Things to Do in London with Kids

Natural History Museum

Hope the blue whale greets every visitor from above Hintze Hall. For the dinosaur-mad and the sea-creature-obsessed, this is somewhere all kids love.

 The draw for younger children is play, not just looking. Shows and workshops keep the youngest guests busy, and entry is free every day from 10am to 5pm. Hop off near the Museums stop and step straight into the natural world. 

Best for: ages 3 and up.

Science Museum

Buttons to press. Lights to chase. Sounds to make. The Science Museum's interactive galleries are built for under-8s, including the multi-sensory Pattern Pod. In The Garden, children aged three to six explore water, light, and shadow through hands-on play. It's free to enter and open daily in South Kensington. 

Best for: under-8s.

London Transport Museum

If your days are soundtracked by "The Wheels on the Bus", Covent Garden's London Transport Museum will land. The "All Aboard" play zone is made for ages 0 to 7, and under-17s go free. Children climb aboard vintage buses and trains, take the wheel, then burn off energy in the play area. 

Best for: ages 0 to 7.

ZSL London Zoo

Set in Regent's Park, ZSL London Zoo runs daily feeding sessions and live keeper talks that hold even the shortest attention span. Under-3s visit free, and family or online bookings unlock further discounts. Open from 10am with seasonal closing times, it's a full day of wide eyes and big smiles. 

Best for: all ages.

SEA LIFE London

For ocean lovers, SEA LIFE London delivers. Children walk the underwater tunnel, hunt for Nemo in the coral reef, and stroke smaller creatures in the Rockpool. Under-3s go free, which makes it one of the easiest days out for toddlers. Hop off near the London Eye or Westminster Bridge to reach it. 

Best for: toddlers and up.

Diana Memorial Playground

This pirate-ship playground in Kensington Gardens opens daily from 10am. Toddlers roam a sensory trail, teepees, a sandy beach, and sculptures, while parents rest on nearby seating. Staff are on hand at all times. Queues can form on busy weekends and school holidays, so arrive early. 

Best for: toddlers to age 8.

Hyde Park

Free adventures fill Hyde Park. Pack a picnic, fly a kite, kick a football, or visit the Diana Memorial play area. With cash to spare, hire a boat, swim in the Serpentine in summer, or visit Winter Wonderland come Christmas. Several Hop-On Hop-Off stops sit right beside it. 

Best for: all ages.

Tower of London

Ravens, armour, and the Crown Jewels make the Tower of London a winner. Children take on digital missions, spot the birds that guard the fortress, and find life-sized sculptures of the exotic animals once kept here. Medieval stories and historical re-enactments do the rest. Hop off at the Tower of London stop.

Best for: ages 5 and up.

Buckingham Palace

You can't visit London without seeing the King's home. If the Royal Standard is flying, the King is in. In summer, take the multimedia family tour of the State Rooms, hunting for secret doors and royal symbols along the way. Buckingham Palace sits on both the yellow and blue routes. 

Best for: ages 5 and up.

Unicorn Theatre

The Unicorn Theatre stages productions made for children and babies. Sensory shows suit the youngest audiences, and some include a post-show play session. The venue welcomes participation, with a "Living Room" of books and toys for downtime. A gentle first taste of live theatre. 

Best for: babies to age 12.

Hamleys Toy Shop

Seven floors of pure joy. Hamleys on Regent Street offers free toy demonstrations every day and a dedicated preschool section for tiny tots. It's a rainy-day rescue that suits any budget, open daily and impossible to leave empty-handed. 

Best for: all ages.

The Original Kids Bus Tour

Did you know there's a sightseeing bus tour designed especially for children? The Original Kids Bus Tour takes little explorers on board an iconic red double-decker bus to discover Big Ben, the London Eye and London's most famous landmarks through stories, fun facts and interactive games. This 45-minute tour is brought to life by a live English-speaking guide, making sightseeing both entertaining for young passengers. Your ticket also includes a Hop-On Hop-Off Thames River Cruise.

Best for: all ages. Children under 2 travel free.

How Do Families Get Around London to Explore Activities?

Tired legs and tight schedules are the enemy of a good family day out. Our Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours solve both.

One ticket covers open-top buses, a river cruise, and walking tours, valid across 1, 2, 3, or 7 days. Hop off near the big attractions, explore at your own pace, then hop back on when you're ready. 

What are the best free things to do in London with kids?

London's major museums are free every day, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the National Maritime Museum. The city's parks and playgrounds, such as Hyde Park and the Diana Memorial Playground, also cost nothing to enjoy.

For more, see our full list of free family friendly activities. 

Are London attractions suitable for toddlers?

Yes. Many attractions cater specifically to under-5s, with dedicated play zones and free entry. The Science Museum's Garden, SEA LIFE London, and the Diana Memorial Playground are all designed with the youngest visitors in mind.

What can families do in London when it rains?

London has plenty of indoor options. Visit Hamleys Toy Shop, catch a show at the Unicorn Theatre, or spend the day at KidZania. The city's free museums also make excellent rainy-day shelters.