There is so much to do with kids in London! If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities, there are plenty of options. For starters, you can’t go wrong with a visit to one of the city’s many museums. The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum are all great choices for kids of all ages. Another popular activity is taking a ride on the London Eye, a Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the city. If you’re looking for something a bit more active, consider a trip to Hyde Park, where you can explore the vast green space, go for a rowboat ride, or even take a dip in the Serpentine Lake. Of course, no trip to London would be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarchy. You can take a tour of the state rooms or simply admire the palace from the outside.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In London, United Kingdom
1. London Zoo
Step into the animal kingdom at London Zoo. With over 16,000 animals, there’s plenty to see and learn about. Head to the Butterfly Paradise and discover over 50 different species of Butterfly, or take a walk on the wild side in Gorilla Kingdom where you can meet western lowland gorillas, common chimpanzees and red-tailed monkeys. For the more adventurous, go face to face with a crocodile on one of the zoo’s Keeper for a Day experiences.
2. The Diana Memorial Playground
Located in Kensington Gardens, the Diana Memorial Playground is a magical place dedicated to the late Princess of Wales and her love of children. Enter the playground through an engraved marble gateway and explore the mystical world within. Play on the giant wooden pirate ship, scramble up the netted ropes, or take a ride on the vintage carousel. With plenty of play equipment and plenty of space to run around, the Diana Memorial Playground is the perfect place for a day out with the kids.
3. The Coca-Cola London Eye
Enjoy breathtaking views of London from one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Coca-Cola London Eye. Ride in one of the 32 high-tech capsules and slowly ascend 135 meters into the sky, enjoying panoramic views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
4. Shakespeare’s Globe
Step back in time and experience the work of one of the world’s most famous playwrights at Shakespeare’s Globe. This unique theatre is a replica of the original Globe Theatre, which was built in 1599 and burned down in 1613. Today, the theatre hosts a variety of performances, from classic Shakespeare plays to modern interpretations. Visitors can also take a tour of the theatre to learn about its history and see how it was built.
5. Tower of London
The Tower of London has been a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution and a zoo. Today, it is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. With over 1000 years of history, there’s plenty to learn about this fascinating building. Take a tour of the tower, see the Crown Jewels, or watch the ceremonial changing of the guard.
6. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the world’s most famous religious buildings and a must-see for any first-time visitor to London. This Gothic cathedral has been the venue for royal coronations and funerals for centuries and is the final resting place of many famous British monarchs. Take a guided tour of the Abbey to learn about its history and architecture, or attend a service to experience the building in use.
7. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarchy. Visitors can take a tour of the State Rooms, which are used for official occasions, or visit the Royal Mews, where the royal horses and carriages are kept. If the Palace is closed to visitors, you can still catch a glimpse of the world’s most famous front door on a ceremonial Changing of the Guard.
8. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a historic royal residence in London that has been the official home of the British royal family since the 17th century. Today, the Palace is open to the public and houses a number of exhibitions, including a fashion exhibition which explores the life and style of former resident, Princess Diana. Visitors can also take a stroll through the beautiful Palace Gardens.
9. St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. This grand cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was completed in 1708. Visitors can explore the crypt, climb to the top of the dome for 360-degree views of London, or attend a service in the cathedral.
10. The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums. With over 8 million artifacts, it is impossible to see everything in one visit. However, highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies, and the Parthenon sculptures. Visitors can also take a tour of the museum’s famous Reading Room, which was once used by writers such as Karl Marx, George Orwell and Virginia Woolf.