Alexandra Palace
It's huge and there's lots to do at Ally Pally: 196 acres of parkland with sweeping skyline views over London - older kids will enjoy the Summit, where you walk over the top of the iconic building - but on the ground there's loads to do too. Ice skating inside, swan pedalos on its the dedicated boating lake, an expansive playground which works for both older and younger kids, and includes a sandpit. There are a few cafes, including Lakeside Café, loads of picnicking spots, and Little Dinos - a soft play with large outdoor space that's a huge hit with younger kids (and with better coffee and adult seating than most). The park is free, parking is charged, activities all cost extra.
Times change seasonally — always check before you set off.
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Wicked
Got a drama-loving tween in the family? This Wizard of Oz prequel is a spectacular, belt-it-out musical extravaganza that will absolutely blow their socks off.
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St James's Park Pelican Feeding
Gorgeous royal park next to Buckingham Palace, famous for the resident flock of pelicans living on the lake. The walkable, scootable loop takes in lovely flower beds and plenty of royal sights.
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PAW Patrol London Bus Tour
There are now a bunch of themed afternoon tea experiences held aboard a classic double-decker bus while taking in London's famous landmarks - Peppa, Paw Patrol, Paddington, Smurfs and more. And young fans of the shows love them. Here, each table comes equipped with built-in screens playing custom PAW Patrol animation and singalong missions to keep younger fans entertained (‘Chase is on the CASE’ will be your earworm for weeks). The menu includes sandwiches, sweet treats, pastries, and hot drinks or juice served in travel mugs. The route takes in Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square over ninety minutes, making it a fun way to sightsee with pre-schoolers.
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Leake St graffiti tunnel
Get creative at one of London's only permitted graffiti locations! Bring spray paints (£2 in Poundland), wear masks to stay safe and enjoy decorating the walls to your heart's content. Kit tip: if the kids want to practise first, a [multi-colour spray paint set](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=spray+paint+set) on cardboard at home is the way to start — more ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
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Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour
A behind-the-scenes look at the Premier League winners’ home stadium, with touch-screen audio handsets helping explain all. Fans can walk through the home dressing room, take photos in the press conference room, walk down the tunnel, and sit in the manager's pitchside dugout. The ticket price includes entry to the Arsenal Museum, where you can view historic match kits, trophies, and memorabilia from the club's history. Note that stadium tours do not run on home match days.
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The London Dungeon
Live actors and underground rides tell London's grisliest history — plague, fire and Jack the Ripper. It's recommended age 12+ but my kids were fine with the spookiness from 10, it depends on your kids. The emphasis is on fun experience rather than museum-style historical facts, but it's an entertaining place for teens especially.
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