All places in this area
167 places in this part of town
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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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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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.
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Regent's Park
This sweeping Royal Park is packed with formal rose gardens, boating lakes, and excellent playgrounds. Our favourite itinerary is to start at the Marylebone Gate Entrance and hit the Gloucester Gate Playground first (featuring a v long zip wire, massive climbing frames, and inclusive water-play features). Then head south toward the Boating Lake to rent a pedal boat or rowing boat if you fancy, stop for coffee and sourdough pastries or ice cream at the Boating Lake Café, take a short detour across York Bridge Road to find the Community Wildlife Garden, featuring a peaceful pond, natural balance logs, and wild meadow planting, then finish up at the Hanover Gate Playground to conquer the huge wooden treehouse structure and giant sandpits.
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The Langham Children's Afternoon Tea
Can this seriously five-star luxury hotel really welcome kids? Absolutely yes. When ours visited they were welcomed with a beaming smile, with the live pianist even doing the occasional segue into the Peppa Pig or Traitors theme tune, to make the kids smile. Expect jigsaw-cut sandwiches, popping candy delicate treats, and an adult menu that's equally spectacular. Eats are unlimited and everyone leaves with a going-home goodie bag. This is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury afternoon tea. Themes change seasonally, but have included Hamleys-themed teas with kids taking a very huggable bear home with them.
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The Ampersand Jurassic Afternoon Tea
Dino-obsessed kids will lose their minds over this delicious afternoon tea. Cakes emerge from a dry-ice 'volcano', and kids are given paintbrushes to 'excavate' chocolate fossils hidden in biscuit crumb soil. Brilliantly interactive and ridiculously fun - tasty, too.
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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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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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Rosewood London Art Afternoon Tea
A stunning, sophisticated option for older kids. The pastries are edible masterpieces inspired by famous artists like Hockney or Dali - currently, it's Monet. Kids get their own painter's palette with squeezy tubes of jam and curd, and the cakes are serious works of art - as you'd expect for the price! There's no minimum age, but the set-up is smart and sophisticated and I got the feeling that screaming toddlers wouldn't be overly welcome.
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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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Somerset House Courtyard & Fountains
Iconic neoclassical courtyard where 55 dancing water fountains shoot straight out of the cobblestones all summer. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
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Cutty Sark Ship
History-loving kids can explore the world's last surviving tea clipper, walking the wooden decks, taking the ship's wheel and meeting actors playing Victorian sailors.
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Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Britain's only permanent open-air theatre sits right in the middle of Regent's Park, staging a summer season of musicals, Shakespeare and family shows beneath the sky (bring a coat or sunscreen depending on the day - performances go ahead rain or shine). Family-friendly productions and a dedicated Family Takeover Day feature among the summer's line-up alongside bigger name shows, and you can bring a picnic to eat on the lawn or in Queen Mary's Gardens beforehand. Leave plenty of time to find the thearte - it's a walk from the nearest tube through the park with limited signposting.
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The British Library (Family Trails)
Book-loving kids will enjoy an hour here among the world's most famous manuscripts, from the Magna Carta to Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and Beatles lyrics, mostly in one ground-floor exhibition hall. There are free weekend family workshops too.
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The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
The TV show, for real. We loved battling the puzzles and challenges - they really are just like the show, with the countdown clock and fear of getting locked in bringing back nostalgic memories! The setting itself looks a bit run down in some areas, but that didn't stop us having a really fun evening, especially when the golf rains down inside the snowglobe and you try to snatch as much as possible. A Maze Master leads your team through Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Futuristic zones grabbing crystals, before that confetti storm of the Crystal Dome. Older kids and teens love it - be aware that you may be mixed in with other people if your group isn't large enough to run solo.
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Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden is a hidden-in-plain-sight pocket of calm beside the Thames, packed with unusual plants, glasshouses and small discoveries for children to spot. It feels more manageable than a huge park and makes a change from the usual museum circuit. It's London's oldest botanic garden, filled with 5,000+ species of medicinal, edible, and useful plants. It's enclosed so you don't need to stress about runaways, and often runs family activity trails, pond dipping, and drop-in craft events during holidays. Don't miss the really EXCELLENT cafe for lunch!
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Go Ape Battersea Park
Tucked into the lush tree canopy of historic Battersea Park, this high-ropes site delivers serious thrills right in central London. It features higher platforms and longer crossings than most other Go Ape locations, giving you incredible views of the Thames and surrounding skyline. Adventurers can navigate double-freefall tarzan swings, high-wire crossings, and zip lines. You can easily turn your visit into a full day out by pairing it with a walk through Battersea Park, a visit to the nearby children's zoo, or food at Battersea Power Station - see separate listing.
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The Paddington Bear Experience
An immersive love letter to London's favourite marmalade-loving bear. This is pricey - no doubt, but take advantage of cheaper mid-week deals if you can, as our four and six year olds totally loved the Paddington Experience. It's very interactive, beautifully designed, and ends with a cute mini festival. It's definitely not a thrill-seeking adventure, but a charming 60-70 minute treat with lots of perfect details, as you board a train, travel to Windsor Gardens and become part of Paddington's London story, meeting his friends and family and having a wonderful time! (Just shut your kids' eyes at the gift shop: it's PRICEY!)
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Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Climb aboard a restored vintage red double-decker bus for the ultimate marmalade-filled sightseeing adventure. Operated by Brigit's Bakery, this tour is tailor-made for young Paddington fans and families celebrating a special occasion. Each table comes equipped with built-in screens showing custom animations where Paddington and Mrs. Bird guide you through London's landmarks, keeping little ones completely enthralled between treats. The afternoon tea menu is genuinely delicious - featuring turkey and ham sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and themed cakes (including miniature marmalade sandwiches, of course!). Look out for: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Nelson's Column and St Paul's Cathedral. Our take: ideal birthday present (as not cheap!) - but the tea food quality was really high, the tour is fun, and the kids loved it.
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Biscuiteers
Biscuiteers is a fun rainy-day treat for children who like making things almost as much as eating them. It's not cheap, but ours loved the biscuit icing session, where provided equipment is such good quality that you can't fail but to make a lovely-looking biscuit! Adults can settle in with a hot drink and let everyone decorate edible works of art to take home. Book ahead, and leave a little room in the day for browsing the beautifully decorated shop afterwards.
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Tate Modern
Housed in a dramatic former power station on the Thames, this is one of the world's biggest modern art museums - and free to get into for the permanent collection, with tickets only needed for the big temporary shows. Kids gravitate to the vast, cathedral-like Turbine Hall, which regularly hosts huge, playful art installations perfect for running around in. Pick up a free drawing kit or sound-based family trail from the family desk at weekends, or join the daily free guided tours if the little ones can sit still that long. UNIQLO Tate Play runs family-friendly art activities every weekend, and there's a Baby Care Room if you're travelling with very young children. Cross via the Millennium Bridge from St Paul's for the most dramatic approach.
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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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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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The Splash House (UV Paint Battles)
A glorious permission to get utterly messy - there are splash houses around the UK, and London's is in Brentford. Guests gear up in full protective ponchos and goggles before stepping into a dark, UV-lit room filled with glowing fluorescent paints. Armed with brushes, squeeze bottles and paint-filled sponges, kids (and parents) throw, splash and battle each other to create neon canvas masterpieces (and end up glowing head-to-toe themselves). It's a private experience, so your group gets exclusive use of its own room — perfect for family days out, birthdays and group celebrations. No art skills are needed: just turn up, have fun and let the paint fly. Every session includes all materials, protective aprons, music and a finished canvas for each person to take home, and sessions run from age 4 upwards with every child accompanied by a participating adult. Sessions are limited and it's pre-booking only, so check the website for current dates before you go.
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Le Petit Chef
One for mini gourmands.. And big budgets. Le Petite Chef is an immersive 3D projection-mapping dining experience where a tiny, animated French chef 'cooks' your meal right on your dinner plate. There's mind-blowing visual magic (the tables are basically screens) which keep kids (and adults) mesmerised between five courses as the mini-chef battle sea monsters and cook directly on their table setting. Menus are viewable on the website ahead of time.
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Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand
This award-winning afternoon tea inspired by the neighboring Science Museum really wowed our kids - it's pretty interactive as food and drinks comes served in test tubes, complete with fizzing experiments, and dinosaur biscuits you have to dig for. Kids squeeze jellies out of syringes, hunt for fossils, and mix dusting powders.
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Pottery Café
If you need a quiet, creative sanctuary, The Pottery Café is pure magic. It has sites in Fulham and Battersea, and is one of London's first pottery-painting studios, definitely designed with families in mind. You pick your plain ceramic piece, from mugs and plates to money boxes and animal figurines, and start painting. The glazes get fired in the studio's on-site kilns, ready for pickup a week or so later. We recommend booking a morning slot on a weekday or early weekend if you can, as the studios get louder and busier as the days go on. If you're bringing a baby, opt for a foot-print mug or plate; the staff are seasoned pros at helping you stamp squirmy baby feet onto ceramics without fuss. Aprons are provided, and stencils, sponge stamps, and easy-squeeze bottles make it effortless for toddlers to produce something that actually looks good in your kitchen. Studio fee is £6.50 per painter (covers paints, glazing, and firing) plus the cost of your chosen ceramic item (ranging from £12 up to £35+).
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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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Dino Snores for Kids (Natural History Museum Sleepover)
The ultimate museum bucket-list experience for children. Once the museum doors close to the public, kids explore illuminated halls by torchlight, take part in hands-on science shows, and eat dinner before rolling out sleeping bags to sleep directly beneath Hope, the giant 25-meter blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall. Includes breakfast and morning animal shows... But you'd want inclusions - tickets cost £80+.
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Finnegan's World
Set inside a converted former bank on West Ealing Broadway, this lovely, independent soft play café is designed for babies, toddlers, and young children. The venue focuses on imaginative play with miniature shop setups, soft climbing ramps, and sensory toys - it’s far more than the usual blocks and slides. Parents can sit back with decent coffee and a slice of cake while keeping a direct line of sight on their kids.
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Polka Theatre
Tucked away in Wimbledon, Polka children's Theatre is one of those gems that actually understands how kids (and parents) operate. It has two spaces: the main stage for bigger kids, and the smaller adventure theatre, which caters brilliantly to toddlers and babies with short, cushion-on-the-floor shows where nobody minds if someone decides to crawl across the stage mid-scene. There's also free indoor and outdoor play - you don’t even need a show ticket to turn up, there’s a free indoor play corner stuffed with books and toys, plus a brilliant sensory garden out back with a wooden climbing frame to let them burn off steam. The cafe is actually great too: clean high chairs, buggy parking and nice food. And shows in the early-years space are capped at 30–45 minutes, with soft lighting and acceptance that toddlers don't sit still. Go for the relaxed slots if you have sensitive kids, the house lights stay up and everyone can move around freely. Walk five minutes down the road to South Park Gardens for a great local playground and a green space if you'd like to afterwards.
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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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Candlelight Concerts
These atmospheric live classical music performances held in stunning London venues are illuminated by thousands of flickering LED candles. String quartets perform classical renditions of teen-favourite soundtracks: Taylor Swift, Anime Classics, Hans Zimmer, Coldplay, K-Pop and many more.
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Kids' Sushi Masterclass at Sticks'n'Sushi
A hands-on, delicious culinary workshop where professional chefs teach kids the art of rolling sushi. My kids loved this course at the Richmond branch (lots of S&S branches host it so check online to find your nearest). It starts with an engaging talk by a sushi-master, then children receive their own bandana, apron, and mat, before learning how to handle sushi rice, cut vegetables, and wrap classic rolls (nigiri and maki). At the end, kids eat their creations and leave with a certificate and goodie bag.
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Paperdoll Art Studio - splatter painting workshops
Children learn pouring, dripping, flicking and splatter techniques to create their own canvas artwork. Guided by a professional artist, kids splash paint freely while wearing full protective overalls. Includes a 30 × 40cm canvas, paint, protective gear, artist guidance, tickets £45/child.
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Little Hatter's Tea at The Sanderson
Tumble down the rabbit hole at Sanderson London (50 Berners Street) for what we've found to be a really special, whimsical afternoon tea. It brings Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life with menus hidden inside vintage books, teapots featuring kings and queens, plates decorated with ticking clocks, and cakes and savouries themed around characters like the Cheshire Cat and Tweedle Brothers, complete with Drink Me potions and buttery scones. Adults are £75 per person, so there's really no getting around the fact this is a really luxury treat! The Little Hatters Tea (Ages 4–11) is £45 per child. You can take leftovers home (and should!) There are also dedicated vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free menus. If weather permits, ask for a table in the lush inner courtyard garden - you won't believe you're still in cnetral London. Don't hesitate to ask for extra sandwiches or scones, it's all included! Smell the loose-leaf teas first: the tea selection features blends named after Alice characters (like The Mad Hatter green tea or Cheshire Cat marmalade oolong) - our waiter bought the sniff-tins to the table so kids and adults can pick their favorite aromas before brewing.
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Prince Charles Cinema
Tucked just off Leicester Square in the West End, the Prince Charles Cinema is London’s legendary independent repertory cinema. It's known among movie buffs for cult marathons and classic re-runs, but we also think it's a also a secret weapon for families looking for an alternative to overpriced multiplexes. From rowdy Sing-A-Long-A screenings (think Frozen, Matilda, or The Sound of Music where audience participation and dressing up are actively encouraged) to classic 80s and 90s family movie retrospectives on the big screen, your kids will remember this cinema trip! Financially it's often worth joining as a member before booking tickets, at just £15 for a year (or £60 for a lifetime membership), the steep ticket discounts mean it practically pays for itself on a single family outing. When selecting your screening, double-check the age rating and performance style, as family-friendly classics often run alongside late-night cult marathons or uncensored interactive shows. Opt for seats near the aisle in the Upstairs Screen if you’re bringing younger kids; the auditorium is cosy, and aisles make loo breaks easier! The Sing-A-Long specials are pretty interactive, complete with vocal warm-ups, prop bags, and lyrics so you never have to shush your kids for singing along.
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The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde is a full-size replica of the ship sailed by Sir Francis Drake, moored on Bankside and our kids enjoyed coming here to turn a history lesson into a pirate adventure. There's free range to explore the decks, imagine life at sea and spot the Thames landmarks from a different angle. You can continue the historical trail at nearby Southwark Cathedral or the riverfront.
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Gravity
It's easy to spend a rainy day in this massive multi-story family entertainment centre, which features high-speed e-karting for older kids, AR bowling, immersive gaming, and mini-golf. Loaded with cutting-edge tech games, digital darts, and high-tech arcade fun all under one roof.
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Clip 'n Climb Chelsea
Indoor climbing centre offering 22 action-packed challenges and the colourful themed climbing walls that all ClipnClimbs have, plus vertical drop slides, and challenge towers. Uses auto-belay systems so kids can safely clip themselves in and climb without parents needing technical rope skills. Arrive 15 minutes before your slot for the safety briefing so you don't lose precious climbing time. Don't forget flat-soled trainers.
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Greenwich Foot Tunnel Walk
Built in 1902, this cast-iron pedestrian tunnel runs directly beneath the Thames, connecting the Isle of Dogs to Greenwich. Kids love the eerie echo as they walk or scoot 50 feet under the river, entering through glass domes with vintage helical staircases and big circular lifts.
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Power Up at the Science Museum
Dive into decades of gaming history at Power Up, the Science Museum's hands-on gaming experience. With more than 160 classic and modern consoles to play, from retro arcade favourites to the latest releases, it's a brilliant way for parents to share the games they grew up with and for kids to show off their skills.
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Bread Ahead Kids Baking Workshops
A delicious hands-on experience where children aged 8+ get behind the kitchen counters to master real culinary skills! Guided by expert bakers from one of London's best-loved bakeries, kids learn the art of kneading dough, baking their own bread, making toast and boiling eggs. It's a fantastic, confidence-building masterclass that teaches kitchen basics while having a blast — and they get to take home what they've made (if it survives the journey). Sessions run at the Bread Ahead Academy in Borough Market and at Wembley. If you're at Borough, make a morning of it with a wander round the market stalls and a famous Bread Ahead doughnut.
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Southwark Park & Boating Lake
A classic Victorian park with a duck pond, a summer splash pad, a decent adventure playground and wide paths for scooters and bikes.
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Up at the O2
If you've got fearless older kids with energy to burn, this is for your family. Strap into a harness and literally climb over the roof of the O2 arena. The 360-degree views at the top are brilliant, especially at twilight - so try to book for a clear day. It's safe and well organised, but obviously a head for heights is helpful! We enjoyed combining with the outlets stores at O2 afterwards.
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PAC-MAN Experience at Arcade Arena
Jump right into the arcade screen with London's full-scale, physical PAC-MAN adventure! Arcade Arena turns the classic video game into a high-energy interactive floor where you physically run, dodge ghosts, collect dots and level up together as a team. It's perfect for gamers, families and active older kids — and a brilliant way to get parents who grew up on the original moving too. Rounds are short and fast, so even younger players stay hooked, while teens will be battling it out for the top score. Tucked just behind Lambeth Palace, it pairs nicely with a stroll along the South Bank or a trip to the playground in nearby Archbishop's Park.
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House of Dreamers
Step straight into a dreamscape at this massive immersive exhibition at ExCeL London. Packed with vibrant projection mapping, oversized sensory installations, giant ball pits and colourful themed rooms, it's a paradise for families who love exploring creative spaces and snapping vibrant photos together. Kids can dive, bounce and wander from one surreal room to the next, while grown-ups get their best family photos in years. It's all indoors, so it makes a great rainy-day plan.
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Matilda The Musical
Witty, slightly dark (it is Roald Dahl, after all!), and incredibly clever - with a brilliant score that'll stick in your head forever - Matilda is a brilliant first West End experience. Kids will be mesmerised by the staging and adults will actually enjoy the jokes. A West End triumph... I've been three times with each of my kids and loved it every time.
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HMS Belfast
Nine decks of a real WWII warship anchored on the Thames, complete with gun turrets, boiler rooms and sailors' sleeping quarters. Kids love steering the ship with interactive instructions.
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Chronos One Escape Rooms
A cinematic, time-travel-themed escape game where the room reacts around you. Puzzles are logic-led rather than gory, so it works well for confident 10s and up and for teens who think they're too cool for museums.
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F1® DRIVE London
Got a young racing enthusiast in the family? Head underneath Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the world's first official Formula 1-branded electric karting venue! Custom-designed karts come with authentic F1 steering-wheel displays, engine sounds and real-time telemetry, so kids aged 8+ can test their skills, battle for lap times and chase the chequered flag on a slick 500m track. Grown-ups can race too — expect serious family rivalry.
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The National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of London's absolute heavyweights, housing over 2,300 Western European masterpieces from Van Gogh to Da Vinci. Taking children into a grand art institution can sound daunting, but the National is surprisingly brilliant for families, provided you go in with a strategy rather than trying to see all 60+ rooms. Start at the Roden Centre for Creative Learning, the dedicated family space inside the Gallery. It gives kids of all ages the chance to connect with world-class art through hands-on play, texture, light and sound, packed with artist-designed playboxes, interactive installations and sensory studios. It's completely free to enter, with no advance booking required for weekend and school holiday family drop-ins, making it one of the absolute best low-stress family spots in Central London. The Keeper of Paintings Game - a free augmented reality game called Canvas Quest works on your phone, so kids aged 7+ can turn exploring the main gallery into a brilliant hide-and-seek adventure, tracking down hidden details in famous paintings. General entry costs nothing, making it easy to pop in for 45 minutes to spot a few famous artworks without feeling guilty about ticket prices. You might want to focus on the ones they've looked at in school, maybe including Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Rousseau's Surprise! (the tiger in a tropical storm), and Stubbs' Whistlejacket (a massive, life-sized rearing horse). Try the 'Angel & Animal' game for younger kids: turn gallery-walking into a scavenger hunt by asking younger kids to count how many flying cherubs, dogs, or horses they can spot hidden in the classical paintings.
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Watford Cycle Hub Mini Town
Just a short trip from London, Watford Cycle Hub's Mini Town offers a safe, realistic mini-road layout where kids aged 12 and under can build cycling confidence and learn essential road safety skills. Complete with miniature traffic lanes, junctions and road signs, little riders can practice navigating traffic in a totally enclosed, stress-free environment. It's completely free to enter, and you can bring your own bike or scooter — or rent bikes and helmets directly on-site. Make a full day of it: King George V Playing Fields has a large adjacent playground, open green space and an on-site community café, so there's plenty to do once the laps are done. Pack a picnic, and if your child needs a helmet check or bike tune-up, the friendly Cycle Hub mechanics are on hand to take a look while you're there.
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A family day out at the O2
We have kids spanning 6 to 11 - so planning a London family day out usually requires tactical military planning, or leaving one at a friend's house on a play date; a weather radar app, and/or a bank loan. And arriving at Greenwich’s giant white tent mid-morning on a Saturday, I was bracing for the usual attrition rate: either a bored pre-teen, a tired six-year-old, or parents desperate for a coffee. Actually, we all walked out six hours later feeling like we’d had a mini-break. The O2 might be London's secret all-weather sanity-saver for families. The activities all add up in cost, but you can plan ahead with a schedule and budget. Here's how our day looked: 10:30am: Divide and conquer: this is the first secret to multi-age harmony. While my husband took our 9 and 11-year-olds to tackle Up at The O2, my six-year-old and I stayed on terra firma. The climbers suited up in harness suits and walked over the iconic canvas roof, returning full of adrenaline, with family snaps against the London skyline, raving about their guide’s local history intel. Meanwhile, downstairs in the O2's outlets, my daughter loved The Entertainer - a goldmine for ridiculously good-value birthday party gifts - while it was shoe heaven for me, in Kurt Geiger, Dune London, and Soletrader, before I snuck into French Connection and sorted my autumn workwear wardrobe. Reunited and ravenous at 1pm, we strolled down The O2’s buzzing restaurant street. Most corners of the world's food are rep'd here, as well as geared up for families; we opted for Marugame Udon, slurping noodles and crunching through chicken katsu tempura. Post-lunch activity options at The O2 were almost overwhelming. We were torn between trampolining at Oxygen or taking on the towering routes at Clip ’n Climb, but ultimately opted for Activate: a mash-up between full-immersion VR and taking on The Crystal Maze as a team. We spent an hour sprinting between game rooms: racing across floors of lit-up tiles while trying not to step on the lava red ones, interactive quizzes where you have to hurl a basketball through the hoop of the correct answer.. We ended up doubled over with laughter and dripping with sweat: the 6, 9 and 11 year olds AND their parents all having fun with equal ferocity. Almost home time, but we quickly flopped at Snowflake Gelato for a sugar hit first. Banoffee crepes, and a perfect lime-and-mint sorbet, gave us the energy for the return journey. The magic of a day at The O2 was the mix between the density of things to do and the absence of family logistical friction. Under its massive canopy, you are both immune to British weather whims and under one roof with adrenaline, shopping, food, and family play. Thank you to the O2 for inviting us for a family day out - we will be back!
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The Gruffalo Afternoon Tea at Raffles
The latest in London's themed luxury afternoon teas, we visited the new Gruffalo tea in The Drawing Room at Raffles London at The OWO to check it out. Our first impression: this is very five star. There's a pianist, the tinkle of silverware and a luxury atmosphere where children are really welcome - I wouldn't want to bring a tantruming toddler, but stepping into the tea feels really special for parents and children alike. The menu cleverly translates Julia Donaldson’s world into delicious bites. The kids were offering hot chocolate stacked with cream and marshmallows (or fruit juice) alongside themed sandwiches: there's 'Roasted Fox' (ham), 'Little Brown Mouse' (cheddar with scrumptious tomato), 'Scrambled Snake' (egg watercress), and 'Deep Dark Wood' (cucumber). Next course was plain or sultana scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and lemon curd, alongside fun (and deeply sophisticated) pastries like Owl’s Pot of Soup (carrot and vanilla cream), and a chocolate shortbread Gruffalo. At £50 per child, this is a steep investment, and a few details fell short: we weren't offered sandwich or pastry refills, although they were provided when we asked for more sarnies (four, a £50 a pop, felt stingy). And while the menu alludes to storytelling, and the cakes had Gruffalo images, it wasn't as interactive as some other teas, which have diggable chocolates or themed books provided to go home with. Again, this is nit-picking but the price demands perfection. Adults are also served a separate Old War Office-inspired tea menu (£85/head), which was really lovely, and triggered questions about the unique venue and what history happened there from the kids. Our verdict? This was a gorgeous, memorable luxury splash-out, and we came home with a box of leftover cakes and scones that extended the fun - though story-loving kids may wish for a bit more hands-on magic. NB We were invited to try out the tea as guests of Raffles, but all views are our honest own ones!
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Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Sightseeing on a classic Route-master bus while eating Peppa Pig cookies - this is proper toddler heaven! Each table has a tablet showing Peppa episodes, which coincide with the sights as you drive past them (the Queen episode hasn't been updated yet though!) and you get to keep cute big-and-little travel cups. Expect lots of singalongs, and surprisingly delicious food - with a range of hot and cold drinks, colouring/activity books to take home, and boxes for leftovers too.
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Lightroom London
This four-storey immersive digital art space is a sensory feast - a purpose-built projection space in King's Cross with frequently-changing immersive shows from major artists and creative names - past programmes have included David Hockney's 60-year retrospective, Prehistoric Planet's life-sized dinosaurs, and a journey through David Bowie's world narrated by the man himself. Floor-to-ceiling laser projection and a powerful spatial sound system wrap around you as you wander freely through the space, with each show running on a loop of around 45-60 minutes so you can stay as long as you like. It's welcoming for children of all ages, and there's a St John-run café bar for snacks and drinks afterwards. Now showing: Larger Than Life, a brand-new 50-minute immersive experience starring Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph. Floor-to-ceiling projections put families right in the middle of the Aardman studio, showcasing iconic sets, original puppet characters, camera rigs, lighting and real animators hard at work bringing the classics to life. It combines behind-the-scenes magic with bespoke new animation made especially for the space - a nostalgic treat for all ages that shows exactly how clay figures turn into big-screen legends.
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London Canal Museum & Boat Trip
Housed in a Victorian ice warehouse built for ice cream pioneer Carlo Gatti, this interactive museum lets kids sit inside a replica narrowboat cabin and learn how canal families lived. Try to book your visit to align with one of the museum's seasonal narrowboat trips through the 878-yard-long Islington Tunnel - it's a lovely ride. If not, walk outside to Battlebridge Basin to catch a public London Waterbus down the canal to Camden Market.
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Chinatown, Leicester Square & movie magic
Sensory overload, West End-style. Start at the two big Leicester Square anchors: the four-storey M&M'S London, with its life-size photo-op characters, and the LEGO Store, home to a giant brick-built Big Ben and London Underground display. Then head through the Chinatown gate off Wardour Street for lanterns, bakery windows piled with bun art, bubble tea, bubble waffles, taiyaki soft-serve, and the area's cheap buffet-style Chinese restaurants for a low-stress lunch. On the way, we love to visit the West End Arts Library (westminster.gov.uk/arts-library), a short walk from Leicester Square tucked between the square and the National Gallery on the site of Isaac Newton's former home: it's free to enter and has a cute kids' corner packed with hundreds of brand-new artist-related books and a little sofa to curl up and read (open Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am–5pm, closed Sundays). If there's appetite for more walking, Trafalgar Square is five minutes south with lions to climb, fountains, and street performers, the National Portrait Gallery just off it offers free entry with family trails and activity sheets, and Covent Garden with the London Transport Museum is 10–15 minutes away and a big hit for kids who love trains and buses. Wrap up the day with a film at one of Leicester Square's cinemas, or check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted family show tickets. This stretch is always heaving with tourists, so brace for crowd navigation, especially around M&M'S World and the LEGO Store on weekends and school holidays.
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Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School
This outdoor aerial circus school offers flying trapeze classes for beginners in London's parks during summer. Age 8+ kids get high-flying adrenaline as they harness up to jump off a high platform and perform real trapeze tricks into a safety net. Gorilla Circus has been teaching Flying Trapeze in London since 2009, and is the only Grand Volant flying trapeze in London. Classes are released in blocks every four weeks and book up quickly. But it's only open Spring until late September each year.
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The Sherriff Centre (Hullabaloo Soft Play)
Soft play inside the nave of a stunning 19th-century church - Hullabaloo at The Sherriff Centre is one of London's most unusual places for children to burn off energy. The former church at St James' has been reinvented as a bustling community hub, with a dedicated toddler area for under-2s and a multi-level junior play frame for children up to ten, all set beneath soaring ceilings. There's a newly introduced outdoor nature trail too, so you can mix indoor climbing with a breath of fresh air. It runs daily, and once a month the church stays open late on Friday nights for the popular Soft Play Lates - a chance for kids to play after dark while parents kick back with drinks and snacks from the on-site bar and café. It is a lovely way to make an ordinary evening feel like an occasion, and a brilliant rainy-day option that doesn't feel like a compromise.
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Museum of Illusions London
Rooms that tip you sideways, a vortex tunnel that scrambles your balance and a whole wall of holograms — an hour of proper "how did they do that?" fun just off Covent Garden. Endlessly photogenic, and small enough not to melt anyone down.
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Swingers Crazy Golf (City)
The City branch of Swingers, a 1920s-themed indoor crazy golf venue with street food and bars. Children are welcome at family sessions only, so check the venue website before booking.
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Waterstones Piccadilly Free Storytime
Europe's largest bookstore hosts free weekly storytime sessions right in the heart of London. Up on the second floor of Waterstones Piccadilly you'll find a dedicated children's department packed with thousands of books, toys and reading nooks, and every Sunday at 2pm families gather in the cosy children's section for a free drop-in story reading session. No booking is needed, which makes it a perfect budget-friendly stop during a family day out in Central London. Even without storytime it is a lovely rainy-day wander - the children's floor is made for small people to browse and flop down with a book, there's a café on the same floor for hot drinks and treats, and the top-floor 5th View café gives panoramic rooftop views over Central London. Pop in before or after a walk along Piccadilly or a trip to the nearby shops.
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Frameless Immersive Art Experience
Four galleries of interactive, giant projection-mapped art, where masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet move across the walls and beneath your feet.
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Tower Bridge
London’s most famous iconic suspension bridge features high, glass floor walkways and historic steam engine rooms inside. Heights-loving kids get a thrilling view walking very high above the River Thames, across transparent glass floor panels - lookg straight down at red London buses and boats and enjoy learning the history of the bridge.
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Absurd City
Step into a wonderfully weird world designed by the creators of Wake The Tiger! This brand-new immersive art maze takes families on an imaginative journey through secret passageways, surreal rooms and interactive art installations. Every corner hides something to poke, press or crawl through, so kids get to be explorers rather than spectators. Having had an early sneak peek, we can confirm this is a must-add for your London itinerary — especially if you're exploring with hard-to-impress older kids and teens. Being inside Westfield London makes it an easy rainy-day plan: no long walks in the drizzle, plenty of loos and lunch options on the doorstep, and Shepherd's Bush station just across the road.
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National Army Museum (Play Base)
A high-quality indoor soft-play centre with an army assault course, mess-hall kitchen and command vehicle, plus lots of role play. The rest of the museum is free and has plenty for older kids.
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Monopoly Lifesized
Immersive 80-minute walkthrough on a giant Monopoly board, guided by actors through dice-rolling, property buying and escape-room style challenge rooms.
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Victoria Park & Splash Pool
Vicky Park to locals: two massive adventure playgrounds, a skate park, a boating lake and a brilliant summer water splash park, with fairs and entertainment on regularly. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
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Twist Museum
This Oxford Street attraction claims to explore how our brains interpret the world through over eighty interactive exhibits - we found it more of an Instagram/Snap hub, full of kids and teens snapping mind-bending photos. But they enjoy doing so - and so will your older kids: you step inside illusion rooms, test sound and perspective tricks, and walk through colour-shifting corridors, everything’s heavily interactive and there are loads of photo opportunities.
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Sandbox VR Covent Garden
Full-body virtual reality where your group moves around a room together and becomes the heroes of the game. Players wear a headset, haptic vest and motion trackers, then team up to fight pirates, survive zombies or face dinosaurs, with your real movements tracked in the game. It is a brilliant treat for older kids, teens and birthday groups, and parents tend to love it just as much. Every game ends with a replay video of your group in action to watch back.
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Oxford Street & Piccadilly Circus shopping and viral pics
The ultimate teen and child pop-culture trail - start at Oxford Circus and stop wherever your kid wants to - there's 7 floors of toy magic at Hamleys, visit Selfridges to check out viral food trends and social media popups, walk down to Piccadilly Circus to sit under the iconic Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (aka Eros). Football fans will love Fanatics, and there's always some street performers and freebies along the route.
See detailsSwingers Crazy Golf (West End)
The West End branch of Swingers, a 1920s-themed indoor crazy golf venue with street food and bars. Children are welcome at family sessions only, so check the venue website before booking.
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Vauxhall City Farm
This charming, free community farm tucked in the shadow of London skyscrapers, home to alpacas, pigs, horses, and small pets. Gives kids a chance to get up close to farm animals in central London, meet famous alpacas, and hold guinea pigs.
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Battersea Park Children's Zoo
A small, cute zoo tucked inside Battersea Park, built just for younger children. Meet meerkats, otters, squirrel monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, farm animals and more, with plenty of feeding talks and keeper chats through the day. It is compact enough to see properly in a morning, has a play area and café, and pairs perfectly with the park's big adventure playground or a pedal boat on the lake.
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Royal Institution Family Science
The Royal Institution in Mayfair is where the famous Christmas Lectures began, and it still runs family science days, holiday workshops and shows with explosions, liquid nitrogen and plenty of audience participation. Families can watch science happen in the historic lecture theatre where Michael Faraday once demonstrated electricity. The free Faraday Museum downstairs shows his original lab and equipment, so even a quick visit can tie in with what kids learn at school.
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Wizard Exploratorium Afternoon Tea
Not officially a Harry Potter tea, but magic fans will love this experience. Set in a multi-storey converted Soho house, you use wands to brew colour-changing teas and unlock puzzle boxes to get your cakes. It's hands-on, highly interactive, and tasty too - but not accessible for buggies or wheelchairs.
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Archbishops Park playground
Local parents say this playground is much better than the one next to the Imperial War Museum, so it's worth the short walk if you're in this part of London. One of Lambeth's better playgrounds, it has a zip wire, climbing structure, sandy play and younger kids' equipment, plus it adjoins an area with astro sports pitches, cricket nets and tennis courts, although these are bookable and paid-for.
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Madame Tussauds London
You'll either love it or hate it... but kids love to take selfies with wax celebrities, the Marvel 4D cinema and a Star Wars zone. There are replicas of the Royal Family and celebs including Harry and Taylor... Plus access to the interactive Marvel Super Heroes 4D Exhibition, Spirit of London Ride, and Chamber of Horrors. Don't waste time in the long queue! Prebook below.
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West End Arts Library - our favourite free central chill spot
West End Arts Library is our favourite hidden London gem — and our favourite free, calm spot in central London. Tucked behind Leicester Square, walk in and head to the back left-hand side of the library, where you'll find a gorgeous kids section with hundreds of brand-new books, all themed around art. There's an entire Little Dreams section — and books for tots to teens, all immaculate, beautifully illustrated, alongside loads of practical art guides for older children who want to learn to draw, paint and design. Most of the books are brand new. Music lovers are covered too: the Westminster Music Library lives upstairs, with instruments you can borrow and play on the spot, from ukuleles to digital pianos. The setting is remarkable as well — this is the street where Sir Isaac Newton once lived, and the library is a quiet, elegant refuge just steps from Leicester Square and the National Gallery. Best of all, everything is completely free. Every Thursday from 3pm to 4.30pm there's a free Little Painters drop-in, where babies and toddlers get stuck into painting activities. On a rainy day it's hard to beat: stock up on books, then take your pick from the galleries, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly all within a few minutes' stroll.
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The Novelty Automation Arcade
An eccentric arcade packed with satirical, hand-built mechanical machines by artist Tim Hunkin. Kids buy copper tokens to operate contraptions like a machine that walks a mechanical dog or an auto-frisking booth.
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The Lookout, 8 Bishopsgate
A high-rise public viewing platform on the 50th floor with 360-degree views over the Gherkin, Tower Bridge and the Thames. Far quieter and easier to book than the Sky Garden, so much less stressful with impatient young kids.
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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!
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The Traitors: Live Experience
If your family - like mine - spent the winter shouting accusations at the TV screen, this live Covent Garden theatrical event lets you step right into the velvet-draped drama. Guided by deliciously West End actor hosts, you take your place around a giant physical Round Table before secret roles are assigned. You will compete in hands-on mental and physical team challenges to build a prize pot, interspersed with hushed corridor side-chats, backstabbing, and explosive banishment votes. It's never the ones you expect who'll win - even if that's your own son or daughter! Family-friendly afternoon slots cater specifically to kids aged 12 and up, making it an absolutely perfect day out for teenagers who love a good poker face.
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Crystal Palace Park Maze and Dinosaur Playground
One of the largest hedge mazes in the UK, dating back to the 1870s and right beside the famous Victorian dinosaur statues. The revamped playground has bone-shaped climbing structures, a footprint-shaped sandpit, slides, swings and balancing beams, built to be inclusive with accessible equipment and seating.
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The London Eye
Glass pods carry you 135m above the Thames for a slow 30-minute 360-degree spin over the city... there are interactive digital guides telling you what to look out for too. Pods are buggy-friendly. But make sure the weather looks decent for the day you want to go!
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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!
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Houses of Parliament Tour
Peel back the history of one of the world's most famous buildings with this tour through Westminster Hall, the House of Commons chamber, and the House of Lords. It’s worth going for a guided tour if you can - the charismatic guides are super-knowledgeable and happy to answer even the most inquisitive kids’ questions. The tours highlight centuries of political history, Victorian architecture and royal traditions - although the benefit of the cheaper self-guided audio tour is that families can set their own pace and there is dedicated content for younger visitors. Pre-booking online ahead is strongly recommended as visitor tickets sell out fast - especially for guided tours.
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London Wetland Centre (WWT Barnes)
105 acres of urban nature reserve filled with otters, rare birds, adventure play areas and wetland zip-lines.
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Tower of London & Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is a total slam-dunk for kids - which is partly why you need to go as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds! But it's worth it - where else can they see real crown jewels, hear gruesome execution stories, and meet giant, moody ravens - and not-at-all-moody beefeaters? (The ones we met were very friendly and happy for photos!) But since it’s a sprawling medieval fortress, navigating it with impatient children requires a game plan. On arrival, do the Crown Jewels Sprint: Ignore the entrance photo-ops, and the second that gates open, march straight to the Jewel House before the hour-long queue forms. There's a moving walkway to look at the biggest crowns, then loop back into the standing lane so kids can get up close to the sparkles. We recommend catching a Beefeater Tour. These are free 45-minute walks which are full of bloody history and stand-up comedy that keeps kids hooked. Join an early morning tour before legs tire. If kids are stalling, tell them to hunt for the ravens - the six resident birds on the South Lawn. When the central White Tower gets packed, head up to the ramparts. Kids can run through medieval turrets and aim imaginary arrows through slits while you enjoy views of Tower Bridge. Don't miss the random animal room near the back of the tower - learn how the Tower of London led to the formation of London Zoo! Pack snacks and - if you can - take a sling rather than a buggy, though they're welcome, it's easier to navigate when nimble. The on-site café get busy, but they actually serve up really good food (better than almost any other London attraction we've been to!) including great salad bars and good kids choices.
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Shakespeare’s Globe
This faithful open-air reconstruction of William Shakespeare's 1599 Elizabethan playhouse on the banks of the Thames features energetic family-friendly storytelling performances, weapon-handling workshops, and affordable standing tickets. Young kids might not last a whole performance, espeiclaly if standing, but with tickets a fiver you might not mind just doing the first half, and get an amazing taste of entertainment from Shakespearean times.
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Imperial War Museum (IWM London)
Fascinating history museum packed with real Spitfires, tanks and submarine models, plus great interactive family trails. A must for history or transport-loving kids.
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MathsWorld London
Don't laugh - maths really can be fun and this really different and fun activity proves it! Tucked into a set of industrial railway arches just behind Tate Modern, this newly opened interactive space proves maths is far more than boring school worksheets. Spread across two floors, kids can scramble inside a giant soap bubble, face off against an AI chess master, test their logic on an elliptical pool table, and crack secret ciphers on the Codebreaker wall. It is brilliantly geared toward problem-solvers of all ages - there are definitely no textbooks here. And your day ticket turns into a 12-month annual pass, making it the ultimate South Bank rainy-day fallback whenever you are in the area. Keep in mind term-time weekdays often host school groups, so grab an afternoon slot or go on weekends for calmer vibes. The only disappointment we had were the loos: not brilliant!
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Disney's The Lion King
The ultimate 'first West End show' experience... Kids and adults alike love this music-filled spectacle: the opening sequence with the animals coming down the aisles is guaranteed to give you goosebumps - look out for deals on 'Disney Mondays' but book when you can - the Lion King is worth every penny.
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The London Ghost Bus Tour
Part comedy show, part historical tour, this 75-minute evening ride on a restored 1960s Routemaster Necrobus is perfect for tweens and teens who love spooky stories without getting genuinely terrified. Led by a sinister conductor-actor, the bus winds through London's most infamous sites of execution, plague, and hauntings, combining dark history with laugh-out-loud theatrical tricks and onboard gags. Key sights to look out for: the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Fleet Street and Westminster Abbey, illuminated at night.
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Hunterian Museum
Located inside the Royal College of Surgeons, this historic museum features thousands of medical specimens, skeletons, and anatomical preparations. Kids obsessed with biology or gross facts will be spellbound by the weird and wonderful clear jars of specimens... But be aware, this must be London's most macabre museum so check your kids are OK with its contents first.. It's ideal for older kids, teens, and families with an appetite for medical history, anatomical oddities, and science. At its core is the 18th-century collection of pioneering surgeon and anatomist John Hunter, featuring thousands of anatomical and pathological specimens, surgical instruments, and historical medical artifacts.
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London's Fun Board Game Cafés (rainy day fun)
Rainy Saturday, restless kids, nobody wants another soft play? London's board game cafés are one really excellent answer. There are thousands of games on the shelves, staff who explain the rules so you don't lose half an hour to an instruction manual, and proper food (and, more importantly to my kids, milkshakes) while you play. Most charge a few pounds per person for a table slot, families are welcome during the day, and you can happily stay put for three or four hours. Here are the five we send families to again and again, from one next to our favourite neon graffiti tunnel under Waterloo to a buggy-friendly hall in Croydon. Draughts (Waterloo), SE1 7NN — hidden in the Leake Street graffiti tunnel, 1,000+ games and roaming "Game Gurus" who pick kid-friendly titles for you. Families welcome before 9pm; nachos, burgers and thick shakes. Quietest on Sunday mornings. https://draughtslondon.com/locations/waterloo/ Draughts (Stratford), E20 1FS — floor-to-ceiling windows in East Village, bright and welcoming for younger families. Pair it with Tumbling Bay playground in the Olympic Park first, then a three-hour session with toasties and milkshakes. https://draughtslondon.com/locations/stratford/ The Ludoquist (Croydon), CR0 1QE — the South London family favourite: huge, bright, a dedicated Family & Kids bookcase from age three up, buggy-friendly aisles and sourdough pizzas. Book ahead on rainy weekends. https://www.theludoquist.com/ Bad Moon Cafe (Bermondsey / Elephant & Castle), SE1 4GZ — best for tweens and teens ready for fantasy strategy and card games. Big tables, four-hour slots and stone-baked pizzas. https://www.badmooncafe.co.uk/ Loading Bar (Stoke Newington), N16 0LH — the screens-and-tabletop compromise: free retro consoles built into the booths plus quick-fire card games, no table charge, under-18s welcome during the day. https://loading.bar/
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Westminster Abbey
A thousand years of coronations, royal weddings and Poets' Corner packed into one very grand church. This one won't be a hit with ALL children, we found, but history fans will really enjoy the kids' audio guide, which includes hunting for tombs, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries give a brilliant bird's-eye view down into the Abbey.
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Quiz Room
Trivia-loving kids (pretty much every child I've ever met!) will love this interactive game-show arena, you stand behind glowing quiz podiums complete with buzzers, joker cards, and sound effects. Kids feel like stars on a TV game show while trivia is customisable and age-appropriate. The kids' quiz is aimed at 8-12 year olds but older teens can tackle other quiz topics.
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London by Night Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour
When winter hits and the Capital transforms into a lit-up, festive wonderland, walking through crowded West End pavements with tired kids can feel like a marathon. This 45-to-60-minute evening open-top bus tour is the ultimate stress-free way to soak up London's world-famous Christmas light displays without dragging buggies through the crowds. Led by either an entertaining live guide or child-friendly audio commentary, depending on the day, families glide past glittering streets, festive shopfront windows and giant illuminated angels while singing along to Christmas classics. Look out for: the iconic soaring Spirit of Christmas angels on Regent Street, Carnaby Street's quirky themed light displays, Oxford Street, the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, and Harrods wrapped like a sparkling present.
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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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Live TV Studio Audience Experience
Sitting in a live television studio gives kids and teens a fascinating peak behind the screen. From prime-time entertainment shows like Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice, and The Jonathan Ross Show to sitcoms and panel shows, audience tickets are completely free, you just need to apply through the official ticketing agencies. Where to sign up: BBC shows like the Strictly ballot: bbc.co.uk/showsandtours Applause Store: applausestore.com (Britain's Got Talent, The Voice, QI) SSTA / Lost in TV: lostintv.com (Quiz shows and chat shows)
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Battersea Park Playground, Park and Power Station
Massive green park featuring adventure playgrounds, a boating lake, a pagoda, and lots of wide-open space for kids to scoot, play football or burn off energy. Do the park first, then head to the power station for lunch at the Arcade marketplace or a kid-friendly restaurant like Where the Pancakes Are, then browse the Lego store, Peppa Pig shop and Bounce. The children's zoo tucked inside the park is the ultimate anti-London-Zoo for younger kids: small scale, with meerkats, lemurs, otters and monkeys, plus a play area packed with vintage fire engines, tractors, life-sized wooden boats and sandpits.
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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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Paper Cat Book Shop
This indy children's book shop is packed with amazing books, of course, hand-picked by the very knowledgeable staff, and also runs great drop-in sessions, featuring story time, crafts and lots more - priced reasonably at £3 each.
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Activate London
This is a seriously high-tech, active gaming arena that feels like stepping into a real-life video game or Floor is Lava or The Crystal Maze. Across 12 interactive rooms, groups sprint across floors of lit-up tiles (trying not to step on the red 'lava'), hurl basketballs at nets to answer quiz Qs, navigate laser grids, and scale interactive climbing walls. Everyone, from our six year old to cynical pre-teen and their parents, loved our visit.
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Greenwich Park & Royal Observatory Grounds
Historic park with incredible skyline views across the river, a large gated playground, a deer enclosure and sweeping hills. Grounds and the Prime Meridian line outside are free; the Observatory museum is ticketed.
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The Jury Experience – The Deadly Boat Ride
You’ve been called for jury duty. Step into a thrilling courtroom drama where the audience is the jury. Listen to testimonies, analyze evidence, and ultimately decide… guilty or not guilty? This interactive show sees audiences sit as the jury in a live courtroom drama to watch a murder trial unfold. You listen to witness testimonies, analsze evidence, and use your phone to vote on key moments to decide the final verdict. Your votes steer the story..
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Tower of London Private Family & Kids Tour
While general entry to the Tower is an incredible outing (see separate listing), a family-specific private tour pairs your group with an energetic Blue Badge guide who tailors 900 years of history specifically for children. Kids learn about royal prisoners, gruesome medieval executions and armour while hunting for the famous ravens - and asking any questions at all to the very knowledgeable guides. Look out for: the Crown Jewels, the White Tower armour displays, Traitors' Gate, and the medieval battlements.
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Jubilee Gardens
Families can explore a busy landscaped park right on London's South Bank featuring over 90 mature trees and open lawns. Children up to 11 years old can play in the enclosed adventure playground... It's always pretty busy, but still lots of space to run around and you can then explore the South Bank, with its stalls, performers and eating/drinking spots.
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BaySixty6 Skate Park
Undercover skate park under the Westway offering beginner Saturday morning sessions, lessons, and a free skate club.
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National Portrait Gallery
The world's largest collection of portraits also has family spaces, galleries, and interactive art trails. Kids will love spotting famous faces (from royalty to footballers), using interactive digital portrait stations, and joining weekend drop-in art workshops.
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Bells Garden playground, Peckham
Recently revamped, this playground lays claim to hosting the second-longest slide in London... It's bright, colourful, reminiscent of Battersea Power Station's playground, and well worth a visit if you're nearby.
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Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum
This annual photography exhibition showcasing wildlife and nature images from around the globe is always awesome, and the combination of the backlit set-up and amazing array of animal shots means it's the one art exhibit that always keeps kids of any ages captivated. Try to go in the week or find an off-peak slot or go later in the season to avoid the crowds, as it can get very busy and a bit overwhelming.
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StreetHunt Games
Teams navigate city streets using their phones to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and crack outdoor mysteries - it's a team-building fun for groups of 10+ so ideal for birthdays or new classes etc to bond. Feels like a mixture of a scavenger hunt, escape room, and murder mystery. We found it designed for all skill levels: challenging, but accessible, and easy to organise.
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The Southbank Centre
Spanning a massive riverside site right next to the Thames, the Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts center and a buzzing hub for family culture in London. Encompassing the iconic brutalist architecture of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the Hayward Gallery, the complex hosts a brilliant mix of year-round family programming, free open-air installations, interactive music sessions for toddlers, and public spaces that make it a go-to weekend destination for parents. For key family activities, check out the Clore Ballroom, which has events like WordPlay interactive music and songs for toddlers (ages 0–5), family dance sessions, and inclusive creative workshops. The Riverside Terrace has rotating family-friendly interactive public art installations (like giant sound-reactive ground markers and sculptures. The Hayward Gallery hosts major art exhibitions but also has kid-focused gallery trails and creative morning sessions for schools and families. We love the daytime family dance parties on the Clore Ballroom stage. Combine with exploring the book market and street food right underneath Waterloo Bridge, and don't miss the interactive musical staircase inside the Royal Festival Hall where each step triggers a piano note or sound effect when stepped on. Free musical fun.
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Woolwich Waves
This community leisure centre's heartbeat is its pool with wave machines, water jets, and splash play areas for children. There's also two indoor soft play areas and a crèche, making it easy to turn a swim trip into a full morning out. Greenwich residents holding a local Greenwich One Card can snag discounted swim slots. You need to book for family fun swim to access the water slides and interactive splashpad. After swimming, take a short 5-minute walk over to the historic Royal Arsenal Riverside development, with pedestrianised squares and family-friendly food halls. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
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Serpentine Lido Playground & Hyde Park Boating
A gated wooden playground right beside the Serpentine with climbing frames, swings and ducks to feed. Take a ride on the boats too: there is a small pond with child-only boats, a larger one for family boating, and solar-powered Solarshuttle pedalos crossing the lake. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
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Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour
Led by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide, discover iconic filming locations, real world inspirations, and behind the scenes stories from the beloved film series.Start at King’s Cross Station to see Platform 9¾, then explore Leadenhall Market, the Monument to the Great Fire of London, London Bridge for views of Tower Bridge, Borough Market, the River Thames, Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Cenotaph, Downing Street, and Horse Guards Parade. Learn about Ministry of Magic filming locations, see Trafalgar Square, discover the inspiration for Gringotts Bank, and finish on Shaftesbury Avenue at the Palace Theatre, home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It's one for older kids as it lasts almost three hours, but the engaging guides kept us entertained!
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Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 & Foundling Museum
Pair a pop-culture photo opp with rich London history. Start at King's Cross Station for the iconic Platform 9 ¾ luggage trolley photo and shop (there might be a queue but it moves fast). Then walk seven minutes south to the Foundling Museum, which tells the moving story of Britain's first home for abandoned children, founded in 1739 with support from artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. The Granary Square fountains are nearby if it's a warm day - its 1,080 choreographed jets are a huge hit with younger kids in summer (bring a spare set of clothes). Coal Drops Yard next door has shops and food for older kids/teens who've outgrown splashing about.
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The Wallace Collection
Behind the grand townhouse façade lies one of Europe's greatest collections of arms and armour - there's kids trails and some mesmerising suits of armour, ornate swords and dagger displays. Start off on the basement level where you pick up the free family trail maps and interactive activity backpacks. The courtyard café inside is covered with a glass roof, making it a bright spot for lunch or tea after exploring.
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Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Set in the restored 18th-century New River Head waterworks in Clerkenwell, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s national flagship for picture-book magic and visual storytelling. While entry to its main exhibition galleries requires paid tickets, the venue is a masterclass in welcoming families on a tight budget - between the free-to-enter library space, interactive drawing areas, sensory gardens, and £1 tickets for low-income families, you can easily spend a full morning here without draining your wallet. The free Library and activity space lets kids curl up with over 1,000 picture books, graphic novels, and art materials. The main gallery exhibitions change regularly, and the weekly Little Owls drop-in sessions on Wednesday mornings are specifically for under-fives, packed with interactive songs, rhymes, and picture book readings. Don't miss the gated outdoor play garden if it's sunny.
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V&A Museum (South Kensington)
Not an obviously child-friendly museum, but a stunning collection of art, jewellery, performance and fashion, with giant statues, digital family backpacks and hands-on activity trails.
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Estorick Collection
The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art - which opened in London in 1998 and is housed in a Grade II listed Georgian town house - might not sound like a family-friendly activity. But this hidden gem of a gallery, which specialises in modern Italian art, Futurism, and sculpture, is small enough to prevent museum fatigue in children, hosts a free Family Trail to help you explore the Futurist art movement and portraiture in its collection, features a tranquil garden café serving excellent Italian food, and has Mini Marvels, an interactive and sensory play space designed for families with young children, which is free for kids (aka included in the adult ticket price.)
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Barbican Conservatory
Visit the (free) garden, check out the library and its amazing kids' section, stroll the Barbican's architecture
See details★ 4.5
Coram's Fields Playground
This 7-acre urban oasis features adventure playgrounds, a city farm with small animals, sandpits, and adults are only allowed in if they're with kids. Its annual free play day includes even more activities, from crafts to bouncy castles and snacks.
See details★ 4.7
Anya Hindmarsh's Ice Cream Project
Cool off in these fountains and splashpads - always check direct on websites to ensure they're up and running!
See details★ 4
Toca Social interactive football
An interactive, high-tech football entertainment and decent food, featuring private playing boxes and digital target games.
See details★ 4.8
Holland Park
Two fantastic playgrounds - including a huge adventure one with sand and water - a Japanese garden, peacocks, cafes - a great day out. Can combine with Design Museum.
See details★ 4.7
Battersea Power Station
Wander for free (there are often treasure hunts to particpate in), visit the brightly-designed Prospect Place Playground, or do one of the many paid-for activities: two cinemas, Bounce Battersea, and get a taste for the heights at the Chimney Lift. For tots, there's soft play centre, Macaroni Penguin.
See details★ 4.6
Wonderlab at the Science Museum
A packed floor with experiments, interactive models, slides, and frequent presenter-led shows with fire, flashes and bangs.
See details★ 4.6
Camley Street Nature Reserve
Former coal drop for Kings Cross railway has been transformed into this urban garden, a rich habitat for birds, butterflies, amphibians and plant life, with children's trails, weekend activity drop-ins and a small but lovely cafe.
See details★ 4.6
Stephen's House and Gardens
Small park with gardens, pond, cafe and playground with sandpit, which often hosts seasonal events including treasure hunts, Halloween nights and summer outdoor theatre for children. Lots of green with clear visibility for sports games and running around.
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Kings Cross day out
This redeveloped area is mostly traffic-free, so great for scooting and wandering around the wide areas, fountains, small parks and shops. Pop-up (paid for) events include petanque and curling, our kids always enjoy gaming at the Samsung store in Coal Drops Yard, there are food markets, the Everyman cinema, you can stroll to Camley Street Nature Park, walk along the canal and get snapped with the Harry Potter sign at Kings Cross station. Visit the floating bookshop on the canal, cool off at the Cubbitt Sq fountains and check out the small Handyside playground and birdcafe swing outside KX station for a quick energy release.
See details★ 4.6
Tate Britain
This art gallery on the Thames showcases five centuries of iconic British art, including the world's largest collection of works by Turner.. but you'll be here for the free, hands-on family play activities and children's explorer trail map you can pick up at the Clore Learning Centre.
See details★ 4.7
Natural History Museum
A massive, world-class museum filled with dinosaur skeletons, minerals, and interactive natural science exhibits. Pack a lunch to eat on the East Lawn on nice days, and make sure to pre-book a free timed ticket online to skip the main queue.
See details★ 4.6
Science Museum
Packed with hands-on space rockets, steam engines, and interactive technology zones. Head straight to the basement's Pattern Pod for toddlers or the Garden play area to burn off early energy before the crowds peak - older kids will enjoy Wonderlab (see separate listing) and Power Up (paid for).
See details★ 4.6
British Museum
Houses millions of historic artifacts, including ancient Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone. Grab a free family activity trail map at the Information Desk in the Great Court to turn your visit into an engaging scavenger hunt. Book your (free) ticket online first, you'll probably still have to face a short queue but it moves quickly.
See details★ 4.2
Diana Memorial Playground
huge, gated adventure play space in Kensington Gardens featuring a massive wooden pirate ship, teepees, and sensory trails. There's sand, water and a musical trail. Ice cream cafe and it's based in the huge Kensington Gardens with lots of areas to explore - could combine with Holland Park for a full on playground day. The Diana Memorial Playground reopened in Summer 2026 after a revamp. Aim to arrive when it opens at 10 AM, as capacity is capped and queues form quickly on sunny afternoons.
See details★ 4.7
Postal Museum & Mail Rail
London's best rainy-day secret. Ride the Mail Rail — the world's first driverless electric railway — through the original tunnels 70 feet below the streets, which once whisked four million letters a day between Paddington and Whitechapel from 1927 to 2003. The 15-minute ride runs through open-top miniature carriages with audio-visual storytelling along the way, then it's up to the museum galleries for interactive exhibits spanning five centuries of postal history. The current family exhibition, The Jolly Postman, runs into January 2027, bringing the classic picture book to life through an interactive story world. There's also Sorted!, a separate-ticket play space for ages 1–8, if little ones need to burn energy after the ride. The museum and Mail Rail sit in two separate buildings across Phoenix Place from each other, so head to Mail Rail first and check in ahead of your printed time slot. Book online in advance — timed Mail Rail slots regularly sell out on weekends and school holidays.
See details★ 4.6
Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park
Stroll through these iconic central London parks - featuring Serpentine lake views, expansive grounds, and historic statues - while joining the crowds at Buckingham Palace to show the kids the guards and splendour. Head to St James's Park near Duck Island around 2:30pm to catch the daily pelican feeding time, and visit its playground and cafes for a break.
See details★ 4.7
Horizon 22 London viewing platform
The highest free viewing platform in Europe, offering 360-degree views across London from 58 stories up. Small pond and landscaping, but you're mainly here for the views! Tickets drop in batches online weeks in advance, so ensure you book before you visit.
See details★ 4.8
Grant Museum of Zoology
A 19th-century cabinet of curiosities packed floor to ceiling with over 68,000 animal specimens: a jar of preserved moles, dodo bones, a quagga skeleton and a brain collection. Weird, slightly spooky and compact enough to see in 45 minutes.
See details★ 4.8
London Mithraeum
An immersive underground archaeological site displaying the ruins of a Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg's headquarters. Download their free interactive iPad guide on arrival - older kids can unlock the digital mysteries of ancient Roman London, younger ones will need to stay off the ancient ruins though!
See details★ 4.5
National Maritime Museum
The world's largest maritime museum features boat displays, naval art, and a massive world map floor grids. But as a family, you need to head straight to the Ahoy! gallery (for ages 0–7) or AHOY! Children's Gallery for interactive pirate-themed ship play. Ever-changing exhibitions are often child-friendly too. Cove playground is fab too - there's a solid morning or afternoon to be spent here. Combine with a Greenwich wander round its parks, cafes and shops. Museum is free, play slots cost £4.50 on weekends plus school and bank holidays.
See details★ 4.6
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (Westminster to Greenwich)
Forget expensive, slow-moving tourist cruises — riding the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers with contactless or Oyster is London's ultimate river-sightseeing hack for families. Hop on at Westminster Pier and grab seats near the back outdoor deck, or settle inside the high-speed catamaran, which has panoramic windows, tables and an onboard cafe bar serving hot drinks and snacks. The route down to Greenwich delivers a thrilling speed boost once you pass Tower Bridge, offering a fresh, stress-free vantage point of London's big hits without pushing buggies through crowded pavements. Key sights to look out for: the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, St Paul's Cathedral, HMS Belfast, sliding directly beneath Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf skyscrapers, and the historic Cutty Sark at Greenwich.
See details★ 4.5
Take the No. 9 bus sightseeing
This is a cheap and easy bus sightseeing tour, try to grab a top deck seat as you go past landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Sometimes the route is even run with an old-fashioned Routemaster. This is a budget-friendly way to see London while keeping kids engaged by ticking off sights - we love doing this route alongside the Usborne book of London.
See details★ 3.9
Ikea
Hear me out for a second here... DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND OR BUSY PERIOD. But for an easy morning out with a toddler, there's lots to recommend about Ikea. Surprisingly fun for kids who love exploring the miniature room setups, playing in the toy section, and picking out plants or new room decor. And you can conclude the extravaganza with a decent, cheap children's meal that you don't have to make (or clear up).
See details★ 4
The Southbank
This vibrant, pedestrian-only stretch along the Thames is filled with street food, buskers, and cultural venues like the Southbank Centre, BFI and Tate Modern which always have child-friendly exhibitions and space to run around in. The Southbank is buggy bliss for parents because there are no stairs to navigate, and plenty of child-friendly chain restaurants to warm up (or cool down) in. There are mini Thames-side beaches to explore too - just don't go for a dip in the not-so-clean river.
See details★ 4.5
Sky Garden
A large, indoor landscaped garden high above the city offering incredible panoramic views and plenty of open space to walk around. It is completely free - but you must book your time slot well in advance.
See details★ 4.6
London Transport Museum
This super-interactive museum lets children truly explore. It gets very busy (go early) but kids of all ages can experience what it's like to drive a train, learn about London's changing transport, go on old buses, follow an informative trail, get involved in workshops and more - it's an in-depth day out for kids who are obsessed with how things move. There's a cafe, and tickets are valid for a year so you can revisit as much as you like. It's in Covent Garden with lots of entertainers, shops and cafes to visit too.
See details★ 4.4
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.
See details★ 4.5
Berkhampstead (castle, canal, playground)
Historic market town Berko is a rural day-trip close to northwest London - it has an idyllic canal, castle ruins dating back to 1066, and plenty of family-friendly playgrounds. For history-loving kids, toddlers who enjoy spotting trains and boats, and parents wanting great independent eateries, this is a great day out. Baby parents: leave the buggy behind if you plan to explore the castle ruins, as the path isn't very buggy-friendly, and use a sling instead. Lots of eateries around Lower King's Street if you don't fancy a picnic.
See details★ 4
Capel Manor Gardens
This is a university for horticulture - which is brilliantly open for families to explore with loads of activities too. It features over 30 themed gardens - including a children's garden, maze, fairy garden, and Japanese garden - along with a small farm and reptile collection (the snake always surprises me), kitchen garden, and acres and acres to explore. It’s a wonderful, good value outdoorsy day out - pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, or expect simple school lunch-style fare in the canteen. Check out their calendar for seasonal children's events like Easter egg hunts, and summer festivals, there's always a good kids' treasure hunt trail too.
See details★ 4.6
Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm
This popular spot serves up dozens of handmade ice cream and gelato flavours, made directly from farm-fresh milk. Every year they're also expanding the entertainment options: playgrounds, hay bales, pony rides, sand pits, tractors to climb on, and mazes can often be found here. Expect a queue on warm weekend afternoons, but it moves quickly. Free entry, large car park, but you'll want to buy an ice or two.
See details★ 4.1
West End Toy Shop Trail
This is the ultimate West End retail safari... the kind of shopping kids actually love. Start at Selfridges, in Marble Arch, where on the fourth floor you can gawk at eye-watering £750 giant Jellycat stuffed moons (we saw someone actually buy one) and the fish and chip store, watch the life magic demos and let kids test retro arcade games and futuristic robots on the tech floor in the basement. Probably a good time to set a budget so they can pick one toy from one store for the day - or whatever your budget is. It's worth taking a gander at the food hall too. Next, continue down Oxford Street. Your Big Game safari stops include Build-A-Bear, the Disney Store, and the children's department at John Lewis, with lots of sit-ons and a few games to play. In Liberty London on Great Marlborough Street you can visit its whimsical, beautifully curated children’s section filled with heirloom wooden toys, craft kits, and dress-up gear. Next, on to the mothership: Hamleys and its seven-story temple of live product demos and interactive play zones on Regents Street. You'll be here for a WHILE. There's a LOT to see and buy and play with! When you're free, if you've still got energy, options include: walking 10/15m to Leicester Square's flagship Lego Store to build custom minifigures and see giant brick installations. Or Waterstones Piccadilly - if you have book lovers in tow, take a short detour south to the massive children's department at Waterstones Piccadilly, which also has cosy reading nooks and play spaces. Alternatively, hit up Kingly Court for a snack or dessert in the open-air courtyard at Kingly Court off Carnaby Street. For the truly hardcore, push on to Leicester Square/Covent Garden to watch street performers and explore Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop—an iconic vintage shop packed with classic puppets, theatrical shadow boxes, and wind-up novelties.
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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!
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Westminster Cathedral
London's striking red-and-white brick Catholic cathedral, with glittering mosaics inside. Entry to the cathedral is free; the bell-tower viewing gallery has a charge and great views across Westminster. Often mistaken for its famous neighbour Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral is London’s mother church for Roman Catholics and a hidden gem for families. Built in a striking Neo-Byzantine style with bold red-and-white striped brickwork, it feels like a piece of Constantinople dropped right into Victoria. Inside, culture-loving kids will be mesmerized by the contrast between the lower walls (lined with over 100 types of shimmering marble) and the towering vaulted ceilings, which remain unpainted and pitch-black, giving the nave a mysterious, cave-like atmosphere.
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The Royal Mews
Tucked right beside Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews is a working royal branch that combines horse power with real-life fairytale carriages. Kids love seeing the gleaming ceremonial coaches up close—including the spectacular Gold State Coach used for coronations—and meeting the famous Windsor Grey and Cleveland Bay horses that pull them. There are plenty of hands-on activities, like learning how to harness a wooden horse, stepping inside a replica landau carriage for photo ops, and dressing up in footmen's livery.
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Florence Nightingale Museum
The Florence Nightingale Museum, tucked away inside St Thomas’ Hospital on London’s South Bank, offers a surprisingly intimate and engaging peek into the life of the woman who revolutionized modern nursing. Far from a dry history lesson, the museum brings Florence’s story to life through interactive displays, vivid artifacts, and colorful storytelling that hits just the right note for younger visitors. Kids can discover the actual oil lamp she carried through the dark wards during the Crimean War, meet Jimmy the pet owl she rescued and carried in her pocket, and see the heavy medicine chests used on the battlefield. To get the most out of your family visit, timing and a little preparation make all the difference. Catching one of the live performance sessions—where an actor portraying Florence brings her Crimean adventure to life—is easily the highlight for kids, so it is well worth checking the event schedule on the morning of your visit to time your arrival. The museum sits directly opposite the Houses of Parliament, making it an easy companion visit to a walk along the South Bank, but because space inside is cozy, visiting earlier in the day or during late afternoon hours helps avoid school groups and gives kids room to engage with the interactive stations without waiting. The museum offers clever activity trails at the front desk that turn the collection into a scavenger hunt, keeping little eyes focused and entertained as you explore. For a grand finish, cap off your trip with a stroll to the nearby Archbishop’s Park play area just a short walk away, giving kids a chance to burn off extra energy in the fresh air while parents enjoy views of London.
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Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace delivers a surprisingly family-friendly slice of royal history, blending opulent grand halls with engaging, kid-centric storytelling. Step into the Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition to see the exact rooms where young Queen Victoria grew up, complete with her childhood dollhouse, personal scrapbooks, and interactive displays that instantly hook young imaginations. The King’s and Queen’s State Apartments feature palace staff and activity trails that turn grand portraits and gilded ceilings into scavenger hunts for hidden symbols and royal secrets. Before heading inside, pick up a family quest booklet at the front desk to keep little ones hunting for riddles as you move room to room. Planning ahead makes a big difference when visiting with kids, especially on busier days. Pre-booking timed tickets online saves money and avoids long queues at the main gate. Prams are not permitted inside the historic state apartments, so bring a baby carrier for toddlers and make use of the free pram park located near the entrance. After taking in the palace and strolling around the stunning Sunken Garden, walk just a few minutes north into Kensington Gardens to reach the famous Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Featuring a massive wooden pirate ship set in a sandy beach, sensory play trails, and a water play zone, it is the ultimate spot for kids to burn off extra energy while parents relax with a takeaway coffee from the nearby café.
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ExCeL London
As massive as a city within a city, ExCeL London in the Royal Docks hosts everything from pop-culture juggernauts like MCM Comic Con and MegaCon to interactive immersive family experiences and the festive London International Horse Show. Because the central venue boulevard stretches for nearly a kilometre, taking kids to an event here can feel like a mini-marathon. Navigating it with minimal fuss takes a little extra know-how. Seek Out the Secret Family Room: If you have toddlers or babies in tow, head to Level 0 near Hall S9. This dedicated Family Room has comfortable chairs for feeding, a microwave for baby food, bottle warmers, changing mats, and a private sink/toilet away from the main crowds. Turn Travel Into an Attraction: Skip the crowded Tube ride home and head to the Royal Victoria side to ride the IFS Cloud Cable Car across the Thames to the O2. Exhibitor and visitor ticket holders often get discounted cable car fares, making it a budget-friendly air-adventure!
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