Top Activities for Kids in London

There’s always plenty of things to do in London – including activities for kids of all ages and personalities. For that reason, and combined with the sheer scale of London, it can be a bit overwhelming to make a plan of attack with small, defiant humans in tow.

We’ve pulled together our personal favourites, as well as those of dozens of local London parents, to bring you the ultimate kid’s activities in London. From the famed and essential to the lesser-known and inside track – these activities are guaranteed to be at least partially enjoyable for their adults, too. In no particular order, here are the activities we recommend.

• 1. Show Them London from High Above

  Best for: all ages

  Take in London’s architectural tapestry and enormity from various vantage points such as Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill, or the free viewing platforms in the One New Change building or The Garden at 120. The Walkie Talkie building at Fenchurch Street offers an excellent view free of charge when you dine at the Sky Gardens restaurant. Alternatively, visit the London Eye pod or The Shard for stunning views of the city.

• 2. Go to a Children’s Afternoon Tea

  Best for: ages 5+

  Afternoon tea has become a child-friendly tradition featuring crustless sandwiches, sweet scones, and delightful pastries. Venues across the city offer themed teas, including cow-themed or character-themed options that promise fun and whimsy for young guests.

• 3. Climb Aboard a Boat

  Best for: ages 3+

  The Uber Boat by Thames Clipper is akin to London’s tube on water. Enjoy the serene views of the city while keeping a lookout for various stops. Alternatively, rent pedal boats at scenic spots like Hyde Park or Alexandra Palace for hands-on fun on the water.

• 4. Mudlarking on the Thames

  Best for: ages 10+

  Embark on an educational adventure by searching for unique artifacts washed up on the banks of the Thames. With just a pair of wellies and gloves, children can discover historical gems beneath the surface.

• 5. Geocaching All Over London

  Best for: ages 11+

  Turn your kids into treasure hunters! With a GPS device or an app, they can seek out hidden containers scattered throughout the city, enhancing their exploration through navigation and clues.

City Farms and Playgrounds

• 6. City Farms

  Best for: ages 1+

  City farms provide a slow-paced environment perfect for little hands to explore gardening and farm animals. Locations like Spitalfields and Kentish Town offer a delightful escape from city life.

• 7. Secret Playgrounds

  Best for: all ages

  London is filled with over 3,000 parks and playgrounds. Utilize Google Maps to locate nearby play spaces to let your children unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

• 8. Temperate House at Kew Gardens

  Best for: ages 0+

  The newly restored Temperate House at Kew is a marvelous place to discover exotic plant species and enjoy the soothing warmth of a Victorian glasshouse.

• 9. Arcelormittal Orbit, Stratford

  Best for: ages 8+

  Experience thrills on the world’s longest slide at the Arcelormittal Orbit in the Olympic Park. It offers an exciting descent while enjoying outstanding views of the surrounding landscape.

Cultural Experiences

• 10. Holiday Coding Courses

  Best for: ages 4-11

  Introduce your children to the world of coding through engaging holiday workshops that cater to both beginners and experienced young coders.

• 11. Sparks Film Club

  Best for: ages 7 -14

  Encouraging young filmmakers, Sparks offers summer camps teaching script writing, acting, and directing in various locations across London.

• 12. Stand-Up Comedy for Kids, Soho

  Best for: ages 5-14

  The Comedy Club 4 Kids provides a platform for young performers alongside seasoned comedians, ensuring the humor is family-friendly.

• 13. Big Fish Little Fish, London

  Best for: ages 8 and under

  Pioneer children’s raves featuring family-friendly DJ events that create a joyful atmosphere for both kids and parents.

Unique Attractions

• 14. Go on a Harry Potter Taxi Tour

  Best for: ages 5+

  Take a magical ride through Harry Potter’s world with a guided taxi tour that showcases iconic film locations in the city.

• 15. London Underground Tours

  Best for: ages 10+

  Virtual tours of the London Underground offer a unique view of subterranean history and architecture, allowing kids to explore the underground from home.

• 16. AHOY! Children’s Gallery, National Maritime Museum

  Best for: ages 3+

  Engage in nautical adventures at AHOY!, a gallery designed for young explorers with interactive play spaces and educational exhibits.

• 17. Wonderlab at the Science Museum

  Best for: ages 3+

  Experience 50+ interactive experiments at Wonderlab that ignite curiosity and invite exploration in a fun, hands-on environment.

These suggested activities emphasize exploration, creativity, and education, ensuring every child enjoys their time in London. Grab your itinerary and embark on these exciting adventures!