Table of Contents
If you're planning a trip to London with children and don't know where to start, here you'll find the 22 best family activities, an optimized 3-day itinerary, money-saving tips, the best free museums, and an interactive map with all the must-see places.
Basic summary:
| London with kids | Quick information |
|---|---|
| Recommended days | 3-5 days |
| Best age | 4-14 years |
| Transport | Metro |
| Average budget | 80-100 €/ person per day |
| Best time | spring and summer |
| Essential | Harry Potter Studios |
London is one of those cities that are incredibly surprising when you travel with children.
Before you go, you always imagine a huge, expensive, and somewhat chaotic city. And yes, London has a bit of all that. But it also has endless parks, spectacular free museums, activities for all ages, and a public transport system that makes getting around as a family quite easy.
We returned after more than 12 years away from London, and we loved the family experience. Arnau was a baby the last time we were here, and Anna was absolutely certain she wanted to come back, especially for the Harry Potter Studios.
And honestly: now we fully understand why London is so appealing to families.
In this guide we tell you what to see in London with children, the best plans, practical tips and a real route based on our experience.
And if you're looking for a day-by-day organized itinerary, here's ours. Complete London itinerary in 3 days with children.
London map with children
Here's an interactive map of London with all the interesting places to visit as a family, and the best restaurants and cafes for breakfast and lunch with children . Save it because it will be very useful during your trip.
Also in this Drive document, I've included our summarized daily itinerary with the location of each point of interest , so you can just click and Google Maps will take you to the next point 😉 It's what I take on trips to make planning the route easier, and it works great for us.
Is it worth traveling to London as a family?
Very much.
In fact, we probably found the city even better now, traveling as a family, than when we came years ago.
Why? Because London combines very well:
- crop
- parks
- interactive museums
- pedestrian zones
- fun plans
- Harry Potter, of course
And it also has something important: it is a city where children are very integrated into daily life.

Tips for traveling to London with children
1. Choose a centrally located hotel
London is a vast area, and choosing the right location for your accommodation is key. Ten million people live there, and 90% of them reside in two- or three-story houses, so you can imagine how large the city is. Just getting out of London by car takes more than an hour and a half from most central locations.
Sleeping in a central area will allow you to optimize your travel time and make the most of each day, especially on a short getaway like our 3-day trip.
I'm going to tell you about our own reality and experience regarding this hotel issue in London so that you can use it as an example.
After booking our flights with Vueling for €250 for the four of us, I needed to reserve a hotel for four nights. I knew it was essential that it be centrally located, so I started searching. Everything I found using the "central" filter and rated "8 or higher" was exorbitantly priced, with the cheapest going for €1500 and up. The cheapest options, around €800-€900, were private bookings—no comment needed. Since we'd had a bad experience booking with a private host in Rome—it turned out to be a scam and the apartment didn't even exist—I decided to rule out private bookings.
So I lowered my expectations, looking at hotels of any star rating, and kept lowering the reviews, haha. The cheapest central option was this 2-star hotel, Anwar House , a real dive, but in one of London's best and most central neighborhoods. It cost us €530 for 4 nights for the four of us, when we couldn't find anything for that weekend under €1500 :(. Honestly, it's a dump with minimal or no cleanliness, but the sheets were clean, and with an eye mask and earplugs, it was fine for sleeping, period. We didn't use it for anything else.
If you're not squeamish and can adapt like we did, it can be a great way to save a lot of money, but if you can honestly spend a little more, look for another hotel, just so you know, haha. We just bought a car back home and couldn't afford it, but if you can, avoid this unsanitary dump, haha.

2 Children under 11 travel free on the subway
One of the best tricks for saving money in London.
Children under 11 years old can travel free when accompanied by an adult.
See our guide on how to get around London by tube and public transport for more information.
3. Bring a reusable bottle
There are public fountains all over the city and the tap water is very good.
In restaurants you can order "tap water" and avoid spending a fortune on drinks.
Oh, and now at Gatwick airport you can carry liquids up to two liters without any problem! They have new machines that detect dangerous substances in liquids, and there's no longer a 100ml restriction like before 🙂
4. Book the important things in advance and take care of the necessary paperwork before you leave: passport, visa, insurance, hotels, free tours…
Especially the hotel, so it's not ridiculously expensive and just remains moderately priced. London is incredibly expensive in everything, but especially in accommodation, so every euro saved is important, and booking in advance is key.
It's also important to book Harry Potter Studios, museums (even if they're free they fill up) and free tours in advance, as places sell out quickly.
I've put together a list with links to everything I booked or bought before going, and I recommend you do it as soon as possible since almost everything fills up quickly, or the later you book, the more expensive it gets:
- Passport. valid for everyone. Request an appointment via the link.
- Electronic visa For EU citizens traveling to London. The link I'm giving you is to the official app; be wary of all other websites or apps, as they are intermediaries that will charge you more.
- Travel insurance With the 5% discount at this link, it's essential for any unforeseen medical or travel emergencies in London, although the European Health Insurance Card covers the bare minimum there for an emergency.
- Airport transfer to London
- Free walking tour of London
- Free tour of the British Museum (which already includes the entrance fee, which, although free, you would otherwise have to get it from the website)
- Tickets to Harry Potter Studios + train ticketsFrom London (the shuttle bus is free from the train station and no reservation is necessary)
- Free admission to the Museum of Natural History
- Entrance to Tower of Bridge
- Tickets to London Eye and other free tours of London what do you want to do

What to see in London with children
Below are what we consider to be the 20 essential things to do with children in London.
However, if you're looking for more original plans, we also loved Bubble Planet and going up the ArcelorMittal Orbit with its enormous slide, among others that you can see in this guide to original plans in London that will please and surprise the whole family.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Probably the best plan if you're traveling with children. Or adult Harry Potter fans, who won't be judged here.
The visit includes:
- original sets
- wardrobe
- special effects
- mythical settings
And yes, it's absolutely worth it. I was hesitant at first, but I loved it, and I'm not even a fan of the series.

Important tip
Book well in advance because tickets sell out fast. You'll probably have a million questions about how to buy tickets and how to get there, since it's on the outskirts of London. I'll make it easy for you: after much research and price comparison, the best deal in my opinion is these Harry Potter Studios tickets + train tickets . Buying them separately saves you a few euros per person. However, in my experience, it's a real headache, because the trains there are different companies than here, and booking online is a hassle (or even worse there, because many stations no longer have ticket offices, or you might find yourself without a seat if you don't book in advance). So, based on my experience, this is the option we recommend. Oh, and another thing: if you compare prices here, a guide is included who explains everything at the meeting point and is great for answering any questions! There's also the bus option, but it takes considerably longer to get there.
Here we tell you all about the experience and all the options you have for buying tickets and how to get there: complete guide to Harry Potter in London.

Tower Bridge: Cross London on glass walkways while completing a children's passport
Tower Bridge isn't just one of London's most famous landmarks. It's also a much more fun visit than it looks, especially if you're traveling with children.
It looks very impressive from the outside, but the best part is upstairs.
The tour allows you to walk along the elevated walkways that connect the two towers of the bridge, offering spectacular views of the Thames and the city. And yes, part of the floor is made entirely of glass.
That moment when you look down and see the cars passing beneath your feet has a much greater impact than you'd expect. Especially when someone in the family tries to be brave… until it's their turn to cross.
In addition to the glass walkways, during your visit you can:
- climb the bridge towers
- to understand how the original mechanism worked
- see the old engine room
- Enjoy beautiful views of London
Important tip: book your tickets in advance as there is usually a long queue, especially in peak season.
And although London is full of modern viewpoints, Tower Bridge has something special: here you not only see London, you also become part of one of its most recognizable icons.

Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, Animals and More
One of the best museums to visit as a family is undoubtedly the Natural History Museum.
The dinosaurs are the absolute star, but the building is worth the visit on its own.
Plus, admission is free, but remember to book online before you go, the queue without a ticket is huge!

Buckingham Palace and the trick to watching the changing of the guard without the crowds
Watching the Changing of the Guard is one of London's great classics. The problem is, thousands of other tourists know it too.
Most people gather in front of Buckingham Palace from quite early on, and often children end up seeing little more than backs and raised mobile phones.
Therefore, our advice is to do something much better: watch the parade from St James's Palace.
There are usually far fewer people here, and you can see the guards much closer and with less stress, which is greatly appreciated when traveling with children.
Important times for the changing of the guard
- 10:30 a.m.: Preparation of the guard at St. James's Palace
- 10:43 a.m.: The guard departs from St. James's for Buckingham Palace
- 11:00 a.m.: The changing of the guard officially begins at Buckingham Palace
Our trick: position yourself in the Marlborough Road area or near St James's Palace around 10:30-10:40 am to watch the guards pass by calmly and much closer.
And frankly, for children it's usually much more fun to watch them parade practically right next to them than to try and survive in the crowd in front of Buckingham Palace gates.

LEGO Store Leicester Square: London's most spectacular Lego store
Even if you're not a huge Lego fan, this store is incredibly impressive.
The LEGO Store in Leicester Square isn't just a shop: it's practically a London attraction in itself. And if you're traveling with children, you'll probably have to seriously negotiate your exit.
Inside you will find:
- giant constructions made entirely of Lego bricks
- interactive zones
- London characters recreated in Lego
- booths for customizing minifigures
- exclusive sets
The most striking feature is usually the enormous reproduction of iconic London landmarks, built piece by piece. There are details everywhere, and it's worth exploring at a leisurely pace.
Furthermore, it's located right in Leicester Square, so it's very easy to include it in a city center route along with:
- Chinatown
- the M&M store
- Piccadilly Circus
- West End theatres
Honest advice: even if you go in saying "we're just looking," prepare your mental speech for when someone wants to leave with half the store under their arm.
Science Museum for Curious Children
Perfect for curious children.
Very interactive and entertaining, with areas dedicated to space, technology, and experiments. Like the Natural World, it's free, but book your ticket in advance to avoid queues.

Hyde Park: horses, birds, lake, flowers
Traveling with children also means slowing down a bit.
And Hyde Park is perfect for that.
Here you can:
- take a walk
- rest
- have a picnic
- Let the children run around for a while

Golden Hinde: the pirate galleon hidden beside the Thames
While strolling around the Borough Market and Tower Bridge area, there's a rather curious corner that many people overlook: the Golden Hinde.
It's a life-size replica of the famous ship of Sir Francis Drake, the English navigator who circumnavigated the globe in the 16th century. Seeing it docked there in the heart of London is quite striking.
The visit allows you to go inside the ship and discover what life was like on board more than 400 years ago:
- tiny cabins
- cannons
- wooden decks
- really tight spaces
And honestly, after watching it you quickly understand that traveling in those days couldn't have been very comfortable.
Even if you don't go inside, it's worth taking a look at it from the outside while you're strolling along the Thames because it gives the area a rather different and curious feel.
Furthermore, it is very close to:
- Borough Market
- Tower Bridge
- Tate Modern
So it fits perfectly into any walking route through central London.

Camden Market and its alternative life
One of the most fun and different areas of London.
What to see:
- street markets
- food stalls
- unusual shops
- alternative environment
Children are usually very interested in it.

Leicester Square: the funniest statues in central London
Leicester Square is one of London's liveliest and most touristic squares, full of cinemas, theaters, shops and a great atmosphere at any time of day.
But it also has a very curious detail that children usually love: the statues of famous people scattered throughout the square.
As you stroll along, you might find figures of:
- Harry Potter
- Mr. Bean
- Paddington
- Batman
- Mary Poppins
- classic movie characters
And yes, you'll probably end up taking more photos than you planned.
The Harry Potter statue is one of the most sought-after and depicts the character flying on his broomstick during a Quidditch match. It's practically impossible to walk past it without stopping, even for just a moment.
So Leicester Square works really well as a fun stop at the end of the day, when it's time to slow down a bit and simply enjoy the atmosphere of central London.

London Eye: the giant Ferris wheel with the best views of London
The London Eye is one of those attractions that you've probably seen a thousand times in photos… but it's much more impressive when you're underneath it.
The famous giant Ferris wheel located next to the Thames has already become one of London's great icons and, although it is very touristy, the experience is well worth it if you fancy seeing the city from above.
Each cabin is enormous and the ride is slow and very peaceful, so even those who aren't very fond of heights usually enjoy it.
During the tour you will see:
- Big Ben
- the Palace of Westminster
- the Thames
- Tower Bridge in the distance
- much of the London skyline
And the clearer the day, the more spectacular it is.
Important tip: Buy your tickets in advance because queues can be quite long, especially mid-morning and at sunset.
Our recommendation? Go up at the end of the day or around sunset. London from above, with the lights starting to come on, has something quite special about the views all around.

St James's Park: London's squirrel park
If you're traveling to London with children, this park is a highly recommended stop.
It's right next to Buckingham Palace and, although it's one of the city's most central and touristy parks, it maintains a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere.
But if there's one thing that usually fascinates children here, it's squirrels.
In St James's Park, they are completely used to people and it's very easy to see them scampering among the trees, paths, and gardens. In fact, they often come very close, especially if they see someone carrying food (although it's best not to give them anything).
Besides squirrels, the park has:
- lakes with ducks and pelicans
- bridges with very beautiful views
- perfect green areas to relax for a while
And all this with some of the best views of Buckingham Palace in the background.
It's one of those places that seems like a simple stop between monuments... until you end up staying much longer than planned.

British Museum mummies, samurai and more surprises
A classic that is always worthwhile, and this time we wanted to visit it with a free tour in Spanish so as not to miss the important parts of the museum, but also to make it more educational for our children.
The free tour of the British Museum, in particular , needs to be booked well in advance because places fill up very quickly. We highly recommend it; it was truly one of the best things we did during our visit to London. Plus, you save yourself the trouble of booking museum tickets, which, although free, you still have to book online, otherwise the queues are enormous or you might not be allowed in at all.
Tips for the visit
- Dedicate at least 2 to 2,5 hours
- Select what you want to see, and if you don't know what to see, book the free tour I mentioned.
- Don't try to cover everything; just dedicate 1 minute to each piece—you'd need years!
Little Venice and London's most unusual floating puppet theater
If you want to discover a different and much quieter corner of London, Little Venice is a highly recommended stop, especially when traveling with children.
This small area of canals and boats seems like another world compared to central London:
- canals full of floating houses
- waterside cafes
- peaceful walks
- Relaxed atmosphere
And it also hides one of the most curious plans in the city.
Here you'll find the Puppet Theatre Barge, a small puppet theatre installed inside a floating barge.
Yes, a children's theater inside a boat in the middle of London's canals. Quite difficult to imagine before seeing it.
The atmosphere is incredibly charming and seems straight out of a fairy tale:
- classic puppets
- family functions
- a small floating room
- ships around
Even if you don't go in to see the show, it's well worth taking a stroll through Little Venice and discovering this much less touristy and more relaxed side of London.

Tower of London: The Legend of Anne Boleyn's Ghost
Tower Bridge is not only one of the city's most famous landmarks. It's also one of the places with the most dark histories, executions, and legends in all of London.
And among all of them, the most well known is probably that of the ghost of Anne Boleyn.
Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, was imprisoned and executed here in 1536 on charges of treason. Since then, legend says her ghost still appears at the Tower of London… sometimes even carrying her own head under her arm.
Yes, London knows perfectly well how to add drama to its history.
Although we only visited it from the outside during the walk towards Tower Bridge, it is well worth going at least to see it from the outside and soak up a bit of the historical atmosphere of the area.
Especially at sunset, when the walls, the Thames and Tower Bridge create one of the most spectacular and cinematic corners of London.

Anchor Bankside: eating in a typical and historic London pub
There are some experiences that are practically obligatory in London. And one of them is going for a meal in a traditional English pub.
Yes, London has modern restaurants, trendy markets, and food from all over the world… but sitting in a historic pub after walking for hours around the city has something special about it.
We stopped at Anchor Bankside, one of the oldest and most charming pubs in the Thames area. It's very close to Borough Market and Shakespeare's Globe, so it fits perfectly into a walking tour of the city center.
The atmosphere is exactly what you imagine when you think of a London pub:
- dark wood
- small tables
- ale
- historical corners
- great atmosphere
In addition, it has a terrace by the river, making it a perfect place to relax for a while while watching people and boats go by on the Thames.
The food is typical British pub fare:
- fish and chips
- burgers
- English feet
- local beer
And although English cuisine has a questionable reputation, honestly, after a morning walking around London... everything tastes much better than expected.

House of MinaLima: the magical shop of the Harry Potter illustrators
If you have Harry Potter fans at home, this place is a true hidden gem in London.
House of MinaLima is the shop and gallery of the graphic designers who created much of the visual universe of the Harry Potter films. Yes, the true creators of many of the iconic letters, newspapers, posters, covers, and designs of the saga.
And the best part is that entry is free.
The store is spread over several floors and feels almost like a small museum. You'll find:
- original illustrations
- graphic design of the films
- special editions
- decorative objects
- souvenirs that are different from the typical franchise ones
Even if you don't buy anything, it's absolutely worth going in just to see it.
Furthermore, it's right in Soho, very close to Carnaby Street, so it fits perfectly into any route through central London.
And an important warning: if you like Harry Potter and pretty design… it's pretty hard to leave without giving in to temptation.

Big Ben: London's great icon
There are places that, no matter how many times you've seen them in photos, are still just as impressive when you stand before them. And Big Ben is one of them.
It is probably the most recognizable symbol of London and one of those places that everyone hopes to see at least once in their life.
Although many people refer to the entire tower as Big Ben, the name actually belongs to the large bell inside. The tower itself is part of the Palace of Westminster.
The best way to enjoy this area is by walking calmly through Westminster, crossing the bridge and watching the clock appear next to the Thames.
In addition, you have several must-sees nearby:
- Westminster Abbey
- London Eye
- St. James's Park
- the British Parliament
And yes, even though it's one of the most touristy places in London, it still has something special when you see it live.
Especially at night, illuminated, when London begins to bring out that cinematic atmosphere that makes you want to stay walking a while longer even if your feet are completely wrecked.

M&M'S London: The giant M&M'S store in Leicester Square
If you're traveling to London with children, you'll inevitably end up here. And even if you think it's "just a chocolate shop," let me warn you, things have gotten quite out of hand.
The M&M's store in Leicester Square has several floors filled with:
- endless walls of M&M colors
- unimaginable merchandising
- giant figures
- interactive zones
- candy personalization
Everything very discreet and restrained, as London usually does… well, no.
It's one of those totally touristy places that, surprisingly, children love and adults also end up finding it more amusing than expected.
Furthermore, it's in a perfect location to include in a route through the city center, next to:
- Leicester Square
- Chinatown
- the Lego store
- West End theatres
Honest advice: even if you don't intend to buy anything, go in anyway. Just looking at the store is part of the experience.

Chinatown: dine and enjoy the liveliest atmosphere in the city center
If there's one area in London that always has a great atmosphere, it's Chinatown.
It doesn't matter what time you arrive: lights, packed restaurants, the smell of food everywhere, and bustling streets. It's one of those places where you just want to wander aimlessly while you decide where to have dinner.
Besides, after a whole day walking around London, Asian food usually hits the spot. Almost therapeutic, even.
Here you will find:
- Traditional Chinese restaurants
- Peking duck restaurants
- bubble tea
- Asian bakeries
- unusual shops
We had dinner at Gold Mine, well known for its roast duck and a good option if you want a hearty meal without too much fuss.
The best thing about Chinatown is that it fits perfectly at the end of the day, especially after visiting:
- Leicester Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- the M&M store
- Hamley's
- the Lego store
And although it's a very touristy area, it still has that chaotic and fun aspect that makes you always want to come back.
London Transport Museum: the perfect museum for little fans of buses and subways
The London Transport Museum is one of those museums that works surprisingly well with children, even if before entering you think that "a transport museum can't possibly offer that much."
Error.
Here you will find:
- old double-decker buses
- historic London Underground
- Trains
- classic maps
- interactive zones
And many areas where children can climb, touch, and experiment.
Furthermore, it explains in a very entertaining way how London's transport has evolved over the years, something quite curious in a city where the Underground is almost part of London's identity.
It's located in Covent Garden, so it fits perfectly into a route through the city center.
Entry costs around £24–25 for adults, but includes an annual pass allowing you to return for 12 months.
The good news:
- Children under 17 years old enter for free
- There are usually interactive activities designed specifically for families.
So, when traveling with children, it can be quite worthwhile.

Hamleys: London's most famous toy store
Walking into Hamleys is a bit like being eight years old again. Even if you go in saying, very confidently, that "we're just going to look."
Spoiler: no one just looks at Hamleys.
Located on Regent Street, this gigantic toy store has several floors filled with:
- toys of all kinds
- live demonstrations
- huge plush toys
- magic
- Lego
- costumes
- interactive games
And the best part is the atmosphere. The employees are constantly giving demonstrations, and it feels more like a small theme park than a store.
If you're traveling with children, this will probably be one of their favorite stops in London. And honestly, it's also quite dangerous for adults with a childlike spirit and little willpower.
We went in for a quick five minutes and ended up wandering floor after floor for much longer than planned. Quite typical in London, by the way.
Furthermore, it fits perfectly into a route through the city center alongside:
- Carnaby Street
- Liberty
- Piccadilly Circus
- Leicester Square
So it's well worth going, even if only to experience the atmosphere.

Having a typical full English breakfast: an experience in itself
There are some things you have to do at least once in London. And one of them is to sit down in a café or pub and order a proper full English breakfast.
Important notice: the concept of a "light breakfast" is not particularly relevant here.
A full English breakfast usually includes:
- eggs
- bacon
- sausages
- baked beans
- tomato
- mushrooms
- toasts
- hash browns
- coffee or tea
Basically, you eat breakfast as if you were going out afterwards to build a bridge or walk across Scotland.
And honestly, after a whole day walking around London, it makes much more sense why they have breakfast like that.
Furthermore, it's a very British experience and a great way to start the morning before setting off to walk miles around the city.
We combined more relaxed breakfasts with the occasional full English breakfast during the trip, because doing it three days in a row would likely require a subsequent medical check-up.
That said, you have to try it at least once. Even if it's just to discover that baked beans at eight in the morning evoke conflicting emotions.
Free things to do in London with kids
One of the biggest surprises of traveling to London as a family is discovering the huge number of free activities the city offers. Although London has a reputation for being expensive, it's perfectly possible to enjoy several days without spending too much money on tickets.
Free museums are one of the biggest draws. The Natural History Museum, the British Museum, and the Science Museum offer free access to some of the world's finest collections. This makes London one of the best European destinations for family cultural activities.
The Royal Parks are another fantastic option. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, St James's Park, and Kensington Gardens all offer expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and areas where children can play while adults relax.
If you're looking for free things to do in London with kids, here are some of the best suggestions:
- Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
- Stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
- Visit the Natural History Museum.
- Discover the British Museum.
- Explore the Science Museum.
- Explore Covent Garden and enjoy its street performers.
- Go up to the Sky Garden (with prior reservation).
- Walk along the South Bank by the River Thames.
- Photograph Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.
- Visit Camden Market and Borough Market.
In addition, many museums organize free workshops for children during weekends and school holidays.
For all these reasons, London is a perfect city for those looking to combine family tourism, culture and fun without having to spend large amounts of money.

Best free museums in London to visit with children
One of the great advantages of London is the number of impressive free museums it has.
Recommended free museums
- British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Science Museum
- Tate Modern
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Etc ...
Here's our complete guide to the best museums and free things to see in London.
Where to eat in London with children
London has many options for eating well and in a fairly informal way.
Some places we liked:
- Borough Market for a snack, breakfast, or dessert
- Anchor Bankside, a typical English pub on the banks of the Thames
- Chinatown for a Chinese dinner with atmosphere
- Camden markets for street food from all over the world
- The Old Bank of England, to eat in an English pub that was the old Bank of England
- Etc ...
Here you can see more recommendations on where to eat in London.
How to get around London with children
Although London is huge, getting around is quite easy.
What works best
- metro
- walking through areas
- Avoid taxis during peak hours
And importantly: London is quite well adapted for traveling with children.
Here is our complete guide to transport in London.
3-day London itinerary with children
If you want a complete, day-by-day itinerary with schedules, maps, and practical tips, here's our main guide:
Complete London itinerary in 3 days with children
London with young children (0-6 years)
Traveling to London with young children might seem challenging due to the city's size, but our experience was quite the opposite. London is one of the most family-friendly cities in Europe thanks to its vast parks, free museums, pedestrian zones, and numerous activities designed for young children.
If you're traveling to London with children between the ages of 0 and 6, I recommend prioritizing quiet activities and spaces where they can move around freely. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens were some of our favorite spots. There you'll find playgrounds, green spaces for running around, and even the famous Peter Pan statue, which is usually a big hit with little ones.
Another must-see is the Natural History Museum. Beyond the dinosaurs, it boasts numerous interactive areas that transform a visit into a true adventure. The Science Museum is also a sure bet, especially the interactive area designed for children.
If you're traveling with a stroller, most museums and attractions have accessible entrances. In addition, many city buses allow you to board with a stroller without folding it, which makes getting around much easier.
Among the best activities for young children in London, I would highlight:
- Feed the squirrels in the royal parks.
- Visit Hamleys, London's most famous toy store.
- Take a boat trip on the Thames.
- Go up the London Eye to enjoy the views.
- Explore the playgrounds in Hyde Park and Regent's Park.
In short, London is an ideal destination for families with babies and young children, offering a perfect combination of culture, fun and outdoor spaces.
London with teenagers: plans they'll really enjoy
If you're traveling to London with teenagers, the key is to combine iconic landmarks with engaging experiences for them. Unlike other European destinations, London offers a huge range of activities for young people, from alternative markets to immersive film and music experiences.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Harry Potter Studios. Even those who aren't big fans of the saga usually enjoy seeing the original sets, special effects, and locations used during filming.
Another popular spot is Camden Market, one of London's most alternative neighborhoods. Its quirky shops, international food stalls, and youthful atmosphere make it a must-see for families with teenagers.
If your children enjoy technology, the Science Museum offers very engaging exhibits related to space, artificial intelligence, and scientific advancements. The Sky Garden, one of London's best free viewpoints, is also well worth a visit.
Among the best family activities in London for teenagers, I would highlight:
- Harry Potter studies.
- Camden Market.
- London Eye.
- Tower Bridge.
- British Museum.
- Sky Garden.
- chinatown.
- Covent Garden and its street performances.
London is also very attractive to teenagers who are sports fans. It's possible to visit historic football stadiums or attend matches during the season.
Thanks to this mix of history, entertainment and modern experiences, London as a family works especially well when traveling with older children.
London in 3 days with children: a complete itinerary for families
If it's your first time visiting the British capital, this 3-day London itinerary with kids will allow you to discover the main monuments, museums, and family attractions without rushing around. It's a route designed for families who want to combine sightseeing, fun, and time to enjoy the city.
Discover in detail our complete 3-day itinerary in London with children in this downloadable Word document guide with links to make your trip easier.
Day 1: London's must-sees
Start your morning in Westminster, one of the city's most iconic areas. Here you can admire Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. From there, stroll through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the famous Changing of the Guard if your visit coincides with the schedule.
After lunch, head to Covent Garden, a favorite spot for children thanks to its street performers, shops, and lively atmosphere. Continue your afternoon with a stroll through Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus before ending the day with a ride on the London Eye for the best family views of London.
Highlights of the day:
- Big Ben
- Buckingham Palace
- St. James's Park
- Covent Garden
- Piccadilly Circus
- London Eye
Day 2: Tower Bridge, museums and Thames river adventure
Spend the morning visiting one of the city's most famous landmarks: Tower Bridge. If you're traveling with children, it's well worth going inside and walking across its glass walkway. Nearby, you'll find the Tower of London, another major attraction for families.
After the visit, take a stroll along the banks of the Thames and take the opportunity to discover some of London's most photogenic spots.
In the afternoon, visit one of London's best museums for children. The Natural History Museum is often a big favorite thanks to its dinosaur exhibits, while the Science Museum is known for its interactive displays.
Highlights of the day:
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- South bank
- Museum of Natural History
- Science Museum
Day 3: Hyde Park and the magic of London
Reserve your last day to enjoy a more relaxed side of the city. Start your day in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, two of London's most beautiful parks. Children can run around, play, and discover special spots like the Peter Pan statue or the various playgrounds.
If your children are Harry Potter fans, this is the perfect day to visit Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios, one of the best family activities in London. Otherwise, you can spend the day exploring Camden Market, discovering Notting Hill, or visiting one of the city's other famous markets.
Before saying goodbye to London, enjoy one last family dinner while taking in the unique atmosphere of the British capital.
Highlights of the day:
- Hyde Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Harry Potter Studies
- Camden Market
- Notting Hill
Mind map of the route
Day 1: Westminster → Buckingham Palace → Covent Garden → London Eye
Day 2: Tower Bridge → Tower of London → Thames → Natural History Museum
Day 3: Hyde Park → Kensington Gardens → Harry Potter Studios or Camden Market
Our opinion about London with children
London has seemed to us to be one of the best urban trips to take as a family.
It has enough to keep you entertained, lots of free spaces, and a great mix of culture and fun.
And it also has something important: it always leaves you with the feeling that there are things left unfinished.
Which is probably the best excuse to come back.
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