosaur displays in Europe.
Free entry, interactive spaces, and a perfect balance between learning and wonder make the Natural History Museum a safe, reliable choice whether you’re travelling with kids, other adults, or are first-time visitors to London.
4. Get Creative at the Tate Modern’s Family Programmes
Situated along the Thames, the Tate Modern is a surprisingly family-friendly stop in London and offers far more than a standard contemporary art visit. Its family workshops and interactive trails are designed specifically for children, making this a fantastic way to spark an interest in art without turning it into the usual museum experience.
These activities are ideal if your kids already enjoy drawing or feel curious about paintings and modern art. As they’re likely to become genuinely engaged and enthusiastic. Even if art isn’t their favourite activity, the child-focused programmes still allow them to try something new while giving you the chance to explore the museum at a relaxed pace.
Tickets for the Tate Modern cost from £20 per adult (kids are cheaper).
5. London Bus Tour with Open Bus Experience
Seeing London from the top of a classic open-top bus is a fun experience for children, but it’s also a brilliant option for parents. For one afternoon, you don’t have to rush from one attraction to the next or constantly keep everyone moving. You can actually sit back, relax, and enjoy the city while the kids are happily entertained on board, especially if public transport is already a passion in your family.
You can choose from services like Big Bus Tours London, Tootbus London, or City Sightseeing London for hop-on hop-off routes that pass iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus, and Tower Bridge.
These tours offer the flexibility to explore at your own pace while enjoying panoramic views and audio commentary from the upper deck. Classic Routemaster experiences, like those offered by Londoner Buses, add an extra layer of charm with a stylish 1960s-era ride through London’s most recognisable landmarks.
📌Best London Bus Tours:
6. Discover the Magic of Harry Potter’s London
For fans of the wizarding world, there are dedicated Harry Potter filming locations bus tours that take you around key sights used in the hit films, from Leadenhall Market, often associated with Diagon Alley, to Lambeth Bridge and views over the River Thames.
I’ll be honest: after J.K. Rowling killed off Sirius Black, Lupin and several other characters I loved, I personally lost much of my emotional connection to the saga. Even so, Harry Potter has become such a strong part of London’s cultural landscape that it still feels worth experiencing, especially when travelling with children.
Kids tend to absolutely love these tours, and the guided format, with stories, trivia and photo stops, brings a sense of magic to familiar streets. You can also visit Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station for free, where a dedicated photo spot lets children pose with a trolley disappearing into the wall, making it one of the most popular Harry Potter stops in London.
And let’s not forget about Harry Potter Studios:
You can also visit the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios from London (it’s located in Leavesden, Watford – an hour’s drive from the city). The tour is massive, immersive, and packed with original sets, costumes, and props used in the films, all housed in the actual studios where the movies were shot.
The Great Hall feels monumental as your entry point. Walking past costumes, potion bottles with tiny handwritten labels, the Hogwarts Express, and Diagon Alley is a treat.
So if you’re a Harry Potter fan (like me) then this best-selling tour to Harry Potter Studios from London is likely going to be a winner for you. It includes admission to the studios, round-trip transfers, and has multiple departure times throughout the day – making it a very flexible option. It costs £95 per person.
7. Discover the Story of the River Thames at the Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands tells the fascinating story of the River Thames and its impact on London’s growth, culture, and trade over the centuries. It’s a surprisingly under-the-radar museum, which means it’s rarely crowded and can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. This makes a huge difference when visiting with children.
There are plenty of interactive displays where kids are encouraged to touch, explore, and experiment, keeping them engaged throughout the visit. A real bonus for parents is the café, which serves genuinely good coffee, making it easy to slow down and enjoy the experience. Family-friendly galleries guide you from ancient riverside settlements to the busy docks of more recent history, offering an enriching and well-balanced stop for curious travellers of all ages.
8. Visit the Historic Cutty Sark in Greenwich
A short trip to Greenwich brings you face-to-face with the Cutty Sark, one of the world’s most famous historic ships preserved as a museum. This 19th-century clipper is an impressive sight and offers a glimpse into maritime history that can captivate both children and adults. Tickets cost £20 per adult (less for kids).
The area around Greenwich is ideal for families, as you’ll also find the Royal Observatory, where kids can learn about time, space, and the Prime Meridian in an engaging way.
Right next to it, Greenwich Park is a large green space perfect for letting children run freely and enjoy the outdoors. I’d especially recommend visiting this part of London in summer, when you can combine museums, river views, and relaxed time in the park for a full day that feels both educational and refreshing.
London’s family-friendly attractions offer a wonderful blend of learning, play, and cultural enrichment. Whether your kids are budding engineers, history buffs, or just love to explore, there are experiences here that will make your family trip unforgettable. Planning ahead for these highlights will help you make the most of your time in this dynamic capital.
Other Fun Things to Do in London With Kids:
- Take a ride on the London Eye for stunning views of the city. This giant Ferris wheel stands tall at a height of 135 meters (443 feet) (FYI, it was once the world’s tallest Ferris wheel). And each of its 32 glass capsules represents one of London’s boroughs and can accommodate up to 25 people.
- Don’t miss out on the chance to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This ritual involves the Old Guard, who have been on duty, handing over responsibilities to the New Guard. You can check the times and days of the Changing of the Guard here.
- To burn off the kids’ energy, head to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. The design of the playground is inspired by “Peter Pan,” and it boasts a large wooden pirate ship as its centerpiece.
- Visit the Tower of London to delve into the city’s rich history and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels.
- Tick off London Zoo – this iconic zoo is home to over 750 species from around the world. Here you can explore various themed exhibits, such as Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, and Penguin Beach
Is London Worth Visiting With Kids?
Yes, London is definitely worth visiting with kids!
I’d go so far as to say that London is one of the most family-friendly cities in Europe, and there’s loads to do here for kids of all ages. From the interactive exhibits at the London Transport Museum and the Natural History Museum to the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Plus, kids will love the iconic sights like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, where they can witness the Changing of the Guard. For a bit of outdoor fun, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens and the London Zoo offer plenty of space to explore and play.
Where to Stay in London (With Kids)
- The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge – offers spacious family rooms, an indoor pool, and a prime location near major attractions like the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
- The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences – is known for its family-friendly suites and proximity to Green Park, perfect for leisurely strolls.
- The ZSL London Zoo Lodges – offer an unforgettable stay within the grounds of London Zoo. Providing exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
- The Novotel London Tower Bridge – is a great choice, offering comfortable family accommodations and easy access to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Thanks for Reading!
And, that’s it, folks. If you’ve visited London with kids previously, is there anything else you would include in this list of the best things to do in London with kids? If so, please leave a comment below.
You may also enjoy reading my other England content, such as –
How to Spend One Day in Brighton (Brighton Day Trip Itinerary)
Brighton: A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Brighton
How to Spend One Day in Rye, England
📌 About the Author:
Paola Bertoni
Paola is the travel blogger behind Paola Everywhere, where she uncovers cultural city guides and offbeat adventures across Europe. Based in Italy and a single mum, she travels both solo and with her son, blending authentic storytelling with practical tips to inspire families to explore the world.
Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by snaphappytravel