Visiting London with kids is an adventure filled with excitement, learning, and fun. Known as one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe, London offers world-class attractions, interactive museums, sprawling parks, and countless kid-friendly activities.
But planning a trip with kids can feel overwhelming. Parents worry about safety, long queues, transportation, food, and keeping children entertained. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting London with kids, from must-see attractions and road travel tips to where to stay, what to eat, and how to budget your family vacation.
Why London is Perfect for Families
London is more than just Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and double-decker buses. For families:
- Free museums designed with children in mind.
- Kid-friendly restaurants and family menus.
- Parks, playgrounds, and green spaces for relaxing breaks.
- Easy-to-use transportation systems.
- Safety standards and child-friendly facilities across the city.
This combination makes London one of the best cities in the world for family vacations.
Best Time to Visiting London with Kids
- Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–August): Longer days, festivals, and school holidays.
- Autumn (September–October): Cooler weather, cultural events, and quieter attractions.
- Winter (November–December): Magical Christmas markets, lights, and ice-skating.
For families, Spring and Summer are the best as children can enjoy parks and outdoor attractions without heavy winter clothing.
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in London
1. Natural History Museum
- Dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and an earthquake simulator.
- Free entry, making it budget-friendly.
2. Science Museum
- Interactive exhibits like the Wonderlab.
- Perfect for kids who love experiments and hands-on learning.
3. London Zoo (Regent’s Park)
- Over 750 species, petting zones, and daily shows.
- Great for younger kids who love animals.
4. The London Eye
- Giant observation wheel with breathtaking city views.
- Ideal for children who love exciting rides.
5. Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Harry Potter World)
- Explore the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9¾.
- An unforgettable experience for Harry Potter fans.
6. Tower of London
- History comes alive with crown jewels and costumed guides.
- Children under 5 enter free.
7. KidZania London
- A child-sized indoor city where kids role-play jobs.
- Educational and entertaining.
Family-Friendly Parks and Outdoor Fun
- Hyde Park: Boating, horse riding, and large playgrounds.
- Regent’s Park: Beautiful gardens, open lawns, and sports fields.
- Greenwich Park: Perfect for picnics, with a hill offering city views.
- Diana Memorial Playground: Pirate ship theme, perfect for younger kids.
- Richmond Park: Spot wild deer while enjoying a peaceful family stroll.
Road & Transport Guide for Families
Getting Around by Car
- Renting a car is possible but not recommended for central London due to congestion charges, limited parking, and heavy traffic.
- If you’re driving from outside London, park in outer zones and use public transport.
Public Transport (Best Choice)
- London Underground (Tube): Quickest way around the city. Children under 11 travel free with a paying adult.
- Double-Decker Buses: Affordable and fun for kids to see the city.
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Driverless trains—kids love the front seats.
- River Bus Services: Boat rides along the Thames offer sightseeing and fun.
Recommended Family Routes
- Airport to Central London:
- From Heathrow: Take the Heathrow Express (15 mins to Paddington) or Piccadilly Line (cheaper).
- From Gatwick: Gatwick Express to Victoria Station.
- For Major Attractions:
- South Kensington Station: Natural History & Science Museums.
- Baker Street Station: Madame Tussauds & Sherlock Holmes Museum.
- Waterloo Station: London Eye & South Bank attractions.
Tip: Get an Oyster Card or Travelcard to save money on transport.
Family-Friendly Hotels in London
- Premier Inn Hub (Westminster & Southwark): Affordable and central.
- The Nadler Victoria: Spacious rooms, kitchenettes for family meals.
- Staycity Aparthotels: Apartment-style stay with kitchen and laundry.
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge: Pool and family suites.
- Airbnb Options: Budget-friendly homes with kitchens and multiple bedrooms.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
- Rainforest Café: Jungle theme, animatronics, and kids’ menu.
- Giraffe Restaurants: Casual dining with global dishes.
- Dishoom: Family-friendly Indian food with high chairs and kids’ portions.
- Honest Burgers: Great burgers with vegetarian options.
- Pizza Express: Affordable, popular with children.
Budgeting Tips for Families
- Book tickets online for discounts.
- Use free attractions: British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern.
- Carry snacks and refillable water bottles.
- Stay outside Zone 1 for cheaper hotels.
- Look for family passes on attractions like the London Eye & Madame Tussauds.
Safety Tips for Parents
- Keep kids close in busy areas.
- Use child locator wristbands.
- Carry lightweight strollers for younger kids.
- Always keep emergency numbers handy (999 in the UK).
- Check attraction websites for child-friendly facilities (toilets, baby-changing).
Packing Checklist for Families Visiting London
- Lightweight jackets and umbrellas.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Refillable water bottles.
- Snacks for kids.
- Small toys or books for long train rides.
- Power bank for charging devices.
FAQs about Visiting London with Kids
Q1: How many days are enough for a family trip to London?
At least 5–7 days are recommended for a relaxed trip with kids.
Q2: Is public transport safe for children?
Yes, public transport is very safe and efficient for families.
Q3: Can you rent strollers in London?
Yes, several baby gear rental services offer strollers, car seats, and high chairs.
Q4: What’s the cheapest way to travel with kids in London?
Walking + buses with an Oyster Card is the most affordable combination.
Q5: Are London attractions wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Most major attractions are stroller-friendly with lifts and ramps.
Conclusion / Visiting London with kids
Visiting London with kids can be an unforgettable adventure full of culture, fun, and learning. With family-friendly attractions, spacious parks, reliable transport, and a wide choice of hotels and restaurants, London is one of the world’s best cities for children.
By planning ahead, using public transport wisely, and choosing the right mix of activities, your family trip can be stress-free and enjoyable.
Start planning today, and let London become the backdrop for memories your kids will cherish forever.
