SEA Life London Aquarium
Sharks, rays, penguins and turtles right beside the Thames at County Hall. A walk-through tunnel and plenty of tanks at child height make it an easy win when the weather turns - and it's right next to the London Eye so a huge amount to do within walking distance. Always book online for a discount!
- Book online in advance — walk-up prices are usually higher.
- Weekday mornings are calmer than afternoons and weekends.
- Combine with the South Bank or the London Eye next door.
Times change seasonally — always check before you set off.
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Kedi Studio London
This cool, paint-splattered art and craft studio offers you paint, brushes, printing implements, canvas, ponchos, masking tapes and a canvas - then you chuck paint at the canvas, make a mess and don't have to clean up! We've seen amazing artwork come out of here - and everyone had a great time. Wear your messiest clothes! Teens will love the evening glow in the dark sessions with UV paints.
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Severndroog Castle
A hidden 18th-century Gothic tower set on Shooters Hill, surrounded by ancient Castle Wood parkland. Climbing up the winding spiral stairs to the rooftop viewing platform offers 360-degree views stretching across London's counties. The main draw for families is the climb up the narrow 86-step spiral staircase to the viewing platform on the roof. Sitting 132 metres above sea level, it offers one of the most stunning panoramic views across London ... you might need to bribe kids with a trip to the nice tea room afterwards. The castle sits inside Castle Wood and Oxleas Woods, making it easy to pair a quick tower ascent with a run around ancient oak trees, nature trails, and log scrambles. Viewing platform and upper tower rooms are only open to the public on Sundays (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Plan your trip accordingly if you want to climb to the top.
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Shrek's Adventure! London
Tucked inside County Hall right next to the London Eye, this interactive, actor-led walk-through experience takes kids on a mission to Far Far Away. It starts with a 4D flying bus ride piloted by Donkey, followed by interactive live-action rooms where kids help solve puzzles, meet fairytale characters and save Shrek. Look out for: the 4D magic bus ride, the Poison Apple Pub, and meeting Shrek for a photo at the end.
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Deen City Farm & Riding School
This 5-acre urban farm is nestled next to Morden Hall Park; it's sweet and free - though a donation to the charity running it is appreciated. Animals include alpacas, pigs, donkeys, ducks, geese, and owls alongside rare British farm breeds, and there's a riding school too. You can buy small bags of feed pellets to give to the friendly goats, sheep, and cows.
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London Zoo
The world's oldest scientific zoo is in the heart of London, hugging Regents’ Park and featuring Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach, and an immersive Rainforest Life walk-through. It’s pricey but a thorough day out and your money all goes towards animal conservation. Don’t buy tickets at the gate - book online at least 48 hours ahead for the best rate. Save little legs by skipping the walk from Camden Town and catching the 274 bus straight to the main gate, or walk in scenic style along the Regent's Canal towpath from Camden Market. Under 7s will love a visit to the new(ish) ZooTown - an vast, immersive make-believe play area which is particularly brilliant if it rains!
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Hounslow Urban Farm
One of London's largest community farms, with pigs, sheep, owls, alpacas and indoor cuddle sessions with reptiles and rabbits.
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