If you’re heading into London with the kids and aren't sure what to do when you get there, use our list of the best activities in London to help you out. We’ve crammed in some amazing family experiences to give your kids the best day out!
If you're looking for things to do outside of London, be sure to read our guide to Family Outdoor Activities which contains some great free options for entertaining your kids.
The National History Museum is a firm favourite amongst adults and children alike and with entry being free of charge, it’s a winner for your pocket too. Being one of London’s most popular family activities, it can get busy, so make sure you get there early to avoid the queues.
Opening times: every day 10:00-17:50 (closed 24th-26th December)
Entry Fee: Free (There is a charge for some temporary exhibitions)
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington
More Information: NHM Website
The Science Museum is one of the top museums in London with exhibitions about kids’ favourites such as Space, Robots and Computing! Entry is free of charge, but if you’re visiting with children older than 3, we’d recommend paying to enter the Wonderlab, which has over 50 mind-blowing interactive exhibits.
Opening times: every day 10:00-18:00 (School holidays 10:00-18:30)
Entry Fee: Free (There is a charge for some temporary exhibitions)
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington
More Information: Science Museum Website
The V&A museum, located in Kensington is a world-leading museum of art and design. While not as popular as the Natural History Museum amongst the youngest of children, the V&A is a brilliant place to visit with slightly older kids, especially if they have an appreciation of design.
Opening times: every day 10:00-17:45 (Friday 10:00-22:00)
Entry Fee: Free (There is a charge for some temporary exhibitions)
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington
More Information: V&A Museum Website
Every visit to London should include a ride on its world-famous underground mass transit system, popularly called “The Tube”. The world’s first and oldest underground passenger railway opened in 1863 and now handles up to 5 million passengers a day. With over 250 miles (400km) of track and 270 stations, it’s a marvel of modern engineering.
Opening times: every day 05:00-00:00
Entry Fee: Varies based on trip
Closest Tube Station: N/A
More Information: TFL Website
There’s no better way to see London (assuming it’s dry of course) than an open-top bus tour. Hop on and hop off and see the capital in all its glory.
Opening times: Varies
Entry Fee: Varies
Closest Tube Station: N/A
More Information: Big Bus Tours The Original Tour London Pass
If you want to see London from a unique perspective then be sure to jump onto a City Cruise at Tower Pier and take to the water (other boat trips are available). The kids will love it and you’ll all get a truly memorable experience.
Opening times: Varies
Entry Fee: £10-17.50
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill
More Information: Citycruises Website
Hyde Park is set in the heart of London and is one of the capita’s eight Royal Parks. Covering an area of 350 acres, Hyde Park provides the setting for numerous world-class events and concerts alongside plenty of quiet spots to relax and unwind.
Opening times: 05:00-00:00
Entry Fee: Free
Closest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge
More Information: Royal Parks Website
Ross Nye Stables in Hyde Park is the longest-established riding school to offer horse riding in central London. Horse riding in Hyde Park dates back to Henry VIII when the park was used as a hunting ground for the Tudor Court. If you’re looking for a very special memory for your kids, then horse riding in London should be near the top of your list.
Opening times: Tues-Fri 07:00-18:00 (daylight permitting), Saturday and Sunday 09:00-17:00
Entry Fee: £75-90 per person per hour
Closest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate
More Information: Ross Nye Stables
The Imperial War Museum has countless award-winning galleries with a huge number of discoveries for you and your children to experience. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking display where you can see war through the eyes of those who’ve lived it.
Opening times: Every day 10:00-18:00
Entry Fee: Free
Closest Tube Station: Lambeth North
More Information: IWM Website
London’s famous castle is an amazing family attraction where you can learn about it being a fortress, a royal palace and an infamous prison. Explore 1000 years of history and be prepared to be dazzled by the Crown Jewels.
Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 09:00-16:30 | Sunday-Monday 10:00-16:30
Entry Fee: £19.30-£24.70 per person
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill Station
More Information: Tower of London Website
Did you know that London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo? It first opened in 1828 and was originally intended to be a scientific study but by 1847, the animals of the Tower of London menagerie were transferred to the zoo’s collection and it was opened to the public. Today, you and your family can see a huge variety of animals, including a polar bear, giant panda, an elephant and much much more.
Opening times: Every day 10:00 - 17:00
Entry Fee: £20-£31.50 per person
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill Station
More Information: London Zoo Website
The Sea Life London Aquarium is an underwater world like no other - home to over 5000 creatures it’s London’s flagship aquarium.
Opening times: Every day 10:00 - 17:00
Entry Fee: £20-£31.50 per person
Closest Tube: Tower Hill Station
More Information: London Zoo Website
The London Eye is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and is the most popular paid attraction in London with over 3.75 million visits each year. The London eye used to be the highest public viewing point in London until it was superseded by the viewing platform at The Shard.
Opening times: Thursday-Sunday 10:00-20:30 | Monday-Wednesday 11:00-18:00
Entry Fee: £16-30 per person
Closest Tube Station: Waterloo & Embankment
More Information: London Eye Website
If you want to get the best view of London, head up to the viewing gallery of The Shard on a clear day. It’s London’s highest viewing platform, with unparalleled 360 degree views of the capital and up to 40 miles beyond.
Opening times: 10:00 - 22:00
Entry Fee: £17-£39 per person
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge
More Information: The Shard Website
Enter the world of celebrity at the original waxworks of Madame Tussauds. With a continually changing exhibition, it’s an attraction you can visit with the family time and time again when you’re in London.
Opening times: Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00 | Saturday and Sunday 09:00-16:00
Entry Fee: £29+
Closest Tube Station: Baker Street
More Information: Madame Tussauds Website
The London Dungeon is a thrilling family attraction that’ll take you back to the capital’s most sinister past. See, hear, feel and smell the chilling characters of the “bad ol’ days”. If you enjoy getting spooked for fun, then the London Dungeon is the place to be.
Opening times: Monday-Friday 11:00-16:00 | Saturday 10:00-18:00 | Sunday 10:00-17:00
Entry Fee: £24+
Closest Tube Station: Waterloo
More Information: London Dungeon Website
A visit to London with children isn’t complete without a trip to the world-famous Hamleys Toy Store on Regent Street. With immersive displays spread across 7 floors, you and your children will be whisked into the storylines yourselves. The best thing about Hamleys is that it is completely free to enter - good luck getting out without spending anything though!
Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10:00-21:00 | Sunday 12:00-18:00
Entry Fee: Free
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
More Information: Hamleys Website
Kew Gardens has an exciting new children’s area designed specifically for 2 to 12 year olds. In a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts, children can explore all of the elements that plants need to grow and thrive. With over 100 trees in the beautiful landscape and hidden treasures and adventures to be found, you’ll be sure your kids will enjoy this nature filled outing.
Opening times: 10:00-17:00
Entry Fee: From £16.50 per person
Closest Tube Station: Kew Bridge
More Information: Kew Gardens Website
Clip ’n’ Climb is a brand new experience where both adults and children can enjoy fun and competitive activities. With 21 unique climbing challenges, you can test your courage and fitness and unleash your inner competitiveness.
Opening times: Monday - Friday 11:00-20:45 | Saturday & Sunday 10:00-19:45
Entry Fee: From £17.50 per person
Closest Tube Station: Update
More Information: Clip ‘n’ Climb Chelsea Website
After a morning of visiting some of the best family experiences London can offer, why not take the kids down to the Bay66 Skate Park underneath the Westway Flyover for an afternoon of skateboarding? Bring your own board or hire one on the day. Sessions go from 12 - 4pm and then from 4 - 9 most evenings. There’s an indoor viewing area with complimentary wi-fi so you can relax while your children let off some steam.
Opening times: Every day from 12 noon - 9pm. Until 10pm on Tues, Weds and Thurs.
Entry Fee: £8 per 4 hour session, £12 Day Pass, £5 Beginners (Sat and Sun am only)
Closest Tube Stations: Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park
More Information: www.baysixty6.com website
