Where do you go with kids in London? We’ve dedicated a lot of space throughout this website to answering that question, but it helps to see a short list of top London attractions all in one place. We created our list of top attractions to reflect experiences that are appropriate for families exploring the city with children.
If you haven’t added some of these leading London attractions to your itinerary, you might have some adjustments to make. The list includes everything from well-known tourist attractions to lesser known places of interest, so let’s see what London has to offer kids.
Top 25 – List of Top London Attractions for Your Family:
1. Tower of London – Take the Yeoman Warder tour to keep the tower interesting, and challenge your kids to count the resident black ravens. If your kids are old enough to handle crowds and a bit of noise, get up close to watch the Ceremony of the Keys.
2. Natural History Museum – The dinosaur display is a big hit, but that’s not all there is to love about this free London museum. Kids can look for gold and diamonds in an elaborate collection of minerals and stones and then use virtual reality to explore the atmosphere and climate. End the experience with ice cream, and it’s a clear winner for the little London explorers.
3. Tower Bridge – Walk over the glass floor and look out to panoramic views of the city from the walkway as you explore one of the most beautiful bridges in London. You can browse through the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about the deep history of the bridge, but getting up the stunning staircase to look out over the city is the highlight of this experience.
4. Kensington Palace and Gardens – Explore select areas of this grand palace and then slip outside to soak up the sunshine in the elaborate gardens. This is a great place for a picnic or to let the kids burn off some energy after a long bus or boat tour. Princess Diana Memorial Playground is close by, and you can’t miss the giant play ship over there.
5. Shrek’s Adventure! – This theme park is a highlight of any London vacation for families with younger children. You walk through the attraction to enjoy 10 live shows and a 4D virtual bus ride that will have you seeing, hearing, and touching pieces of Shrek’s world. There’s also a game that challenges kids to find ingredients as they move through the experience.
6. The O2 – If you’re traveling London with pre-teens or teens, this is the place to go. It’s actually a great place for adults to have some fun as well, and there’s a bowling alley, movie theater, and other amusements for the little ones as well. You can climb to the top of the venue and enjoy dinner under the stars, take in a live show, or get the thrill of freejumping. Don’t forget to stop off at the Selfie Factory.
7. Chiswick House and Gardens – The architecture and beautiful gardens are enjoyable for parents, but the little ones may not enjoy the history behind this attraction. That’s why there’s a trail designed just for the little ones. When they collect a stamp and complete the trail, they’re declared a champion and earn a small reward.
8. The Shard – Head to the observation floor at the top and look out at spectacular views of London. The level 72 sky deck will deliver more views while allowing you to soak up the fresh sunlight and feel the breeze in your hair. If you’re lucky and can afford the experience, book a meal at the restaurant for true upscale dining.
9. Nomadic Community Garden – This is a truly unique place with graffiti-covered walls that most people will describe as elaborate street art of the best kind. You can stop by for a bite to eat and to spend time exploring the creative arts in a unique manner. You’ll find this in the Brick Lane area of London.
10. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – Do your kids enjoy theatrical performances? If so, you can’t miss a live show inspired by none other than Shakespeare. There are a variety of other theatres in London, but the open-air theatre at the Globe is hands down one of the best options for families with children. You may want to get tickets in a seated area if you have younger children. There is a family tour that will get you behind the stage for a more in-depth learning experience.
11. Churchill War Rooms – See where Winston Churchill bunkered down during the Second World War, and then browse a small museum dedicated to his life and death. While some small children may not understand the historical significance of the bunker, this is a great trip for kids old enough to understand what they’re seeing.
12. London Eye – Jump on a massive Ferris wheel and soar over the Thames River. You’ll enjoy wide-reaching views of London and can walk to many of Central London’s nearby attractions. You can book a private ride if you don’t want to share the experience with strangers, and adults can even order a glass of bubbly to make it a bit more rewarding.
13. Hyde Park – Head to Princess Diana Memorial Fountain to cool off. You can dip in the water and enjoy the unusual design of the fountain before heading over to the playground where a pirate ship inspired by Peter Pan is ready for a playdate. You can even go swimming at this park when it’s warm enough for the dip.
14. Royal Mews – See how you look in a crown, interact with ponies, and look at Royal carriages all day long at the Royal Mews in London. You’ll explore Royal life from the viewpoint of transportation. From shiny Rolls-Royces to decorated carriages and horses, there’s something for every member of the family here. Even if the kids aren’t into the history of transportation, they may enjoy playing with the ponies and seeing larger horses.
15. Italian Gardens – When you’re ready to relax with Mother Nature, find these gardens in the midst of Kensington Gardens. There are four separate areas, each with its own design and sense of charm. It serves as a water garden with a large fountain that is perfect for cooling off.
16. Cutty Sark – Find this British clipper ship near the Maritime Museum in London. It has been preserved through the years and now serves as an educational museum out on the water. Kids of all ages enjoy climbing around the ship and learning about the adventures on the river enjoyed by its occupants in the past.
17. Sky Garden – Find the Walkie Talkie building at 20 Fenchurch Street and then make your way to level 35. You’ve just walked into the immaculately landscaped Sky Garden. It’s one of the best gardens in London, so tickets sell out quickly. Book online in advance to make sure you get tickets at the best time of day for your family.
18. St. James’s Park – When you visit Buckingham Palace, make sure to cross the street and find this park. It features a large lake plus a playground and ample room for kids to burn off some energy and stretch their legs. Palaces often require kids to restrain themselves and stay quiet, so it’s good to give them a chance to run and get loud once they get back outside.
19. Trafalgar Square – There are lots of pigeons in this square, and children love to watch them and run after them daily. The square is also home to many live events and street performers, so you never know what you’ll find when you visit.
20. Borough Market – This market is among the oldest and largest food markets in London, and it has a family-friendly atmosphere that is welcoming for all ages. It’s a great place to go for a stroll and maybe pick up some fresh produce or other items to enjoy back at the hotel later.
21. Thames Rockets Tours – The Thames Rockets are one of the best ways to sightsee in London with kids. You board a speed boat wearing life jackets and head out on the river to speed through the water. Not only will you see London from a different viewpoint, but you’ll have tons of wet fun in the process. Some of the faster tours are limited to children at least 10 years of age.
22. Sea Life Aquarium – If your kids love animals and the beach, they may find their happy place at this London aquarium. From penguins and turtles to jellyfish and sharks, every member of the family may find a favorite animal before the day is over. This is an immersive experience with kid-friendly options for food and drink.
23. London Zoo – Continue the exploration of animals with the London Zoo. You may even want to find the smaller zoo at Battersea Park to see an even wider variety of animals. In fact, Battersea Park Children’s zoo may be a better option for younger children or kids who may not deal well with the crowds that tend to flock to the London Zoo.
24. Buckingham Palace – How can you visit London without seeing where the Royals live? Buckingham Palace may not thrill the little ones from start to finish, but going on a tour is a great idea to show them the luxury of living in true Royal style.
25. ArcelorMittal Orbit and Slide– See all of London from the the United Kingdom’s tallest sculpture! Ride on the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide or repel down to the bottom. It offers excitement and spectacular views for the daredevils in any family.
Are you ready to hit the streets of London and explore with your family? If your itinerary isn’t quite full or you want to make sure your schedule includes all the must-see list of top London attractions, keep exploring this website for more fun London travel tips and ideas. Our goal is to make your trip an unforgettable experience for every member of the family.
