Things to do with kids in London

Things to do with kids in London

1. SeeSouth Bank

   Archbishop's Park

   This park used to be the grounds of Lambeth Palace but has been a public park since 1901. In addition to the green space it provides, it contains a range of sports facilities (booking required, except for the cricket nets) and a playground.

   7:30AM–15 minutes before sunset

2. SeeSouth Bank

   BFI IMAX Cinema

   Set back from the riverside is the BFI IMAX, the largest cinema screen in the UK at 26 m wide, 20 m high. Shows family-friendly 3D IMAX films as well as action films which work well on the huge screen. Also hosts special all-nighters such as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

3. SeeWestminster

   Banqueting House

   Designed and built in 1619-1622 by the Neo-Classical architect Inigo Jones, The Banqueting House is now all that remains of Whitehall Palace, the sovereign's principal residence from 1530-1698 when most of it was destroyed by fire. Renowned for its architecture and paintings (by Rubens, among others), the building is also famous for being the scene of Charles I's execution in 1649 at the end of the English Civil War.

   Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, closed Sun, Bank Holidays and 24 Dec-1 Jan (inclusive); The Banqueting House is liable to close at short notice for government functions, telephone to check before you travel·£4, students (with ID) and seniors (60+) £3.00, children 5-16 £2.60, under 5 free

4. SeeWestminster

   Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum

   A branch of the Imperial War Museum, the Cabinet War Rooms preserves the underground corridors and rooms from which Churchill and the cabinet directed the war against Hitler and the Nazis, maintained almost exactly as they were left in 1945. In 1984, IWM opened the rooms to the public for the first time. In 2005, the attached Churchill Museum was opened as the world's first permanent museum dedicated to the life and wartime achievements of Sir Winston Churchill. Audio guides are included in your admission. No cloakroom, no rucksacks, no suitcases. Café is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Hot food is served until 3pm.

   Daily 9:30AM-7PM (last admission 5:45PM), closed 24-26 Dec·Adult from £25; children 5-15 from £12.50, under 5 free; seniors and students £15.20; group concessions available

5. SeeBloomsbury

   Charles Dickens Museum

   Museum at the former home of Dickens exhibiting writings, paintings, furniture and other items relating to the writer.

   Mon Wed-Sat 10AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM), Tue 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM)·£5, students and seniors £4, children £3, families £14 (two adults and up to five children), special group rates apply

6. SeeBloomsbury

   Coram's Fields

   A park which is run as children's play area. Facilities include a pet's corner, lawns, sports pitches and a nursery. No adults are allowed to enter the park unless they are accompanying children. All visitors are welcome to join the local kids.

7. SeeSouth Bank

   County Hall

   The former seat of regional London government, now home to attractions such as the London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and Namco Funscape.

8. SeeCity of London

   Dr Johnson's House

   Dr Samuel Johnson was the highly distinguished 18th-century "man of letters", best known for his comprehensive English Dictionary of 1755, but also for his prolific output of poems, essays and novels. Something of a "hidden gem", this small, independent museum is dedicated to him—and, with its historic interiors, paintings and prints, personal effects and other exhibits—gives an impression of what it might have been like during his occupancy from 1748 to 1759. Built in 1700, this impressive period building—a rare example of its kind in the area—survived the brutal onslaught of the Blitz during World War II and is now maintained in excellent condition.

   October-April: Mon-Sat 11AM-5PM; May-September: Mon-Sat 11AM-5:30PM; closed Sundays, Bank Holidays·adult £4.50, concession £3.50 (over 60, student or registered unemployed), child £1.50 (ages 5-17), family £10 (two adults and accompanying children), under 5s free. No debit or credit cards. National Trust Partner.

9. SeeSouthwark and Lewisham

   Dulwich Picture Gallery

   One of London's lesser known treasures showcasing a magnificent collection of old masters, including works by Poussin, Claude, Rubens, Murillo, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Watteau, Gainsborough and many others. It was assembled for the King of Poland in the 1790s; an alternative home was found for the collection of artworks in the "clean air of Dulwich" after the Kingdom of Poland's partition and temporary disappearance as an independent state. The gallery was designed by Sir John Soane and opened in 1817. An extension completed by Rick Mather adds additional space to the compact gallery. DPG received the Museums and Heritage Award for Excellence in 2005 and was winner of the Independent Award for Britain's Favourite Visitor Attraction. It also worth exploring the lush grounds of Dulwich College or Dulwich Park, both a scenic stroll away.

   Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun and bank holiday Mondays 11AM-5PM; closed Good Fri, 1 Jan and 24-26 Dec·£4, senior citizens £3, unemployed, disabled, students and children free, additional charge for special exhibitions

10. DoSouth Bank

    Florence Nightingale Museum

    Tells the story of the Lady with the Lamp. Various family events, including art workshops. In the grounds of St. Thomas' Hospital.

11. BuyMayfair-Marylebone

    Fortnum and Mason

    World famous as grocers to the British Royal Family, Fortnum's original store has been here in Piccadilly since 1707.

12. SeeBloomsbury

    Foundling Museum

    A museum and a gallery telling the story of the Foundling Hospital, an orphanage for abandoned children founded in the 18th century. Massive art donations by British artists and the involvement of George Friederic Handel as a patron made this childcare organisation an early centre of art and music.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-5:30PM·£5, concessions £4, children free

13. SeeSouth Bank

    Garden Museum

    The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of gardening, based in the deconsecrated Church of St Mary-at-Lambeth. The exhibits cover everything from royal gardens to allotments.

    Sun–Fri 10:30AM–5PM, Sat 10:30AM–4PM·£5–7.50 (£4–6.50 seniors, £3.00 concessions, children free)

14. SeeNotting Hill-North Kensington

    Holland Park

    Originally the private garden of Holland House, much of which was destroyed in the London Blitz, Holland Park is a mixture of woodland, European and Japanese-style formal gardens and leisure facilities. It includes a large field dedicated to football and cricket, as well as tennis courts. As you walk around the park, you can see bits of the house dotted around the place which give you some idea of how grand it used to be. In the summer this is a great place to catch outdoor opera. An ecology centre near the police station provides information about the ecology of the park and arranges various activities for children. There is a café in the park that sells ice creams and hot food. The park is a popular way to walk from Notting Hill to Kensington High Street.

    Daily 7:30AM-dusk·Free

15. SeeSouth Bank

    Lambeth Palace

    The official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century and now a Grade I listed building. Tours must be booked in advance and tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

    Only open to pre-booked guided tours·tours £10 per person + £2.50 booking fee (children free)

16. SeeSouth Bank

    London Dungeon

    As with any Merlin attraction, it is arguably overpriced for what it is. Brings to life the gorier elements of London's past both real life and fictional. Including the execution of Charles I after the English Civil War, the bubonic plague, Jack the Ripper, Mrs. Lovett's pie shop and Sweeney Todd's barber shop with faithful recreations of disaster, disease, and torture using live actors. Younger children may be scared.

    Mon–Wed 10AM–5PM, Thu 11AM–5PM, Fri 10AM–5PM, Sat Sun 10AM–6PM (open until 6PM during school holidays)·£25.20 (£19.80 child, £17.50 disabled), discounts for online booking

17. SeeCovent Garden

    London Transport Museum

    In many cities a local transport museum would be of very narrow interest - not London, however! London's public transport is iconic, and the story of how it developed from horse and cart through early buses, Tube trains and trolleybuses to the present day is well worth coming to find out about. There is plenty of opportunity to clamber aboard the historic buses and Tube trains on display. Also, because London's transport is so well known, the museum shop contains plenty of items that make interesting and original gifts and souvenirs.

    £18, concessions £17, accompanied children under 16 free

18. SeeWandsworth

    London Wetland Centre

    Substantial nature reserve on the old disused Barn Elms Reservoirs. A major wetland habitat for wintering wildfowl and an excellent choice for any keen birders visiting London, and an entertaining place for kids to learn about nature

    £4.50-8.13

19. SeeCity of London

    Monument

    Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this tall column (which can be ascended to get a great view) marks the alleged site where the Great Fire of London broke out in September 1666.

    9:30AM-5:30PM daily (last admission 5PM)·Adults £4.50, children (5-15) £2.30, students and seniors (60+) £3.00; joint tickets for Tower Bridge and the Monument: adults £11.00, children £5.00, students and seniors £7.50

20. SeeNotting Hill-North Kensington

    Museum of Brands

    A history of British consumer culture told through over 12,000 food packages, toys, advertisements, and consumer products. The centrepiece of the museum is the "time tunnel" that takes you through the decades from the Victorian era to the present day. Other exhibits cover innovations in packaging, personalised labels, the future of eco-friendly packaging, and how individual brands have changed over time, among other topics. The time tunnel takes about an hour or two, depending on how much time you spend looking at the details of all the items on display, and the other exhibits are much smaller. The gift shop has a mix of nostalgia-themed products and reusable items to reduce your use of plastic (which may be very welcome after seeing so much packaging!).

    Mon–Sat 10AM–6PM, Sundays and bank holidays 11AM–5PM·£9 adults, £5 children, £7 concessions

21. SeeHolborn-Clerkenwell

    Myddelton Square Park

    Nice shady park next to St Marks Church. Small children's playground.

22. SeeCity of London

    Old Bailey

    Central Criminal Court

    This is probably the most famous criminal court in the world, and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries. It hears cases remitted to it from all over England and Wales as well as the Greater London area. The present building dates largely from 1907 (a new block was added from 1970 for more modern facilities) and stands on the site of the infamous medieval Newgate Gaol. The Central Criminal Court is of course best known today for its association with John Mortimer's Rumpole of the Bailey character, novels and television series. Daily case listings are available at The law pages. No bags, cameras, drinks, food or mobile phones—no facilities for safekeeping. Children under 14 are not admitted.

    Mon–Fri 10AM–1PM, 2–5PM

23. DoWandsworth

    Putney Arts Theatre

    Comes recommended for anyone interested in anything to do with theatre. They run drama courses for adults and children and around eight shows a year are produced by adults and children alike. Putney Theatre company offers opportunities for anyone interested in any type of theater work from acting to writing to set design. Group 64 is the youth drama group for kids, they run weekly classes, holiday projects but also put together shows.

24. SeeCamden

    Regent's Canal

    You can walk or cycle along the canal through east London all the way to the Thames (3 hr). The St. Pancras lock is directly north of St Pancras station. Regent's Canal was once a lifeline for trade and industry in London with narrowboats and barges ferrying goods to and from North London. The canal winds its way from the Grand Union Canal near Paddington in West London, past Regent's Park, Camden, Islington and Mile End to Limehouse, where it meets the Thames. From Camden Lock you can walk upstream along the canal to Regent's Park and on to London Zoo. It is a great way to approach the Zoo and a good way to avoid the traffic. Downstream of Camden is less pretty but still an interesting walk, taking you through the Islington Tunnel (one of the longest tunnels in the British canal system) and out in to East London. Whichever way you go along the path, watch out for cyclists!

25. SeeSouth Bank

    Sea Life London Aquarium

    One of the largest aquariums in Europe, it boasts a collection of 350 species of fish, from sharks to stingrays.

    10AM-7PM daily·From £19.44 (25% off after 3PM)

26. SeeCity of London

    St Paul's Cathedral

    The great domed cathedral of St Paul's, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the Gothic medieval cathedral destroyed in 1666 in the Great Fire of London, was built between 1675–1710. Of the most famous London sights, St Paul's is the one most conveniently located for the Barbican. It's a significant building in British history, having been the site of the funerals of several British military leaders (Nelson, Wellington, Churchill), and significantly held peace services marking the end of the two world wars. The cathedral is also famous for its Whispering Wall, as well as its stunning view over the city. The crypt is also open to the public, holding the tombs of Nelson, Wellington and Christopher Wren. It is possible to sidestep the admission charge by entering for one of the midday services, even if you don't take part, or for the daily choral evensong in the late afternoon. However, you'd still need a ticket to get to the top. Photography is not allowed.

    Mon–Sat 8:30–4PM·£16.50, £14.50 concession, £7.50 child (6–17), £40 family

27. SeeCity of London

    Temple Church

    A small realm of serenity in the midst of the typical turmoil. It used to be the court of the Knights Templar. You can still visit the beautiful Romanesque church, which is one of the oldest ones in London (opened in 1185) and has connections to the order of Templars. The chancel of the church was built by Henry III. The church still serves the members of Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn and has frequent services open to the public. Fans of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code will recognise the church from both the novel and the film.

    Varies, but approx.: Mon–Tue: 11AM–4PM; Wed: 2PM–4PM; Thu–Fri: 11AM–4PM·£4 general; £2 senior citizens; children free

28. SeeSouthwark and Lewisham

    The Cuming Museum

    Newington Library

    The first gallery tells the story of the Cuming family and their collection the second gallery focuses on the history of Southwark and is split into three areas, settling here, a place to visit and world connections. The Southwark gallery looks at the people who have lived and worked here from Roman times to today. The third gallery in the museum is the temporary exhibition gallery - exhibitions change every four to six months.

    Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM·free

29. SeeSouthwark and Lewisham

    The Horniman Museum

    A fine museum with an eclectic collection of stuffed animals, wonderful collection of world musical instruments, with interactive information. There is also an aquarium with an admission charge. A real hidden gem for those with an interest in the anthropology of African and Asian cultures. Pleasure gardens with a fine view over London, are adjacent to the Museum, perfect for a picnic on a fine day.

    Daily 10:30AM-5:30PM·Free

30. SeeWestminster

    The Jewel Tower

    This small tower across the road from the Houses of Parliament is the only part of the original Palace of Westminster still standing. While it is overshadowed in splendour by the surrounding buildings, it's well worth a visit, and has good displays about the early history of Westminster.

    daily in summer, Sat, Sun only in winter.·adults £6.60, children £4.00, concessions £5.90

31. SeeCity of London

    Tower Bridge

    Magnificent 19th-century bridge, decorated with high towers and featuring a drawbridge. The bridge opens several times each day to permit ships to pass through – timings are dependent on demand, and are not regularly scheduled. When Tower Bridge was built, the area to the west of it was a bustling port – necessitating a bridge that could permit tall boats to pass. Now the South Bank area sits to its west, and the regenerated Butler's Wharf area of shops and riverside restaurants lie to its east. You can get the lift to the top level of the bridge and admire the view. Glass floors provide an interesting perspective for the brave. The museum highlights the bridge's history and engineering, and there are photographic exhibitions along the walkways between the towers.

    Exhibition 10AM–5PM·Bridge free; exhibition: adult £9.80, child (5–15) £4.20, senior/student £6.80; joint tickets for exhibition and the Monument: adults £11.00, children £5.00, students and seniors £7.50

32. SeeCity of London

    Tower of London

    Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. In the winter you can skate on the dry moat. The Tower contains enough buildings and exhibits to keep a family busy for a full day, with plenty of both warlike and domestic contents. Some areas, such as the St John's Chapel in the White Tower, do not allow photography, but these are clearly signposted. Beefeaters, who are all retired sergeant majors from the British Army, provide guided tours for free as well as ceremonial security. See history come alive – go to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. This ceremony, the locking up of the Tower, has been performed every night at 10PM for 800 years. Tickets for the ceremony are £5 and must be prebooked.

    Mar-Oct: Wed–Sun 10AM-6PM; Nov-Dec Wed–Sun 9AM-5PM·from £35.80, aged 5-17 £17.90, concession £28.50, entrance with gift aid is about 10% more.. If visiting multiple times or also visiting other Historic Royal Palaces it can be cheaper to buy an HRP annual membership

33. DoWestminster

    Trooping the Colour

    The King's Birthday Parade

    A ceremony performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies to mark the official birthday of the King. The King and his family travel by carriage down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where they inspect the troops and then the entire Household Division performs a march past the King as he receives their salute. Tickets to Horse Guards Parade are awarded by ballot but the parade along the rest of the route can be watched for free. Up to three tickets can be requested by sending a letter (this is by post only), enclosing a self-addressed envelope, to the Brigade Major of the Headquarters Household Division, in January or February; these will be entered into the ballot and those chosen will be sent offer letters which contain payment details. Those without a ticket can get their best view by standing on The Mall, along the edge of the parade, or on the edge of St James's Park by Horse Guards Parade. Arriving before 09:00 is recommended.

    Held annually on a Sat in June, beginning around 10AM·About £20 if successful in the ballot

34. SeeWestminster

    Westminster Abbey

    The Abbey is the traditional scene for the coronation of British monarchs and the burial place of many past kings and queens. The Abbey contains a good gift shop and the Cellarium Café, which traces its history to the 14th century, is a good place to buy a noontime meal. Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. On Sundays and religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Abbey is open for worship only. All are welcome and it is free to attend services. Visitor access to the Abbey is via the West Gate of the North Green.

    Abbey admission: Mon-Fri 9:30AM-3:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-3PM, Sun open for worship only, the Abbey closes 1 hr after last admission; The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries: Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM, Sat 9:30AM-3PM·Adult £31 (with one child free), senior or student with full-time student card 65+ £28, children 6-17 £14, children under 6 free

35. EatHolborn-Clerkenwell

    Wright's Bar

    Excellent value little cafe with friendly Italian family serving, tasty sandwiches and coffee. Gets crowded with LSE students come lunch.

36. SeeMayfair-Marylebone

    ZSL London Zoo

    London Zoo

    London's main zoo is in the northern reaches of Regent's Park. Takes a very conservation-driven approach these days and always has great exhibits aimed at children. Opened in 1828 for scientific study, then to the public in 1847. Ticket prices include a 10% donation unless you opt-out, tickets at the gate are £2 more.

    Daily 10AM-4PM (6PM Apr-Aug), closed 25 Dec·Pre-booked, depends on date: £30.50 - 38 adults, £21.35 - 26.60 under 15s, under 3 free. Gate prices slightly higher

37. EatWestminster

    Zizzi

    A cozy Italian restaurant next to the Westminster Cathedral and Victoria Station, with a huge wood fired pizza oven that creates a welcome atmosphere on its own. Pizzas between £12 - £16, and various pasta dishes and salads. Fairly large portions, so one main dish per person suffices for a meal. Suitable for families with kids.

    Mon-Sat 11:30AM-11PM, Sun 11:30AM-10:30PM

38. DoBloomsbury Not mapped

    Bloomsbury Festival

    Takes place in the Summer around the environs of Bloomsbury, concentrated in Russell Square, and hosts arts and crafts fair, children's painting classes and dance workshops. The food stalls are good value too.

39. BuyWandsworth Not mapped

    Southside Wandsworth

    The Arndale Centre

    Has a 14-screen Cineworld multiplex cinema, an indoor gaming and go-karting arcade, two large supermarkets (Waitrose and Lidl), a soft play for young children on the first floor, an array of coffee shops (Caffè Nero, Starbucks, Black Sheep Coffee), name-brand shops including Primark, H&M, Poundland, Decathlon and River Island and lots of food outlets including McDonald's, Five Guys, Nando's, Ekachi and Wagamama.

40. SeeWestminster Not mapped

    Westminster Hall

    After visiting the two Houses, visitors pass back through St. Stephen's Hall, and through Westminster Hall. Westminster Hall is one of the few areas of Parliament in which photography is permitted, and it is a very impressive place, dating back to the 9th century. Plaques on the floor mark where the bodies of deceased members of the royal family and other distinguished individuals granted the privilege by the British government lay in state (most recently Queen Elizabeth II in 2022), and significant events which took place in the hall (such as the trial of King Charles I).

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to London (CC BY-SA 4.0).