All places in this area
13 places in this part of town
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.
See details
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.
See details
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.
See details
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!
See details
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.
See details
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.
See details
Barbican Conservatory
Visit the (free) garden, check out the library and its amazing kids' section, stroll the Barbican's architecture
See details★ 4.5
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
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
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
River bus on a Thames Clipper Boat
Take this fast river boat service cruising past London’s major waterfront landmarks, from Big Ben to Tower Bridge. It's ostensibly a commuter service but turn it into an affordable family river cruise by boarding at Westminster Pier and riding east toward Greenwich while using standard TfL Oyster card or a tap-in debit card. Under £10 per adult (Children under 5 travel free, older children half price).
See details★ 4.5
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