London, the capital of England, is a city of unlimited possibilities. If you’re planning to go on a short trip with your children, London is definitely a great destionation. The British metropole offers many interesting and fun attractions for both young and old.
No matter what the weather and what time of year, in London families with children will not be bored. But convince yourself! 🙂
1. Harry Potter Studio Tour
Let’s dive into the magical world of Harry Potter and his friends! In the Warner Bros. Studios of London this children’s dream comes true. You can enter the original sets from the Harry Potter movies, like the forbidden forest, platform 9 3/4 and the Diagon Alley. You can marvel at the Quidditch costumes and other breathtaking props like potion vessels and magic wands.
In addition, children learn how the mythical creatures of the film were brought to life and how with the help of special technology unique film effects are created. Kids until 4 years have free admission to this worth-visiting attraction in London.
2. Diana Memorial Playground
The Diana Memorial Playground is located in the Kensington Gardens, next to Princess Diana’s former home, the Kensington Palace.
On this beautiful playground children can run, play, jump around and rage to their heart’s content. Many climbing frames invite the kids to have a lot of fun and explore the world. The huge pirate’s ship might be the highlight. While their little ones are busy, parents can make themselves comfortable on the green areas around the playground.
3. Pollock's Toy Museum
The former Pollock’s shop and printers is a toy museum since the 1950’s. The authentic exhibition is presented in small rooms with spiral staircases. Dolls, tin toys, folk toys, toys from around the world, teddy bears, dolls houses, puppets and much more are decorating the shelves and showcases. Especially for children, it is very interesting to discover all the historical, partly unknown toys while walking around this little museum. 🙂
4. Double-Decker Bus Ride
Of course, a double-decker bus tour may not be missing during your stay in London. The famous red busses are a trademark of London as they are driving all around the capital city. As one of the world’s largest urban transport systems, around 6800 buses are in operation daily in London.
Even if it might take a bit longer than by tube, sometimes you should take the bus to your next destionation. From the upper floor, the kids have a great view of what’s going on in the streets and they’ll love watching the hustle and bustle. 🙂
5. The London Eye
Take your kids on an exciting ride on the famous Ferris Wheel “The London Eye”! From a height of 135 meters you can enjoy a breathtaking view over England’s beautiful capital.
The glazed, spacious gondolas provide a 360 ° view which is really amazing. For those who get weak knees at this height, there are fortunately seats available. 😉
The entrance tickets can be combined with other attractions like Madame Tussauds or a boat trip. If you don’t need that you can also buy the standard tickets. Kids under 3 years have free admission.
6. ArcelorMittal Orbit
Where are the adrenaline junkies? The ArcelorMittal Orbit is UK’s tallest sculpture from where you have a fantastic view over whole London. In addition, you and your children can take a ride on the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide which will be surely a memorable experience. Kids must be 8 years or older and over 1,30 m high. To safe some money, there are special family tickets available . 🙂
7. M&M’s World London
As London is a city of superlatives, you also will find the world’s biggest candy store in this city. Located on Leicester Square, the M&M’s World London is spread over four floors full of colorful M&M variations. No matter if you are looking for something to snack on, gifts for your loved ones at home or special personalized M&M chocolates – at M&M’s world you will definitely find what you want. A must for all sweet toothed! 😉
8. KidZania London
Suitable for children aged 4-14, KidZania is an indoor entertainment center where kids can experience real-life activities and take part in adult jobs. KidZania is designed like a real city with shops, offices, traffic an so on.
At KidZania London, children can become familiar with diverse skills and learn about important competences while having a lot of fun. They can visit an aviation academy, work in a bank, supply their patients as a dentist, moderate the news on TV and much more. Especially on rainy days, a visit to this special entertaining kids’ city is an amazing activity for families. 🙂
9. Changing Of The Guard
The world famous “Changing of the Guard” is one of the main attractions in London, where visitors can marvel at the pomp and military splendor for which Britain is famous. The royal ceremony begins at 11:00 am in front of Buckingham Palace. It lasts around 30 minutes and takes place daily from April to July. During the other months it is not so often, which is partly due to the weather.
As the event can be quite busy, you should be there at least one hour before. Eventually, this event is more interesting for older kids and adults than for toddlers. But it is definitely worth-seeing when you are in London. 🙂
10. Kensington Gardens
One of London’s Royal Parks are the Kensington Gardens. The beautiful park surrounds Kensington Palace, home of the royal family. There is so much to see for children. As mentioned above, one highlight for kids at Kensington Gardens is the Diana Memorial Playground. Another amazing place for kids’ adventures is the South Carriage Drive Playground.
In the Kensington Gardens you can marvel at huge fountains, memorials and statues, like the Peter Pan Statue or the Elfin Oak. A part of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk leads through the Kensington Gardens where you can spot many famous locations that are associated with Lady Diana.
On guided walking tours through the park your children can explore the nature with its variety of wild animals and beautiful flowers. And of course, you should not miss a visit of the Kensington Palace which is a good idea, especially on rainy days.
If the kids get hungry you can take a rest in one of the cute cafes or snack bars at Kensington Gardens. 🙂
11. HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is a British warship now anchored as part of the Imperial War Museum on the River Thames in London. All nine decks of the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship can be explored bei visitors. Even for families with kids, it is a great activity. While discovering the HMS Belfast, children can learn about history and the daily crew life on board. The interactive exhibition is interesting for adults and rather older kids.
12. Boat trip on the Thames
Another way to discover London is doing it by boat. Various providers offer affordable boat tours on the Thames which are surely fun for your little ones. Along the Thames you can see many interesting sights of London, which you can marvel at while sitting comfortable on your seat. It is a good sightseeing option for families with small children who can not walk so far. The tours are accompanied by audio guides in eight languages, so you can learn a lot additional information about the city. In the sunshine, of course, this is the most fun! 🙂
13. Visiting Camden Market
During your family stay in London, a visit to the famous Camden Market is worthwhile. Located in Camden Town, Camden Market is one of London’s biggest and most popular markets where you can get nearly everything.
Clothes, antiquities, delicious street food, jewellery and much more is offered on the colorful stalls, indoors and outdoors. We are sure that you children will find some nice souvenirs and little gifts for their friends at home! 😉
14. Madame Tussauds London
The world famous wax exhibition of Madame Tussauds can be found next to other cities in London. In this museum you can meet your idols like famous singers, actors, mythical creatures and other celebrities up close. Depending on the city, there are specials exhibited. In London you can join a royal tea time with the queen and take souvenir photos with the British royal family.
Children under 3 years have free admission to Madame Tussauds. Your friends at home will not believe who you’ve met! 🙂
15. Eating Fish & Chips
After all the exciting sightseeing program you and the kids can treat yourself with a typical British meal: Fish & Chips! The delicious fast food has to be eaten at least once during your London holidays. 🙂
Some of London’s most popular and highly recommended Fish & Chips snack bars are Poppies Fish & Chips, Golden Union and Masters Superfish. Enjoy your meal! 🙂