Exploring London with Little Ones: The 7 Best Family-Friendly Activities

London, with its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, is not just a destination for adults; it’s a fantastic city for families with young children. From interactive museums to enchanting parks, the British capital offers loads of activities that cater to the interests of our little ones. In this post, we delve into the 7 best tourist activities in London for families with young children and highlight why each is a great choice and provide details on how to get there.

The British Museum: A Journey Through Time

The British Museum, located in the heart of London, is a treasure trove of history and culture that can captivate both parents and children alike. The museum’s vast collection spans centuries and continents. It features mummies, ancient artifacts, and even the Rosetta Stone. What makes it great for kids is the interactive family trails designed to engage young minds. These trails provide a fun and educational way for children to explore the museum, solve puzzles, and discover.

Visit the British Museum website for the most up to date information on exhibits, hours, and events.

Getting There:

The British Museum is centrally located in Bloomsbury, easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest Tube stations are Holborn and Tottenham Court Road.

The Science Museum

The Science Museum is a must-visit destination whether you have a budding scientist in the family or not. This interactive museum offers hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and imagination. From the Wonderlab, where children can engage in awe-inspiring scientific experiments, to the interactive exhibits on space exploration, the Science Museum ensures a day filled with fun and learning for all.

Entrance to the museum is free when booked online in advance! Visit the Science Museum website for the most up to date information on exhibits, hours, and events.

Getting There:

The Science Museum is situated in South Kensington. The closest Tube stations are South Kensington and Gloucester Road.

London Zoo: An Animal Adventure in the City

If your little ones are animal enthusiasts, London Zoo provides an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse range of wildlife. The Zoo offers immersive exhibits such as the Land of the Lions and the Rainforest Life which provide an educational experience in a captivating setting. Daily animal shows and feeding sessions add an extra layer of excitement for children (and most likely for the adults in the group, as well).

The zoo often has events and activties geared towards little ones, particularly around holiday seasons or big dates, so be sure to check the calendar! We spent the day there for their Halloween event and had so much fun. Visit the London Zoo website for the most up to date information about exhibits, hours, and events.

Getting There:

London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park. Camden Town and Baker Street are the nearest Tube stations, and they do have parking on site as well as storage lockers to rent for items such as car seats.

Hamleys: The World-Famous Toy Store Experience

A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hamleys, the world-famous toy store on Regent Street. Hamleys spans seven floors filled with toys, games, and entertainment for children of all ages. From live demonstrations, interactive displays, and the chance to meet beloved characters, Hamleys transforms shopping into a magical experience.

Visit the Hamley’s website for the most up to date information about hours and events.

Getting There:

Hamleys is conveniently located on Regent Street, near Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus Tube stations.

Hyde Park: Nature’s Playground in the City

Visit to Hyde Park and escape the hustle and bustle of the city in one of London’s largest and most famous parks. Hyde Park offers a serene and expansive space for families to enjoy picnics, boat rides on the Serpentine, and playgrounds for the little ones. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is one of the highlights. It features a pirate ship and various play areas that will keep children entertained for hours. Hyde Park also has water features to play in, ponds to feed ducks and geese, and gardens to wander and get the wiggles out in!

Visit the Hyde Park website for the most up to date information on hours and events and the like.

Getting There:

Hyde Park is centrally located and easily accessible. The closest Tube stations are Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, and Hyde Park Corner.

The London Eye: A Sky-High Adventure

For a unique perspective of London, take your family on a ride on the iconic London Eye. This giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames provides breathtaking views of the city skyline. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by the bird’s-eye view of landmarks such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Consider visiting in the evening for a stunning panorama of the city lights.

Visit the London Eye website for the most up to dat information on hours, events, and bookings.

Getting There:

The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames, near Waterloo Station and Westminster Tube station.

Natural History Museum: the Wonders of Nature

The Natural History Museum is yet another gem in South Kensington that promises an awesome experience for families. The fun yet educational exhibits within include the famous dinosaur gallery and the impressive blue whale skeleton. This museum brings the wonders of the natural world to life in a unique way. The interactive displays cater to children’s curiosity, making learning about science and nature a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Visit the Natural History Museum website for the most up to date information on hours, events, and exhibits.

Getting There:

The Natural History Museum is in South Kensington, close to the Science Museum. South Kensington and Gloucester Road are the nearest Tube stations.

Additional Ideas:

• Attend an afternoon tea
• See a matinee play at the theater in West End, London’s version of Broadway. In past rotations they have had shows such as Frozen, Elf and The Lion King
• Get out of the city to tour the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio
• Check out the London Transportation Museum if you have vehicle or train obsessed kiddos!
• Get tickets to Sky Garden for another high-in-the-sky place to view London or go to The View From The Shard
• Let their imagination run wild at Discover Children’s Story Centre

London offers a myriad of family-friendly activities, ensuring that a trip to the British capital is an unforgettable experience for both adults and children. From the cultural wonders of the British Museum to the playful adventures in Hyde Park, there’s something for every family to enjoy. With convenient public transportation options, exploring these attractions becomes a seamless and enjoyable part of your London adventure. Embrace the magic of London with your little ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime.