The Original Tour - Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & River Cruise
Yes, Londoners roll their eyes at them, but we find sitting on the top deck of an open-top bus on a sunny day to be one of the easiest, most fun way to show little ones the big sights without exhausting their legs.
Original Tour has four different routes, plus a river cruise, so there are so many stops you can pick your own itinerary. We got on near Leicester Square, took the bus line all the way to beyond the Tower of London, the got off at Tower Pier and enjoyed a lovely afternoon river cruise, with a live sightseeing expert giving us history that none of us knew about our hometown!
And if it's nap time, you can let little ones slumber in your lap or in the buggy as you listen to the audio tour and view all of London's big hits in one day. Bring snacks for the bus, but the river boats have licensed bars and lots of food on board. Would recommend bringing your kids' headphones too, as ours found the ear buds provided by The Original Tour tricky to keep in their ears.
Opt for upstairs if you can, the views are incredible!
- Wrap up warm if sitting on the top deck!
Times change seasonally — always check before you set off.
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Thames Rockets
This is no calm London sightseeing boat - it's a speedboat ride that blasts James Bond music while you bounce over the waves. Thrill-seeking kids and teens will LOVE it - anyone of nervous disposition might... not. There are times when you're sure the boat will tip (it doesn't!) - the guides are incredibly funny and the kids will scream with joy. The 50-minute ride departs from the London Eye Pier and takes in Big Ben, Shakespeare's Globe, The Shard and Tower Bridge. Once you're past the Bridge, the 880hp engines kick in and you'll hit speeds of up to 35mph, twisting through the Docklands to a pumping soundtrack. It's loud, wet and completely exhilarating. Ponchos and life jackets provided.
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GoBoat
GoBoat lets families take the helm of their own electric picnic boat on London’s canals - it definitely helps transform a simple picnic or birthday outing into a (gentle) mini-adventure. The boats are designed for groups, so it is a fun option when several families want to do something together without committing to a formal tour. Insider tip: bring layers even on a sunny day, keep the food easy to handle and check the weather and skipper requirements carefully before travelling with younger children.
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Race Across the World: The Experience
Inspired by the smash-hit BBC TV show, we LOVED this live West End adventure which pits your family against the clock in a 2-to-3 hour foot race across London. Equipped with a map, a series of puzzle checkpoints, and a strict "virtual budget," teams race through famous landmarks and hidden alleys to reach secret checkpoints without going bankrupt. If bringing younger kids, be aware of their patience levels (and limits: we bought a buggy to extend leg time!) - from our experience, ages 8+ get the best out of it, but there's lots of opportunities to stop the clock and grab snacks or a rest if needed.
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Wellcome Collection
A quirky museum exploring medicine, health and human life through bizarre historical objects, art and a wonderfully comfy Reading Room.
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Word on the Water - Floating Bookshop
A 100-year-old Dutch barge on Regent's Canal turned into a moored floating bookshop, with children's books, cosy nooks and rooftop live music on sunny afternoons.
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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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