Wax-Tastic Fun: Why Kids Can’t Get Enough of Madame Tussauds

Celebrity selfies, superhero missions, and a dash of wizardry—Madame Tussauds is London’s top stop for curious, playful kids.

Published: May 28, 2026
Children Posing with Yoda at Madame Tussauds London

London is packed with places that make little eyes light up, but nothing captures a kid’s imagination quite like Madame Tussauds. Here, spotting lifelike wax figures isn’t just about looking—it’s an interactive playground where selfie snaps turn into silly memories, storybook characters step out of the pages, and entire families get swept up in pop culture magic. Wondering what makes this star-studded spot the stuff of childhood dreams? We’re about to take you through all the spectacular reasons kids rush for the doors at Madame Tussauds London. Whether your child is superhero-obsessed, sports-mad, or determined to meet the Royal Family (sort of), this is the stop that puts everyone in the limelight. 

Our favourite reasons kids love Madame Tussauds include: 

  • Meeting Their Heroes Up Close  
  • Starring in a Superhero Adventure  
  • Singing Alongside Global Pop Icons  
  • Walking the Red Carpet in Hollywood Style  
  • Diving Into a World of Sports Stars  
  • Taking a Magical Trip to Hogwarts  
  • Laugh-Out-Loud Interactive Experiences  
  • Snapping Selfies with Their Favourite YouTubers and Influencers  
  • Exploring the History and Running into Royalty  
  • Creating Stories in the Spirit of London Ride 

1. Meeting Their Heroes Up Close 

Madame Tussauds is where fantasy turns into a lifelike, hands-on adventure. Instead of gazing wistfully at posters or YouTube thumbnails, kids come face-to-face with the very celebrities, athletes, and characters they adore. Walking in, they’re greeted by stars so realistic you half-expect them to say "hello." Football lovers can “meet” England legends, Marvel fans stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Iron Man, and budding pop stars get within inches of Ariana Grande or Dua Lipa. 

What really sets Madame Tussauds apart is just how playful the experience feels. While most museums have a “look but don’t touch” rule, here, everything begs for a selfie and a pose. Your child can high-five their favorite actor, hug their animated hero, or have a pretend dance-off with a superstar. Their excitement is contagious as they dash from room to room, giggling in awe and plotting the next perfect goofy shot. For shy kids, getting to interact with their idols—no nerves needed—is a confidence boost. Whether they’re sporting costumes, pulling silly faces, or even mimicking their idol’s signature pose, their creativity gets a workout. It’s a playground for the imagination and a crowd-pleaser from start to finish. 

2. Starring in a Superhero Adventure 

Superhero dreams come to life at Madame Tussauds, where kids get swept into the Marvel Hall of Heroes. This isn’t just a line-up of statues; it’s a full-on action zone. Step beyond the exhibits, and suddenly, your family is dodging “explosions,” posing with Spider-Man poised for action, and battling alongside Black Panther. There’s even the Marvel Universe 4D film—an adventure in its own right, with moving seats, wind, water and special effects that make every punch and leap feel real. 

Every kid has fantasized about saving the world at least once, and the Hall of Heroes taps right into that energy. They can try on superhero stances in front of Hulk or practice web-slinging hand gestures beside Spidey. The bright colors, cool backdrops, and clever props make kids feel like they’ve stepped inside a comic book. We love watching their faces as they participate, becoming part of the story instead of just a viewer. It’s active, memorable and uniquely fun—top marks for family photos, too. 

3. Singing Alongside Global Pop Icons

Family Posing with Beyonce at Madame Tussauds London

Music-mad kids will be in heaven as they explore the Madame Tussauds music zone, where chart-toppers from past and present wait to join in on the chorus. The Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Harry Styles figures are so detailed that kids immediately strike a pose—microphone in hand, ready for the spotlight. There’s a DJ rig for mixing tracks and sometimes even stage setups with spotlights, so budding stars can see how it feels to be centre stage. 

This is the kind of experience that gives even the shyest performers a little swagger. Siblings can form goofy bands, friends try their best popstar poses, and everyone gets to belt their favorite lyrics in the gleeful privacy of a waxy, judgment-free zone. The immersive decor, neon lighting, and larger-than-life vibes let imaginations run wild. By the end you’ll have a phone full of “concert” photos and a car ride humming with their new favorite tunes. 

4. Walking the Red Carpet in Hollywood Style 

Every child has dreamt of the spotlight, and at Madame Tussauds, the glittering red carpet welcomes them in true Tinseltown style. From the moment families walk past the velvet ropes, there’s a sense that the A-list experience is just beginning. Kids come face-to-face with Hollywood greats—think Tom Hardy, Zendaya, or the ever-charming Paddington Bear in his best hat and duffle coat—each one begging for a playful pose. 

The realistic wax figures, dramatic lighting, and movie set backdrops make everyone feel like a film star. Some rooms offer fun sound effects or special props, so your little ones can swap hats and strike goofy poses. And if they’ve ever practiced an Oscar speech in the mirror, here’s their chance for an epic reenactment. 

5. Diving Into a World of Sports Stars 

For active kids and sports fanatics, Madame Tussauds offers a hall filled with footballers, Olympians, and Wimbledon champions. The thrill of standing in the same room as Mo Farah, Usain Bolt or David Beckham gets pulses racing. There are creative sport-themed sets where kids can mimic scoring a goal or racing in a sprint, and often props for them to get the perfect action shot. 

It’s not just about standing still. The experience is made for energetic play, bringing new appreciation for how tall, strong or quirky their favorite athletes are in “real life.” Kids celebrate league legends, strike their goal celebration pose, and maybe even challenge Dad to a sprint-off (get those cameras ready). 

6. Taking a Magical Trip to Hogwarts 

Any young wizard or witch will be wide-eyed with wonder inside the Harry Potter experience at Madame Tussauds. The famous Hogwarts Express whisks you off to a land of sorting hats, potions and (almost) real magic. Walk through Platform 9¾, wander under the floating candles of the Great Hall, and snap a photo with Harry, Hermione and Ron. Wands at the ready! 

The set designers nail every detail, from the suitcases to the magical sweets, immersing kids in a world straight from the books. Whether your family has read the books together or only watched the films, this spot stirs memories and inspires imaginative adventures. It’s pure enchantment, and little ones will be spellbound for hours. 

7. Laugh-Out-Loud Interactive Experiences

Friends Posing with Anthony Joshua at Madame Tussauds London

Beyond the statues and stars, Madame Tussauds serves up plenty of surprises with interactive zones designed just for family fun. Try a comedy sketch with TV favourites, see how tall you are next to your favourite Youtuber, or match wits with quiz-inspired games and challenges. 

These hands-on areas make the attraction more than a wax museum—it’s a series of playful adventures. It keeps everyone active and engaged, especially on a day when the British weather refuses to cooperate. 

8. Snapping Selfies with Their Favourite YouTubers and Influencers 

Kids growing up today are just as starstruck by digital celebrities as the big names from film, sport or music. Madame Tussauds taps straight into the world of social media by bringing YouTubers, TikTokers, and global content creators to life in wax form. You’ll spot household digital names your kids watch every day—grabbing a selfie with KSI, posing beside social comedy stars, or trying out a virtual ‘unboxing’ moment just like their online heroes. 

What makes this experience extra fun is how children can step into real-life sets inspired by viral videos—complete with backdrops, lighting, and sometimes even sound effects. It’s the stuff of online daydreams, but with a tangible, laugh-filled, family-friendly twist. And for many kids, having their parents finally recognize their favourite online stars is an extra thrill! 

9. Exploring the History and Running Into Royalty 

Madame Tussauds knows how to make learning feel like a thrill, especially when history involves royal tiaras and famous faces. The Royal Family, statesmen, and historical icons are all here—ready to provide the most fun civics lesson you’ll ever have. Little ones can compare royal waves with the King, stand beside a sparkling Queen Consort, or have a pretend ‘meeting’ with world leaders. 

It's the perfect opportunity for imaginative role play. Ever wondered how your family would look on the Buckingham Palace balcony? Here’s your chance to recreate the scene! Parents and grandparents will love pointing out the significant figures of their own childhood, while kids take home stories (and selfies) they’ll be telling in the classroom for weeks. 

10. Creating Stories in the Spirit of London Ride 

Every visit to Madame Tussauds truly ends on a high note with the much-loved Spirit of London ride—a miniature taxi journey through the city’s most legendary moments. This isn’t just a slow spin around a track. Kids hop into a classic black cab and swoop through scenes showing London’s wildest history: from the swinging ’60s to the Great Fire, the Blitz, and Queen Victoria’s grand era. 

What we love most? Kids come off the ride brimming with questions and stories. It’s the ultimate way to tie together London’s history with all the fun of a wax museum. And, it’s a chance for everyone to rest their feet while still soaking in plenty of wow moments! 

 

Looking for more family-friendly London gems nearby? Add a spin on the London Eye, spot penguins at London Zoo, or board a Thames Sightseeing Cruise to keep your day in the city rolling. Madame Tussauds is the launchpad for a day packed with adventure, laughs, and a camera roll bursting with memories. Trust us—your kids will be talking about their brush with fame long after your London trip is over! 

Enjoyed this? Check out A Complete Guide to Visiting Madame Tussauds or Free Things to Do Near Madame Tussauds 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!   

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

a picture of the tower of london from outside the rampart
Blog

London’s Best Free Finds Just Steps From the Tower

Stepping outside the mighty walls of the Tower of London, it’s easy to feel the city’s pulse — ancient, energetic and pleasantly surprising. While the Tower is a star in its own right, the area all around it buzzes with no-cost experiences that pile on the charm. Want history with your fresh air? Fancy a riverside wander with postcard-worthy views? Or maybe you’re keen to soak up London’s character, quirks and culture — without spending a penny? You’re in the right place. We’ve gathered our favourite free things to do near the Tower of London to help you wander, snap photos, and enjoy your trip to the full, all while keeping your budget perfectly happy.  Our top free things to do near the Tower of London include:  St Katharine Docks  Thames Riverside Walk  The All Hallows by the Tower Church  Tower Bridge Glass Walkway Exhibition Windows  The Sculptures of the City of London  The Sky Garden (pre-booked free visit)  The Royal Mint Street Roman Wall  The Monument to the Great Fire of London (outside view)  Leadenhall Market  Wilton’s Music Hall (public foyer and exhibits)  St Katharine Docks  Just a few minutes’ stroll from the Tower, St Katharine Docks is London’s only marina, and easily one of the city’s most atmospheric pockets. We always recommend wandering through this sheltered spot, where luxury yachts bob below restored Victorian warehouses and the sounds of distant seagulls set the scene. With its quiet waters, winding footpaths, and perfectly preserved history, the docks are the perfect contrast to the bustling Tower next door.  You don’t need to spend a penny to enjoy the show here. Watch as narrowboats chug through the lock gates, spot Instagram-worthy sculptures tucked around every bend, or simply settle on a bench with a takeaway coffee to soak up the gentle buzz. When the sun’s out, the water glimmers and al fresco tables fill with locals — but there are always plenty of peaceful corners left to claim. If you time things right, you might even catch an impromptu marina event or a dockside pop-up market, all free to browse.  The architecture here charms at every angle: from gleaming high-rises peeking over Georgian archways to the original Dickensian riverside pub fronts. If you love a hidden gem and a lazy stroll, St Katharine Docks is the free riverside retreat you’re after.  All Hallows by the Tower Church  London loves a surprise, and All Hallows by the Tower delivers. This extraordinary church, steps from the Tower’s gates, is the city’s oldest — its foundations predate the Tower itself, going back to 675 AD. You can enter freely and explore a captivating blend of ancient stones, intricate woodwork, and layers of history stitched into every corner.  What’s special here? Descend into the crypt to see Roman floor tiles preserved from a domestic house, then gaze up at medieval arches and post-war memorials. The church’s graceful stained glass tells stories of London’s turbulent past, while a tiny museum (also free) features fascinating relics, such as Saxon artifacts and a detailed model of the original church. Sometimes you’ll hear gentle organ music drifting through the nave — a bonus soundtrack to your wanderings. It’s peaceful, dignified and deeply atmospheric — ideal for history buffs or anyone wanting to pause for reflection in the heart of London.  Tower Bridge Glass Walkway Exhibition Windows  Granted, the full Tower Bridge Exhibition does come with an entry fee, but here’s a freebie: The impressive glass walkways stretch across the bridge’s upper levels, and while you can’t enter them without a ticket, you can get a terrific peek through the exhibition’s oversized windows from the street level. These massive panes give you a glance into the world above — spot silhouettes walking suspended high over traffic, or watch engineers tending to the ancient gears. It’s a quirky, budget-friendly way to feel connected to this world-renowned landmark and maybe inspire a little bit of imagination about what goes on inside.  Pair this street-level view with a wander along the bridge’s majestic towers and river views — you’ll get a sense of how London past and present collide in the city’s busiest crossing. For bridge-lovers and photographers alike, there’s plenty to enjoy outside, free of charge.  The Sculptures of the City of London  Fancy an outdoor art walk? The City of London’s famous “Sculpture in the City” program brings eye-popping contemporary sculptures to the ancient financial district every year, and many are clustered within a 10-minute walk of the Tower. Even if your visit lands outside the official calendar, you’ll spot plenty of permanent public artworks dotted around office plazas, churchyards and side streets.  Keep your eyes peeled for everything from towering steel figures to playful street installations. The mix of art from household-name sculptors to rising local stars gives the City a fresh, creative buzz. We love veering off the main roads to see what unexpected pieces pop up — don’t miss the striking works tucked just behind Fenchurch Street or beside the old Leadenhall Market facades. Each sculpture sparks conversation, delight, or the urge to pose for a memorable London photo. Energy, surprise, and creativity for zero cost — what’s not to love?  The Sky Garden (pre-booked free visit)  Feeling sky-high? The Sky Garden atop the “Walkie Talkie” building (20 Fenchurch Street) soars above the City and delivers London’s wildest free panorama — IF you book online in advance for a free admission slot. Once you’re whisked up to the 35th floor, you step into a lush indoor garden wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows and drenched in natural light.  Wander among tropical plants and succulents, pause at leafy lookouts, and soak up sweeping city views that stretch from St Paul’s to the Tower itself. It’s brilliant for photographers, urban explorers, and daydreamers — you’ll want to linger as long as your time slot allows. Visit for the drama of sunrise or sunset if you can snag a late-afternoon spot; the changing light over London is pure magic. There’s no purchase necessary — although the bars and restaurants entice, you’re absolutely welcome just to wander and enjoy. Remember: book ahead, bring your photo ID, and prepare for your best-ever selfie backdrops.  The Monument to the Great Fire of London (outside view)  While climbing The Monument’s spiral staircase requires a ticket, the exterior view — especially as you approach from Fish Street Hill — is totally worth your time (and free). This soaring column marks the spot where the Great Fire of London was finally controlled in 1666, and it remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Even from the outside, The Monument inspires big feelings: pride, resilience, and just a touch of awe at how London has always rebuilt itself.  Snap a photo at its base, look up at the gilded flame sculpture on top (best admired on a sunny day), and take a moment to read the historic inscriptions carved into the stone. These recount the dramatic events of 1666 in wonderfully dramatic detail. Street artists and buskers often cluster nearby, adding to the local energy. The area itself is steeped in more stories than many museums, and you’re just steps away from the bustling heart of the City. Who says history lessons can’t come with fresh air and a biscuit from a nearby café?  Leadenhall Market  Walking into Leadenhall Market feels like you’ve discovered a film set — all Victorian arches, cobblestone walkways, and a ceiling that glows golden in even the grayest London weather. Good news: wandering is absolutely free, and you can soak up all the old-world ambiance without a shopping bag in sight.  Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall has played market to butchers, cheesemongers, florists, and, in recent years, a few wizards — Harry Potter fans will recognise its magnificent walkways as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Enjoy people-watching as office workers zip in and out, spot quirky commemorative plaques, and take in the vibrant colors of the decorative shopfronts. At lunch, the atmosphere buzzes as locals flock for a quick bite, but there’s always a quiet corner for visitors to sit and admire the architecture.  If you crave a little history with your architecture, look for panels and displays about the ancient Roman basilica that once stood nearby. Whether you’re here for the photos, the history, or to trace some movie magic, Leadenhall Market never disappoints.  Wilton’s Music Hall (public foyer and exhibits)  Hidden among the twisting lanes just east of the Tower, Wilton’s Music Hall is a living piece of London’s entertainment past. While tickets are needed for evening shows, anyone can pop into the foyer during the day, admire the Victorian décor, and browse free exhibitions on the venue’s fascinating history.  Original wooden floorboards, flickering gaslight chandeliers, and faded paintwork invite you to imagine the stars (and audiences) of yesteryear. Informative displays reveal Wilton’s colourful journey from music hall to Methodist mission to much-loved arts space, with vintage posters and antique props offering just the right touch of nostalgia.  On some days, the welcoming café opens its doors, letting you enjoy the ambiance while listening to a resident pianist rehearse or volunteers swapping local stories. It’s the perfect stop if you love theatre, quirky London legends, or simply want to rest your feet somewhere brimming with character — free, unexpected, and unforgettable.    Whether you’re a history buff, a river walker, or simply a fan of free fun, exploring near the Tower of London proves London’s best experiences don’t always come with a price tag. London’s vibrant past and creative present stretch out just beyond the Tower’s shadow — and all it takes is a little curiosity (and maybe a comfy pair of shoes) to uncover them all.    Enjoyed this? Check out London’s best walks, and discover the quirkier side of the city.  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! 
London telephone box
Blog

Six Days in London: Your Ultimate City Sightseeing Itinerary

Squeeze every drop of fun from six days in London.
London bus
Blog

Four Days in London: Your Ultimate City Adventure

Planning four days in London? Tick off the city’s greatest hits with our fun-packed itinerary.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.