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.
- They provide all the waterproof gear, but hold on to your hats!
Times change seasonally — always check before you set off.
More ideas in South Bank & Bankside
All of South Bank & Bankside →
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).
See details★ 4.7
Aqua Shard Peter Pan Afternoon Tea
Served 31 floors up with jaw-dropping views of London, teens to tots will love this afternoon tea. The Peter Pan theme features a Jolly Roger ship stand which is presented with the wow factor of dry-ice smoke, then there are Tinkerbell cookies, and Captain Hook croquettes... It's a really spectacular high-altitude treat that we all enjoyed - and didn't even need colouring/entertainment because watching tiny people, trains and boats on the streets far below was fun for all the family! If you can go on a wintery later afternoon, you get to see London in daytime and twinkling in the evening.
See details
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.
See detailsMore getting about in London
All getting about →
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.
See details
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.
See details
Herne Hill Velodrome Kids Cycling
Endless fun on two wheels! It's a wheely good place (sorry, couldn't resist) where kids can learn to ride, build cycling confidence through coaching sessions tailored to all abilities, or race around on track cycling tasters and youth mountain biking. There's a really busy schedule so check the website to see when is best for you to go - take your own bikes or, the Frog, Learn to Cycle, and all track sessions (Track Tasters, Track Skills, Intermediate Training, Race Training and Accreditation) sessions include free, optional bike hire. Road/TT Bike sessions do not include free bike hire (they don't have Road/TT bikes to hire), and offroad sessions have an option to hire a bike for £8 extra. Riders aged 6yrs+ can take part in weekly Youth Mountain Bike sessions and youngsters aged 8yrs+ are able to try the Track Cycling Tasters.
See details