Best Things to Do in London with Family

Family-Friendly Activity Guide to London

London is a vibrant city filled with a plethora of activities that cater to families with children of all ages. From thrilling theme parks to educational museums, there’s something for everyone. This guide outlines some of the best family-friendly activities, complete with tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Theme Parks

1. Thorpe Park

Age Appropriateness: 12 and up, with some attractions for younger children (minimum height restrictions apply).
Duration: 1 full day.
Facilities: Restrooms, numerous food outlets, and shaded areas.
Safety Measures: Height restrictions are strictly enforced; safety bars and harnesses on rides.
Accessibility: Wheelchair rentals available; accessible rides noted on the map.

Tip: Arrive early to beat the queues. For families with mixed ages, split up and meet at designated spots.

2. Legoland Windsor

Age Appropriateness: 2-12 years.
Duration: 1 full day.
Facilities: Clean bathrooms, ample dining options, and shaded picnic areas.
Safety Measures: All rides are designed for safety with height checks at entrances.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; some rides may have restrictions.

Tip: Visit during the weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Consider purchasing a fast-track pass to skip long lines.

Children’s Museums

3. Discover Children’s Story Centre

Age Appropriateness: 0-11 years.
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Facilities: Bathrooms, café, and shaded areas.
Safety Measures: Supervision is required; child-friendly exhibits.
Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Tip: Pack snacks and take breaks in their outdoor garden area. Engage with story-telling sessions for younger kids.

4. Science Museum

Age Appropriateness: All ages, with specific areas for toddlers and teens.
Duration: 2-4 hours.
Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, and shaded sitting areas.
Safety Measures: Security checks at entry; hands-on exhibits are monitored.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with lifts and ramps throughout.

Tip: Check the schedule for live demonstrations and planetarium shows. Use the museum’s app to navigate easily.

Aquariums and Wildlife Sanctuaries

5. Sea Life London Aquarium

Age Appropriateness: All ages.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Facilities: Bathrooms, food outlets, and shaded resting spots.
Safety Measures: Safety instructions for exhibits; well-organized pathways.
Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Tip: Book tickets in advance online to avoid long lines. Engage children with the interactive screens throughout the aquarium.

6. London Zoo

Age Appropriateness: All ages.
Duration: 3-4 hours.
Facilities: Numerous restrooms, food courts, and shaded areas.
Safety Measures: Clear signage; children must stay with adults.
Accessibility: Wheelchair rentals available; accessible pathways.

Tip: Take part in feeding sessions and talks scheduled throughout the day. Bring a stroller for younger children, as it can be a lot of walking.

Water Parks and Beach Activities

7. Splashdown Waterpark

Age Appropriateness: 5 years and up (with specific areas for younger ones).
Duration: 3-5 hours.
Facilities: Restrooms, snack bars, and shaded areas.
Safety Measures: Lifeguards on duty, with safety rules prominently displayed.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot. Bring water shoes for added safety on wet tiles.

8. Southbank Beach

Age Appropriateness: All ages.
Duration: 2-4 hours (or longer).
Facilities: Bathrooms, food stalls, and shaded seating.
Safety Measures: Lifeguards present; swimming is allowed in designated areas only.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible pathways.

Tip: Bring along beach toys to keep kids entertained. It can get crowded, so plan your visit during weekdays.

Outdoor Adventures

9. Hyde Park

Age Appropriateness: All ages.
Duration: Variable; plan for a few hours.
Facilities: Restrooms, cafes, and shaded areas.
Safety Measures: Well-monitored by park staff; bike and boat rentals available.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with plenty of wheelchair-friendly paths.

Tip: Rent a pedal boat for a fun family activity. Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many green spaces.

Educational Tours

10. The British Museum

Age Appropriateness: All ages (interactive exhibits for younger children).
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Facilities: Bathrooms, cafes, and shaded areas.
Safety Measures: Bag checks at the entrance; certain exhibits may have restrictions.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

Tip: Join a family-friendly tour to keep the kids engaged. Use the museum’s family trails to explore.

Family Shows

11. West End Theatre Shows

Age Appropriateness: Varies by show (most suitable for ages 5 and up).
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Facilities: Restrooms in the theatre; concessions available.
Safety Measures: Emergency exits clearly marked; seating arrangements for families.
Accessibility: Most theatres offer wheelchair access.

Tip: Book matinee performances for a more family-friendly atmosphere. Check for age recommendations before booking tickets.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods and Dining Options

Neighborhoods:

Southbank: Close to many attractions, with scenic riverside views.
Covent Garden: Bustling area with street performers, shops, and eateries.
Kensington: Family-friendly parks, museums, and quieter streets.

Dining Options:

Dishoom (Covent Garden): Kid-friendly Indian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.
Pizza Pilgrims (Soho): Casual dining with delicious, kid-approved pizzas.
The Rainforest Café (Piccadilly): An immersive jungle-themed dining experience.

Practical Advice for Families

Keeping Kids Entertained: Bring along travel games, coloring books, or apps loaded with offline entertainment. Use a small backpack for easy carrying.
Managing Crowds: Visit popular attractions during off-peak hours (early mornings or late afternoons). Consider timed tickets where available.
Staying Safe: Always keep an eye on your children and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets lost. Use child ID wristbands for younger kids.
Infant and Toddler Tips: Bring a lightweight stroller for easy maneuverability. Most attractions offer baby-changing facilities. Consider baby carriers for attractions with restricted stroller access.
Teen Tips: Allow teens