Things to do in London with kids
Here are the best things to do in London with the kids.
Date published: 11th Jan 2024
If you're looking for things to do with the kids in London then we have you covered over here at Skiddle. Below, you'll find our picks for the best family days out in London which will keep everyone entertained whatever the budget may be. From sports activities to adventure and theatre, dive in to see everything that London has to offer.
When: Every Saturday
Where: Rollernation, London
Every Saturday Rollernation makes sure that family sessions are put on. Titled Family Jam, it encourages you all to get your skates on and get strolling away to some tunes. From first timers to experienced skaters, all are welcome here. This is for ages 5+ and those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
To book a session at Family Jam take a look at their event page - here
Visit The Theatre
There's a wide range of family-friendly theatre shows that the family can come and enjoy on the West End. There's Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen, Matilda The Musical, Disney's The Lion King and more for you to enjoy. It's an excuse to have a real day out with the family.
To see more London theatre shows for the whole family, check out our London lifestyle page - here
Visit a museum
Image credit: Kafai Liu (Unsplash)
There's no shortage of museums that you can explore with your family in London. The more obvious choices are the Natural History Museum which is free to enter of the London Transport Museum which has lots of great interactive displays for you to enjoy. The Science Museum and HMS Belfast are great picks for kids to enjoy too.
Find out more about the London Transport Museum - here
Visit the London Zoo
Going to a zoo is how you can naturally feed your young ones' curiosity. Here, they can get up and close to the wonders of the natural world around us and no trip is ever the same as you can't predict what mood the animals are going to be in. They always have event on at the London Zoo too.
Find out more about London Zoo - here
Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter
The first place to go if you want to experience Harry Potter in London is platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Statin, where you can get a photograph at the iconic location and treat yourself to the gift shop after. There's also the chance to go on the Warner Bros studio tour which has loads of the set designs, costumes and other pieces of iconography from the film franchise.
Find out more about the Warner Bros Studio Tour - here
Take a trip on the London Eye
Image credit: John Cameron (Unsplash)
You can't be a visitor to London without taking a trip on one of its most famous attractions. You instantly think of it towering over the Thames and you might as well go and see London from way on high. Persevere through the cues or wait for a quieter time and enjoy.
Head to Shrek's Adventure on the South Bank
If you find yourself by the South Bank, why not pop into Shrek's Adventure where you can find out more about the famous green character past the movies. There are live shows to get involved in featuring all of your favourite characters as the movies continue to be hits with kids and the adults who grew up watching them.
Find out more about Shrek's Adventure - here
Make the short journey to Thorpe Park
There's no doubt that Thorpe Park is a brilliant day out, in fact it may even take a couple of trips to get the full experience. A short train ride north from central London, you can easily get a day trip out of it where you can experience high-octane thrills whilst getting back in time for tea.
Find out more about Thorpe Park - here
Stroll around some of London's most Picturesque sights
When walking around London, you'll notice plenty of picturesque places, why not head to Somerset House or take a walk around Hampstead Heath? The kids can have a run around whilst exploring some of the most interesting buildings in the country. We highly recommend Primrose Hill, Greenwich and St Paul's Cathedral as places to visit.
Find out more about Somerset House - here
Hit up some of central London's most iconic stores
When going down Oxford Street you can access a bunch of stores that are perfect for your kids to go to. The obvious choice is the world-famous Hamleys which has pretty much every toy that a kid could want inside. There's also one of the biggest Lego stores in the world for you to explore and the chance to pick up a sweet treat at M&M World.
Find out more abut Hamleys - here
Embrace adventure at Go Ape
This may be for the braver amongst you as you'll be dealing with heights and plenty of challenging obstacles along the way at Go Ape. They have sites at Alexandra Palace, Cockfosters, Battersea Park and Black Park as well as Chessington in Greater London.
Find out more about Go Ape - here
Play a game of Monopoly Lifesized
It's Monopoly as you've never seen before but possibly imagined. This life-sized board is the perfect way to play together with your family as there's a huge area to run around and you'll get to be super competitive against each other, just like family game night.
Find out more about Monopoly Lifesized - here
Conquer fears at Up at the O2
The O2 might usually be associated with music but in recent years they've been known for Up At The O2, which sees you scaling the massive arena for some unbeatable views. It is not for the faint-hearted but is so rewarding once you make your way up there.
Find out more about Up at the O2 - here
Take a trip through nature at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a beautiful place to explore and it'll feel like a labyrinth of colour to your kids. They have seasonal events for you to enjoy throughout the year and the places looks immaculate in every season. It is the kind of place that deserves repeat visits.
Find out more about Kew Gardens - here
Be grossed out at the London Dungeons
A place that delivers scares all year round, this is one of the creepiest places you can visit as you descend deep into the London Dungeons and experience live actors ready to immerse you in horror. It's only for the bravest kids to explore and it'll definitely leave them with memories.
Find out more about London Dungeon - here
Attend a live sporting event
Image credit: Habib Ayoade (Unsplash)
London is absolutely huge so why not attend a sporting event? Whether it be football at one of the many, many grounds dotted around the city or ice hockey at a local rink, watching live sports can be a seriously rewarding experience for the whole family as you cheer on your new favourite team. There's basketball, tennis and pretty much any sport you can think of right on your doorstep.
Bounce to your heart's content at a trampoline park
There are a lot of London trampoline parks for you to bounce around to your heart's content including Flip Out at Brent Cross, Oxygen Freejumping, Bounce Old Street and many more. A safe environment in which energy can be burnt off, you can all get involved here.
For more things to do in London click here. To see more events from across the UK, you can take a look at them here.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
