London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history, culture, and adventure, is a dream destination for families seeking unforgettable experiences. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the city offers something for every age and interest.
Iconic Landmarks and Thrilling Adventures
The London Eye, a towering Ferris wheel, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Thames River and London’s most famous sights. On a clear day, you can even spot the arch of Wembley Stadium and the majestic Windsor Castle in the distance. Right next to the Eye, in the historic County Hall, families can explore attractions like the London Aquarium, the spooky London Dungeon, the whimsical Shrek’s Adventure, and the energetic Namco Funscape.
A leisurely boat trip departing from the London Eye will take you past some of London’s most recognizable landmarks, including the maritime Greenwich or even the impressive Thames Flood Barrier.
In Greenwich, you can explore the World Heritage site of the Royal Observatory, home to Greenwich Mean Time and a state-of-the-art planetarium. The National Maritime Museum offers interactive exhibits showcasing the fascinating history of seafaring. Don’t miss the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper, which features a kids’ trail, backpacks, and a host of family activities. While you’re in this part of London, consider a scenic flight in one of the gondolas of the Emirates Air Line cable car, soaring between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
Exploring the South Bank
The South Bank, a bustling stretch of the Thames River between the London Eye and the iconic Tower Bridge, is a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll. Here, families can discover the Golden Hinde, a replica of the 16th-century ship that Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe. For a taste of wartime history, HMS Belfast awaits with its explorable decks. And no trip to the South Bank is complete without visiting the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which hosts a hands-on exhibition and workshops for kids.
But if you only have time for one attraction on the South Bank, make it the Tate Modern. This world-class modern art museum, housed in a former power station, features a Family Zone brimming with books, quizzes, and games. The museum’s main hall often features a massive installation that is a must-see, and multimedia handhelds for both adults and children help navigate the collection.
Embracing London’s History and Culture
Journey into the City of London, the Roman heart of the city, accessible from the Tate Modern via the gleaming Millennium Bridge. While the bridge’s infamous wobble has been resolved, the stunning silver structure still offers a captivating walk. It takes you almost to St. Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren and famous for its Whispering Gallery, where you can hear someone whispering at the far side of the dome due to its unique acoustics.
From St. Paul’s, it’s a short hop to the Museum of London, where you can learn about the city’s captivating history, from prehistoric times to the Black Death and the Great Fire of London. The museum frequently hosts family-friendly events.
A Day in Museumland
South Kensington is a hub for world-renowned museums, collectively known as Museumland. Here, the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) stand side by side. These gargantuan museums offer so much to explore that you’ll need more than a day to truly appreciate any single one.
While the V&A, a decorative arts museum with exhibits on fashion, might not seem immediately family-friendly, it actually has a variety of discovery areas for children, as well as family activities and themed backpacks and trails. One of London’s best-kept secrets is the V&A’s Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, an engaging museum for young minds.
Beyond the Famous Landmarks
London offers a myriad of other family-friendly attractions that will keep your children entertained and engaged.
- The British Museum provides a glimpse into world civilizations.
- The Tower of London, a historic fortress, captivates with its rich history and resident ravens.
- The Diana Memorial Playground, a pirate-themed playground in Kensington Gardens, is a haven for adventure.
- The London Transport Museum and nearby London Film Museum offer fascinating insights into transportation and cinema.
- The London Zoo, home to a diverse array of animals, features the Animal Adventure children’s zoo, designed for young explorers.
- Go Ape in Trent Park, Enfield, is a thrilling treetop adventure course for the adventurous family.
A City of Entertainment
London’s West End is renowned for its spectacular musicals and shows, and families can enjoy the dazzling Lion King, a long-running favorite. Check out Official London Theatre (officiallondontheatre.co.uk) for listings of West End shows and performances at smaller theaters, some specializing in children’s entertainment.
For an interactive and immersive experience, take children ages 4–14 to KidZania, a city where they can explore over 60 real-life jobs while you shop in the surrounding Westfield Mall. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Shopping Delights
London is a shopping haven, and your kids will love exploring the toy stores. Hamleys, a multi-level toy emporium, will delight children with its vast selection of toys, books, and gadgets. For a more charming experience, visit Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop in Covent Garden. To glimpse the luxury side of shopping, head to Harrods Toy Kingdom.
Making London Accessible for Families
The award-winning walking tours firm Context Travel (contexttravel.com) offers family-friendly walks that make London more accessible to families with children.
Hidden Gems for Different Ages
London boasts many hidden gems that cater to different ages and interests.
- Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a well-kept secret south of the river. Here, you can encounter small animals like otters, owls, and lemurs, explore a farmyard, and enjoy a superb playground.
- Coram’s Fields, a delightful Bloomsbury playground, features a spacious sandy play area for young children, an adventure area for older kids, an animal petting enclosure, a summer paddling pool, and a café.
- Discover Children’s Story Centre, an East London venue, inspires children ages 0–11 to create stories with their families through its interactive play spaces.
- WWT Wetland Centre, a remarkable wildlife reserve near the heart of London, offers a “bird airport”, wildlife hides for observing birds, water voles, and more, an adventure area for kids 3–11, and an interactive discovery center.
- The DLR, a driverless overland train, is a fun experience for children, who love sitting at the front and pretending to steer. It’s a great way to visit Docklands and Greenwich.
- The Foundling Museum, showcasing the history of London’s first home for abandoned children, provides activity packs, audio guides, drawing activities, and events to engage children.
- The Horniman Museum, an off-the-beaten-track attraction, features a diverse collection, including torture instruments, puppets, and giant model insects, some of which are interactive. The museum also has an aquarium, family workshops, storytelling, night tours, music sessions, arts and crafts, an animal enclosure, and a nature trail.
- Camden and Portobello markets, offer a unique experience with alternative clothes, accessories, and magnets, and are perfect for aspiring fashionistas.
- The Churchill War Rooms, a double-whammy of culture, allow visitors to learn about Winston Churchill not only as a politician but as a father and son, and to explore the secret bombproof bunkers where the War Cabinet sought refuge during air raids. Children can enjoy free audio guides, trails, holiday activities, and special events.
- Thames Rockets, high-speed boat rides along the Thames, provide a thrilling experience with a soundtrack of funky tunes and the James Bond theme.
- London Walks, a company offering guided walks suitable for children six and up, includes costumed ghost walks, treasure hunts, and occasional Thames archaeology outings.
London truly is a city for everyone, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave your family with lasting memories. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, London is a city that will spark imagination and create lasting memories.
