All places in this area
39 places in this part of town
Leake St graffiti tunnel
Get creative at one of London's only permitted graffiti locations! Bring spray paints (£2 in Poundland), wear masks to stay safe and enjoy decorating the walls to your heart's content. Kit tip: if the kids want to practise first, a [multi-colour spray paint set](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=spray+paint+set) on cardboard at home is the way to start — more ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
See details★ 4.7
Aqua Shard Peter Pan Afternoon Tea
Served 31 floors up with jaw-dropping views of London, teens to tots will love this afternoon tea. The Peter Pan theme features a Jolly Roger ship stand which is presented with the wow factor of dry-ice smoke, then there are Tinkerbell cookies, and Captain Hook croquettes... It's a really spectacular high-altitude treat that we all enjoyed - and didn't even need colouring/entertainment because watching tiny people, trains and boats on the streets far below was fun for all the family! If you can go on a wintery later afternoon, you get to see London in daytime and twinkling in the evening.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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
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
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
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
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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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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