Planning a family trip to the United Kingdom and needing an itinerary for the best things to do with kids in London? Having lived there twice (once with three kids under age five), and as a place we regularly visit, I know this city very well. There are so many great activities for kids in London.
I am often asked, “How do I plan a family trip to London?” While London is a big city, it is actually quite manageable. With a robust transportation system, and so many child-friendly activities, it is a great place to take kids.
If you are wondering how to plan a trip to London with kids, I have a great list of things to do in London. My tried and true (and very popular) five days in London itinerary is full of family-friendly activities your kids will love, and in fact it’s an itinerary we have used and recommended to rave reviews over and over again.
In this post, you also find my recommendations for the best things to do in London with toddlers, getting around London with kids, where to stay in London and where to eat in London on your family vacation. This is your ultimate guide to London with kids!
This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you should you make a purchase using this link. See my disclaimer. Featured image photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids
Why Visit London With Kids
One of the questions I often get is if London a good family vacation. London is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world, and it is very kid-friendly as you can see from this itinerary. You can also find some of the best family hotels in London to make your stay that much easier.
It is also fairly easy to navigate with its robust transportation system. So, when visiting London for a family vacation, it is easy to get around using an Oyster card on the London tube or bus system. And, kids under age 11 are FREE!
You can even get on a bus or into a London taxi with your travel stroller without folding it down!
London with children is definitely one of the best cities in Europe for your travel bucket list. It is a big city, but it is easy to navigate and feels more mid-sized. It is also the perfect introduction if it is a first trip to a new country.
One of the other things that makes it great is that it is the type of city vacation you can do on school holidays. In fact, in addition to living in London with kids for a bit, we now visit it over long weekends or long school vacation weekends. It’s that easy!
And, there are many FREE things to do in London with kids!
About This Five Days In London Itinerary With Kids
There are so many things to do with kids in London, it is hard to narrow it down to five days. But five days in London is long enough to see a lot in the city and get a very full family experience.
And, London with children is easy because lots of Londoners HAVE children and live in the city. It is full of awesome neighborhoods and family-friendly accommodations. Rest assured if you are looking for the best area to stay in London with kids, you will find many choices close to kid-friendly activities in this itinerary.
Now, I am a huge fan of experiential family travel, and so my itinerary has a bit more than the standard recommendations you might see on other lists.
If you are visiting London with kids for the first time, you could certainly visit marquis attractions like Buckingham Palace or the London Eye, or spend days visiting one of the city’s incredible free museums (like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum ). In fact, I listed many of these on my “additional ideas” list.
Because of its history, you want to make sure your visit to London with children is educational as well as fun. That’s why this raved-about itinerary is one your will kids love! It includes a few different ideas of London kids activities they will truly enjoy – and ones my kids have loved.
Planning to spend three days in London or looking for an itinerary for four days in London? Or perhaps you plan to spend longer than five days in the majestic city?
You can use my five days in London itinerary to plan more or less depending on how much time you have.
These are my suggestions for the best things to do with kids in London (as someone who lived there with kids and visted London many times after!)
Looking for things to do in London with toddlers? While this itinerary can also work for a family trip to London with toddlers, I added a few more suggestions down below in that section of this post.
Here is my tried and true favorite five days in London itinerary your kids will love!
Day 1 In London With Kids
- Arrival Into London
- Check Into Accommodations/Store Luggage
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Princess Diana Memorial Playground/ Kensington Gardens (if you are traveling with kids under five) or the London Eye
- London Transport Museum/Convent Garden
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
As many families fly into London on the first day, and you may have jetlag, the first day is usually light. If you are unable to check into your accommodations right away, you can ask the hotel to store your luggage until the room is ready, which is what we usually do.
I recommend that jetlagged and travel-weary travelers enjoy an open top Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour on your first day visiting London with kids. Yes, it is touristy, but here me out.
It is a great way to kick-off your five days in London itinerary, and it is one of my favorite things to do in London with kids – plus they will love sitting on top (just be careful coming down the stairs when the bus stops.)
It is also a great thing to do in London with children if it is your first time or the one time to visit the city. It is a good way to get acclimated to the city if it is the first thing you do.
On the tour, you can get great views of the city and see many of the major landmarks, such as the Tower of London, Picadilly Circus, Westminster Abby, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and more. Hop and hop off wherever you like or just enjoy the full ride.
You can book either a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass, so if you would like to spend more days than one touring around the city, you certainly can do so.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground In Kensington Gardens
If you are traveling with kids under the age of five, I highly recommend a visit to Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, South Kensington. This is absolutely, hands down, one of the best things to do in London with toddlers and kids love it.
It is a GREAT kids’ adventure playground not to be missed, especially if you are visiting London with toddlers.
Not only is it a great place for little ones to stretch their legs, but this wonderland themed after Peter Pan has plenty of climbing structures and interactive activities to keep the little ones busy.
From the large pirate ship in the center, mini log houses, teepees, a sensory trail, sand, slides, and musical instruments, it is a special place that honors the late Princess Diana while catering to younger children. It is one of the best FREE things to do in London with kids!
London Transport Museum
I also recommend on your first day in London with kids, visit to the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. The best thing is that this wonderful gem is FREE for children under age 17, where kids can discover London’s iconic transportation and its history. And, it is full of free activities kids love.
An interactive museum that includes a family play zone for kids aged seven and under, perfect if you are visiting London with toddlers. It also makes for great rainy day activities in London on a family holiday.
Older kids will love the “stamper trail” which allows them to discover the history of London’s transportation evolution and get a stamp in an activity book. They can even climb in the interactive exhibits and see what it is like to ride in or drive one of London’s famous transports and pretend to stop at tube stations.
You will be centrally located in Convent Garden, so afterward you can grab a meal at one of the kid-friendly restaurants recommended below. And, don’t forget to enjoy many of the street performers and shops in Covent Garden, one of the most iconic areas to visit in the city.
Check out my post on the 25+ Best Restaurants in London for Kids!
Optional London Eye Experience
If you are visiting London with older kids and want an alternate day one activity, I recommend doing the London Eye on this day. While – to be quite honest – it is something you can skip during your visit to London (I wouldn’t forgo other experiences on this itinerary for this,) many people love it and love to see the city from this view. Doing it on the first day is a good way to get a view from the city from above.
BVWK Tip: Free Museums In London!
Did you know there are many completely FREE museums in London? While you are using your open top Hop On Hop Off Bus experience, you can get off at these museums rather than using the underground or public bus (especially if you already have a ticket!) which will help you save money. It’s also a great way to get an overview of the city and see iconic London landmarks like Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye.
Day 2 In London With Kids
- Tower of London Family Tour
- Boat Ride on the River Thames
- Visit Picadilly Circus/Leicester Square
- Stop At Hamley’s
Tower of London Family Tour
Another one of my absolute favorite things to do with kids in London is to visit the Tower of London. There is so much to explore in this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site, kids will be mesmerized. And, it is one of the most famous attractions in London, so it is a must do!
While you can tour the Tower of London on your own, I highly recommend a Tower of London Family Tour experience. If you splurge on one thing on your trip to London with kids, THIS is it.
Not only do these guides have expertise in working with kids, but they will also tell them stories that will captivate them, educate them, and have them talking about the Tower of London long after your visit.
Why The Tower Of London Is A Great Time For Kids
On our last trip to London during our school holidays, we did one of these family tours, and my kids STILL talk about the stories they heard from the guide. It was the best time for the entire family.
Our children learned how the Tower of London has served as both a castle and a prison. They heard about its fascinating history and the many stories (some gory) of its inhabitants and visitors.
And, with most tours, kids will see where in the Tower of London the Crown Jewels are kept, incredible weaponry and armor, and all of this in a way they will be captivated. They saw many attractions that really captured their attention and they were fully engaged.
Truth be told, I prefer visiting the Tower of London over the British Museum, Science Museum or even Buckingham Palace for kids. It is THAT interesting and one of the most fun things to do in London on your family vacation.
The Tower of London is a must-see on your five-day trip to London and one of the best things to do in London with kids. Even just the colorful Yeoman Warders or “Beefeaters” guarding the castle in their iconic uniforms is a favorite of my kids. And of course, they love seeing the ravens who guard the tower!
There is a lovely cafe on site that is a nice place to have lunch. Check for opening times, and do plan to spend several hours at this attraction.
PHOTO OPS!
Afterward, you are perfectly positioned for a photo opp in front of Tower Bridge (many people mistakenly call it London Bridge,) a great location for a family photo. It is also one of the most instagrammable places in London!
River Thames Cruise
After your Tower of London Family Tour, you are perfectly situated for a boat ride on the River Thames, and I highly recommend it as another way to experience the city. This is one of my favorite London attractions with kids.
It’s is a unique way to view iconic London’s South Bank attractions including Big Ben, London Bridge, Houses of Parliament, and more. It’s one of my favorite things to do when we visit London.
If you booked the open air Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour from the day before, you may have a River Thames boat ticket included in the ticket prices, or you can buy tickets right at the riverfront. Or, you can enjoy a River Thames Cruise With Afternoon Tea!
It’s worth checking when you book these excursions if you can get a combo ticket as that is a great way to save money.
On the River Thames cruise, you will see some of London’s top iconic attractions on the South Bank. Making sure you see the South Bank, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, is a must-do on your trip to London with kids.
Picadilly Circus and Visit Hamley’s Toy Shop
From here, head on over to Picadilly Circus and enjoy the activities, lights, and shops this area has to offer. The huge M and M store is usually a kid favorite, but walk up Regent’s Street to get the real prize – a stop at Hamley’s Toy Shop. This is one of the best London attractions for kids.
This multilevel, child friendly toy extravaganza will mesmerize your kids, and you will see toy demonstrations you have never seen before. Hamley’s is a great place to get a London souvenir when you visit London with kids.
My kids always walk out with stuffed animals like Paddington Bear, a toy taxi or double-decker bus, or a toy version of the London tube.
Hamley’s Toy Shop is well worth visiting and is a short walk from the Oxford Circus tube station.
Dinner can be at one of the kid-friendly restaurants listed below.
Day 3 In London With Kids
- Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Brothers Studio (full day experience)
Harry Potter Studios Tour
If you are an aspiring Hogwarts student and are headed to England, a London Harry Potter experience is an absolute must! Fans of Harry Potter films and books will love this incredible look into the studio that brought the magical Harry Potter to life in films. Our family LOVES all things Harry Potter and this Warner Bros Studio Tour was outstanding and well worth the full day excursion.
You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the sets, props, and movie magic used to make the iconic films. It is full of interesting exhibits and interactive experiences. And, you can even be a part of the magic!
How many of us muggles wouldn’t want to see Harry’s world up close? Walk through the great hall, stand on Privet Drive, take a photo in Ron’s blue car, window-shop down Diagon Alley, and taste delicious Butter Beer, among many other magical experiences.
The London Harry Potter Studio Tour is well worth the visit, and one of the best family activities to do near London. It is great fun for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
BVWK Tip: Getting To Warner Brother Studios From Central London
Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour is something that requires advanced planning, as tickets are sold in time slots. I recommend booking online in advance. You can go to the studio on your own using the underground, and take a shuttle from the tube stop to the studio. But, unless you book online your tickets in advance, you risk getting all of the way there and not being able to get in.
I recommend booking an advance ticket and bus ride from Victoria Station through one of the companies that provide this option. Your ticket will include a bus ride, an entrance to the studio which allows you about four hours to explore, and a bus ride home.
After your Warner Brothers Studio Tour, your bus will bring you back to Victoria Station. You can enjoy a dinner at one of the kid-friendly restaurants listed below.
If you feel up to an evening activity, you can take a trip around Harrods (or save that for the next evening). I love walking around Harrods to see the food halls and the toy section. It’s one of my other favorite wandering activities when visiting London with kids.
Want A Preview of the Harry Potter Studio Tours?
Check out my Travel From Home: The Best Harry Potter Virtual Tours And Experiences For Muggles Of All Ages to get an advanced view of what you might see!
Day 4 In London With Kids
Hampton Court Palace
One of my kids’ favorite places to visit right outside of central London – and a must-do on your five days in London itinerary – is Hampton Court Palace.
Home to Henry VIII and other royalty, this interactive, fascinating location is not just any old castle. With period furniture and tapestries, well-stocked, interactive exhibits like the Tudor kitchen, and a thematic play area, there is so much for kids – and parents – to discover. There are many other attractions on this site that can make it a full day activty.
Kids will also find this site interesting and educational as they offer kid-version audio guides. It is a great way to follow along as you tour the castle and a great thing to when visiting London with kids!
Period characters come out in costume to interact with the crowd, and my kids always loved the challenge of the hedge maze.
For the youngest globe trotters, there are Tudor dress-up costumes, which can be found in the audio-guide rental room. Kids are even allowed to borrow them to wear while they tour the castle!
Hampton Court Palace is also a great thing to do if you are traveling to London with toddlers. The only thing to note, though, is that strollers (prams) are a bit hard to get into upstairs areas. But you can certainly bring them on the property.
An onsite cafe offers plenty of adult and kid-friendly bites, so you can enjoy lunch during this all-day adventure.
Hampton Court Palace also has 60 acres of world-famous gardens, and 750 acres of parklands to explore. It is definitely one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in the UK.
Getting To Hampton Court Palace From London
The nearest station to the palace is Hampton Court (5-minute walk). Hampton Court is in travelcard/oyster card Zone 6.
Alternate Royal Day Trips
Windsor
An alternate day trip you could consider is an outing to Windsor, home to one of the Queen’s palaces (and the locale of Harry and Meghan’s nuptials!) Just a simple bus or tube ride from Central London, Windsor offers fantastic FREE things to do your kids will love! If you are hoping to see Stonehenge on this trip, you can do a combination Stonehenge and Windsor full day tour.
Highclere Castle
While this location might be more recognizable for parents as the site of the beloved Downtown Abbey series and films, kids will love visiting this real-life working castle which is actually called Highclere Castle. Owned and operated by a real life Duke and Duchess, this is a wonderful place to visit and explore where the Crawley family lived, worked and made up the storylines of the TV show and film, along with the castle’s history.
Harrods
Upon return to London, you could take an evening trip over to Harrods department store to see the iconic location and favorite shop of the late Princess Diana. The food hall alone is well worth the visit, and your kids will undoubtedly want to taste one of the special treats in the sweets shop.
Head up to the toy area for another exciting kid-friendly spot, and then on to the London souvenir shop if you care to take home a souvenir (a teapot is one of my favorite things to take home from London.)
Day 5 In London With Kids
- Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour or the Harry Potter Filming Locations Tour
- West End Show Late Afternoon Matinee or Evening Show
- Dinner at or Heddon Street Kitchen or *Prezzo before or after show
- ALTERNATE ACTIVITY: Soccer Stadium Tour
Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour or Harry Potter Filming Locations Tour
I recommend starting your morning with a Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour that kids will love. Walking tours are a favorite of my kids because it is a wonderful way to see the city through storytelling. It is a perfect start to a fun filled day.
This two and half hour walking tour led by expert guides will show you spots in London that inspired the Harry Potter stories, and show you iconic sites in the city.
You can also tour Harry Potter Filming Locations throughout the city. As Harry Potter superfans, our familiy loves seeing where these movies were filmed and this walking tour is one of the best ways to see them in London. It’s something the whole family can enjoy.
Alternatively, if you prefer something different, this would be a good time to visit Harrods or Piccadilly Circus.
West End Show
I then recommend, after a quick lunch at one of the quick-service restaurants below, a West End late afternoon matinee show or evening theater show for one of the many kid-friendly shows, like The Lion King. The West End is London’s Broadway, but as London is known for its incredible theater, you can’t leave the city without seeing a performance. There are many kid-friendly shows your kids will love.
Each theater will run a different show for a period of time, so the offerings can change over time. For Harry Potter fans, you may want to schedule multiple performances to see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in the West End.
You CAN see a West End show if you are visiting London with toddlers (assuming they are a family-friendly theme), and we have done so with our three-year-old. The best part is they serve Cadbury candy and icecream during intermission!
BVWK Tip
Either before an evening performance or after a matinee performance, I recommend dinner at either Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen or Prezzo, both nicer dining but kid-friendly and nearby the West End or one of the kid-friendly recommendations below). *Advanced reservations strongly encouraged if you choose one of these locations. London’s Chinatown is also nearby for delicious Chinese cuisine!
Alternate Activity: Soccer Stadium Tour
If you have soccer superfans or sports lovers in your family who might prefer an alternate activity on this day, I recommend a soccer (football) stadium tour or catching a soccer match of your favorite team. Our kids are big soccer superfans and have loved visiting their beloved soccer team’s stadium.
Most soccer clubs in London have a huge fan following. And, you’ll find that most soccer stadiums and clubs offer a tour of some sort. This is a great day to do this activity, and you might still have time to include either a West End Show or a walking tour in your day.
Things To Do In London With Toddlers
Almost all of the items on my itinerary are definitely things to do in London with toddlers, though the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour might be a bit much.
If you want to swap something out in London for kids or if you have extra days in London with a tot under age five, there are plenty of great day trips from the city ideal for kids, especially if you are traveling to London with toddlers.
When we lived in London with children (our twin two-year-old toddlers and four-year-old son) our favorite day trips included Thomas Land at Drayton Manor, Legoland in Windsor, and the beloved Peppa Pig World in Paulton’s Park. These are a great alternative to do if you are in London with toddlers because they can stretch their legs, have some toddler fun and meet some of their favorite cartoon friends. And the UK has some of the best theme parks in Europe.
More Things To Do In London With Kids
- Visit the many green parks and playgrounds London kids adore. They are wide open spaces, perfect for running and stretching legs. Our favorites:
- Hyde Park
- Regents Park Adventure Playground
- Serpentine Lido (great on a hot day and you can rent pedal boats)
- Kensington Garden (the The Princess Diana Memorial Playground is here – best adventure playground)
- St. James’s Park
- Holland Park
- Greenwich Park London
- Hampstead Heath
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (enjoy the grounds, playgrounds, river activities and more at this East London treasure created after the 2012 Olympic and Para Olympic Games, it’s now home to a treasure trove of activities families love!)
- You can also try London street food at these playgrounds as many of them have well stocked concession stands with meals, coffee, ice creams and tasty treats!
- London Harry Potter Filming Locations Tour
- Visit the London Zoo
- Stadium Tour Of One of The Football (Soccer) Club Stadiums (our favorite is Chelsea Stadium) to see where some of the biggest sports personalities play – this is a great thing to do in London with older kids or teens (especially for soccer fans)
- Westminster Abby (where many Royals have been married and many ceremonial events have happened!
More Things To Do on a London Family Vacation
- Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (this museum is full of quirky things but check out the Star Wars Experience Exhibition which was a big hit for my kids)
- Buckingham Palace
- Changing Of The Guard (also called The Queen’s Guard) at Buckingham Palace
- Become a detective at the Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Visit Notting Hill and the shops on Portobello Road
- London Eye (the London Eye is very popular with tourists to get a birds-eye view of the city)
- The Globe Theater (or a play by the Royal Shakespeare Company)
- Windsor Castle (outside the city, so it requires a bus ride)
- The Royal Mews
- Great London Fire Monument
- Imperial War Museum
- One of the many child-friendly museums or science museums to discover the history and sea life (i.e. British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, Science Museum [budding scientists will love to see the Blue Whale skeleton named “Hope,”] National Maritime Museum, and the Sea Life London Aquarium)
Even MORE Things To Do In London With Kids
- Shrek’s Adventure
- Afternoon Tea (I love the Orangery at Kensington Palace in South Kensington or at one of the hotels like the Savoy as something the whole family can do to enjoy this British tradition). For a really unique tea experience, check out the Golden Tour’s Afternoon Tea Bus!
- Walking Tour (if you are traveling older/no kids, the Jack The Ripper walking tour is fascinating for older kids ages 14 years and up, but not a good topic for younger kids!)
- Paddington Bear Walking Tour (look for the Paddington Bear statue in Paddington Station!)
- Day trip to Hever Castle
- Legoland in Windsor
- Visit London Dungeon with older kids
- Peter Harrison Planetarium in Greenwich Park
- London Adventure Playgrounds (search by neighborhood)
- East London Hackney City Farm (a unique experience to discover farming in the city, where kids can see animals and have an educational experience too.)
Getting Around London With Kids
London is a great city for getting around London with kids because of its comprehensive public transport system of the Underground (the “tube,”) busses, and of course the iconic taxis.
If you are traveling with kids in strollers, I recommend exclusively using the bus. This is one of my favorite tips on traveling to London with kids.
Many of London’s Underground stations do not have elevators, so you are looking at long escalators and stairs.
When we lived there with three kids under age four, we exclusively traveled by bus, which is easy to use, and there are spots on busses for strollers (prams).
London’s taxis are also easy to use and can fit strollers (you often don’t have to even fold them). But they can be expensive.
Get an Oyster card when you arrive to the city and you can keep using it throughout the trip. (You can reload this travel card with more funds if it runs out.)
If you are visiting London with toddlers or kids who might have trouble walking throughout the city, you can rent foot scooters (like the local children) for the duration of your trip.
Need Travel Resources For Packing and Planning Your Trip?
Check out my Free Travel Resources page for planning and packing lists and my Essential Family Travel Resources page for helpful resources for booking and planning your family trip to London. Did you know you can rent baby gear like strollers, pack n plays, high chairs, and more even when visiting London? Check out my Essential Family Travel Resources page for where we recommend!
Five Days In London Itinerary: Where To Stay In London
If you are wondering on the best areas in London for where to stay in London with kids there are many great neighborhoods to check out. Much of it depends on where you want to be located.
Most importantly, there are some of the best hotels in London for families available right in some of the best neighborhoods (near parks and activities.)
Booking.comThere are so many places to stay in London with kids that you won’t be limited on choices. One of our favorite spots is the Marriott Marble Arch. The Marriott Marble Arch can accommodate families of four and it is very centrally located to access transportation. It is right next door from Hyde Park.
Another hotel we like is the DoubleTree by Hilton across from Kensington Garden. This is the neighborhood where we lived in London, so it is very comfortable for us. It is walking distance to Notting Hill, tube stops, and has bus access. It is also not far from Regent Street and Oxford Street.
Kensington High Street is also another neighborhood I love that has many hotels including a Marriott Residence Inn, and there are hotels near the Marylebone area. This neighborhood is also close to Regent’s Park.
For more hotels, check out Booking.com. You can also look at renting a vacation apartment through Air B n B or VRBO.
If you are looking for a luxury experience, The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair is an exquisite hotel where you will have a top of the line experience (butlers, chauffers, Michelein 3 star restaurants, etc.). It is one of the finest 6 star hotels in the world. And, it’s KID-FRIENDLY. Kid’s receive a welcome treat, activity packs, little robes and slippers, family time at the pool, children’s menus, and baby/toddler ammenities, and more.
If you don’t stay at The Connaught Hotel, you can visit it for afternoon tea, a great thing to do when visting London with kids!
Where To Eat With Kids In London
There are many kid-friendly restaurants in London. These are our favorite family friendly restaurants we regularly visited in London when we lived there.
Most places ARE chains but don’t let that scare you. They are great. They just have several of these spots around the city :
- Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen (kids eat free!) or one of his other restaurants around the city
- Giraffe (flavors from around the world)
- Nando’s (quick-service chicken dishes)
- Gourmet Burger Kitchen (quick service gourmet burgers)
- Zizzi (Italian)
- Wagamama (Japanese-inspired Asian)
- Sticky Fingers (American diner-style)
- Byron (gourmet burgers)
- Local pubs (many pubs offer sandwiches and options the kids will enjoy)
For something different, there are actually a couple of roof-top bars that are kid-friendly! One is even at another famed London department store, Selfridges. A great way to enjoy a kid-friendly meal with the backdrop of the London skyline!
Got More Days To Fill? How About A Day Trip To Paris!
Did you know you can take a day trip to Paris during your London vacation? Just an easy plane or train trip can get you there and back in one day.
You could even spend your day trip at Disneyland Paris. It’s a great add-on to your family adventure if you need more ideas of what to do when visiting London with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can 8 year olds do in London?
What CAN’T 8 year olds do in London is more like it. There are so many things for 8 year olds and kids of all ages can do in London. For kids under age 5, there are plenty of green spaces with epic playgrounds and wide open spaces perfect for younger kids. I especially recommend the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.
Kids of all ages will love Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, the London Eye, some of the fun and free museums like the Natural History Museum and the London Transportation Museum. There are also great walking tours, West End Shows, science museums, the London Zoo, and so much more.
If your 8 year old is a fan of Harry Potter movies or books, check out the Harry Potter Studios Tour and the Harry Potter Film Locations walking tour. Finally, be sure to visit Hamleys Toy Shop and Harrod’s for fantastic London souvenir.
Is London A Good Family Trip? Is it Worth taking kids to london? is London a kid friendly city?
Absolutely! London is a good family trip for kids for all ages. It offers plenty of things to do for toddlers, school aged children and teens. From history to pop culture to the arts and sports, and even seeing London from above in the London Eye, there are so many things that make London a good family trip.
Plus, as a city full of families, there are many ways for kids to stretch their legs and run around at areas like Princess Diana Memorial Playground, green spaces like Hyde Park or Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath. And it is very easy to navigate. Definitely, London is a good family trip.
FUN FACT: You can rent pedal boats on the Serpentine in Hyde Park!
Is the Tower of London worth it for kids?
In my opinion, YES, the Tower of London is worth it for kids. While they may not understand everything about its history, kids generally love seeing the “Beefeaters” or Yeoman Warders, the Ravens, the Crown Jewels, and the Armour Room, at least. Plus, Paddington Bear has a book about the Tower of London which makes it even more fun if they read it before they come.
I recommend a family tour of the Tower of London, as these expert tour guides make it great fun and worth it for kids. In fact, my kids could spend hours talking to our tour guide learning about the Tower of London. They often give prizes as well. The restaurant at the Tower of London also sells kid-friendly meals. The Tower of London definitely is worth it for kids.
Where Can I Take My Kids In London? Where can I take my 5 year old in London?
As you can tell from this list, there are so many places you can take kids in London. Depending on their ages, green spaces like Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, and Hamstead Heath are great places for little ones to stretch their legs. Toddlers also love the Princess Diana Memorial Museum.
I recommend the Tower of London, Hampstead Palace, Picadilly Circus, Covent Garden, and the London Transport Museum, a boat ride on the River Thames, the West End for a show, the London Zoo, and Harry Potter Studio Tours or Harry Potter Walking Tours as my go-to places to take kids in London. Teens and sports fans might also love tours of one of the Premier League Soccer Stadiums. Kids also love a ride on the London Eye to get a birds eye view of the city.
And, if you come to London, you must enjoy afternoon tea. There are plenty of places to take kids in London to enjoy this delicious and traditional meal.
As a family-friendly city, where many families live, you can take kids to many places in London.
Which Area of London Is Good For Families? which part of london is best for kids?
There are many areas of London good for families. Some of the most popular are Regent’s Park/Marylebone area, Notting Hill, Kensington, Hampstead, Maida Vaile, and Chelsea.
How Can I Travel With Kids In London?
London has a robust transportation system, so you can easily get around using taxis, busses, and the Underground. If you are traveling with a stroller or pram, I recommend exclusively traveling by bus or taxi. The buses and taxis have spaces large enough that you don’t need to break down the stroller. But not all Underground stations have elevators and many have long (very long) staircases or escalators. So I don’t recommend this for young kids. When we lived in London, we traveled almost exclusively by bus.
If you have older kids or teens, then using the Underground is a great option or you can ride the bus.
Is London Child Friendly? Is London Good For Children? Is London Good To Visit With Kids?
Yes, London is VERY child friendly. Remember, London is a city full of families who live all over the city. So, when you ask is London good for children or is London good for families, remember people live there. We lived there with three kids under age 5.
There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants, parks, special events, and special exhibits, and attractions all over the city my kids loved. Even the busses have spaces for the prams (strollers) and kids on scooters are everywhere. London is a very child-friendly city.
And, remember it is an incredibly historical city. School-aged children can learn a lot about human history which helps them in school, so yes London is good for children of all ages.
What can I do with my toddler in London? What Can A 3 Year Old Do In London?
Having lived in London with twin toddlers and a four year old, I can say there are PLENTY of things to do with a toddler in London. My favorites include:
- Princess Diana Memorial Playground
- Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park
- London Transportation Museum
- Hampton Court Palace
- The London Zoo
- A day trip to Thomas Land, Legoland, or Peppa Pig World
- Regent’s Park
- Kew Gardens
- Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
- Crystal Palace Park Farm
- Vauxhall City Farm
- London Eye
- Sea Life Aquarium
- Greenwich Park (and the Peter Harrison Planetarium)
- Find a local Adventure Playground to stretch their legs
- Horniman Museum in Forest Hill (a natural history museum, garden, and aquarium great for kids)
What Age Is The London Dungeon Suitable For?
I think the London Dungeon attraction is most suitable for kids ages 12 and up. It may be a bit too dark and scary for little ones.
What Can Families Do At Night In London?
If you have some night owls, there are plenty of things families can do at night in London. Some ideas include:
- London Eye at night while it is lit up!
- Visit Harrod’s at night for some evening shopping.
- An evening performance of a West End Show.
- Museum “Lates” such as the Science Museum, Victoria & Albert’s Museum, and Sir John Soane’s Museum hosts dramatic lighting events. Some of these are adult only so check in advance if they are suitable for families.
- Evening walking tours (the Jack The Ripper walking tour is the best one but only suitable for teens and up due to the content.)
- The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London (it is a free event but you have to book online advanced tickets.)
- An evening riverboat cruise on the Thames River. There are also dinner cruises.
- Visit the Hampstead Observatory for stargazing.
- If you are visiting at Christmas, be sure to visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the Christmas Grottos to see Father Christmas
Final Thought On Five Days In London Itinerary With Kids
London is a majestic city that offers a variety of things to do in London with kids. Whether you do five days in London with kids or more, or even if you are looking for what to do in London with kids for one to four days over school holidays, my five days in London itinerary offers you a variety of ideas from someone who has lived there. This is the ultimate London itinerary with kids they will love and a perfect destination for family travel!
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Great Post ! I have read your post which are really informative for anytraveler before arriving on London. Articles that have meaningful and insightful comments are more enjoyable. Thanks
Thank you! I am glad it is helpful for you!
SUPER helpful!! We are traveling in July with our 2, 3, and 5 year olds and I was wondering about scooter rentals for the littles…any reccomendations??
Hi Laura! So glad you found this post helpful! Check out this website for kid scooter rentals: https://mobilebikeshop.co.uk/hire/ or this site https://bikeclub.com/collections/mini-2-5-years. Hope this helps!
London is so full of attractions that it can make even the most seasoned travellers to ponder on things to do. And when one is travelling with kids, anyone is bound to be overwhelmed. Thanks to the tips provided in the blog that will help families to plan a London trip without any worry.
Saving this blog article! Thank you for this detailed itinerary!
Impressive! This was a wonderful post. I will always bookmark your blog and will come back in the future.
The link to the family Tower of London tour isn’t working. Which company did you use?
Hi there,
I updated the links in the post so those are working now :).
Hello, I found your article very useful. Thank you for all the recommendations and tips. I was wondering if you could help me further. I am planning a trip to London beginning of October with my 3.5-year-old daughter for about 11 days. We have family there who live in zone 3, near Tooting Broadway Station to be specific. Do you recommend that I book a hotel in Central London or that I stay with them and travel from there to all the attractions? What would be easier/cheaper?
I am so happy it helped! Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope you had an amazing vacation in London with your kids and family.