Charming, whimsical and often thrilling, London can be a great spot to visit for young travelers. This remarkable city offers something for everyone, including many world-class museums, playgrounds and tours. From tiny tots to trendy teens, vacationers of all ages have no trouble making memories in this wonderful city.
The only struggle? Narrowing down the long list of kid-friendly things to do in London. A lot depends on your child's personality and interests, although budget may also be a deciding factor. Thankfully, the best things to do with kids in London are often affordable or even free.
To help with the planning process, we have highlighted a few of the most beloved attractions, including why they're excellent options for kids and parents — and how they can be integrated into your London itinerary.
1. Tower of London
- Address: London EC3N 4AB
- Price: £34.80 for adults, £17.40 for children 5-15, children 0-5 are free
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London is a must for any trip, especially when traveling with kids who are fascinated by royalty. Standing majestically on the bank of the River Thames, this iconic castle has long protected royal possessions and is currently where visitors can gaze at the Crown Jewels.
While there's no denying the appeal for history buffs, this is, surprisingly, also one of the best things to do with kids in London. Children will be intrigued by the resident ravens and the guards known as Beefeaters. This is one of the best and most immersive ways to provide a history lesson that children won't quickly forget.
2. London Eye
- Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
- Price: £42 for standard tickets or £39 in the afternoon
- Time Needed: 1 Hour
Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye provides stunning views and a thrilling experience. This cantilevered observation wheel is the tallest in Europe, and serving as the most popular paid attraction in the UK. The ride lasts thirty minutes but you'll want to build extra time into your schedule to account for crowds, unless you're willing to pay extra for fast-track entry.
3. London Transport Museum
- Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
- Price: Free for children, £24.50 for an adult pass
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
Vehicle-loving little kids will fall head over heels for the London Transport Museum. Focused on urban transportation, this museum boasts a huge collection of unique trams, buses and trains. Toddlers and preschoolers will be drawn to the All Aboard play zone, where they can climb on mini-vehicles and use their imagination. Older children and teens may prefer the STEM area, which is highly interactive.
4. Cartoon Museum
- Address: 63 Wells Street, London W1A 3AE,
- Price: Free for children, £9.50 for adults
- Time Needed: 1-2 Hours
Boasting a vast collection featuring over 4,000 comics, London's Cartoon Museum is a hit with older children and teens. This museum celebrates the wonderful and wacky art of the cartoonist, drawing attention to the influence of political cartoons while encouraging visitors to laugh out loud. Caricatures and children's comics are covered, as are graphic novels and many other intriguing art forms.
5. Young V&A
- Address: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
Dedicated to children, this free museum is situated within a historic hangar and is chock full of toys. While little ones are drawn to the museum's many hands-on opportunities, there are plenty of historic exhibits available to keep older kids — and especially parents — interested. Nostalgic vibes abound, encouraging parents to embrace their inner child while enjoying one of the most kid-friendly things to do in London.
6. Science Museum Wonderlab
- Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
- Price: £12
- Time Needed: 1-2 Hours (save extra time for the rest of the Science Museum)
The Science Museum is one of London's most-visited attractions and, while there's plenty to explore within this vast museum, families will likely spend the majority of their time in the awe-inspiring Wonderlab. This is where science feels downright magical; interactive exhibits and live shows introduce visitors to important concepts related to friction, electricity and space.
7. Natural History Museum
- Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 3-4 Hours
Yet another free museum promises family fun on a budget. London's Natural History Museum encourages children to gaze in awe at dinosaurs, blue whales and so much more. Some kids are even more drawn to the volcanoes and earthquake exhibits, which provide immersive activities such as earthquake simulators. With special (but still free) tickets, your family can enjoy a relaxed museum experience known as Dawnosaurs.
8. London Zoo
- Address: Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY
- Price: £33.00 for adults, £23.10 for children 3-15
- Time Needed: 3-4 Hours
Once meant exclusively for scientific study, the London Zoo is steeped in history. This landmark has evolved through the years (including name changes) and is now home to many fascinating habitats. Be sure to explore the Bird Safari, Butterfly Paradise and Monkey Alley.
Young children will be fascinated by the Animal Adventure play area, which has swinging bridges, a replica of a hot-air balloon and a splash zone that helps kids cool down on hot days. With so many fun features, it's easy to see why visitors agree that this is one of the most enjoyable things to do in London with kids.
9. Diana Memorial Playground
- Address: Kensington Gardens, Queensway, W2 4RU
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 1/2 Hour
You could easily dedicate your entire vacation to exploring London's playgrounds and still not hit all the best spots. If you can only commit to visiting one playground, however, you'll want to make it the Diana Memorial Playground.
This is a charming tribute to the beloved Princess Diana, not to mention, the innocence of childhood. -heck out the sensory trail, the wooden pirate ship and the tee pees. If you have extra time, meander the lovely Kensington Gardens.
10. Peppa Pig Afternoon Bus
- Address: Strand, London WC2R 1LA
- Price: £48 for adults, £38 for children
- Time Needed: 1 1/2 Hours
Fans of the popular show Peppa Pig will have a blast aboard this whimsical bus. Departing from the gorgeous Somerset House, this quaint tour delivers amazing views of London landmarks: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park and more. On-board entertainment is provided, including games and sing-along sessions. The menu is curated by top pastry chefs and includes finger sandwiches, fruit tarts and many other tasty treats.
11. Harry Potter Studio Tour
- Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
- Price: £53.50
- Time Needed: 3-4 Hours
Calling all Potterheads: no London experience quite compares to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, which is truly magical. Go behind the scenes to discover the many secrets of the Harry Potter movie franchise. Check out Dumbledore's office, Ron Weasley's home and even Hagrid's hut.
Kids (or budget-conscious visitors) may want to take a picture at Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross. Although this is a completely separate experience in a separate location, it can complement an amazing studio tour or, when short on time, serve as an acceptable substitute.
12. Mudchute Park & Farm
- Address: Pier Street, London E14 3HP
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
Enjoy a memorable agricultural experience in the heart of the city. Multiple farms are accessible to families staying in London, but the Mudchute Park & Farm is one of the most popular among children. This lovely urban park boasts a vast collection of rare breeds, including Anglo-Nubian goats, Pekin ducks and unique sheep known as the Soay. Wander the park's 32 beautiful acres or get up close and personal by booking animal experiences.
Plan Your Trip to London with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to London today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.