Dreaming of a day out in London that mixes dazzling history, epic adventure, and kid-friendly fun? Kensington Palace should top your list. This storied royal residence isn’t just for grown-up history buffs; it’s packed with hands-on activities, secret-filled gardens, and stories that make even the youngest visitors feel like future kings and queens. Whether your crew loves dress-up, behind-the-scenes mysteries, or giant playgrounds, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone smiling. Ready to discover why Kensington Palace is a must for families in London? Here are our top picks for a royally good time.
Our top family activities at Kensington Palace include:
- Exploring the King’s State Apartments
- Dressing Up Like Royalty
- The Lush Sunken Garden and Palace Gardens
- Enchanting Family Trails & Quests
- Interactive Exhibitions for Little Learners
- Picnic Spots & Bug-Spotting
- The Queen Victoria Experience
- Diana Memorial Playground (Nearby)
- Palace Shop: Toys, Books & More
- Nearby Afternoon Tea (With Cakes Fit for a Prince!)
1. Exploring the King’s State Apartments
Step through gilded doors and prepare for a journey to a time when children just like yours—only in ruffles and rosettes—ran wild through palace halls. In the King’s State Apartments, everything feels extra: shimmering chandeliers, rich art, and staircases that curl up toward secret rooms. The highlight? Hidden messages written into the décor and plenty of stories about mischievous princes and princesses who lived (and sometimes got scolded!) here. Palace staff are always eager to reveal little-known secrets, encouraging kids to seek out dragons, peacocks, or even peculiar paintings along the way. There’s space to roam, music to hear, and lots of “Wow, did that really happen?” moments.
2. Dressing Up Like Royalty
Who hasn’t dreamed of donning a crown or twirling in a velvet cloak? At Kensington Palace, the dressing-up trolleys are legendary. Kids can slip into miniature versions of royal outfits—caped cloaks, bejeweled crowns, or dashing soldier jackets—and transform into queens, kings, or palace guards for the day. Costume stations are dotted around key gallery spaces, and parents will adore the photo ops. With so much elegant finery on display, prepare for requests to try on everything (and possibly negotiate a second round of dress-up on your way back out!).
3. The Lush Sunken Garden and Palace Gardens
3. The Lush Sunken Garden and Palace Gardens
Exploring outside the palace is just as enchanting. The Sunken Garden dazzles with bright flowers, mirrored pools, and statues (including a touching memorial dedicated to Princess Diana). Winding paths lead to secret nooks, and kids can play “royal explorer” among the blooms. The wider Palace Gardens, with lawns and old chestnut trees, invite picnics and impromptu sprints. Spot curious squirrels, fluttering butterflies, and enjoy floral scents on the breeze—a sensory adventure that every little botanist will love.
4. Enchanting Family Trails & Quests
Kensington Palace knows how to make history fun for kids. Look out for interactive family trails and quest booklets at the entrance—each packed with puzzles, scavenger hunts, riddles, and clues tailored for different age groups. Kids will be piecing together royal family trees or hunting for secret chambers before you can say “your majesty.” It’s a gentle way to encourage exploration, keeping younger visitors happily engaged (and often racing ahead to solve the next clue).
5. Interactive Exhibitions for Little Learners
History at Kensington Palace comes alive through dynamic, hands-on exhibitions. Youngsters will enjoy rooms filled with soundscapes, animated wall projections, and quirky treasures (think golden shoes, antique dolls, and glittering jewels). At special times of year, pop-up workshops let kids craft their own crowns or make art inspired by palace residents. These thoughtful touches mean that even when the educational content runs deep, it feels playful—not “museum-y”—for families.
6. Picnic Spots & Bug-Spotting
The palace grounds offer shaded benches and sprawling lawns ideal for a family picnic—just pick up treats at one of many nearby bakeries or cafes. Spread out your blanket and keep an eye out for mini wildlife: chirping robins, busy pollinators, and even a rare stag beetle if you’re lucky! The gentle bustle of the park makes it easy to relax and recharge for the next round of excitement.
7. The Queen Victoria Experience
7. The Queen Victoria Experience
Queen Victoria spent her childhood at Kensington Palace, and the exhibition dedicated to her is pure fun for families. Kids can peek into her playroom, examine her childhood toys, and discover outrageous royal birthday party traditions. The display uses immersive storytelling and artefacts to show what life was like when Victoria was just a little girl—perfect for firing up young imaginations and drawing surprising connections to today.
8. Diana Memorial Playground (Nearby)
Just outside the palace grounds, the Diana Memorial Playground offers one of the most imaginative play spaces in London. Inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan, there’s a huge pirate ship to board, tepees for make-believe, and sandpits galore. Fenced, safe, and staffed, this haven is a hit with children under 12, plus there are benches for grown-ups to rest weary feet. After exploring the palace, this is your go-to spot for letting off steam and making those “best day ever!” memories.
9. Palace Shop: Toys, Books & More
Kensington Palace’s gift shop is as much fun as any toy store. Shelves brim with knight figures, princess wands, palace puzzles, and beautifully illustrated children’s books about kings and queens. Your kids can take home their very own crown—or a cuddly corgi—while budding historians might snap up history activity kits and interactive family storybooks. Browsing here is a treat in itself (and a great bribery stop on the way out).
10. Nearby Afternoon Tea (With Cakes Fit for a Prince!)
Round off your day with a treat at the Kensington Palace Pavilion, which serves up classic afternoon teas overlooking the palace gardens. Children will love mini sandwiches, fruit scones, and cakes designed for little hands—plus a chance to sip “royal” hot chocolate. The glass-walled café is bright, with garden views, making it a pleasingly posh but relaxed finish. For something extra-sweet, try the pastel-hued cupcakes or traditional Victoria sponge, a nod to Kensington’s most famous former resident.
Kensington Palace isn’t just a stop for grown-ups; it’s a brilliantly engaging family destination. Whether your mini-monarchs want to play, create or simply run wild in the gardens, this royal residence is sure to deliver a grand day out.
Enjoyed this? Check out Free Things to Do Near Kensington Palace or Things to Do with Kids in London
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!
