Kids activities London – A Londoners guide
London is packed with fun and exciting activities for children of all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or thrilling attractions, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the best kids activities London has to offer!
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
One of the best free kids activities London has to offer is a day out in Hyde Park. On a hot day, take a towel and head to the Diana Memorial Fountain—my kids spent ages splashing around and walking through the water. The Diana Memorial Playground is another must-visit, featuring a huge wooden pirate ship, climbing frames, and a rock pool where kids can take off their shoes and socks to paddle. We also loved a boat trip on the Serpentine we paid for the electric boat hire, and next time, we’ll bring swimsuits for the Serpentine Lido!
Theatre shows for kids
A trip to London’s West End is a magical experience for children. Popular kid-friendly shows include The Lion King, Matilda the Musical and Wicked. These performances bring beloved stories to life with incredible sets, costumes, and music. If you’re looking for an interactive experience, check out The Play That Goes Wrong for lots of laughs! You can also take a look at my post on the best musicals in London if you want to find out my top 10 shows! The west end is one of the best kids activities London has to offer.
Afternoon Tea for kids
Afternoon tea is a delightful experience, and many London hotels and cafes offer child-friendly versions. There’s something about having sandwiches and cakes served at the same time that excites kids! Popular spots include The Ritz, The Dilly and the Peter Pan afternoon tea at The Aqua Shard. Afternoon tea is one of the most popular kids activities London has to offer
Arsenal Museum & football matches
If you have a young football fan, visiting the Arsenal Museum or attending a game at the Emirates Stadium is a great experience. My daughter has done the stadium tour and loved it! My daughter also enjoys going to lots of games. If you can’t get tickets to a Premier League match, smaller London clubs or non-league games are great alternatives.
Trampoline parks & soft play centres
Trampoline parks are always a hit with kids, helping them burn off energy while having fun. Some great options include Oxygen Freejumping and Flip Out. If your children love soft play, London has plenty of options, though they might not be every parent’s favourite place! They might well be some of the most tiring kids activities London has to offer!
Park day
A simple but fun day out in the park is one of the best kids activities London has to offer. Take a football, tennis rackets, kites, or even a swim kit if there’s a paddling pool. Top London parks include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, St James’s Park, and Battersea Park.
Wimbledon museum & tour
Both of my kids loved the Wimbledon Museum and Tour, but they do play tennis. It’s a fantastic experience to learn about the history of the tournament and explore the courts. Just be sure to book your tour slot in advance, as they fill up quickly!
Paddington Bear Experience
We’re booked to do the Paddington Experience soon and can’t wait! If your children love Paddington Bear, this immersive attraction is a must-do.
Museums for kids
Some of the best museums in London are also great for kids. While I have a full post dedicated to museums, some highlights include the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the London Transport Museum.
Ice cream shops
For a sweet treat, we loved Udderlicious in Seven Dials. Their vegan options were perfect for me and my son who are dairy-free eaters, and the rest of the family had an amazing selection of flavours. Definitely one of the best summer kids activities London can serve up!
Cinema at Leicester Square
Leicester Square is home to London’s most famous cinemas, where film premieres often take place. It’s a great spot to watch the latest family films and soak up the excitement of the big screen.
Shrek’s Adventure!
My daughter loved Shrek’s Adventure!, but some parts were a little scary for an 8-year-old. If your kids love DreamWorks movies, this interactive experience is worth checking out.
London Eye
For incredible views of London, the London Eye is a fantastic family-friendly experience. My daughter was amazed at how much of the city she could see from the top!
Boat Tours on the Thames
A boat tour is one of the most relaxing kids activities London has to offer. You can opt for a standard sightseeing cruise or go for the Horrible Histories Boat Tour, which adds a fun, educational twist.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a great experience for kids who love history. Seeing the Crown Jewels up close is always a highlight, and the Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours make learning fun.
Mini Golf in London
Mini golf is a guaranteed hit with kids! Some great options include Swingers (for older kids), Puttshack, and Junkyard Golf.
Plan Your Next London Adventure
There are so many incredible kids activities London has to offer, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and tasty treats. Whether you’re splashing in Hyde Park, watching a West End show, or playing mini golf, there’s no shortage of ways to entertain the family in the capital!
