London with children - the best tips
If you're exploring London with children, you'll be spoilt for choice. The British capital has plenty of attractions and places to visit for families. London is easy to get around on foot or by public transport. Most sights and metro/underground stations are barrier-free, so smaller children can sit comfortably in their prams. Here is an overview of the best tips.
The Tower Bridge Exhibition
Kensington Gardens
London Eye
National History Museum
Harry Potter Tour Warner Bros. Studios
Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4
Science Museum
Madame Tussauds
Changing of the Guards
Buckingham Palace
Visit to the musicals in London's West End
Shrek's Adventure
Battersea Park Children's Zoo
Crystal Palace Park
London Zoo
Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
Emirates Air Line
Pollock's Toy Museum
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Cutty Sark Museum Ship
Tip for London with children: With the Oyster Card, also known as the London Pass, you can get discounts and discounted entry to numerous sights and attractions in London.
Find more travel tips for London here: London sights
1 The Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower Bridge, one of London's landmarks, is an absolute must-see for London with children. The exhibition in particular is exciting for the kids. Here you can learn with the little ones about the history of Tower Bridge: why was it built and what was its function?
The bridge is opened and closed several times a week. You can find out when you can see this fascinating spectacle the next time, for example, at the information desk in the exhibition.
As part of a guided tour, you also have the chance to explore the engine room of the bridge. A particular highlight are the glass floors through which you can observe the London traffic under the bridge from above.
2 Kensington Gardens
Looking for free things to do in London with kids? Kensington Gardens is one of the city's Royal Parks and was once part of Hyde Park.
The Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens is a great photo opportunity
There are lots of small and large sights to discover on the extensive grounds. Kids can romp around safely on a family walk. On the way, you'll pass the impressive Albert Memorial.
London Eye 3
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is135 metres high. On the south bank of the Thames, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the London cityscape with the children. If you're looking for activities to do in London with kids in the evening, the ride after dusk is a real highlight.
Europe's second largest Ferris wheel has floor-to-ceiling glass and air-conditioned gondolas, making it a suitable destination in any weather.
The ride on the London Eye takes around 30 minutes. By the way, it hardly ever comes to a standstill, because its slow speed means that you can get on and off during the ride. You have a pram with you or need more time? In such cases, the Ferris wheel is stopped for a short moment.
⭐ London with children - travel guide
Plan your trip to London with children in more detail! These travel guides will help you!
*Advertising link / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API
4th National History Museum
To learn more about London's history, the National History Museum is the place to go. Don't worry, there's no dry or boring museum tour to test the kids' nerves.
What's great is that you can choose to take a guided tour or explore the museum on a self-guided audio tour at your own pace. Perfect for a visit to the museum with the whole family.
Kids will love the dinosaur gallery. As will the giant blue whale model or the treasures in Earth's Treasury. Those interested in volcanoes and earthquakes will be able to quench their thirst for knowledge in the exhibition's "Red Zone".
5th Harry Potter Tour at Warner Bros. Studios
Have your kids read all the Harry Potter books and watched the films? In London you can surprise them with a look behind the scenes.
Together with the children, you enter the sets such as the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest or the Diagon Alley and follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter and other characters. A collection of the most famous props and original costumes awaits you in the exhibition.
Read more tips for your Harry Potter tour of London on your own here: Harry Potter London - the ultimate travel guide
Great activities in London for kids
Activity | Price | Ticket |
Climbing experience at the O2 Arena in London | from 41 Euro | |
From London: Harry Potter Studios with private transfer | from 163 Euro | |
London: Tootbus Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour with Boat Trip | from 36 Euro | |
London: Open Top Bus Tour "Christmas Lights by Night | from 27 Euro | |
SEA LIFE London: Admission ticket | from 32 Euro |
6. Harry Potter Track 9 3/4 
King's Cross station in London. Harry Potter fans get their money's worth here
Off to Hogwarts! True Harry Potter fans can't avoid a visit to platform 9 3/4. In King's Cross station , between platforms 9 and 10, you can try to push the luggage trolley through the wall.
Here you can take fun family selfies with the kids. Just around the corner is the Harry Potter fan shop. Not only can you buy souvenirs there, but you can also book a professional photo shoot.
If you're visiting London with children in the summer, the kids can let off steam at the Granary Square water fountains nearby. Don't forget a swimsuit or a change of clothes.
London Science Museum
At the London Science Museum, you can expect changing exhibitions on different themes throughout the year. These include research and medicine as well as technology and physics.
The "Space Gallery Tour" or the "Clockmakers' Museum Gallery Tour" are particularly exciting.
In the "Interactive Gallery", children aged seven to 14 take part in an interactive exhibition every day and learn how to think like a scientist.
Always with the aim of discovering the exciting world around them in new ways and being inspired by everyday phenomena.
8. Madame Tussauds 
Madame Tussauds is world-famous - for example, you can experience Prince William and his Kate up close here.
Another top tip for London with children is Madame Tussaud's. Here you'll meet Star Wars characters, sports legends and famous faces from film and TV. Of course, the royals of the British royal family are also represented among the wax figures.
Not only Prince Harry and his Meghan or Prince William and Kate await you here, you can also marvel at Queen Elisabeth and Charles in the waxworks.
Would your kids like to meet Spiderman, Iron Man or Hulk in life-size? You can also meet these superheroes when you visit Madame Tussauds in London with children.
9 Changing of the Guards 
There's a lot going on at Buckingham Palace during the popular Changing of the Guards.
If you're visiting London with kids and looking for free activities to get them excited, take them to see the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace.
Changing of the Guards is like an impressive performance. Dressed in striking red tunics and black bearskin caps, the guards change shifts during a solemn mid-morning ceremony . The procession is accompanied by music.
The Changing of the Guards takes place at different locations. You can find more information here.
10th Buckingham Palace 
In the morning it is still empty around Buckingham Palace. This will change in the course of the day - Photo: Depositphotos by rabbit75_dep
Watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is not the only thing worth doing when exploring London with children. A tour of the impressive palace is also a must during your city trip.
Not far from St. James' Park, you and the kids can explore the state rooms and treasures of the royal collection in the royal residence .
Don't miss a look at the 26-metre-high Victoria Memorial, which was once built in honour of the Queen. It is one of the most popular photo motifs with the palace in the background.
11. musical visit to London's West End
London's West End is best known for its musicals and theatres. If you've always wanted to take the kids to a musical, there are a number of family-friendly shows to choose from in London.
How about The Lion King? The Lion King is presented at the Lyceum Theatre. Tickets are already available for Harry Potter and the Enchanted Child at the Palace Theatre in London's West End.
⭐ The best gadgets for travelling with children
*Advertising link / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API
12 Shrek's Adventure
Wondering what else is cool to explore in London with kids? Let's go to the ogres. At Shrek's Adventure you can expect adventurous live shows with the kiddies' favourite heroes and many interactive stations such as "The Swamp", "Rumpelstiltskins carriage" or the "Poison apple club".
Another highlight is the flying bus, an impressive 4-D experience through the "Valley of Peace & Berk". The crowning glory is the DreamWorks friends exhibition. Here the little ones test their Kung Fu Panda power or learn how to train a dragon.
Tip for London with children: Don't forget your camera. In Shrek's Adventure you have plenty of opportunities for fun souvenir photos with the whole family.
13 Battersea Park Children's Zoo
Battersea Park Children's Zoo is one of the best places for families to visit, with lots of attractions for you and the kids to enjoy alongside the animals.
If you're visiting London with children, Battersea Park is a must-see. Sheep, pigs, emus and wallabies await visitors young and old.
Feedings take place every day, during which you and the children can learn interesting facts about their charges from the animal keepers. After the tour of the zoo, the kids can let off steam in the playground and are sure to fall into bed tired and happy in the evening.
14 Crystal Palace Park
In the south-east of the British capital lies Crystal Palace Park, a real insider's tip for outdoor activities with the whole family. If you're visiting London with kids, the little ones will definitely love the huge maze or the dinosaur statues.
Older kids can do their rounds at the skate park or let off steam at the National Sports Centre.
15 London Zoo
Meetgiraffes, lemurs, zebras and otters, just to name a few of the cute inhabitants, at London Zoo. How about a visit to the monkey valley or the hippos?
A particular highlight at London Zoo is the Gorilla Kingdom. Here you enter the African rainforest in the centre of London. You can observe the colony of impressive primates in the large viewing areas and get the feeling of being very close to the animals.
Tip for London with children: The zoo is very centrally located, easy to reach by public transport or even on foot.
16 Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
The impressive woodland garden in the Victorian gardens covers 40 hectares and is perfect for a visit to London with children. Here the little ones can let off steam to their heart's content.
For Richmond Park, either plan a leisurely family stroll or take part in one of the many activities.
With a permit, you can fish in the ponds, hire bikes for you and the little ones, or book a guided horseback ride through the park.
17 Emirates Air Line
For a view of the city's major sights, take a ride on the Emirates Air Line cable car. The London Cable Car takes you from Greenwich to Docklands. On the way, you cross the Thames at a height of 90 metres.
Tip for London with children: If your kids are still not tired in the evening, take the cable car ride in the evening hours. The cable car runs slower in the dark from 7pm onwards, and you'll be on the train for around twice as long as during the day.
18 Pollock's Toy Museum
Look atdolls, teddy bears and games from all over the world at Pollock's Toy Museum. The Toy Museum has been around for over 200 years. It is the oldest in the city and houses its collection in two impressive buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
If you are visiting London with children, you should definitely visit this museum. The kids will love it. There's also a shop right next door where you can find the perfect holiday souvenir.
19 SEA LIFE London Aquarium
What else is there to do in London when it's raining? Another highlight in London that is perfect for a visit in bad weather is SEA LIFE.
The aquariums are home to more than 500 different species.
You can explore the underwater world in 14 different themed areas at SEA LIFE London. In the Coral Kingdom, you and the kids are surrounded by colourful corals in a dazzling underwater setting.
In the "Polar Adventure" themed world you'll meet penguins, imposing jellyfish await you in "Ocean Invaders " and in the "Rockpool" the kids can even touch the underwater creatures.
If you're not afraid or shy of creepy-crawlies, you can venture into the "Amazon" afterwards. Here the kiddies have the chance to go on an interactive adventure with Ranger Andy. In the rainforest they will be on the trail of creepy-crawlies, crocodiles and the Chilean tarantula.
Important: We clearly distance ourselves from keeping animals in captivity . Marine animals should never be viewed in a tank. Of course, you have to decide for yourself whether you want to visit such a facility with your family.
20 Cutty Sark Museum Ship
Our final tip for visiting London with children is the Cutty Sark Museum Ship. Located in Greenwich, it regularly offers activities for families.
These include creative workshops, singing songs together with the sea shanty singers and numerous other activities for all ages. The events for families at the Cutty Sark take place every first weekend of the month.
Particularly family-friendly: entry to the ship for these events is free.
But a visit to the Cutty Sark is not only worthwhile during the special events; there is always plenty for families to discover outside the special dates.
Well-secured, you can climb the ship's masts, let the children take the wheel or explore the main deck together. If you want to learn more about the ship and its history, use the audio guide available via smartphone app.
London with children - hotel tips
Family-friendly accommodation where the kids can fall into bed tired and happy at night is essential for a relaxing holiday. Where can you stay in London with children? These are our tips:
Holiday Inn Express Earls Court (check prices here*): Only six kilometres from the centre and a five-minute walk from West Kensington tube station. Extensive breakfast buffet and family rooms.
Melia White House (check prices here*): 4-star hotel in London's West End, just 150 metres from the Metro station. Child-friendly buffet, family rooms and baby/childcare.
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences (check rates here*): Family-friendly 5-star hotel near Buckingham Palace with rooms, suites and flats. Features a spa & wellness centre with sauna, steam room and gym.
Flemings Mayfair (check rates here*): Luxury hotel in the heart of London. Barrier-free access, children's meals and spa facilities.
Those were our tips for London with children. Have fun planning your trip!
