Top 10 Things to do in London with Family

Top 10 Things to Do in London with Family: My Honest Guide to the Best Family Adventures

Last updated: July 2025

I'll be honest planning a family trip to London felt overwhelming at first. With kids ranging from toddlers to teens, how do you find activities that'll keep everyone happy? After three visits and countless hours of research (plus a few trial-and-error moments), I've discovered that London with family isn't just doable it's absolutely magical.

Truth be told, London surprised me. I expected stuffy museums and crowded tourist traps, but what I found was a city that genuinely embraces families. From free world-class museums to interactive experiences that had my kids talking for weeks, London proved to be the ultimate family-friendly destination.

Here's my honest breakdown of the top 10 things to do in London with family complete with the wins, the challenges, and everything I wish I'd known before we went.

1. Step Into Living History: The Tower of London 🏰

Why it made my list: Honestly, I wasn't sure how my 8-year-old would react to a "boring old castle." Boy, was I wrong.

The Tower of London family experience is pure storytelling magic. Those Beefeater guides? They're essentially professional entertainers in period costume. Our guide had my kids hanging on every word about the ravens (apparently if they leave, the kingdom falls my daughter still brings this up), the Crown Jewels, and yes, even the executions (handled tastefully, don't worry).

What surprised me most: The interactive elements. My son got to try on a knight's helmet, and we watched a medieval weapon demonstration that was both educational and thrilling.

Practical tip from experience: Book your tickets in advance online we saved about 30 minutes in queues. The audio guide for kids is worth the extra few pounds; it turns the visit into a treasure hunt.

My takeaway: Sometimes the most "touristy" attractions exist for good reason. The Tower earned its reputation, and my kids still talk about the "sparkly crown jewels" months later.

2. Witness Royal Tradition: Changing of the Guard 💂‍♂️

Let me paint you a picture: It's 10:45 AM outside Buckingham Palace, and I'm holding my 5-year-old on my shoulders while she shouts, "Where are the pretty horses?"

The Changing of the Guard is one of those quintessentially London experiences that feels both tourist-trap-ish and genuinely special. The ceremony itself is about 45 minutes of military precision, complete with red tunics, bearskin hats, and a marching band that had my kids attempting to march in place.

Here's what I learned the hard way: Arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want a good spot with kids. The St. James's Park side often has better views than directly in front of the palace gates.

Weather reality check: This happens rain or shine, but it's canceled during heavy rain. Check the official Household Division website the night before I learned this after standing in drizzle for an hour.

What worked for us: I downloaded the Guard Mounting app beforehand, which helped explain what was happening to the kids in real-time.

3. Museum Magic That Actually Excites Kids: Natural History & Science Museums 🦕

I'm going to group these South Kensington museums together because, honestly, trying to do both in one day nearly killed us (in the best way possible).

Natural History Museum: Where Dinosaurs Come Alive

Walking into Hintze Hall and seeing my kids' faces when they spotted Hope, the massive blue whale skeleton, was worth the entire trip. But let's be real they came for the dinosaurs, and the Natural History Museum family experience delivers.

The T-Rex animatronic in the Dinosaur Hall is genuinely terrifying (in a good way). My brave 10-year-old jumped, and my 6-year-old hid behind me. The earthquake simulator was another hit though be prepared for requests to "do it again!"

Science Museum: Interactive Wonder

The Science Museum London kids section, particularly Wonderlab, is sensory overload in the best possible way. My kids spent two hours here easily from the giant water play area to the friction slides.

Budget win: Both museums are completely free! Yes, they suggest donations, but there's no pressure. Just book your free timed entry tickets online.

Survival tip: Don't try to see everything. Pick 2-3 exhibits per museum and let the kids really explore them. We made the mistake of rushing through on our first visit and missed the magic.

4. Pure Magic: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter ⚡

Okay, this one's expensive. Like, really expensive. But if you have Harry Potter fans in your family, the Warner Bros Studio Tour family experience is absolutely worth the splurge.

I'll admit, I was skeptical about spending this much on what I thought would be a fancy museum. But watching my daughter's eyes widen as we walked through the actual Great Hall, seeing the real Hogwarts Express, and tasting Butterbeer (it's essentially butterscotch cream soda the kids loved it, I found it overly sweet) created memories that are still being talked about.

The reality check: You need to book weeks, sometimes months in advance. The tour takes about 3-4 hours, which is perfect long enough to feel worth it, short enough that younger kids don't get completely exhausted.

Transportation hack: Take the direct shuttle bus from Watford Junction. It's easier than driving and eliminates parking stress.

What I didn't expect: How interactive it would be. Kids can try flying a broomstick (green screen magic), walk through Diagon Alley, and see actual costumes and props up close.

5. London from Above and Below: London Eye & Thames River Cruise 🎡

I bundled these together because they offer completely different perspectives of the same incredible city.

The London Eye: Worth the Hype?

The London Eye family experience is touristy, yes, but sometimes touristy things are popular for good reason. The 30-minute rotation gives you enough time to spot landmarks, take photos, and enjoy the views without anyone getting antsy.

Money-saving discovery: Book online for cheaper tickets, and consider the Fast Track option if you're visiting during school holidays. We waited 45 minutes in the regular queue during Easter break.

Thames River Cruise: The Relaxing Alternative

After days of walking, the Thames River cruise was exactly what our tired family needed. The kids loved being on the boat, the historical commentary kept the adults engaged, and everyone got to rest their feet while still sightseeing.

Pro tip: The hop-on, hop-off river services are more expensive but offer flexibility. We used City Cruises and were happy with the experience.

6. Green Spaces That Save the Day: Hyde Park & Regent's Park 🌳

Let me tell you about the moment that saved our London trip: discovering the Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park family adventures.

After two days of museums and attractions, my kids were getting cranky. Then we found this incredible playground with a pirate ship, teepees, and sensory play areas. They played for two hours while my husband and I actually relaxed on a bench with coffee.

Hyde Park: More Than Just a Park

The Serpentine lake boat rentals were another win £12 for 30 minutes of pedal boating that felt like a mini adventure. Plus, cycling through the park (Boris Bikes available everywhere) gave us a different perspective of London.

Regent Park & ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo deserves its own mention. It's not the biggest zoo we've visited, but the Land of the Lions exhibit was incredible, and the kids loved the penguin feeding time.

Budget reality: The zoo is pricey (around £30+ per adult), but if you book online in advance, you can save about £5 per ticket.

7. Interactive Wonder: Hamleys & Covent Garden Street Magic 🎭

Hamleys: Controlled Chaos in the Best Way

Hamleys London is less about shopping and more about experiencing. Seven floors of toys, demonstrations, and pure sensory overload. My kids didn't even ask to buy anything they were too busy watching the magic shows, toy demonstrations, and interactive displays.

Crowd management tip: Weekday mornings are significantly less chaotic than weekend afternoons.

Covent Garden: Free Entertainment Gold

The Covent Garden street performers provided some of our best London memories and they were completely free. We watched a comedy juggling act, a guy who somehow escaped from a straitjacket, and a string quartet that had my music-loving daughter mesmerized.

Etiquette note: If you watch a full performance, dropping a pound or two in the hat is appreciated. The kids loved being part of the "audience participation."

8. Budget-Friendly Cultural Wins: Free Museums & Photo Ops 📸

Here's where London really shines for families on a budget: free London family attractions that rival paid experiences anywhere else.

British Museum: Mummies and More

The British Museum kids experience centers around one word: mummies. The Egyptian gallery was our kids' favorite, and the Greek sculptures impressed even my teenager.

Survival strategy: Download the family trail from their website. It turns the visit into a scavenger hunt and prevents the "this is boring" complaints.

National Gallery: Art That Speaks to Kids

I wasn't sure how art would go over with my practical, sports-loving kids. But the National Gallery London family activities (free trail sheets) had them hunting for hidden details in famous paintings.

Iconic Photo Opportunities

Don't underestimate the power of iconic London photos. My kids loved:

• Pretending to push the guards at Buckingham Palace gates
• The Abbey Road crossing (though watch for traffic!)
• Red phone boxes (harder to find than you'd think)
• Double-decker bus selfies

9. Getting Around London with Kids: What Actually Works 🚇

Let's talk about London public transport family reality. The Tube is efficient, but carrying a stroller up and down those stairs? Not fun.

What I Learned About Transportation:

Oyster Cards vs. Contactless: Kids under 11 travel free on all public transport with a paying adult. Under 16s get discounted fares. We used contactless payment (phone or bank card) because it automatically applies the daily cap.

The Bus Revelation: Buses became our secret weapon. They're accessible for strollers, offer sightseeing opportunities, and the kids loved sitting on the top deck of double-deckers.

Walking Reality Check: London is walkable, but with kids, it's more like "London is walkable in small chunks." Plan for frequent rest stops and pack snacks.

Lifesaving Apps:

• Citymapper for navigation
• TfL Go for real-time transport updates

10. Making It Work for Your Family: Age-Specific Tips & Final Thoughts 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

After three London trips with kids of different ages, here's my honest London itinerary with kids advice:

For Families with Toddlers (2-5 years):

Focus on parks, the Diana Memorial Playground, and interactive museums. The London Eye works well (contained space, great views), but skip the long walking tours.

Elementary Age (6-11 years):

This is the sweet spot for most London attractions. They're old enough to appreciate history but young enough to still believe in magic. The Harry Potter Studio Tour, Tower of London, and all the museums work perfectly.

Teenagers (12+ years):

They'll enjoy the markets (Camden, Portobello), street art tours, and the more "authentic" London experiences. Borough Market for food, the Tate Modern for edgier art, and letting them navigate the Tube builds confidence.

Where to Stay: My Honest Recommendations

Family-friendly areas I'd recommend:

• South Kensington: Walking distance to major museums, safe, family-oriented
• Covent Garden: Central, entertaining, but more expensive
• King's Cross: Excellent transport links, increasingly family-friendly

What to pack that I forgot: Portable phone chargers, comfortable walking shoes for adults, and way more snacks than you think you need.

My Final Takeaway: London Gets Families Right

You know what surprised me most about London adventures with kids? The city genuinely seems designed with families in mind. From free museums to accessible transport, from engaging historical sites to abundant green spaces, London doesn't just tolerate families it welcomes them.

Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it can be crowded. But honestly? Watching my kids discover history, art, and culture in one of the world's greatest cities was worth every pound spent and every tired foot.

My best advice: Don't try to do everything. Pick a few experiences that match your family's interests, build in rest time, and remember that sometimes the best memories come from unexpected moments like watching street performers in Covent Garden or feeding ducks in St. James's Park.

London with family isn't just doable it's unforgettable. And I can't wait to go back.

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FAQ About Top 10 Things to Do in London with Family

1. What are the best family-friendly attractions in London?

Top picks include the London Eye, Natural History Museum, ZSL London Zoo, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour. These offer interactive experiences, stunning views, and educational fun for all ages.

2. Is the London Eye suitable for children?

Yes, the London Eye is a favorite among families. Its 30-minute ride offers panoramic views and includes a short 4D film experience. Children under 3 ride free.

3. What museums in London are best for kids?

The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and London Transport Museum are top choices. They feature hands-on exhibits, dinosaur skeletons, and interactive galleries.

4. Are there outdoor activities for families in London?

Absolutely. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens (home to the Diana Memorial Playground), and Greenwich Park offer open spaces, play areas, and seasonal events perfect for kids.

5. What are some unique experiences for families in London?

Families love the Harry Potter Studio Tour, Thames river cruises, and immersive shows like Matilda or The Lion King. These combine entertainment with cultural enrichment.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on personal experience and research. Prices and opening times change frequently, so always check official websites before visiting. Some links may be affiliate links, but all recommendations are genuinely based on our family's experiences.

Have you visited London with your family? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!