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Whether you live in London or you're planning a trip to the big smoke, there are plenty of things to do in London with kids.
If you're looking for family-friendly days out to keep the kids busy in the holidays, you're spoilt for choice in London. From interactive experiences to hands-on museums, Royal parks and playgrounds, there's something for children of all ages (and their grown-ups)!
Choose from activities to get your kids outside and moving or educational experiences where they can learn valuable lessons outside the classroom.
If you're on a tight budget, you can always find something to do for free and of course, there are always extra special options if you want to splash out.
Check out our list of the best things to do in London as a family.
Fun things to do in London with kids:
North London
Kentish Town City Farm
Opened in 1972, Kentish Town City Farm was the UK's first city farm and offers everything from workshops to animal encounters. It's a local charity that helps city people connect with animals, nature and the environment and is located on a four-acre site in Camden. There are animal pasture areas, community gardens, a wildlife pond, and a riding arena which is currently being redeveloped.
Opening times: Every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm
Price: Free
ZSL London Zoo
London Zoo, in Regent's Park, is the world's oldest scientific zoo and has all the fantastic animals you'd expect - penguins, lions, tigers, gorillas, reptiles and an aquarium. They run special late-night events, stay-overs at the zoo and 'meet the animals' experiences.
Opening times: Daily, 10am - 4, 5 or 6pm depending on the time of year
Price: Adults: £31.80, Children (3-15 years): £22.20, Children under 3 years: FREE. Prices may increase during peak times
Little Angel Theatre, Islington
If the weather isn't great for outside play, why not take the fun inside for toddler theatre shows at Little Angel Theatre. There's a range of shows on over the holidays which are ideal for little ones aged 2-5+. You can also visit for the Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival which returns from 28 July – 30 August 2026.
Opening times: According to show
Price: Varies
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Central London
Museum of Illusions
Located on Tottenham Court Road in the heart of London, the Museum of Illusions is a fun and fascinating day out that combines entertainment with hands-on learning. Packed with mind-bending exhibits, optical illusions and interactive installations, it encourages visitors of all ages to question what they see and explore how the brain interprets the world around them.
Children will love wandering through rooms that appear to defy the laws of physics, including spaces where people seem to shrink, grow or even walk on walls. The museum's holograms, mirror mazes and visual puzzles provide plenty of opportunities for laughter, curiosity and memorable family photos. Unlike traditional museums, visitors are encouraged to touch, interact and become part of the exhibits, making it particularly appealing for younger children and teenagers.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm, Friday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Price: From £19.20
Diana Memorial Playground
A huge wooden pirate ship is the amazing centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground. This children's wonderland opened on the 30th June 2000, in memory of the late Princess. Located next to her Kensington Palace home, the playground is a fitting tribute for a Princess who loved the innocence of childhood. Kids love to play, explore, dash about, and let their imaginations soar in this magical space. There is a sensory trail, teepees, a beach around the pirate ship and various toys and play sculptures; all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants. There's plenty of seating so the grownups can relax too.
Opening times: The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is currently closed for a major renewal and will reopen for Summer 2026.
Price: Free
Hyde Park
Set right in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers both world-class events and concerts together with plenty of quiet places to relax and unwind. For kids, there are wide open spaces, a playground, football pitches, horse riding and best of all, you can hire a rowing boat or pedalo to take across the famous Serpentine.
Opening times: 5am - midnight
Price: Free
London Eye
The London Eye is a must for both adults and children. Standing at 135m tall, it goes without saying that the views from this giant Ferris wheel are incredible and we don't blame you if you struggle to decide between going during the day or at sunset.
Opening times: Year round (except Christmas Day), generally 10am-8.30pm
Price online: Adults: £29, Child (2 - 15 Years): £26, Children under 2: Free (an under 2 ticket will be required when making your booking). Prices are higher if booked on the day.
Madame Tussauds
Step into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds London - the home of famous fun in the capital, established on Baker Street in 1836. Star in immersive experiences like The Voice and Star Wars and get up close and personal with more than 300 lifelike wax figures of your favourite celebs.
Opening times: Daily 9/10am - 5pm
Price from: Adult: £31, Children (2-15 years): £28, Under 2: FREE. Book online in advance for cheaper tickets.
The Original Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour
This hop on and hop off bus allows you to explore London without tiring out their little legs. The Original Tour offers a recorded commentary specifically designed to entertain and educate children. Whether little ones are simply enjoying the view of London's famous landmarks or learning about the city's history, it's fun for all ages. In the meantime, adults can sit back, relax and enjoy the sights.
Opening times: Buses run between 10am-4pm and tickets are valid for valid for the specific date and time booked.
Price from: Adult: From £27.99, Child (5-15): £18. Children under 2 are free but don't have a seat. Book online for cheaper fares.
London Transport Museum
A great place for your family to have fun together and discover the history of London’s famous transport network, the London Transport Museum is open for visiting 362 days a year. There are term-time singing and story sessions for under-5s plus fun interactive exhibits throughout.
Opening times: Daily
Price: Adult: Annual passes start from £22.50. Children and young people 17 and under: Free but need a timed entry ticket
Coram's Fields
Located in the heart of London, Coram's Fields has an exciting mix of accessible play equipment for all ages from toddlers to older children as well as plenty of space for running off steam or having a picnic. The large sandpits are open all year round while the paddling pool opens during the Spring and Summer months.
Opening times: Daily 9:00-sunset
Price: Free
South London
Science Museum
The Science Museum in South Kensington boasts a world-class collection recording scientific, technological and medical advancement from across the globe. For kids, visit the Wonderlab - inspired by the power of wonder, it enriches learning across the curriculum themes of Forces, Electricity, Light, Sound, Matter, Space and Maths. See high-energy shows, live experiments at the Chemistry Bar, live lightening demos at the giant Tesla coil with brilliant Explainers to facilitate engagement.
Opening times: Daily, 10am-6pm
Price: Free but should be pre-booked. Paid tickets are required for some events, activities, galleries and special exhibitions.
London Cable Car
Take to the skies in the UK's first and only urban cable car, crossing the River Thames to link Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Docks. Flying 90 metres above the river, London Cable Car offers amazing views of London, including St Paul's Cathedral, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The Gherkin. It even won won a Travelers' Choice 2025 award for the 'Things to Do in London' category. London Cable Car takes 10 minutes each way and will be a real treat for kids.
Opening times:
Monday - Thursday 08.00 - 21.00
Friday 09:00-22:00
Saturday 09:00-23:00
Sunday and bank holidays 09:00-21:00
Price from: Adults: £13.50, Kids: £6.75 return.
Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs
Crystal Palace Park, in South London, is home to an extraordinary collection of statues depicting dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. These were built in the 1850s by the Victorian sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. They were the world’s first attempts to create life-size, scientifically accurate models of beasts known only from fossils. Please note that the park is undergoing restoration which is due to be completed late summer 2026 and includes a new dinosaur-themed playground.
Opening times: Park gates open at 7.30 am and closing times vary through the year
Price: Free
Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum could be five museums if it wanted. There’s an aquarium (great for rainy days), butterfly house (great for babies), small farm (great for everybody), natural history hall (great if you want to see its famous walrus) and indoor and outdoor musical instruments area (great for creating a melody). If that doesn’t tempt your little ones, take them to the temporary exhibition space, which currently takes them on an underwater adventure inspired by Jules Verne’s ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’.
Opening times: Daily 10am - 5.30pm
Price: Museum - Free.
Aquarium: £2–£16.80
Butterfly House: £2–£28.60
Voyage to the Deep: £2–£30
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens has loads going on for kids. See-through the eyes of a bird, live like a badger and make friends with giants. From the tropics to the desert, travel the natural world in a day and discover the enormous wonders of nature. There is an indoor play area called Climbers and Creepers, a log trail, woodland walk, badger set, arboretums and the hive where the lights and sounds inside respond to the activity of real bees.
Opening times: Daily, 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm), Weekends and Bank Holidays, 10am to 8pm (last entry 7pm)
Price: Adult without donation: £25, Child (4-15 years): £2, Child under 4: Free (prices are higher on the gate)
Ragged School Museum
The Ragged School Museum is a museum which was opened in 1990 in the premises of the former Dr Barnardo's Copperfield Road Ragged School. Children can experience a slice of history in the Victorian classroom, where each year some 16,000 children come to experience a glimpse of Victorian life. The room has been recreated in one of Dr Barnardo’s original classrooms, restored as it was in the 1870s.
Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Price: Adults: £5, Child: £2.50, Family: £10
Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Take an awe-inspiring journey through space and discover the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) at the Royal Observatory. Little ones will love standing on the world's Prime Meridian line which has divided the eastern and western hemispheres of the earth since the late 19th century.
Opening times: Daily, 10am - May until 6pm; June to August until 7pm; September until 6pm
Price: Adult: £24, Child (4-15): £12
Tip: You can also explore the beautiful and expansive parkland of Greenwich and wander past the Cutty Sark as well as the nearby National Maritime Museum where kids can learn about our seafaring history.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Explore the marine world at SEA LIFE London Aquarium on London's South Bank. You and your family will stroll underneath the sea in the glass Ocean Tunnel; take a trip to Seahorse Kingdom; spot piranhas and crocodiles in the Rainforest Adventure and gaze in amazement on the Shark Walk as sharks swim beneath you.
Opening times: Daily 10am-5pm
Price from: Adults: £28, Child (2-15 Years): £27.50, Under 2: Free.
East London
Hackney City Farm
Open all year round (except Mondays), Hackney City Farm offers children and grown-ups the opportunity to get up close to a range of farmyard animals. See, smell and plant vegetables and other food plants. Learn new skills to live a healthier, happier life with a lower environmental impact.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday
10:00–16:30
Price: Free
Young V&A
Young V&A in Bethnal Green is a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum and holds the nation’s childhood collections including children's clothing, LEGO, dolls houses, games and much more! The ever-changing exhibitions and interactive experiences currently include 'Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends', a behind the scenes look at stop-motion animation and how Aardman’s iconic characters and worlds are brought to life.
Opening times: Daily, 10 - 17.45
Price: Free
Sky Garden, City of London
The Sky Garden is London's highest public garden with amazing views across the city. Kids will love travelling up 35 floors to reach this beautiful garden. If your little one is a mini Botanist, obsessed with plants and nature, then this is the perfect place to go when the weather is letting you down. Explore landscaped gardens, observation decks and terraces.
Opening times: 10am-6pm and weekends 11am-9pm
Price: Free but tickets must be booked in advance.
Lorna White is the Products Editor for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.
