Visiting London with kids: all you need to know for a perfect first visit
Planning a family trip to London? This essential guide to visiting London with kids covers the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around and practical tips to help you plan a fun, stress-free family city break.
London is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for a family vacation.
I first visited the city when I was a child myself and, decades later, I still vividly remember the excitement and sense of wonder of this one-of-a-kind capital.
The shops!
The parks with squirrels!
The lights on the Thames!
The museums!
That first trip sparked a real love affair with London (and eventually led to me living there for several months to learn English — a pivotal moment in my life). Now that I have children of my own, all I wanted was for them to experience that same magic.
Exploring London with kids is easy, but it does require a bit of planning.
Packed with attractions for all ages, London is a city where you could spend weeks visiting with children and still never run out of things to do — which means prioritising is key.
As a friend once put it: the question isn’t what to do in London with kids — it’s what not to do.
I hope you find it useful!
Good to know! This post is written based on my own experience of visiting London with my kids. Photos are my own and so are the tips and all the impression and tips: since we go to London regularly, so all is up to date. If you are worried about tacking a big city with kids, I recommend you also read my how to plan a city trip with kids post, packed with a lot of realistic advice!
This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.
Why visit London with kids
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and the reasons to visit are endless.
It is a buzzing, dynamic, diverse and multicultural world capital packed with attractions — a place where you could spend a lifetime and never feel “done” and it si great for kids as it offers something for every age:
Little ones love Paddington, Peter Pan, London Zoo and the parks. Teenagers are drawn to the shops, music, theatre scene and big-city energy
Why not visit London with kids
The main reason why you may want to delay a trip to London to when your children are a little older is the other side of the coin of what said above.
I am a big city girl and love a dynamic metropolis but this is very much not to everyone’s taste.
London is a massive, busy city and while it is possible to enjoy London with a baby or toddler, if you do not like crowds or having to negotiate public transport, it gets overwhelming fast.
In this guide to London with kids, I have included several types of attractions and travel tips that I hope can help you decide if and how to plan a family trip to this exciting city.
How many days in London with kids
You can enjoy London with kids no matter how much time you have, but one week is ideal for a family trip.
With a week, you can:
- See the main landmarks
- Visit some museums
- Enjoy parks and downtime
- Go shopping
- Explore beyond the most touristy areas
If you have less time, it’s still doable — just be prepared to prioritise.
One day in London with kids
To make the most of one day in London with kids I recommend you either:
- Pick one attraction and make it the focus of your day: select additional things you can do nearby, such as a cool restaurant or a park, so you can minimise transport time
- Do a tour of the main landmarks, by bus or on foot. I’ll share our walking itinerary in a different post but London city center is smaller than it may seem and walking to the top spots, with older kids or a stroller, it not a problem.
We recently say Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the London Eye, Trafalgar and Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Chinatown all in a day, all on foot, with kids!
Read here >> Our one day in London itinerary from out latest trip!
If you have three day in London with kids:
You can find here >>> a good sample itinerary for three days in London with kids (by a local mom, my friend Katja), if you want to get a sense of what you can cover in that time.
Where to stay in London with kids: best areas
Choosing accommodation in London is often the hardest part of planning.
The cost of accommodation in London is exorbitant and the standard for budget stays extremely low (the worst accommodation I have ever stayed at was in London!).
Prices are high, and budget standards can be surprisingly low, so research really matters. Thankfully, we have done it all, so we can help!
Our Favourite Areas in London for Families are:
- Central London (short stays)
- Kensington
- Paddington / Victoria
- Hammersmith
- Hampstead (especially for longer stays)
- Islington
- Russell Square / British Museum area
Best London hotels for families
Treehouse Hotel London – this is a very cool, wonderfully located hotel offering nice rooms and interconnecting rooms perfect for families with up to 4 members. The hotel has a modern and ‘cool’ feel older kids especially will love.
Mama Shelter in Shoreditch / Hackney a cool 4 star hotel with a vibrant, hipster, contemporary vibe. It has family rooms for up to four guests and its location in Shoreditch and young vibe make it perfect with primary and secondary school age kids
Dawson’s Place, Juliette’s B&B in Kensington/Chelsea – a lovely family accommodation option in a B&B that will make you feel like the London of the old movies! Cute and homely, very well located, with family rooms and handy location for sightseeing.
Park Plaza Victoria A good 4 star hotel with family rooms and good breakfast and restaurant onsite, super handy for Victoria station and the tube. Cot for babies available for free on request.
Holiday Inn Express in Hammersmith – excellent value and offering just what you expect from a Holiday Inn. Clean, simple rooms with a less than exciting design but all the important comfort, private bathroom and an excellent value buffet breakfast. Close to restaurants, shops and the tube.
The best things to do in London with kids
Take a ride on the London Eye
The London Eye is a giant ferris wheel that overlooks the River Thames and that offers spectacular views over the city. The wheel has panoramic pods that keep you cozy and sheltered even on a rainy day.
Get Fast Track London Eye tickets here
See the iconic Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey
The Palace of Westminster and the Big Ben are among the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in London.
Tours inside the Parliament are available; however, most families simply stop outside to admire the incredible architecture of this building, one of the most photograph locations in the whole of London!
Nearby, you also find Westminster Abbey, which is impressive and famous for being the church where royal weddings and coronations take place.
Marvel at the blinding lights of Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is one of the most photographed and recognizable places in London and one your kids probably have on their London bucket list.
You see the square in a matter of minutes but, especially if you come from a smaller town, the large lights are guaranteed to make an impression!
If you have tweens and teens, they may enjoy have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe here which, if you don’t have it in your city, is fun!
Enjoy buzzy Leicester Square and its kid friendly shops
Leicester Square is a large, buzzy square in London and one of London’s entertainment hubs.
A large, pedestrianized square, here is where you find cinemas and clubs and some things that your kids are pretty sure to love: the M&Ms shops and the Lego store!
Explore Covent Garden
Covent Garden has always been one of my favorite places to visit in central London and a treat for kids.
The many shops, the arcade, the street performers and the infinite food outlets make it characteristic and great for an afternoon out.
Inside the ‘Garden’ there are restaurants, shops and the famous Punch and Judy Pub and the area is always filled with music. A London must see!
Wander Regents Street, Oxford Circus, Oxford Street – a must in London with kids who love shopping!
Regent Street, Oxford Circus and Oxfords street are a shopping treat for kids and adults.
Here you find any possible high street and fashion brand you can dream of and kids will also find the Disney Store, Hamleys and all of London’s biggest stores.
Have lunch in Chinatown
One of my favorite places for a stroll and a meal in London is Chinatown! This is a fun and colorful place for kids to see and experience and also a lovely place for lunch.
This last time we went for lunch to Machiya, which was a welcoming and family friendly Japanese place perfect for a light and delicious meal.
Visit the Tower of London and Tower bridge
The Tower of London is one of the best London attractions for kids.
The Beefeaters, the crows, the crown jewels and the stories of beheading tend to be a success with kids of all ages. In front of it, stunning Tower Bridge is a London landmark you cannot miss
Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Madame Tussauds is London’s iconic wax museums and it is fantastic to visit with kids.
Here, you can see wax replicas of many celebrities, including movie stars, musicians, and sports stars: you can even pose with some of them to have a photo you can flaunt with your friends!
Go to the Natural History Museum – best London Museum for kids!
The Natural History Museum is one of the best London Museums for kids and actually one of the best child friendly museums in the world.
This is the museum with the massive dinosaur skeleton your kids may have seen in so many London pictures and that is just the beginning!
The museum is interactive in nature and a fantastic place for kids who enjoy hands on learning. You can explore in your own time of
book a skip the line museum tour here
Marvel at the breathtaking British Museum
The British Museum is one of the best museums in the world for children and adults alike.
There is an incredible number of things to see here (the Rosetta Stone is one of our favorite) and the museum has excellent tours for kids that make it easy to enjoy its spaces even for little ones.
You can book a private museum tour for kids here.
Enjoy London’s stunning parks and gardens
London is a very green city and despite its large, built up center, it has lots of parks and green areas for kids and adults.
Londoners love their parks as much as visitors: heading to a London park is a great local experience!
The most famous London parks to visit on a first family trip to London are are Hyde Park (with speakers’ corner and the Serpentine, with the ducks), Kensington Gardens and its its Peter pan connections and Diana’s Memorial Playground and Regent’s Park.
I myself also adore Hampstead Heat which is huge, hilly and has some ‘wilder’ parts
See the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace
A classic thing to do in London with kids is stopping to see the changing of the guards at Buckingam Palace.
The display attracts large crowds but it is fun for kids and the tall, furry hats of the guards never fail to get a giggle!
Top tip! Since the changing of the guards gets so busy, we found there are a couple of cool spots to seek out that are a little away from the main action but give great vires of the guards from up close.
One is going to the Barracks, beside Buckingham Palace towards Westminster – you can see the guards really well in their brass band formation!
Or you can walk little further afield to find the guards museum and admire their wonderful horses and uniform up close (outside, no need to enter to just get a glimpse of their attire!)
Visit the London Zoo and Regent’s Park
The London Zoo is one of the great European zoos, a place for kids to learn about conservation and to have exciting animal encounters. You can find the zoo website here >>> https://www.londonzoo.org
Chase the pigeons in Trafalgar Square
A classic London family stop for toddlers: running around like crazy things under Nelson’s Columns in Trafalgar square to terrorize the pigeons!
Explore London markets
London has many lovely markets. These are fantastic places to get a bargain, street food and watch London life pass by!
My very favorite is the Camden Town Market (I used to live in North London and it was a favorite hangout for me!)but Portobello is also a classic and Borough Market is also great for families with kids.
Go to a London musical
London is famous for its musicals, which are a fantastic opportunity for a family night out in the city.
You can choose between many titles, some suited to small kids, some more suited to teenagers and the experience is always great fun.
Take a river cruise on the Thames
One of the best way to see lots of London with kids in a short time is by going on a boat trip along the Rive Thames.
From the boat, you can see many of London’s landmarks and you catch breathtaking views of famous sights such as the tower of London, Tower Bridge and Westminster.
London Transport Museum
If your kids are anything like my son, they will love the London transport museum!
They ‘all aboard’ area is perfect for young kids and the museum has several, regular workshops that are both fun and educational. Perfect for little kids especially.
See Harrods
Harrods is an instutution in London. The shop occupies a large stunning historical building and it is famous for being able to source anything for you!
With kids, we love perusing especially the food hall, which is an extravaganza of colors and smells.
Seek out London ‘classics’
One of the great things about London is that it has such a strong personality, you don’t need to plan big tickets attractions to feel you are ‘in London’.
Seek out London classics such as red phone box (do your kids still know what one is? Mine weren’t sure!) or the iconic entrance to Carnaby Street, the double Decker buses, the black taxis… they’ll keep them busy and excited more than the simple nature of these ideas may suggest!
Follow the footsteps of Paddington
The biggest reason my kids wanted to go to London was Paddington and there are several places in the city where you can either meet him or recognize his favorite hang out places from the movies.
Lovely ones are Paddington Station and Camden, which is also a lovely and family friendly part of London with pretty trees and canals. If you take a Paddington Walking Tour, you’ll see all the best ones!
Immerse yourself in Harry Potters’ World
If your kids (or you!) are Harry Potter fans, then London will be even more exciting for them as it has a couple of locations where you can truly immerse yourself in Harry’s magical world!
For photo op, you can head to King’s Cross Station and pose at the 9 3/4 platform (yes, you may have to queue!).
For an even more immersive experience, you can instead book a Harry Potter Film Studio and Day Tour – if you do, make sure you allocate enough time for it!
Treat your kids to Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is an English tradition and it can be a super fun thing to do in London with kids.
There are many places for it: some that are special for little ones are peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard, St Ermin’s Hotel Wizards + Witches Afternoon Tea and Teddy Bears’ Picnic Afternoon Tea but the choice is vast!
You can find a local’s mom recommendation for afternoon tea in London with kids here
Spend a day in Greenwich
One of the mosy exciting things to do in London with kids who love science is a trip to Greenwhich.
Here, you can visit the famous Royal Observatory, see Planetarium shows and stand on the Greenwich Meridian!
The whole area is lovely, green and family friendly and a fantastic place for a day out in London with children.
How to get around London with kids in tow
London has an excellent public transport system.
However, it is very large very busy city so getting around with kids in tow requires a bit of patience, planning and budgeting.
The best way to get around London is to use it excellent metro system (London underground / London Tube).
Single journey fares tend to add up quickly but visitors can get rechargeable travel cards (Oyster cards) that help keeping budget in check.
Good to know: not all London tube stations are accessible. On the train, you will notice the diagrams with the station have keys to know wha stations are step free.
Car traffic is awful so try reduce to a minimums taxi rides if you can.
I hope you enjoyed this essential family guide to visiting London with children and it helps you plan your first family trip to London. Safe travels!
London with kids FAQ
Yes, London is an excellent destination for families. It offers a huge variety of attractions for all ages, from world-class museums and parks to iconic landmarks, shows and hands-on experiences that children genuinely enjoy.
London is manageable with a stroller, but it’s not always easy. Many Tube stations have stairs and no lifts, and platforms can be busy at peak times. For this reason, I recommend you bring a travel stroller you can easily fold and carry when needed and a baby carrier so you can use one of the other as need arises
There is no single “best” age, as London works well for all stages:
Toddlers enjoy parks, playgrounds and simple sightseeing
School-age children love museums, Paddington and Harry Potter experiences
Teenagers enjoy shopping, theatre, music and the big-city atmosphere
The key is adjusting your pace and itinerary to your children’s age and interests.
A week is ideal for a family trip to London, as it allows time for sightseeing, museums and downtime. However, London can still be enjoyable with just one or three days if you prioritise and plan carefully
Yes, London can be expensive, especially for accommodation and attractions. However, many of the best museums and parks are free, which helps balance costs when travelling with children.
Absolutely. London has some of the most child-friendly museums in the world. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and London Transport Museum are particularly popular with families.
Public transport is the easiest way to get around London. The Tube is fast and efficient, and Oyster cards offer savings for families. Walking is also a great option in central London, where many attractions are close together.
It depends on the attraction and the child’s age. Many places offer free or discounted entry for children. Always check age limits and family ticket options in advance.
London is generally safe for families, especially in tourist areas. As in any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, keep belongings secure and supervise children closely in crowded areas.
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers and a lightweight rain jacket are essential. London weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers helps everyone stay comfortable.
Yes, but some planning helps. Booking accommodation, popular attractions and shows ahead of time can save money and reduce stress, especially during school holidays and peak seasons.
Spring and early autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is lively but busy, while Christmas is magical but colder and more crowded. Each season offers something special for families.
Visiting London with children – pin this!
This post was published in 2022 and has now been fully updated. To the thief who stole my content the first time passing it for their own – did you notice the post had one mistake? No? Didn’t think so. It helped me find you… Now you are the only one with that error on your blog 🙂
