When it comes to family trips, traveling with a teenager (or two… or three) can be a high-stakes balancing act. You want days packed with memories and wow moments they’ll still be talking about next year—not just a perfectly grumpy gallery of “meh” faces on your camera roll. The good news? London delivers the goods. Whether your crew’s craving daring heights, Insta-worthy eats, legendary football stadiums, or art that goes lightyears beyond the ordinary, this city has you covered. Prepare for a whirlwind of adventure, a dash of culture, and so many chances for those genuine “this is awesome!” moments—no family bribes required. Ready to plan a trip that’ll wow even the toughest teen critic? Here’s our list of the coolest things to do in London with teens.
Our top picks for things to do with teens in London:
Up at the O2
London Eye
Moco Museum
Wembley Stadium Tour
Crazy Golf at Swingers West End
Camden Market
City Cruises: Thames River Pass
Wicked The Musical
London Bicycle Tour by The London Bicycle Tour Company
Chocolate Cocktail Club
Up at the O2: Climb to New Heights
If your crew has a taste for thrill (or a knack for eye-popping selfies), you can’t beat Up at the O2. Here’s your chance to scale the roof of one of London’s most distinctive landmarks—safely harnessed in and with friendly guides, of course. You suit up in climbing gear, clip onto the walkway, and then it’s game on: an unforgettable ascent up the domed roof with the lights of London all around you.
The vibe? Pure adventure with a backdrop of city skyline, Olympic Park, winding Thames, and Canary Wharf’s modern towers. Whether you’re racing your teens to the summit or taking a chill pace, the 360-degree views at the top are absolutely worth the climb—especially at sunset, when the city glows below. Teens will love the sense of challenge (and the bragging rights that come with it). Even the most social media-shy can’t resist snapping skyline selfies up here. And if someone’s a little nervous, the crew is there to keep things encouraging and safe—no pressure, just loads of fun. It’s active, upbeat, and a million miles from your average tourist experience.
London Eye: The City Laid Out Beneath You
London Eye: The City Laid Out Beneath You
There’s a reason everyone from pop stars to visiting presidents hops onto the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel towers above the South Bank and serves up dreamy, ever-changing views of Big Ben, St Paul’s, the Shard and beyond. Teens typically appreciate experiences that break from the ordinary—and there’s nothing like seeing a city from above to spark fresh appreciation (and, let’s be honest, perfect phone backgrounds).
Each capsule is roomy, climate-controlled, and perfect for spotting London’s famous landmarks. The slow spin means there’s plenty of time to take everything in, grab a family photo, or—if you’re with a future Tiktok star—stage your own panoramic video. The experience is part adrenaline, part awe, but always memorable. As you gently reach the top, you feel like you’re floating on air. Oh, and the South Bank just below is packed with food stalls, skate parks, and street performers, so you can carry the energy into the rest of your day.
Moco Museum: Urban Art with an Edge
Let’s be real: not every art museum wins over a teenage crowd. The Moco Museum isn’t just an exception—it’s the gold standard for capturing cool. This powerhouse of contemporary and street art is housed in a grand townhouse in Mayfair, making the edgy art feel even more out of place (in a great way).
Here, you’ll spot original pieces by Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring—names that light up pop culture feeds as much as art history textbooks. Funky installations, neon signs, and immersive rooms mean there’s something surprising around every corner. Teens can get up close with art that feels dynamic, subversive, and interactive—not the usual ‘do-not-touch’ gallery vibe.
What makes it especially awesome? The museum celebrates creativity and social commentary, so there are always new conversations to have as you wander. Whether your teen is into urban culture, design, or just likes snapping quirky photos, Moco Museum hits the mark. After you’ve checked out the art, Hyde Park isn’t far away for a stroll or impromptu skate session.
Wembley Stadium Tour: Football Royalty
If your teenagers are obsessed with football, Wembley Stadium isn’t just a venue—it’s Holy Ground. This is where legends play, from England’s national team to top musicians (Beyoncé, BTS, Ed Sheeran, and more). The behind-the-scenes tour is packed with surprises. Start by walking out the Players Tunnel, just like you’ve seen on TV, imagining the roar of the crowd.
You’ll peer into the players’ locker rooms, visit the Royal Box (selfies with a replica FA Cup, anyone?), sit in commentary booths, and get a peek at match-day routines. What makes the tour fun for non-sports fans? The stories and trivia: crazy headlines, childhood dreams come true, records shattered, and celebrations that rocked the nation. Even if you’re only mildly footy-mad, the energy of the stadium gets to you.
Guides are nothing if not passionate, and there are plenty of interactive displays and photo ops along the way. For a bonus, grab lunch or snacks at Boxpark Wembley—super close by and loaded with global street food vendors.
Crazy Golf at Swingers West End: Next-Level Mini Golf
Ready for a little friendly competition? Crazy Golf at Swingers West End takes mini golf to new places—think neon-lit courses, quirky obstacles, and a party atmosphere. It’s mini golf, but with wild London themes, fun music, super creative cocktails for the adults, and gourmet street food from pop-up stalls.
What do teens love most? The playful but competitive mood. You can challenge your teenager to wild trick shots, ricochet through London-inspired challenges (phone box obstacles, anyone?), and land some ridiculous hole-in-ones. It’s energetic, silly, and low-pressure—everyone’s cheering each other on… and maybe trash-talking just a bit for laughs. Order pizza or tacos in between rounds and it feels like an urban festival—especially at night when the lights are glowing, the playlist hits just right, and London’s creative crowd drops in. Reserve ahead for weekends, because it’s always buzzing with energy and laughter.
Camden Market: Shop, Eat, and Soak Up Edgy London
If you want to show teens the side of London that feels truly ‘them’, Camden Market is the ultimate destination. Part outdoor market, part street food heaven, part alt-culture playground, Camden is bursting with creative energy. Here you’ll find an endless mix of pop-up stalls selling vintage hoodies, comic books, retro jewelry, and hand-painted sneakers. The crowd is as colorful as the murals—punks, goths, students, tourists, and everyone in-between.
The food choices are legendary. Asian fusion, Venezuelan arepas, curly fries, vegan burgers, build-your-own bubble tea—you name it, Camden’s got a vendor making it fresh. Grab lunch, wander the canal, check out the record shops, and dive into curious little boutiques crammed with pop culture finds.
Don’t miss Cyberdog, glowing with its rave wear and robots, and if you want a music fix, the old stables now house gig venues pumping out live tunes most evenings. For families with teens, Camden is freedom—safe to roam, fun to discover, barely a tourist trap in sight, and always a conversation starter. If you want another nearby adventure, the London Zoo in Regent’s Park is a 15-minute stroll (and just as lively).
City Cruises: Thames River Pass – All Aboard for Sightseeing (with Zero Boredom)
City Cruises: Thames River Pass – All Aboard for Sightseeing (with Zero Boredom)
Walking can be a tough sell after a full morning in London. Enter the Thames River cruise—no tired feet, just fresh air and a whirlwind tour of history and city highlights. These river boats zip you from Westminster to Greenwich with glittering views of major landmarks (the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe, the London Eye, and so much more) along the way.
There’s indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of opportunities for photos, and a lively commentary that covers everything from royal gossip to the Olympics. You can hop on and off to explore or just enjoy a round-trip ride. Teens love the sense of space, the onboard snacks and the chance to see the city from a different angle—not to mention the stories (pirates! hidden tunnels! secret spies!) that bring everything alive.
It’s a great way to break up the day and let everyone recharge before the next round of London adventure. If you hop off in Greenwich, check out the Royal Observatory or Cutty Sark—both teen-friendly and loaded with hands-on activities.
Wicked The Musical: An Age-Appropriate Night Out
Thinking “theater” may sound like a stretch for teens? Wait until they see Wicked. This West End hit is one of the world’s best-loved musicals because it’s anything but predictable: there are flying witches, high-flying solos, magical sets, and themes that strike a chord with everyone (friendship, loyalty, being true to yourself).
The Apollo Victoria Theatre is big and buzzy, so the atmosphere is electric, even before the curtain rises. Once the show starts, it’s nonstop spectacle—the set changes are jaw-dropping, the songs are memorable, and the story reimagines the Wizard of Oz from the witches’ perspective. Even teens who aren’t “musical” fans walk out raving about the drama, humor, and clever plot twists (and humming “Defying Gravity” for weeks).
If you want to make the evening even more special, pair it with pre-show eats nearby—Tozi offers tasty Italian small plates and a cool vibe, or treat your group to shakes and burgers at Five Guys down the road.
London Bicycle Tour by The London Bicycle Tour Company: Pedal Through the Past and Present
Who says sightseeing has to be done on foot? A guided London bike tour puts the wind in your hair and brings you right into the middle of the city’s action. Start at Lambeth, gear up, and join a small group led by a lively, local guide who knows every backstreet, shortcut, and scenic stop along the way.
On two wheels, you’ll cover more ground and actually feel connected to the neighborhoods around you. Routes often weave through music-filled South Bank, the leafy lanes of Westminster, and hidden pockets of East End graffiti where you’ll discover some of London’s coolest street art. Your guide points out filming locations, shares wild stories about kings and criminals, and makes sure the whole crew sticks together—perfect for teens who thrive on new discoveries and urban adventure.
The pace is friendly; there are lots of stops for snacks, photos, and local insights. By tour’s end, you’ll feel like you’ve seen “real” London (and burned off enough calories to justify another round of dessert later).
Chocolate Cocktail Club: Sweets Meet Sips in a Grown-Up Setting
This is not your childhood chocolate shop. The Chocolate Cocktail Club (just off Farringdon) is a dreamy spot where desserts are reimagined as cool drinks—picture milk chocolate martinis, creamy mocktails, and creative concoctions that adults and over-16s can sample. It’s a fun, offbeat pick for older teens looking for something a little more sophisticated, especially if your group appreciates an Instagrammable moment.
The setting is relaxed and quirky, with velvet sofas, neon signs, and chocolate in every possible form, from truffles to cakes. We love the playful “liquid desserts” menu and mischievous seasonal specials, from salted caramel cocktails to tiramisu-inspired mocktails. Pair it with gooey brownies or a slice of rich chocolate tart (yes, sharing is required).
It’s a sweet, social hour in a unique spot—perfect for post-museum morale boosts or as a reward after a day conquered together in the city.
Whether your teens are sports fans, adventure seekers, aspiring artists, night owls, music buffs, or top-tier snackers, London’s got attractions and activities guaranteed to turn your trip into travel legend. The city blends old-school cool with a modern, youthful edge—just the thing to impress even the hardest-to-please teenagers and keep the whole family entertained.
Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Sea Life, and browse our London Eye deep dive.
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