London With Kids: Amazing Fun For The Whole Family

Published: May 13, 2026
kids waiting for a train in london

London knows how to deliver the wow-factor for every kind of traveler—especially those with youngsters in tow. Whether you’ve got a dinosaur devotee, an aspiring wizard, or a future football star in the family, this city rolls out the red carpet for kids of all ages. Expect everything from history that jumps off the page to spellbinding theater, wild animal encounters, and hands-on science—you’ll never run out of things to do. Ready to fill your itinerary with family moments everyone will remember? Let’s jump into our shortlist of the top attractions and experiences for kids in London. 

Our favourite things to do with kids in London include: 

London Zoo 

Tower of London 

The London Eye 

London Transport Museum 

Science Museum 

Tower Bridge 

Natural History Museum 

The Paddington Bear Experience 

City Cruises – Thames River Pass 

LEGOLAND® Windsor 

London Zoo: Wild Encounters In Regent’s Park

London Zoo is the kind of place where childhood magic takes over. Tucked away in lush Regent’s Park, the zoo isn’t just about ticking off animals on a list. It’s a journey across continents—without leaving the city. Kids love bouncing from the Rainforest Life exhibit (hello, sloths and monkeys overhead!) to the Land of the Lions, where you step through the gates of a recreated Indian village. 

Get up close with penguins at Penguin Beach (daily feeding time is a must), stop by Butterfly Paradise to watch delicate wings flutter inches away, and don’t miss the Tiger Territory. There’s so much to see, and the zookeepers’ talks bring every encounter to life. 

The atmosphere blends fun with education. Kids can get hands-on in the zoo’s animal adventure play areas, or if you’re feeling brave, try the Meet the Monkeys walk-through. Pack a picnic or grab burgers and wraps at The Terrace—there’s loads of green space for tired parents and snack-happy kids alike. A visit here delivers the kind of wide-eyed “wow!” moments that only happen when you’re nose-to-nose with wildlife. 

Tower of London: Time Travel For Brave Adventurers 

Bring your stories of knights, dungeons and dragons to life with a trip to the Tower of London. Youngsters (and, let’s be honest, plenty of grown-ups) will be gripped by the tales of beheadings, buried treasure, and centuries-old secrets at one of Britain’s most fascinating fortresses. 

We love how the Tower’s Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, transform history into hilarious theatre—kids especially adore their gory stories. Climb ancient stairs, hunt for hidden ravens, and meet the legendary Crown Jewels in a dazzling display that beats any fairy tale. 

The Tower’s battlements offer breath-catching city views, and themed trails make every visit an active adventure. There are regular family events, from knight training to immersive exhibitions, so check what’s on before you go. By the time you step back outside, kids feel as though they’ve mastered a castle and uncovered mysteries—and you get to enjoy seeing history stick for real. 

The London Eye: Sky-High Sights (With Zero Legwork) 

What’s more exciting for kids than being lifted high above a world-famous city in a giant glass pod? The London Eye is a family favorite for good reason: you’ll spot landmarks all around, point out boats on the Thames below, and—as parents—enjoy a moment’s sit-down while London spins by. 

The ride lasts around 30 minutes, which keeps things short and sweet for attention spans. The pods are secure and spacious, and you can walk around for different views or just sit back and marvel. Kids love pressing the touchscreen guides to learn fun facts (and sometimes make rude faces at Big Ben—don’t blame us!). 

It’s an unbeatable way to introduce little ones to London from above, and you’ll get family photos that really stand out. Try to book in advance and pick a time slot that works around naptimes and meal breaks. When you’re done, you’ll step back onto solid ground ready for the next adventure. 

London Transport Museum: Playful Journeys Into The Past 

If you’re raising a miniature bus driver or train-spotter, make tracks for the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. This place is heaven for kids who love wheels, maps and machines. With real vintage buses, early red trams and classic tube train carriages, the museum makes London’s travel history hands-on. 

Climb behind the wheel of a double-decker, design your own ‘future of transport’ poster, or dash through the extensive play zone, Little Explorers, designed just for under 7s. Interactive displays let everyone ring old conductors’ bells, dress up in uniforms, and trace the expansion of the Underground across a light-up map. 

The museum’s set in a sunshine-filled Victorian building, and the buzzy atmosphere (with lots of chuffed toddlers and grinning parents) means you don’t have to whisper or worry about keeping noise down. Finish with a souvenir shop browse—might we suggest a model Routemaster bus or a ‘Mind the Gap’ lunchbox? 

Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, Dodos And Discovery 

The Natural History Museum is a right-of-passage for families in London. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe as you walk into Hintze Hall and come face-to-snout with the giant blue whale skeleton dramatically suspended above. Of course, dinosaurs are the star attraction: the animatronic T-Rex never fails to delight (or terrify—don’t forget to roar back!). 

Young explorers can also discover mammoths, fossils, a glow-in-the-dark earthquake simulator, and endless hands-on science displays. The Darwin Centre, home to 80 million specimens, has touchable displays and quirky facts that are as much fun for parents as kids. 

It’s easy to spend several hours here, and plenty of benches line the airy galleries for regular snack stops. Entrance to the main galleries is free (though special exhibitions may charge a fee), making it a great, budget-friendly addition to any London itinerary. 

Tower Bridge: Walk The Sky With A View

Bridges don’t usually top kids’ wish lists—until they visit Tower Bridge. This feat of Victorian engineering is equal parts spectacular and interactive. Step inside, and you’ll watch the bridge’s mighty engines up close, learn the story of how it lifts for passing ships, and even walk high above the Thames on a glass-floored walkway. 

That’s right: kids can literally gaze straight down at the river and the traffic below—it’s a challenge even for the bravest of grownups! Displays explain how the bridge works, and you’ll see historical photos, original control rooms, and videos of boats gliding under the mesmerizing blue turrets. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll time your visit when the bridge is set to open for a passing tall ship or a gleaming Thames Clipper. The energy is infectious as visitors (of all ages) jostle for a prime viewing spot. Finish with a game: How many London landmarks can you spot from the bridge’s walkways? 

Science Museum: Brilliant For Budding Inventors 

The Science Museum is an endlessly entertaining playground for curious kids (and anyone who ever wanted to press all the buttons). With seven floors of fascinating displays—think: rockets, satellites, steam engines, computers and robots—there’s more than enough to keep every age group completely absorbed. 

The hands-on Wonderlab gallery lets kids launch rockets, build bridges, and create chain reactions, and there are live demos throughout the day (think: noisy chemistry tricks and dazzling light shows). The Pattern Pod is made for under-8s, and the basement-level interactive garden is ideal for the smallest visitors to splash, build, and explore. 

Older children will love the flight simulators and 3D IMAX movies, where you can “travel” to the International Space Station. With a well-stocked café, plenty of seating, and free entry (special exhibitions may require a ticket), it’s a no-brainer for a rainy day or a long afternoon. 

The Paddington Bear Experience: Whimsical London Adventures 

Every child’s favorite marmalade-loving bear has a home in London, and the Paddington Bear Experience brings his story to life in the heart of the city. You’ll step into Paddington’s world, from the bustling platforms of Paddington Station—complete with the famous bronze bear statue—to a magical interactive adventure inspired by Michael Bond’s beloved tales. 

The experience recreates key locations from the classic stories: the Brown’s Windsor Gardens home, Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and even the friendly chaos of the kitchen after Paddington’s latest mishap. Kids are handed their own suitcase and “passport” for plenty of fun tasks, games and lots of Paddington-themed giggles. You’ll meet actors playing characters from the books, join in storytelling sessions, and sometimes even bump into the bear himself. 

This is London whimsy at its finest: gentle, playful, and impossible to resist. Parents will enjoy all the charming British in-jokes, while kids will love the chance to step straight into their favorite storybook. 

City Cruises – Thames River Pass: Boats, Bridges & Big Sights 

Turn a journey into an adventure with a family ticket on a Thames River cruise. Departing from Embankment or Westminster Piers (both easy to get to), these boats glide past some of London’s most jaw-dropping views, delivering a fresh perspective on the city’s landmarks—from the London Eye to the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and the mighty HMS Belfast. 

Commentaries are packed with fun facts and wild stories (did you know Tower Bridge sometimes gets stuck?), and kids love waving to speedboats and ducks along the way. The seats on deck let you spot everything with a breeze in your hair, and in colder months, inside cabins keep everyone warm and toasty. Snacks and drinks are available on board, making it a stress-free way to rest tired feet while still soaking up the city. 

Boat trips always have that sense of “holiday magic” for kids—soak it up and see which bridges become family favorites. 

LEGOLAND® Windsor: Where Imagination Runs Wild 

Feel like you’ve covered London’s essentials? Hop on a quick train or drive out to LEGOLAND® Windsor, just outside the city, for a day packed full of excitement. This is kid paradise: all the rides, interactive zones, and zany LEGO® sculptures your family could ever dream up. 

From Duplo Valley for tiny tots to pirate-themed water rides and Ninja training schools for the bigger kids, the park is brimming with hands-on experiences. Build and race your own LEGO® car, shrink yourself for the laser-shooting quest through Pharaoh’s Kingdom, and turn a corner to spot world landmarks recreated in bricks (see if you can find mini Buckingham Palace!). 

There are rollercoasters, splash rides, and gentle merry-go-rounds for younger visitors. The 4D cinema offers a break from the action, while parents can recharge at themed cafes (The Knights’ Table does a mean fried chicken and curly fries). If you’ve got a LEGO® fan in the family, this is their happy place—bring spare energy and get ready for stories about their adventures all the way home. 

Wrapping Up: Your Family’s London Adventure 

London is light years away from stuffy history or ‘hands off’ attractions. Whether you’re meeting penguins, storming castles, riding double-deckers, or solving mysteries with marmalade-loving bears, every day brings something new. With a bit of planning and our go-to highlights, your trip will be a whirl of smiles, selfies and stories for years to come. Keep an open mind—and plenty of snacks on hand—and London will roll out endless discoveries for your whole crew. 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to London’s quirkier side, and make your Pride a memorable one.  

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Save on London February attraction admission One of the cheapest times of year to visit, London in February still has a calendar of events that would have most cities blushing in embarrassment. Come prepared for the chilly weather and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them all. Like a singleton on Valentine’s Day (and we’ve all been in that boat) Go City helps you do what you want when you want to do it, whilst making savings on both tours and attractions around the city.
Ian Packham
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Neighborhoods large and small mark the event with organized fireworks displays and the lighting of bonfires. Some of the biggest and most spectacular take place at Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace. Topping many bonfires will be a representation of Guy Fawkes himself, whose band of Catholic rebels attempted to blow up Protestant King James I in the Houses of Parliament in 1605. If you’re wondering where the Tower of London fits in to all this – the plot was discovered, and Fawkes arrested. Imprisoned in the tower, he was tortured on the rack before being hung, drawn and quartered. His head ended up on a spike on London Bridge. Take in a show London’s West End is probably only second to New York’s Broadway when it comes to its shows. Whilst you’ll find theaters dotted right throughout the capital, Shaftesbury Avenue continues to be the place to head. It stretches from Piccadilly Circus and the Statue of Eros to New Oxford Street and the Georgian townhouses that lead towards the British Museum. Shaftesbury Avenue, together with the cobblestone streets around Covent Garden, are home to all sorts of characters – on and off the stage – who seem to come to life beneath the twinkling Christmas lights of late November. New shows are opening all the time, although some have serious staying power. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is one, holding the record for the longest theater run in the world. It’s first night was back in 1952. For festive fun and a huge dose of British custom look no further than the annual pantomimes (or pantos) at theaters like the Palladium. A mix of fairy tales and folk legends – from Cinderella to Peter Pan – they see British audiences at their most boisterous and gleeful. Explore Westminster Abbey In a city of historic structures, few beside the Tower of London can compete with the heritage of Westminster Abbey. Hidden from the riverside by the Houses of Parliament, this royal church has witnessed the coronation of every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066, and was the setting for the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. Site of the grave of the Unknown Warrior and center of the capital’s November memorial services, the cathedral contains over 3000 burials, with kings accompanying prime ministers and notables such as physicist Stephen Hawking. The abbey’s soaring gothic edifice is home to many treasures including the Coronation Throne, a simple chair of English oak, dating to 1296. But when it comes to hidden gems, this title has to go to the Jewel Tower, built as a treasure house for King Edward III in around 1365. Few Londoners have even heard of it, although it’s one of only two buildings to have survived the fire which engulfed the original Houses of Parliament in the early 1800s. Tour the capital’s markets When the weather holds, the capital’s markets are attractive propositions for any list of things to do in London in November. Often situated in some of the capital’s most interesting neighborhoods, a smooch around their stalls acts as the perfect gateway to experiencing life in Britain’s biggest city. They’re also sure to never be far from a historic pub with a cozy fireplace serving the nation’s famously warm beers. Borough Market, for instance, has been reborn from a sorry spot between London Bridge and the Globe theater to a destination well worth seeking out for its own merits. On its edges you’ll find several noteworthy pubs, including The George Inn, which dates back to the 17th century. Delve a little further, and you’ll encounter flavorful foods from every corner of the globe, as well as traditional British favorites from fish and chips to pie and mash. 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Ian Packham

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