Things to Do With Kids in London: Complete Family Guide

London offers endless entertainment for families. This guide covers the best things to do with kids in London, from world-class museums to hidden playgrounds, ensuring your children experience unforgettable adventures across the capital.

Top Museums and Interactive Attractions

London's museums are remarkably family-friendly, with many offering free admission. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington features the iconic blue whale and interactive Dinosaur Discovery zone, perfect for children aged 3-12. Arrive early to beat queues—the museum opens at 10am daily.

The Science Museum, also in South Kensington, offers hands-on galleries including the Making the Modern World exhibition and the interactive Garden for under-5s. Tuesday-Friday mornings are quieter than weekends. Entry is free, though popular timed experiences require advance booking.

• V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green: Dedicated entirely to children's collections with interactive play areas
• British Museum: Free admission; download their family guide app for treasure hunts
• Madame Tussauds: Book online for significant savings; visit midweek to avoid crowds
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Book tickets 48 hours ahead for discounts; best visited on rainy days

Outdoor Spaces and Parks

London's parks provide free, all-weather entertainment. Hyde Park features playgrounds, horse riding, and the Serpentine lake with paddling boats. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is specifically designed for children, featuring a pirate ship structure and daily changing activities.

Regent's Park includes an open-air theatre hosting family performances during summer months (June-August). The adjacent ZSL Zoo, London's oldest zoo, offers keeper talks and animal encounters daily.

Richmond Park is ideal for spotting deer and cycling. Rent bikes from local shops; the park spans 955 hectares with dedicated cycle paths. Insider tip: Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.

• Battersea Park: Adventure playground, boating lake, and children's zoo
• Greenwich Park: Excellent views from the hilltop; includes a playground and proximity to museums
• Hampstead Heath: Wild swimming ponds (seasonal), playgrounds, and ancient woodlands

Theatre and Entertainment Venues

London's West End and fringe theatres offer family-friendly productions year-round. Theatre Royal Drury Lane regularly stages family musicals. Unicorn Theatre in Southbank specialises entirely in children's theatre for ages 3-18, with productions running throughout the year.

The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon focuses on productions for under-12s, while the Young Vic offers select family shows. Book matinee performances—they're less crowded and cheaper than evening shows.

Seasonal note: June-August features outdoor Shakespeare performances at The Globe Theatre, with family-friendly matinees. The Rose Theatre Kingston also offers summer family programming.

Seasonal Activities and Events

London's calendar varies dramatically by season. During summer months (June-August), free outdoor cinemas operate in parks including Rooftop Film Club and Luna Cinema. Ice skating rinks appear at Somerset House (November-January) and other venues.

The Chelsea Flower Show (May) and Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (July) attract families interested in horticulture. Notting Hill Carnival (August bank holiday) offers family-friendly parade areas and children's zones.

Christmas markets throughout December at places like Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and Southbank Centre provide festive activities. Book ice skating sessions in advance during December-January.

Insider Tips for Family Visits

Use the Oyster card for all family transport—capped daily fares make it economical. Children under 11 travel free on buses and tubes with an adult. Download the TfL Go app for real-time journey planning.

Visit major attractions on Tuesday-Thursday mornings to avoid weekend crowds. Many museums offer late evening openings on Fridays—ideal for avoiding pushchair congestion. Book timed entries for popular venues like Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.

Free activities include watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (11:30am daily), exploring Borough Market (weekend food samples), and discovering street art in Shoreditch and Brick Lane.

Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods to Explore

Covent Garden offers street performers, independent shops, and dining. Camden Market provides eclectic shopping and food stalls (weekends busiest). Notting Hill features colourful Victorian houses and independent bookshops perfect for rainy days.

For quieter exploration, visit Dulwich Village with its gallery, bookshops, and green spaces, or Chiswick with riverside walks and the historic house museum.

Discover more family experiences and London insider knowledge at The Daily London, your essential guide to making the most of family time in the capital.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.