11 places on the list
Top 10: our best of the bunch
Ranked by our own favourites first, then by how families rate them on Google.
- 1
IFS Cloud Cable Car and Royal DocksGetting about · East · All ages£5-£15★ 4.5 - 2
Elstree AerodromeGetting about · East · Under 13Free★ 4.2 - 3
Take the No. 9 bus sightseeingGetting about · Central · All agesUnder £5★ 3.9 - 4
Tootbus / Big Bus Open-Top Kids TourGetting about · Central · 5–12 yrs£5-£15 - 5
Greenwich Foot Tunnel WalkGetting about · South · Under 13Free - 6
Hop-on Hop-off Bus ToursGetting about · Central · 8–12 yrs£15-£30 - 7
Up at the O2Getting about · East · 8+£15-£30 - 8
HMS BelfastGetting about · Central · All ages£5-£15 - 9
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus TourGetting about · Central · Under 9£15-£30 - 10
Ruislip Lido Railway and BeachGetting about · West · Under 13Under £5
Everything on this list
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!
See detailsGreenwich 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.
See detailsHop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
Yes, Londoners roll their eyes at them, but sitting on the top deck of an open-top bus on a sunny day is the easiest, most fun way to show little ones the big sights without exhausting their legs. There are so many stops you can pick your own itinerary - and if it's nap time, let them slumber in your lap as you listen to the audio tour and view all of London's big hits in one day.
See detailsUp 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.
See detailsHMS 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.
See detailsPeppa 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.
See detailsRuislip Lido Railway and Beach
Britain's longest miniature railway runs through ancient woodland around a huge lake with a sandy inland beach. Sandcastles and paddling aplenty, plus a pirate ship play area, outdoor gym, woodland walks and cafes.
See details
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.
See detailsIFS Cloud Cable Car and Royal Docks
Take this cable car ride soaring over the river Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. Don't overpay - tap in with an Oyster card or debit card for cheap pay-as-you-go fares rather than buying full-price tourist tickets at the terminal counter - and boost your day with a trip to the O2's attractions and outlets, a visit to City Hall (go on a weekday and try to book into watch Mayor's Question Time - free but must book) or the Royal Docks' summer beach area if it's open. Cable car prices are: £6.00 Adult / £3.00 Child (one-way with contactless)
See details★ 4.5Take 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★ 3.9Elstree Aerodrome
If you've got aviation-obsessed kids - or just those that like to look up - plan a trip to this airfield north of London. It's pure magic for transport-obsessed toddlers: a working airfield where toddlers can spend hours thrilled by the steady stream of light aircraft and helicopters taking off and landing. Don't miss out on the surprisingly good on-site café to grab a hot drink or nice lunch while you plane-spot.
See details★ 4.2