Fun is guaranteed when you come to London with the family. Museums, themed cafés, endless adventures, toy shops, attractions and more.
Those quick trips to London without kids are a thing of past, when you would mooch around markets and shops for hours, explore all the fashionable districts and enjoy the city's lively nightlife. Visiting London with kids, however, can show you a different side of the city, and it can be just as much fun! There are so many things to do with the family – it’s the perfect destination to travel with kids!
1. Transport Museum
Before you had children you would probably go to the Tate Gallery and walk for hours round all the rooms, take lots of photos and purchase an expensive but useless gadget from the attractive gift shop. But now you’re better off choosing something like London Transport Museum, which is the perfect place for kids who are into trains, and the adults will love it too! It has a permanent collection which tells you all about the transport system in London over the years, and the most iconic vehicles that come to mind when we think about London. There are also temporary exhibitions and many activities to do with the family. We do advise you to book tickets in advance.
2. London Zoo
The little ones will be fascinated by the oldest zoo in the world (opened in 1828) after Vienna, and it has an amazing reptile house. London Zoo is in the north of Regent’s Park, which is a beautiful vast park with a children’s playground and a duck pond. If you visit the zoo, you have to spend some time in the Aquarium, the world's first aquarium, which opened in 1853.
3. KidZania
KidZania is so much more than just a city for kids – it’s completely immersive experience where the little ones can pretend to do a wide range of jobs, from firefighters to surgeons, go shopping, and much more. There’s even a dance club! At KidZania the kids have their own currency, and if they are aged 8-14, they can be left to explore the city, tracked with a wristband. The city guarantees four hours of uninterrupted fun in a safe environment. You can find it in Westfield London shopping centre, close to several underground stations, such as Central Line and White City. Book your tickets in advance to make sure you get a space.
4. The London Dungeon
This museum is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. It aims to show London’s most gruesome side back when characters such as Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd were at large in the city. At The London Dungeon, children and adults alike will have a great time meeting actors pretending to be wicked ladies such as Bloody Mary or patients living in the city’s mental hospitals after the Great Fire of 1666. If you like to plan ahead, you can book your tickets in advance.
5. Calling all fans of Harry Potter
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make sure you read this other post so you know where to find places connected to this fascinating saga that continues to captivate readers around the world. London has many activities connected with the wizard and his friends. You can start off by going on a tour of all the places that inspired J.K. Rowling: The Leaky Cauldron, the Ministry of Magic and even the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Another activity that little budding wizards shouldn’t miss is the Warner Studios, where the eight Harry Potter films were shot. There you’ll be able to find objects, gadgets, special effects, and much more. Who could resist taking a photo in the Great Hall or in Professor Umbridge’s office?
If you don’t want to leave London without purchasing a memento of your favourite wizard, the best place is the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, at King’s Cross Station.
6. Rainforest Cafe
Who could resist tasting a delicious menu that includes all the American favourites with international touches? Pizza, burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips, and guacamole, for example, at a jungle-themed restaurant! The kids definitely won’t want to miss it! Rainforest Cafe actually looks like the Amazon rainforest, decorated with all manner of hyperrealistic motifs: elephants, jaguars, crocodiles, gorillas and amazing tropical storms – right in the middle of London. It’s the perfect place for an informal meal, and the children can roam free and make as much noise as they want, without getting told off by a grumpy grown-up!
7. Hamley's
You don’t have to be a child to enjoy Hamley’s, a massive toy shop where you can find something for everyone. It has seven floors and more than 50,000 toys on sale, as well as in-situ demonstrations and presentations. You’ll want to spend ages at this toy paradise and we’re pretty sure you won’t be able to resist buying something!
8. HMS Belfast
This Second World War warship is moored on the river Thames as a museum ship, open to the public. It will simply take your breath away! An audio guide will take you round nine decks and will tell you all you need to know about life on board the HMS Belfast, from the control room to the kitchen, the infirmary and the hold.
After a busy few days exploring London, you’ll probably be exhausted but happy! You might even realise that you don’t actually miss all those bars and shops and other places for adults that you used to enjoy in this city before the little ones came along!
