Day Trips to London with Kids – Family Days Out in London

25 ideas for day trips to London with kids that are fun for all the family in 2024.

London is wonderful place to visit for children of all ages. Our guide for the perfect days trip to London with kids is written by a local mum who suggests 25 ideas for seeing the city. With a little planning, a family day out in London is easy to do and not expensive.

A hop-on-hop-off bus is a good idea for a first visit as it stops at all the famous sights. London is full of budget activities which children love. Free indoor attractions for a rainy day include the British Museum or the London Science and Natural History museums which are next door to each other.

Changing of the Guard and the Queen’s Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace are unique outdoor events to watch. London’s 8 Royal Parks are free for everyone to visit, beautiful spaces with lakes and wildlife. Hyde Park, St James’ Park, and Richmond Park are some of the most interesting for children.

Discover the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens or have a picnic on the hill in Greenwich when it’s sunny. Stroll around London’s iconic squares, do a free Harry Potter walking tour, take selfies by the London Eye, then enjoy a jaunt down the Thames aboard a Uber boat or a ride on the Emirates Cable Cars, fun and pocket-friendly experiences that children will enjoy on family day trips to London.

With a focus on money-saving tips, top attractions for toddlers, tweens and teens -Sea Life Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure and London Dungeon- are mentioned along with current prices and discounts. A morning visit to must-see once in a lifetime Tower of London is also described along with a couple of afternoon treats.

We explain how to get to each attraction and there’s a final section on London public transport and the Oyster Card.

Ideas for Day Trips to London with Kids

Authored by Megan Dittrich who lives near London with her partner and children.

When visiting London as a family, you might want an organised, pre-booked and planned trip or a let’s wing it sort of experience. Either way, these suggestions should work well and they will definitely keep your kids busy while seeing the sights.

If you haven’t been to London before I would recommend the tour bus which you can hop on and off all day, as it is a great way to save your legs and keep you overground. You won’t miss anything from the roof of a classic London Red Double Decker, and the kids will have great fun spotting the famous London landmarks.

They are open-top so, if rain is predicted, make sure you pack a coat or a something to keep you dry. There is nothing worse than sightseeing London when soaking wet and believe me when I say the English weather is unpredictable!

* Have you seen our series of day trips from London? Written by local people, you’ll find some easy day trips and dozens of beautiful places to visit near London, and even suggestions on day trips abroad.

Let’s get going with my top tips, what to see and fun things to do on a day trip to London with kids.

Free Things to Do in London with Kids

1. The British Museum

Family visits to the British Museum are entertaining for everyone, even toddlers. Discover England’s ancient secrets in the mythical World of Stonehenge, stand in awe by the Egyptian Mummies or try to decipher the Rosetta Stone. Download the Explorer Trails before a visit then, map in hand, your children can explore Japan, sail down the Nile or travel back in time to distant Africa. You can even sleep overnight with your kids in the Assyrian Gallery if you’re in London for more than a day trip!

Entrance to the British Museum is free, unless you want to see the special exhibitions where there is a fee. Even so, you’ll need to book tickets and a time slot to gain entry. Donations are encouraged but not mandatory so it can be a cheap day out if you avoid the gift shop!

The museum has wheelchair access, baby changing facilities, as well as food and drink on-site, although the cafés aren’t particularly cheap.

• The British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG.
• Admission: Free entry. Check the British Museum ‘family visits’ section for price of overnights.
• Opening times: Daily 10 am to 5 pm (Fridays until 8.30 pm).
• Nearest Tube Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square or Goodge Street.

2. Richmond Park Nature Reserve

Take your little ones deer spotting in Richmond Park – you’ll find whole herds and they do indeed look like reindeer with their large antlers. There are swans in Pen’s Pond and also ducks to feed if you fancy it! This walled nature reserve is a Royal Park, it’s huge (some 2,500 acres of woods, grassland and gardens) so expect to walk a lot. A favourite place to visit on a sunny day, each season is special – pretty in springtime with woodland bluebells, azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom, colourful in autumn with the falling leaves and quite magical in the winter snow (just wrap up warm).

If your kids love outdoor activities, this is the ideal setting for cycling or horse-riding. Bicycles can be hired at the car park near Roehampton Gate, and stables in neighbouring villages organise rides through the park. The outdoor playground at Petersham Gate is great fun for small kiddies too.

• Richmond Park is open all year.
• Entrance is free.
• Getting here on public transport
  • Get the tube or train to Richmond Station, and then a local bus.
  • There’s a free minibus service in Richmond Park, on Wednesdays from April 20^th to October 26^th (2022).
• By car
  • Richmond Park lies a few miles south west of London city (TW10 5HS).
  • Cars are allowed on the lanes inside the park from 7.30 am until dusk; there are several car parks.

See Richmond Park website for more details and accessibility information.

3. Greenwich Park

Climb to the top of Glaze Hill in Greenwich Park and checkout the leafier side to the capital and the beautiful views of London’s skyline. England’s oldest enclosed Royal Park, Greenwich is used in a lot of series and films. This is a favourite spot for a picnic when the weather is warm, and there’s also a gorgeous café on site but it is quite pricey.

At the moment, a nature conservation project is underway so the deer that once lived here have been moved to Richmond Park.

If your kids are fact-finding fiends they’ll be interested to know that Greenwich Meantime originates right here. Pay a visit to the Royal Observatory while you’re there and see the planetarium. Meanwhile, look out for the free community events and nature activities which are regularly held in the park.

• Greenwich Park is open all year during the day.
• Free to enter.
• Located on Thames south bank, 2 miles from the O2 Arena, 15 minutes walk from London Bridge.
• Get here by bus, train, tube, riverboat, Docklands Light Railway or the Emirates Gondola Lift.
  • Nearest bus stop: Greenwich Park (nº188 from central London).
  • Railway stations: Greenwich, Maze hill or Blackheath.
  • Nearest tube station: North Greenwich.
  • DLR station: Cutty Sark.
  • Thames River Boat stop: Greenwich Pier (boats from Westminster, Embankment and Tower piers).
  • Emirates Cable Cars: Emirates Air Line runs from the Royal Docks to Greenwich Peninsula.
  • Nearest car park: Blackheath Gates.

4. London Science Museum

Push buttons and see lots of science in real life at the London Science Museum. Great fun for the whole family, there’s a special interactive gallery with water games for kiddies aged 3 to 6. It’s a large museum, with themed exhibitions set up over seven floors. You can see how the first jet engine worked, or England’s first broadcasting transmitter, discover how nuclear power is made, study the Soviet super computer, or investigate the world of photography. Set three or four hours aside to do it full justice.

Open since 1909, this is the most popular science museum in Europe! Other top attractions include the Space Galleries where you can see the Apollo 10 command module, replicas of an international satellite, a Mars Lander and Titan Probe, as well the Eagle Moon Lander.

As with most places nowadays, you will need to book a ticket in advance. This is next door to the History Museum, so worth thinking if you want to do both, and it’s also near Kensington Gardens.

• London Science Museum is located on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD.
• Nearest tube station: South Kensington (an underground passageway connects to the Science Museum).
• Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm (and every day during school holidays).
• Free entrance and free exhibitions – booking a ticket online is advised.
• Purchase tickets to special exhibitions, IMAX Theatre, the Discovery Motion Theatre or flight simulators at the museum.

5. Natural History Museum

Discover the world of Dinosaurs, human evolution, British wildlife, unexplored oceans and the wonders of extraterrestrial space at the Natural History Museum. Self-guided walks through the museum take in all the family favourites. Start off in the Dinosaurs Galley on the ground floor where you’ll see the gigantic T-Rex skeleton and other fossils. Then go along to find the mammoth model of a blue whale in the Mammals Gallery (you can’t really miss it!).

Wonder at real nuggets of gold, the gems and rare minerals in Earth’s Galley, and finish with a visit to the earthshaking Volcanoes and Earthquakes Gallery.

London’s Natural History Museum holds a staggering 80 million specimens although they’re not all on display. Kiddies will be pleased that Dippy the Dinosaur has come home after a long tour of the country. In case you didn’t know, this replica of a Diplodocus skeleton is Britain’s best-loved dino!

Have lunch or a snack at one of the eateries, where there are kiddies menus and vegan options (see prices on their website) or bring a picnic to eat (picnic area on lower ground floor). A minimum two hours is recommended for a visit to the National History Museum, but you can easily spend a whole morning here.

• National History Museum is located next to the Science Museum in South Kensington.
• Main entrance on Cromwell Road. Parking is very limited.
• Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5.50 pm (closed December 24 to 26).
• Free entry – booking a ticket online is advised.
• Nearest tube station: South Kensington.
• By bus: several buses stop in the vicinity.

See full details of what’s on and how to get there on the National History Museum website.

6. Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
(Kensington Gardens)

If you love the Royal Family then a visit to Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, next to the palace in Kensington Gardens, should be on your list. Captain Hook’s wooden ship, inspired by J M Barrie’s Peter Pan, is sure to be a hit. The infamous boat is grounded on a ‘tropical island beach’ circled by wigwams and a pirate trail.

Have a sit down while watching your kids play, then take them for a stroll through Kensington Park to see Peter Pan’s statue, to a magic oak tree carved with elves and fairies, and the memorial fountain (where you can paddle when the weather’s warmish). Watching the swans on the Round Pond will really make their day!

• Kensington Gardens are located next to Hyde Park in central London (W2 2UH).
• Entrance is free.
• Nearest tube stations: High Street Kensington, Bayswater or Lancaster Gate & Queensway.
• Opening times
  • Gates open at 6am every morning, closing late afternoon or evening depending on time of year.
  • The memorial playground opens at 10am.

For full details on how to get there and opening times check Kensington Gardens Visitor Information.

7. Hyde Park

London’s famous Hyde Park, is right next to Kensington Gardens. There’s always something to see and do for free in this huge park, from watching street corner speakers to nature activities, and feeding squirrels.

The Serpentine Lido and the Serpentine Lake are open again this summer, so you can swim when it’s warm enough, hire a pedalo or have fun rowing a boat (although these are paid activities and need booking). If you want to stop for refreshments, the Lido Sun Terrace café is good as there’s a paddling pool and kiddie play area.

If you’re coming to London at Christmastime then the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a must-see. It’s free to enter but then you pay for the rides, bar, food, etc. With Santa rides, a funfair, circus and the biggest outside ice-skating rink in the city, it makes you feel super Christmassy. However, it isn’t a cheap activity so make sure you budget in advance.

• Hyde Park is located in Knightsbridge (W2 2UH).
• Entrance is free.
• Opening times: Everyday from 5am until midnight.
• Nearest tube stations: Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line), Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch (Central Line).

Hyde Park Visitor Information has an online map and advice for getting there by bus or car.

8. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guard inside the gates of Buckingham Palace is always a good idea, and something your children will remember forever. London’s top tourist attraction, the famous ceremony takes place every day at 11am in summer (June and July) and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays the rest of the year. The Queen’s Guards, dressed in red uniforms and tall busby hats, are usually accompanied by the drums and trumpets of a military band.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is free to attend, you don’t need a ticket. It does get crowded though. If you’re taking small children a good tip is to watch the Queen’s Guards march along The Mall, where there’s also the chance see the Mounted Cavalry. This is a processional route that skirts St James’ Park. Detailed advice for families visiting the Changing of the Guard with children, the timings plus info on the bands and regiments taking part, are on the Changing Guards site.

• Getting there
  • Nearest tube stations: Hyde Park Corner, St. James’s Park, Green Park and Victoria.
  • Nearest train stations: London Victoria or London Charing Cross.
  • By Bus: 10 minutes walk from Victoria Coach Station.

9. St James’ Park

St James’ Park is opposite Buckingham Palace, and a nice place to sit while you’re waiting for the guards parades. A good spot for taking family photos, the blue bridge over the lake has views to the surrounding palaces, and London Eye in the background. In the centre of the lake there is a Tiffany Fountain with a 20ft water plume which is lit up at night.

Kids will enjoy watching the pelicans of St James’ Park being fed from behind Duck Island Cottage, near the Horse Guards Palace every afternoon at 2.30pm. The feeding may be weather dependant so worth googling it first for some context.

• St James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ.
• Open every day from 5am until midnight.
• Nearest tube station: St James’ Park.

10. The Horse Guards in London

Watching the Horse Guards is a fun thing to do in London, especially if your kids love horses. A troop of HCMR guards in tunics and plumed helmets parade on horseback from their barracks in Hyde Park towards Buckingham Palace, and trot along the The Mall beside St James’ Park, for the Queen’s Life Guard ceremony (when the mounted guards change duty on the parade ground in front of the Horse Guard Gatehouse).

‘The Queen’s Life Guard’ takes place on ‘Horse Guards Parade’ every morning at 11am (or 10am Sundays). The big parade ground is at the end of St James’ Park (opposite side from Buckingham Palace). It backs onto 10 Downing Street and Scotland Yard, among other places, a fact that older kids will find fascinating. Pass through Admiralty Arch and you’re only 2 minutes away from Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column with its lion statues.

Horse Guards Parade is very close to Westminster too, if your children want to see other London landmarks. Walk south down Parliament Street to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace. Then cross the Thames at Westminster Bridge to the London Eye, and other family attractions on the south bank of the river.

* I’ll explain more about the family attractions on the Thames south bank a bit further down.

• The changing of the Horse Guards is free to see.
• Nearest tube stations: Westminster, Embankment, or Charing Cross.
• Train station: Charing Cross.

11. Covent Garden

Head over to Covent Garden in London’s West End for street entertainers, and usually a magic show in the Piazza. There are loads of brand shops and eateries in Covent Garden but be aware they aren’t cheap. Kids are drawn to the Tintin Shop and the old-fashioned Benjamin Pollock Toy Shop like magnets.

The Apple Market craft stalls are set up in the pavilion where the old fruit and vegetable garden market was once held. The Jubilee Market is similar. Get everything from sweets, to puppets, and souvenirs, as well as jewellery or antiques!

The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition is in Covent Garden although it’s paid entrance. Likewise the London Transport Museum, where pre-booking is essential but free for under 17s! The Lyceum Theatre showing The King Lion is just around the corner – best for children aged 6 upwards, daytime performance from £25 per person.

• Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF.
• Covent Garden is an open-air pedestrian neighbourhood where you can walk around freely.
• The Market Building and the Piazza are open day and night 24/7. Apple Market is open 10am to 6pm, Sundays 12 to 6pm.
• Nearest tube station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line).
  • Tip: At peak times use Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Line) or Charing Cross as this one gets very busy, otherwise Holborn (Central Line) or Embankment are only 10 minutes walk away.
• Train station: Charing Cross.

More details on Covent Garden markets and timings here.

12. Leicester Square

Leicester Square has street performers, the Lego Store and M&M World, so worth a visit but it might hurt your bank account if you aren’t strong willed. It also contains a lot of food places, including the first vegan only Burger King restaurant and a big McDonald’s. This is where all the film premieres are held so you might even spot some celebrities!

Talking about spotting celebrities, the whole family will have fun looking for their favourite characters which are immortalized in bronze statues dotted around Leicester Square Gardens. ‘Scenes in the Square’ is an interactive trail where Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins, Mr Bean and Bugs Bunny are easy to find. And it’s not difficult to guess where super heroes Batman and Wonder Woman are hiding, just look up! Spend a silly moment taking pics beside Harry Potter on his broomstick, or dancing around a lamppost with Gene Kelly, let’s hope it’s not raining.

Another idea is to treating the kids to a West End Musical or family movie if it’s a rainy day and there’s time.

• Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DT.
• Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross.
• Train station: Charing Cross.

13. Chinatown, London

Chinatown is brilliant for a mooch around, and gives you the perfect opportunity to grab lunch or just snack on all different foods. The bubble waffles are lush and so are the fish ice cream cones (doesn’t contain fish just the shape).

Enter through Chinatown gateway, one of the most instagrammable spots in London. Red lanterns hanging overhead, lucky cats in the shop windows, exotic dragons, and the House of Spells add a bewitching touch to a family day out in London. Al Fresco Square and Dessert Alley promise all kinds of magic!

• Located next to Leicester Square, Chinatown is simple to find in London’s West End.
• Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus.

14. Hamleys Toy Store

Technically a free attraction, Hamleys is always going to end up being an expensive shopping trip, but is 1000% worth it. The staff are amazing and it really is a child’s – big or small – dream to go into a huge toy store and be able to run around to play. Hamleys in Regent Street is the biggest toy shop in the world, seven storeys full of everything imaginable, from baby huggables to a techie gaming parlour.

The store is featured in lots of movies too, so is the typical vision of London most children have. There’s often something special going on like a puppet show, magic tricks, a treasure hunt or fete.

• Hamleys Regent Street, London W1B 5BT.
• Open Mon to Sat 10am to 9pm, Sundays 12am to 6pm.
• Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus.

15. Somerset House

Somerset House is a popular art centre in the heart of historic London, that has a massive courtyard (there are 4 entrances) with lots of eateries, and the dancing fountains where the kids can splash about (make sure you take a change of clothes). In the winter, there is an ice-skating rink here which you can pre-book and is a big hit! It is often used by YouTubers, TV series, and celebrities, so very good for social media photos!

Take advantage of Somerset House Studios free guided tours (check to see when they are running and what’s on at Somerset House. Scenes from Mary Poppins were shot here, and Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley was filmed in the tunnels beneath Somerset House! Book to see the exhibitions and concerts if you’re teenagers are interested.

• Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.
• Open 8am to 11pm every day (closed 25^th December).
• Nearest tube stations: Temple or Covent Garden.
• Train station: Charing Cross.

16. Harry Potter Tour

There are loads of different walking tours run by Strawberry Tours and the Harry Potter one is simply awesome, and like the others it’s free. I just had do it myself! HP fans will absolutely love this, seeing places that inspired the book and locations used in the films. The tour takes about 2 hours and is really entertaining, seeing a make-believe world in the depths of London. I’m not sure if our guide Alice was studying drama but she certainly brought the scenes to life, my boy Evan was enthralled.

The Harry Potter tour starts off from the Palace Theatre (near Covent garden) and finishes in Charing Cross Station. So you can easily fit this into to your plans when planning a family day out in London. You’ll be led to Diagon Alley, past the Ministry of Magic to Hardys Sweet Shop and Knockturn Alley, and other atmospheric places along the way.

Although it’s a free tour, the guides are totally professional as well as passionate and do merit a tip. Book a timeslot for the Harry Potter Tour online, then look out for the person waving a red umbrella for the wizardry to commence.

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Top Attractions for a Day Out in London with Kids

London Eye, Sea Life Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure and London Dungeon are the top attractions for a fun day out in London with kids.

I love the London Eye and would totally recommend it as well as the Aquarium. I haven’t personally done the London Dungeon or the Shrek’s Adventure but both have been recommended to me. They are all within a 5-minute walk of each other. If it’s a sunny day then the embankment gets busy but is very nice in the sunshine.

Even though it can work out expensive to do them all, booking combination tickets online can save money. These prime London attractions come under the annual Merlin Pass which is great if you have one. Pass holders get five ‘50% off’ discount tickets to treat family and friends too. Also, worth keeping an eye out for vouchers.

London combination tickets: 2 attractions from £50 per adult, 3 attractions from £60 adult, 4 attractions from £75 adult (choose from The London Eye, London Dungeon, SEA LIFE London, Shrek’s Adventure! London, Madame Tussauds, and Big Bus).

How to get to London Southbank Attractions

• London Eye, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure! and SEA LIFE London Aquarium are next to each other on the South Embankment between Waterloo Bridge and Westminster Road Bridge. * See individual websites for more details and accessibility.
• Nearest tube stations: Embankment, Westminster or Waterloo. Madam Tussauds is 8 min. away on the Jubilee line.
• Nearest car park: Q-Park Westminster (15% discount booked with attractions ticket booked online).

17. London Eye

London’s landmark attraction, the London Eye is a must-see for everyone spending a day in the capital. The giant millennium wheel spins ever so slowly, taking 30 minutes to complete the loop right round – at 135m tall, it’s actually the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe. There’s no age limit to go on the London Eye, tiny tots to grandparents alike will enjoy the smooth ride. Each observation pod takes up to 25 persons at a time, there’s seating inside and the chance to walk around the deck.

Located on the Thames south embankment by Westminster Bridge, from the London Eye is one of the best place to take photos of the skyline, quite dazzling at twilight as the city lights up. You can easily spot the iconic sights of London, and enjoy 360º views for miles around on a clear day. If you’re not keen on heights, give the ride a miss and just take family selfies in front of the big wheel.

The London Eye is close to Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Tower, the Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. A kid-friendly attraction, you can take folded buggies aboard.

London Eye family ticket booked online from £26 per person (under 3s go free, get their ticket from the office opposite the big wheel). Open 11am to 6pm. Closes every January for maintenance.
* See Full info on the London Eye.

18. Sea Life Aquarium

Fascinating for even the tiniest of toddlers, get up close to colourful sea creatures and penguins in London’s Sea Life Aquarium. Various zones have different comfort levels… tropical fish, anemones and starfish live in the shallows of the coral reef; sharks and rays swim through ocean tunnels while octopus creep along the seabed. Meanwhile piranhas, tarantulas and crocodiles lurk in the Amazon Rainforest.

Other highlights include the new Ocean Invader theme, where pretty jellyfish float all around, in the waters behind glass ceiling and walls. Lots of interactive things to do as well as learning about sea-life or conservation.

Sea Life Aquarium standard ticket booked online from £28 per person(kids under 3 years of age go free).Times vary according to day: opens 10 or 11am and closes at 4, 5 or 6pm. Set aside 1h 30 minutes.
* Full info on Sea Life London.

19. Shrek’s Adventure

The live shows at Shrek’s Adventure are a great way to keep your kids amused on a day trip to London. Thankfully, the friendly green ogre has overcome his fear of children so he’ll greet them in person. Tour ‘Far Far Away’ on the magic flying bus, quite hilarious with Donkey driving. Witches, fairy godmothers, fortune tellers and Cinderella all share their special magic. The joys of training a dragon or kung fu fighting with a panda are added excitement.

Children will love seeing Puss in Boots this summer too. Puss is putting on a party at Shrek’s Adventure from July 22 to August 31, visitors can join in at no extra charge.

Friends and Family ticket available online costs £20 per person. A ticket is also required for children under 3 years of age but it’s free. Times vary according to day: opens 10 or 11am, closes at 3 or 4pm. Set aside 1h 30 minutes.
* See full info on Shrek’s Adventure.

20. London Dungeon

Recommended for children over 12 years of age, the London Dungeon is a spine-chilling attraction for teenagers, and fearless tweens. Not really suitable for young kids as it’s dark and scary down there (which obviously is the whole idea!).

Meet London’s dangerous past, plagued with mass murderers, manic monarchs and evil executioners, traitors, conspirational plots and torture chambers. Escape the Great Fire, survive the Plague and finally endure the Drop Dead Ride. You might want to sit for a themed cocktail in the ghoulish pub at the end of the stunt, but on the other hand you might not!

The London Burkers show in on this summer too, July 22 to August 31, 2022. And you can’t escape this bodysnatching horror scene deep in the dungeon because it’s included in the ordinary entrance price.

London Dungeon standard ticket booked online from £28 per person. Times vary according to day: opens 10 or 11am, closes 4 or 5pm. Takes about 1h 15 minutes.
* See full info on London Dungeon.

21. London Uber Boat

Uber Boat is a beautiful way to get around London. Ethan and I did this from the 02 to Embankment and it is awesome. This journey takes around an hour to hour-and-half so make sure you have time. It can be choppy but you don’t really feel it on the boat, and there are toilets and a café bar on there which is convenient. My son Ethan loved it and we did the river cruise at night, so the views were like a movie!

Thames Clipper river boats cover several routes on the Thames, a scheduled daily service stopping at 24 strategic piers along the way. The river bus routes cover the stretch from Putney to Barking Riverside. You can do whichever bit you like.

It’s very easy. Tickets can be bought at the piers, online, with the Uber or Thames Clipper Apps or with an Oyster Card. Purchase a return trip or, at the end of a one-way, see the sights then travel onwards by tube, rail or ferry. A good idea is to get the all day River Roamer family pass (2 adults and up to 3 children) and plan your day around that.

See the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers website for a route map, timings, and all London transport connections. Costs from £4.80 for an adult one-way ticket, River Roamer family unlimited ticket for £37.80 (online/app). Dogs and bikes allowed onboard at no extra cost.

22. London Cable Cars

Officially called Emirates Air Line, which might be confusing for visitors from abroad, London’s futuristic cable cables are really cool. We recently did these from India Water to the 02 before getting on the Uber boat. Ethan loves the cable cars, we do them quite often and the views are awesome, and it is just good fun zipping through the sky above over London.

It’s not too expensive and you can tap in and out with your Oyster Card. The kiddie fare is cheap and there is no need to pre-book it as you can buy it on the day. Friday evenings and weekends are busy, but the queue does move quickly. Cabins come along every 30 seconds and hold up to 10 people at a time. If you are going to the Excel Centre or 02 the cable cars are a good way to travel. Journey takes around 10 minutes one-way.

Emirates Cable Car Tickets
One-way from Royal Docks or Greenwich Peninsula in a private cabin costs £5.00 per adult and £2.50 for a child. Family of 5 round trip at £28.00. Details on Emirates Air Line Cable Car Tickets. Accessible for most buggies and wheelchairs, room for bikes.

• Getting to Greenwich Peninsula
  • Nearest tube station: North Greenwich.
  • River stop: North Greenwich Pier.
• Getting to Royal Docks
  • DLR: Royal Victoria.
• Timings
  • Weekdays 7am to 10pm (Fridays until 11pm); Saturdays 8am to 11pm; Sundays & bank holidays 9am to 10pm.
• Night Flight experience 7pm onwards with music & video.

23. GoBoat Canary Wharf

GoBoat is an outing that the whole family loves, even dogs are welcome. Up to eight people fit in each boat which you navigate yourself around London Docklands! Don’t worry, it’s easy to control, just get to Canary Wharf 15 minutes early and they’ll show you what to do, and explain the safety rules. Bring a picnic to have onboard with the kids, this is part of the fun. Getting the 2 hour trip is best, to allow enough time to enjoy the boating experience and see the sights of London from the water.
* See full info on GoBoat Canary Wharf.

• GoBoat is located at Churchill Place, Canary Wharf E14 5RE.
• Nearest car park: Canada Square Car Park.
• Get there by tube: Canary Wharf Underground Station, Upper Bank Exit. From here it’s only 3 minutes to walk.
• Prices per boat: 1 hour costs £95, 2 hours £135, or 3 hours £175. Booking recommended.

24. Tower of London

The most emblematic site in London has been enthralling kids for decades and it doesn’t go out of fashion. Everyone should come to the Tower of London once in a lifetime. To start off with they’ll love crossing the moat and then meeting the Beefeaters who put on a bit of an act.

For a fun family experience, join the Yeoman Warder Tour. Otherwise, just wander over to walk the walls of the battlements. Explore the Medieval Palace, White Tower and Bloody Tower, then take a peak at the Royal Mint or Torture Exhibitions.

A visit to the Tower of London World Heritage Site is a laid-back way to learn a bit of history about the castle and to see the crown jewels of the kingdom which are guarded here. There’s a lot of steps to navigate so not suitable for buggies or anyone with mobility issues. Tiny tots are alright, though you might need to pick them up now and again when they’re not chasing the legendary ravens!

Entrance prices for the Tower of London
Family Saver 4: 2 adults & up to 3 kids (aged 5-15) costs £82.10.
Adult tickets £29.90; children £14.90; children under 5 years of age go free.
Tickets for Seniors 65+, 16 -17 year olds, full-time students, or disabled visitors at £24.00 each.
* Full details on the Tower of London site.

• Tower of London, EC3N 4AB.
  • Nearest tube station: Tower Hill.
  • Nearest train stations: London Bridge, Liverpool Street or Charring Cross.
  • River Boat stop: Tower Pier.
• Summer opening times
  • June 1 until September 18 daily from 9am to 5.30pm.

25. The Parlour at Fortnum and Mason

If you want to add a bit of glitz and glam to your trip to London, then check out Fortnum and Mason for afternoon tea with your kids. The Parlour now does a ‘make your own Sundae’ for the children so they can choose their own scoops, toppings and sauces. It is great fun and if the children are lucky, they get a badge too.

When it comes to ice-cream credentials, Fortnum & Mason is second to none. If you didn’t know they were the first to introduce the UK to the Knickerbocker Glory (which I love).

This year’s specialty is the Platinum Jubilee celebratory sundae which looks delicious too!

• Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9LE. The Parlour is on the 1^st floor.
• Nearest tube stations: Piccadilly or Green Park.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm; Sundays 12pm to 5.30pm.

Final Tips for Day Trips to London with Kids

Walk everywhere if you can, or jump on and off the bus. Sometimes the best places in London are the ones that aren’t written in a list like this, and they are just stumbled upon. London has so much history that each street has a story, and you might just find a gem down one of the side streets. You never know where ‘Diagon Alley’ might be hiding for you when it comes to sightseeing in London with kids.

With 25 suggestions of great things to do in London with kids, you can’t fit it all into one day! Anyone living near London can take it easy and come on multiple day trips throughout the year. Families on holiday might like to spend 2 or 3 days to really enjoy the city sights. And those with limited time or in transit, can still pack a lot of fun into their day in London.

This article highlights favourite London sights that will appeal to children, to help you plan a family day out, and how to get there. Prices are a guideline found on the official websites for 2022, and are a guideline. Many of London’s attractions are within walking distance, most are close to a tube station, some can be reached by rail, another is good for a drive out in the car (it can be more convenient to leave your car at home when visiting London city centre).

About the Author

Megan Dittrich is a full-time mum from South East England who writes lifestyle blog Dittrich Diary. She also does food reviews and amusing cake baking episodes on YouTube Dittrich Diary.

A spontaneous and home-loving person, Megan loves visiting London with her two boys, partner Nick and three stepchildren whenever they get the chance.

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*This is NOT a sponsored post in anyway, but genuinely researched recommendations.

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Useful Info for Visiting London with Kids

To enter most London attractions, children aged 15 and under should be accompanied by an adult. Check individual websites to see current prices. Although entrance to some venues is free, you’re usually required to get a ticket/book a place beforehand for all members of the family (even tots or babies).

* Download or print out useful Maps of London including tourist maps & Underground maps.
* See the timetables for all London Transport

Sightseeing on a London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

The hop-on-hop-off bus is child-friendly and convenient way to see the major sights of London. Open-top double-decker red tourist buses take a route past the main points of interest in the city centre, and you can get or get off at the stops along the way – as many times as you wish.

A one-day family ticket on a London hop-on-hop-off bus costs from £72 on Tootbus, or from £101.70 on Big Bus Tours (Big Bus include the day tour plus a night tour and a river cruise in the price). Family tickets are for 2 adults, 2 children, under 5s free. The sightseeing buses start around 8am, continue throughout the day at 10-15 minute intervals, with last departure at 6-7pm.

Travelling overground is the ideal way to see London’s cityscape, sit back and admire the historical buildings, the palaces, churches and towers, the parks and squares, and the bridges over River Thames. The London hop-on-hop-off bus tours are between 1h 30m to 2h 30m long, depending on the route – but you need to add to this the time spent at the attractions you want to see. Take a look at the route maps, and the places you want to visit along the way, to best organise your day.

Several hop-on-hop-off bus tours operate in London which include a tourist guide or audioguide, those offered by Big Bus Tours and Toot Bus are the most popular. Check out the Tootbus route maps and the Big Bus Tours route maps to see all the stops and timings.

Getting around on a London Transport red double-decker bus is much cheaper than a sightseeing tour – the adult fare is £4.95 for a day, paid by Oyster Card as London buses are cashless. However, you’d need to check routes, timetables and know where to change lines. Bear in mind that commuter buses are crowded at rush hours.

Transport Fares for Children in London

• Under-5s go free on London transport when accompanied by an adult (max. 4 children per adult on the tube, bus, tram, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway / max. 2 children per adult on National Rail trains).
  
• Children aged 5-10 go free on London buses and trams. Apply for a 5-10 Zip Oyster Photocard to go free on the Tube, London Overground, DLR and TFL Rail; also valid for free travel on most National Rail services that take ‘pay as you go’, 50% off adult rates on Thames Clippers River Bus, and child rates on Emirates Air Line cable cars.
  
• Kids aged 11-15 with a Zip Oyster Photocard go free on buses and trams, get child rate on most London transport, 50% off adult rates on the Thames Clippers River Bus and most National Rail tickets.
  
• For families travelling to London with kids, a Young Visitors Discount can be applied to those aged 11-15 to get 50% off adult rate on most transport fares.

* This is a rough guideline, check the UK government transport website for full information on fares and discounts.

London Oyster Card

An Oyster card is a handy and simple way to ‘pay as you go’ on London transport. The fares are cheaper than conventional tickets or ‘Day Travel’ cards. Those who live near London no doubt have an Oyster Card to travel up to and around the city.

A Visitor Oyster Card works the same way and is particularly convenient if you’re living elsewhere in the UK or overseas. Prepaid cards are bought online on the official site and posted to you. They come with a credit which you can top up and are valid for most London transport, including travel from Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Look out for the yellow card readers at stations, swipe at the start and end of each journey on London Underground, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, National Rail, River Bus or Emirates Air Line cable car (on the Tube and Overground, tap on a pink card reader at stations when changing trains too). On buses and trams you only need to touch in. Check full details, and maximum journey times and caps that may apply.

Find out where to purchase Oyster travel cards and group tickets.

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