London might be full of iconic landmarks, museums, and malls, but you know what? It could also be a playground for young explorers!
Not literally playgrounds, of course. It has nice places where you can take your whole family, especially your kids, for a fun day out.
Think you’ve seen London enough? We’re telling you not yet (at least through the lens of a parent). Check out these best London attractions for kids, perfect for making family memories.
SEA Life London Aquarium
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Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd
Contact Details: +442079678025
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £25
Want a real flex and experience? Then you’d better visit SEA Life London Aquarium, the UK’s longest coral reef display. Even if your kid is not into sea creatures, believe us, they’ll still find something interesting inside.
Given that there are 14 themed zones to explore here, no one will get bored. You can visit zones like polar adventure, rockpool, and ocean invaders.
The aquarium holds over 500 species that’ll amaze youngsters. From penguins to sharks, you won’t believe they’re just right in front of you.
Pro Tip:
- Ticket prices are cheaper when booked in advance.
London Zoo
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Address: Outer Cir, Regent’s Park
Contact Details: +443442251826
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £27.70
If your kid has curiosity and love for the natural world, especially animals, the London Zoo is a big treat for them. This spot is one of the most exciting attractions, not just for kids but for adults too.
Children can come face-to-face with different animals like monkeys, sloths, and butterflies. Aside from that, there are also interactive experiences you can try, like daily animal talks and outdoor play.
The good thing about this zoo is that it’s built with families in mind, with picnic areas and cafes. You might want to bring your kids here to explore the wildlife in an exciting way.
Pro Tip:
- Check the schedule in advance and time your visit to catch feeding times and keeper talks.
London Transport Museum
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Address: 118-120 Museum Way, Gunnersbury Ln
Contact Details: +443432225000
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £25
London Transport Museum is perfect for kids who love vehicles, especially those found in the city.
Get to see the exhibitions featuring buses, trams, and even tube stations, while learning about their history. Fun part? Children can wear costumes and play as conductors on the All Aboard play zone (under 7 only).
The museum also has nice facilities, including a contemporary cafe bar and a shopping place for souvenirs.
Pro Tip:
- Older kids will enjoy the rail adventures, featuring a driving simulator experience.
Shrek’s Adventure! London
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Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd
Contact Details: +442079678027
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £16
Got kids who like Shrek and his friends? Shrek’s Adventure! London has that interactive experience that brings the world of this famous character to life.
Families love the live shows and the amazing set, which will make you feel like you’re a part of the fairytale. There’s a flying bus ride with Donkey, or if you just want to get closer to the characters like Shrek and Puss in Boots, you can do so.
Make sure to take pictures for memories, but also don’t forget to focus on the experience itself. The show includes fun surprises that you don’t want to miss.
Pro Tip:
- There are some spots that might look a little spooky, so prepare your younger kids for such.
The London Dungeon
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Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd
Contact Details: +442079678022
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £26.50
The London Dungeon gives more of a thrilling experience. You’ll learn the city’s history through live shows, complete with set and special effects.
If you have older kids, they’ll enjoy the storytelling and some spooky surprises the show has. You’ll also meet London’s famous personas like Jack the Ripper and Guy Fawkes – those scary characters you hear about.
The dungeon isn’t like a traditional history tour. It’s unique because of the quirky and immersive storytelling with a 360-degree set and one thrilling ride that parents and kids love.
Pro Tip:
- It’s on a spookier side, so make sure that your kids are prepared for the show.
Chessington World of Adventures
– Media credit: chessingtonworldofadventures
Address: Chessington
Contact Details: +441372731657
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £29
Chessington World of Adventures is one of the well-known family theme parks in the UK. It has a zoo, thrilling rides, and live shows inside, so your kids won’t have time to get bored.
If your children got that adrenaline rush, the park has over 40 rides to explore. It also has 10 themed islands to visit, like Wild Asia and Wanyama. Plus, there are also unique events like bringing the Animal Horizon game to life and a Paw Patrol adventure.
If you want to maximise your experience, there are also themed hotels where you can stay.
Pro Tip:
- Download their app so you can see live queuing, shows, and event schedules.
Thames Rockets
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Address: Bankside Pier
Contact Details: +442079288933
Operating Hours: Friday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission Costs: From £44.95
For a wholesome family experience, Thames Rockets is the next thing to do. It’s a high-speed speedboat experience along the River Thames.
Get to see some landmarks while on the water, like the London Eye and Tower Bridge. While on board, there are guides who share facts and jokes about the history of London and its attractions.
However, note that this experience is suited for ages 10 and up. Younger kids are not allowed due to the boat’s speed and intensity.
Pro Tip:
- Since you’re already in the South Bank, you might want to pair your Thames Rockets experience with SEA Life or Shrek’s Adventure nearby.
Tower of London
– Media credit: historyhit
Address: North Bank of the River Thames
Contact Details: +443333206000
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission Costs: From £17.90
The Tower of London is a must-see and a top spot that you shouldn’t miss. It’s not that pricey, plus your kids will get to see the old fortress. Think of kings, queens, and those mighty knights.
There are displayed armours and Crown Jewels. It’s also an infamous prison, so you’ll hear some stories of famous prisoners. As you go along, there are residents who’ll tell the history in an entertaining way on the Beefeater tour.
Your kids will also love spotting the ravens, which are believed to be protectors of the tower. Bring your kids here if they’re into history, hands-on exhibits, and love medieval stuff.
Pro Tip:
- Plan your visit for at least 2 to 3 hours so you can maximise the tour and see everything.
The Paddington Bear Experience
– Media credit: paddingtonbearexperience
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd
Contact Details: +442045928671
Operating Hours:
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:45 PM
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Admission Costs: From £24
The Paddington Bear Experience is perfect for children who adore Paddington. This brings so much nostalgia, especially for adults.
This experience will take you to the designed sets inspired by Paddington. You also have the option to help the Brown family prepare for the Marmalade Festival, which is very exciting for kids.
This is just a new attraction, so make sure to be one of those who get to experience Paddington’s world.
Pro Tip:
- There are lots of themed photo spots, so make sure to plan for photos with your kids.
Madame Tussauds
– Media credit: madametussauds
Address: Marylebone Rd
Contact Details: +442074870351
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £20
Another fun attraction is Madame Tussauds. The place allows kids to pose with the wax figures of their favourite artists, superheroes, and historical icons.
The three-storey building features 150 lifelike figures and immersive zones. Your kids might also want to try the Spirit of London ride, which is a cool mini tour through London’s history.
Madame Tussauds also offers limited displays. For example, they have Summer Icons, where they feature the famous British boy band, One Direction.
Pro Tip:
- Master the themed zones and priotitise them, especially Marvel, Star Wars, and Spirit of London—which are kids’ favourites.
Warner Bros. Studio
– Media credit: wbtourlondon
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford
Contact Details: +448006404550
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £53.50
Got a little Potterhead with you? Then you’d better not miss Warner Bros. Studio Tour! This is a one-of-a-kind experience for Harry Potter fans as it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the film.
You’ll see authentic sets. From costumes to backdrops, you’ll be amazed at how they put it all together. Your children can step into the famous spots like Hogwarts Express and Diagon Alley.
Watch out for interactive and fun experiences as well, like the flying broomstick and sipping Butterbeer.
Pro Tip:
- Don’t rush your tour! 3 to 4 hours would be enough, but feel free to stay longer if you want.
Kew Gardens
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Address: Richmond
Contact Details: +442083325655
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £22.00
If you want to treat your kids with an outdoor experience that’s more relaxing, Kew Gardens is a real deal. This 300-acre botanical garden is perfect for running and playing, while also appreciating the beauty of plants.
This is a great choice if you have kids who are also interested in gardening. But if not, no worries, because it also has what they call the Children’s Garden. This is where kids can climb frames, hide in tunnels, and jump on trampolines.
For a whole family experience, we recommend going to the gorgeous Bamboo Garden or the Treetop Walkway. This spot is perfect if you want to skip the noisy and busy city.
Pro Tip:
- Prepare a picnic! This garden has a lot of lawn and open areas for families to enjoy.
City Cruise
– Media credit: citycruisesuk
Address: Westminster Pier
Contact Details: +442077400400
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £13.00
There are lots of city cruises you can try with your kids, and you won’t regret spending on at least one. For instance, there are night cruises or sightseeing cruises, perfect if your kids want to see the landmarks while on the water.
Same spot as the high-speed boat experience, but for this one, it’s slower in pace and comes with food. If you want, you can also opt for an afternoon tea cruise or whatever fits you. Regardless, it’s enjoyable because of its open-air deck views.
While sailing, there will be commentaries talking about London’s history and some fun facts about the landmarks.
Pro Tip:
- Morning cruises can be more convenient for families with kids as it’s less busy. You also get to pick good seats.
