Tootbus / Big Bus Open-Top Kids Tour
Short open-top bus tours with comedy commentary written totally for children? These take in the big London landmarks in a way that little legs will love. Try to book a dry day as it's much more fun on the top deck!
- 45–60 minutes
- Top deck is the fun bit
- Blankets often provided
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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