Packed with parks, theatres, and interactive museums, there are definitely more boring cities to be a kid than London.
Still, it can be tough to navigate a bustling metropolis with little ones in tow. Luckily we’ve rustled up some of the tip top things to do in London with kids come rain or shine, featuring sleepovers with dinosaurs, battles with space invaders, and an epic children’s garden.
Here are the best things to do with kids in London this year.
London Dungeon
Image credit: London Dungeon | Website
Step into the darker side of London's history with a visit to the London Dungeon. This immersive and theatrical experience takes you on a journey through the city's past, complete with spine-chilling stories, interactive exhibits, and live actors. They also recently added an escape room (“Escape Execution”) where you have one hour to make your way out of the Tower of London before facing the guillotine.
Natural History Museum
The iconic dinosaur exhibits, the life-sized blue whale model, and the interactive science displays make the Natural History Museum a captivating experience for children of all ages. Make sure you check out Dino Snores, a monthly sleepover at the museum where kids can explore the galleries with torches, make their own dinosaur t-shirts and camp in sleeping bags under the belly of the suspended blue whale.
Matilda the Musical
Image credit: Matilda the Musical | Website
Treat your family to the magic of the West End with a performance of Matilda the Musical. Based on Roald Dahl's beloved novel, and adapted by Australia’s very own Tim Minchin, this multi-award-winning show brings to life the tale of a remarkable little girl with extraordinary abilities. The catchy tunes and impressive choreography are perfect for little ones and older ones alike.
Duck Tours on the Thames
Combine sightseeing with a splash of excitement by taking a Duck Tour on the Thames River. These amphibious vehicles provide a unique way to explore London's landmarks, both on land and in the water, making it a thrilling (and soggy) adventure for kids.
London Zoo
Image credit: London Zoo | Facebook
London Zoo is a classic family day out, with daily shows and interactive exhibits to keep the kids engaged. Don’t miss Monkey Valley – a guided walk through the zoo’s Colobus monkey enclosure – and Land of the Lions – which opens at night and even hosts sleepovers (if you’re brave enough).
Sandbox VR
Embark on a futuristic adventure with Sandbox VR, an immersive virtual reality experience that transports your family to different worlds. From battling space invaders to solving puzzles in magical realms, this cutting-edge technology makes for an epic interactive journey for older kids and teens.
Science Museum
Image credit: Science Museum | Website
With interactive exhibits covering everything from space exploration to robotics, the Science Museum is sure to spark curiosity and excitement in young minds. As well as the main exhibits, the museum has a garden with a free play zone where kids can explore a bunch of activities, while the ‘Power Up’ exhibition features over 160 computers and consoles and takes you on a history of gaming from the 1970s to modern day.
Hamley's
The most iconic toy store in London—if not the world—Hamley’s is seven floors of toys, games and live demonstrations. A paradise for young ones, the shop is an icon of Regent Street, having opened in 1881 and survived multiple bombings in the Second World War.
Kew’s Children’s Gardens
Image credit: Kew Gardens | Website
Kew Gardens is London’s dream destination for botany buffs, its sprawling botanical collections filled with over 40,000 living plants. And it’s also got a huge Children’s Garden the size of 40 tennis courts, packed with play areas themed around plants’ favourite things: earth, air, sun and water.
The British Museum
Embark on a historical journey at The British Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from around the world and thousands of years ago. Kids will be fascinated by mummies, ancient sculptures, and interactive exhibits. Admission is free, and if you head to the Families Desk, you can grab complementary activity backpacks with age-appropriate challenges for your little ones.
Need a feed or some more inspo after all that exploring? Check out: