Family-friendly activities: Things to do in London with Kids
Visiting London as a family? You don't need to fret as there are many things to do in London with kids. Taking selfies with dinosaurs at the British Museum or watching chemistry in action at the London Science Museum are just two examples.
You can also see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and then maybe try to make one smile! Take boat rides along the Thames or soar over the city in the London Eye. And these are not just things to do for kids – adults, too, can enjoy these places. Even better, entertainment may be educational, too!
Fantastic attractions in London for kids
Harry Potter, Shrek, Sherlock Holmes, Shakespeare, even Star Wars – they all have homes you can take your kids to visit in London. Here are a couple of places where they can mingle with their favorite celebs or see some behind-the-scenes magic:
Warner Bros Studios
Got Hogwarts fans in the family? Take them to explore favorite scenes from their favorite Harry Potter movies. They can visit Platform 9 ¾ and take the Hogwarts Express. Then watch how the Basilisk and Aragog came to life. Or become part of the scenery by flying over London with the help of green screening.
The tour is four to seven hours long, so make sure everyone has comfy shoes on. They allow a limited number of strollers per group, so you may have to check yours at the coat check. You will find baby changing facilities at every restroom area in addition to a parents’ area and bottle-heating service.
Madame Tussaud’s
Who says you can’t get close to the royals? Pose with the Queen or William and Kate. There are over 200 figures, including Tom Hardy and Kim & Kanye to Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, and Adele. You and your kids will get screen time with all your faves – make sure you’ve got enough memory on your camera!
You can’t take a stroller through the museum, but there is a coat check that will store it for free. If you check anything else, there’s a small fee. Baby changing facilities are available as well. Note that you can only bring water from the outside, but there are concession stands selling snacks inside.
London thrills for kids
Are your darling kids daring? Do they want more than double-decker buses and riverboats? Do they want a break from historic buildings and museums? London can handle these requests. Here are a couple of breath-takers:
The O2 Arena
The O2 is known as an entertainment complex, but you can see much more from the top. Take the family on a climb up the arena’s dome. Safe with harnesses and guides, you will be blown away by the 360 view of London. Open from 10 or 11 am to well after sunset, you can choose your cityscape.
The minimum age is 8 years old, and the minimum height is 47 inches (just under 4 ft). You have to wear a climb suit and shoes, so make sure to wear socks and dress for the weather.
London Dungeon
Fascinated by the dark side of London? This tour is not about frilly royals or high tea. Here the kids can learn about Henry VIII’s beheading habits. Then they can find out who Guy Fawkes was and what a Pear of Anguish is. Also, you may just find out who Jack the Ripper really was!
This activity is not for those who are sensitive or easily frightened. The recommended age is 12, but they will admit younger children if parents allow. However, if anyone wants to leave, an attendant will take you safely to an exit.
KidZania
Watch your kids explore careers, London-style. Maybe this trip inspires them to be a City Tour Guide. Or they might prefer cricket to baseball (or not!). Perhaps, they’ll discover that they want to help people in an A&E (which is similar to an ER). Their creativity may be sparked at the fashion institute, TV studio, or Nintendo Labo Workshop.
Children under 8 require adult supervision the entire time. You can bring your stroller through, or there is stroller storage for a fee. Baby changing facilities are available.