London, the lively capital of England, offers a huge range of activities to visitors, making it the perfect destination for a city break. It’s also a great place to take the kids as it has so many iconic attractions and events for the whole family to enjoy.
In fact, there’s so much to do that it would be impossible to do everything in one trip. That’s why in this article we take a look at only the best activities and attractions for children in London. From educational activities to fun experiences, here are six family-friendly activities to do in London.
Visit Platform 93/4 at King’s Cross Station
Start your trip off right by visiting one of the UK’s most famous platforms. Upon arrival of your train to London King’s Cross Station, head to the end of the building where you’ll find a luggage trolley complete with suitcases and a fluffy Hedwig.
The Harry Potter-inspired attraction is accessible at all hours and is great for taking family photos. You can even have professional photos taken with a scarf in your children’s favourite house colours, which you’re then able to purchase from the nearby shop.
Explore the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
What children don’t love the world of Harry Potter? Well, even if your little ones have never heard of the famous wizard, they’ll still love exploring incredible location sets from the movies at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Stroll down Diagon Alley, gaze at the Great Hall, and board the Hogwarts Express while on your tour.
The children have the opportunity to try their hand at flying on a broomstick with the help of green-screen technology, making for a great photo of your time there. After discovering what the tour has to offer, head to the Backlot Café for a Butterbeer – the famous frothy drink from the series.
Take to the sky in the London Eye
With panoramic views of the city, the London Eye is one of the best attractions for inquisitive minds. Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel takes you on a 30-minute ride in a capsule on the observation wheel from the bottom to the top and back again. The slow pace of the ride is perfect for seeing Central London from all angles.
Children under the age of four can ride for free, with older children requiring a ticket. To avoid the kids becoming impatient, consider getting fast-track tickets. These will allow you to bypass hour-long queues in mere minutes, which is especially useful if you’re tired after sightseeing all day.
Hop on a London sightseeing bus tour
A great way to explore London and uncover interesting facts about the city is with a London bus tour. These are specially designed for children, including engaging commentary and stories that are suitable for a younger audience.
Along the way, you’ll see well-known landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge, all within the comfort of the bus. It’s a great way of introducing architectural marvels to the kids without the need to drag them around a busy city for hours on end.
The hop-on hop-off flexibility of these buses enables you to tailor the ride to your family’s preferences. If you find a spot that they want to explore more, simply get off the bus and catch another one later to continue the tour.
Attend a show at London’s West End
Going to see a West End performance in London is a must and there are plenty of family-friendly shows throughout the year. From timeless Disney classics to captivating musicals, there are tons of options to suit all preferences. Some of the very best shows include the likes of The Lion King, Wicked, Matilda, and Frozen.
Do bear in mind however that these shows are highly popular and can sell out quickly. Therefore, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. It will also allow you to choose seats together and decide on a time that suits your family best.
Discover the secrets of the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is the perfect opportunity for the kids to learn more about the natural world through a range of fun attractions and activities. The museum frequently hosts an array of workshops, classes, and educational programs targeted at children of all ages, such as fossil hunting and the use of microscopes.
One of the most popular parts of the museum is the dinosaur exhibition. The children will adore examining the life-size replicas and interactive displays, leaving with an abundance of knowledge about the many different species and their habitats.
Depending on the time of year, you’ll find temporary displays or special events related to specific themes or scientific discoveries. These provide unique learning opportunities that may never occur again, so make sure to check what’s on before you visit.
