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The most effective issues to do in London with youngsters


With so many issues to do in London with youngsters, the trickiest a part of a household metropolis break is understanding what to suit into your keep – after greater than 40 years visiting and residing within the capital, I’m proof optimistic as my very own wishlist continues to be removed from ticked off.

Boy in a toy bearskin hat lying on a chalk picture of London landmarks - the best things to do in London with kids

So to start out you off, I’ve rounded-up among the greatest London sights to go to with youngsters, all good for a household day trip in London – together with the best-known London household sights and museums, you’ll find locations to get exterior, concepts for youths who love animals, history-lovers, royal London and extra.

These embrace my very own unmissable highlights, plus concepts for if you happen to’re visiting London for the primary time, together with extra uncommon issues to do in London with the household, issues to do in London with toddlers, and inspiration for a wet day in London in my different posts too.

London museums and artwork galleries with youngsters

London is a sheer treasure trove of fabulous museums, a lot of them free to go to – prebooked tickets might not be required year-round however are normally beneficial throughout peak season, some with timed slots.

The most well-liked museums do get booked up quick throughout faculty holidays too so it’s price snapping up the early entry occasions.

Try this submit for extra recommendations on visiting London’s greatest museums with youngsters

View of the whale skeleton hanging in the Hintze Hall of the Natural History Museum in London - one of the best things to do in London with kids

The Pure Historical past Museum

In the event you see just one museum in London with youngsters (and actually, one isn’t sufficient!), make it the fantastic Pure Historical past Museum.

Most well-known for its dinosaurs, these are nonetheless the spotlight for many younger guests – even when Dippy the dinosaur has moved on from his house in the principle Hintze Corridor, to get replaced by Hope the Blue Whale.

The dinosaurs are solely the start although, with galleries on mammals and bug life, birds galore and marine creatures, plus geology and the well-known earthquake simulator.

There are additionally common exhibitions, for an additional cost – earlier occasions have included the Incredible Beasts exhibition, whereas Dippy’s transient return is being adopted by a particular Titanosaur exhibition for 2023.

You’ll be able to prebook tickets to the Pure Historical past Museum, which is strongly suggested for peak intervals, together with weekends and faculty holidays.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for the Natural History Museum in London and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for a visit to the Natural History Museum in London with kids, only 99p'

The Science Museum

One other of the most well-liked museums to go to in London with youngsters, and one other free possibility, the Science Museum has some incredible shows to enchantment to the entire household.

The Backyard, geared toward youthful youngsters with its water play, tactile interactives and big blocks, and the Sample Pod are each excellent locations to start out.

Though the first-come first-served restrict on numbers isn’t now in operation, it’s price heading there early as it will probably get crowded throughout vacation intervals.

For extra issues to do in South Kensington with youngsters, try my choose of one of the best

Old planes in one of the galleries at the London Science Museum - my ultimate guide to London's museums and tips for London museums with toddlers and kids

Elsewhere, you’ll be able to uncover the evolution of transport, from the earliest steam engine to the primary automobiles and house journey, in addition to galleries on communications, the Secret Lifetime of the House, and extra.

Older youngsters will love Wonderlab too – this does have a cost, and prebooking tickets (and a timed entry slot) is suggested – with the prospect to get palms on and experiment, in addition to seeing reside reveals. Or the brand new Technicians gallery is nice for teenagers.

You’ll be able to select your timed entry to the principle museum to coincide along with your Wonderlab go to, or to permit time to discover the principle collections first in addition to afterwards. Prebooking tickets to the museum can also be beneficial, particularly at peak intervals, together with weekends and faculty holidays.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for the Science Museum in London and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for a visit to the Science Museum in London with kids, only 99p'

The British Museum

The British Museum is one in all my very own favourites, and with some nice Explorer trails to obtain and comply with, it’s one to take pleasure in with preschoolers up.

And there are merely 1000’s of things to see, together with the well-known mummies and the Rosetta Stone within the Historical Egypt part, together with items from historical Greece, Rome and Assyria, in addition to Africa, the Americas, and a moai from Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

However that’s actually solely the beginning of what there may be to find. In truth, there’s a lot that it’s greatest to not try every part in a single go to.

You can tackle one of many Museum Missions, or search for the 12 key highlights to see with youngsters on the British Museum.

Or for college age youngsters, it’s simple to theme a go to round a specific civilisation or tradition too, plus there are concepts for what to do if in case you have one hour on the museum, or three hours on the museum.

Tickets are free (youngsters additionally go free within the particular exhibitions, though there’s a cost for adults) however you’re suggested to prebook, with timed slots.

For extra concepts of free issues to do in London with youngsters, try my high picks – plus this downloadable model

My daughter completes an activity trail at the Museum of London - my ultimate guide to London's museums and tips for London museums with toddlers and kids

Museum of London

Do you know that hippos as soon as lived the place Trafalgar Sq. now lies? The place higher to find extra about London than the museum devoted to it.

EDIT: The museum is now briefly closed till reopening in its new web site at Smithfield in 2026

The Museum of London follows the story of the town from prehistoric occasions via to extra trendy ers, from the Romans and Saxons to medieval London and the plague, the Nice Fireplace and extra.

There are trails to comply with via the galleries, and you may pop inside a recreated Saxon home and stroll via a Victorian Road, plus there’s normally probability to get palms on with among the objects.

It’s not solely historical historical past although: you’ll be able to see the 2012 Olympic cauldron, in addition to studying extra about London in the course of the Second World Struggle, and post-war Britain.

One other free museum, you’ll be able to even spot a bit of Roman Wall as you are available in, as an added bonus.

Tickets can be found on the door however can be prebooked, beneficial throughout faculty holidays, though this museum does are typically quieter than the British Museum and Kensington museums.

View of some of the vintage vehicles in the main hall of the London Transport Museum - a visit to check out the London Transport Museum Christmas events

London Transport Museum

For youthful youngsters who love buses and trains, the gathering on the London Transport Museum in Covent Backyard is sheer heaven – however it’s an amazing possibility with older youngsters too.

The museum follows the event of transport from sedan chairs and carriage, to river journey, trams proper via to the well-known pink double decker buses and tube trains.

In addition to with the ability to see altering designs and the event of the enduring tube map and indicators, youngsters can faux to drive a bus and get behind the controls of a tube practice simulator.

There’s additionally a particular play space for youths aged beneath seven, plus common household and craft actions, and particular exhibitions together with the Hidden London space.

Tickets may be prebooked (timed entry slots are now not required) or purchased on arrival, and the acquisition entitles you to an annual go. There’s at present a reduction on tickets to the London Transport Museum if you happen to ebook with tiqets, utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Try my assessment of a go to to the London Transport Museum with youngsters

The Victoria and Albert Museum

The world’s largest museum of ornamental arts and design is just not essentially the most clearly family-friendly of the South Kensington museums, however there’s much more to the Victoria & Albert museum for youths than you may anticipate.

You’ll be able to discover collections spanning 5,000 years of artwork, in addition to cultures from world wide, so there’s an limitless supply of inspiration – to not point out the short-term exhibitions, together with current ones which featured Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland, in addition to one specializing in Korea, good for Ok-Pop obsessed teenagers.

The museum additionally has varied interactive shows, household actions and kids’s exercise packs to find as properly.

Tickets to the principle museum don’t should be prebooked, and it’s free to go to, however there’s a cost for some exhibitions and prebooking is important for the most well-liked occasions.

Try what we considered a go to to the V&A with youngsters

Sign at the corner of the Victoria and Albert Museum - my ultimate guide to London's museums and tips for London museums with toddlers and kids

Museum of London Docklands

The sister web site of the Museum of London, the Museum of London Docklands sits in a transformed warehouse on West India Quay, as soon as the center of London’s thriving docks trade, and it’s the right place to find this facet of the capital.

Like its sister web site, galleries are set out in chronological order, so guests journey from late Tudor occasions via to the fashionable day, when London’s monetary district took over the world.

In addition to interactive sections, corresponding to strolling via a recreation of Sailortown and searching inside an air raid shelter, there are shows on slaver, in addition to on the Nice Stink and the Nice Dock Strike, so some harder-hitting matters lined right here.

Nice for barely older youngsters, you’ll additionally discover short-term exhibitions, and intelligent touchscreen shows which don’t truly require you to the touch the display screen.

For youthful guests, the Mudlarks Youngsters’s gallery has additionally reopened after a facelift, with free tickets additionally now out there for households with youngsters aged eight and beneath – there are classes all through the day, however you do have to prebook a time (out there from the day earlier than).

Entry to the principle museum is free, with tickets out there on the door. There are additionally common occasions throughout faculty holidays.

Learn extra about my go to to the Museum of London Docklands with youngsters right here.

Tate Fashionable

With two branches of the Tate to select from in London, you possibly can simply pack each into one go to – there’s even a boat which hyperlinks the 2 – however if you happen to solely choose one gallery to go to, Tate Fashionable is right with youngsters.

Set in a transformed energy station on London’s Bankside, it’s positively not your common artwork gallery – youngsters are inspired to speak (and there’s loads of house to run round within the turbine corridor) plus you’ll discover a lot of simple methods even for youthful ones to take pleasure in what they see together with instructed video games.

You’ll additionally discover instructed routes for households to comply with via the collections, which embrace massive names from the 20th century, corresponding to Matisse, together with works from the previous decade.

You now not have to prebook tickets and entry is free, apart from exhibitions (prebooking is beneficial for these).

For extra concepts of free issues to do in London with youngsters, try my high picks – plus this downloadable model

Visiting the Cutty Sark in Greenwich after a boat ride along the Thames

The Cutty Sark

In case your youngsters are on the lookout for a extra hands-on strategy to historical past, it’s arduous to beat a go to to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich – additionally excellent to mix with a boat journey alongside the Thames.

There are kids’s trails to comply with across the historic clipper ship and shows on its historical past, whereas you can too wander via the ship peeking inside cabins and discovering extra concerning the cargo she carried.

Better of all, you’ll be able to discover proper from the copper-bottomed hull to the deck (be careful for the carved monkey), in addition to attempting the varied interactive shows together with an opportunity to strive crusing a digital ship (tougher than it seems to be as we found on our go to!)

For extra concepts of issues to do in Greenwich, try this submit – and if you happen to’re visiting greater than one of many Royal Museums Greenwich, which additionally consists of the free Nationwide Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Queen’s Home, you can too get a Royal Museums Greenwich go – together with a reduction if you happen to purchase from Tiqets utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6

The Horniman Museum

With a little bit little bit of every part, the Horniman Museum is especially enjoyable with youthful youngsters – excellent in case your toddlers really feel overwhelmed by the town too because it’s exterior central London.

With galleries on completely different themes, it’s is nice for little consideration spans as you’ll be able to wander from the well-known overstuffed walrus in pure historical past to world music and tradition, to see butterflies and wander the grounds exterior, the place you’ll discover extra animals.

It’s free to enter the principle museum so that you don’t have to prebook, though there’s a small cost for the butterfly home, aquarium and any short-term exhibitions – prebooking is beneficial for these as numbers/house are restricted.

Try our go to to the Horniman Museum..

The exterior of the National Gallery in London, seen from Trafalgar Square against a blue sky - my ultimate guide to London's museums and tips for London museums with toddlers and kids

With properly over 2,000 works, you’ll be able to see among the best artwork on the earth on the Nationwide Gallery – and also you don’t have to have an in-depth grasp of artwork historical past to take pleasure in wanting on the collections.

For a simple introduction, strive discovering the gallery’s 30 highlights, in addition to the brand new immersive app, The Keeper of Work geared toward households and youngsters.

For artistic youngsters, don’t go with out packing a pad and a few colouring pencils – you’ll spot loads of different households stopping to create their very own artwork alongside the best way, whereas there are additionally household occasions throughout faculty holidays and at weekends. Verify right here for what’s developing.

Tickets to the Nationwide Gallery are free – prebooking is beneficial for the exhibitions.

Youngsters who love artwork must also try the Royal Academy of Arts – exhibitions are free for youngsters beneath 16

Museum of the House

Reopened in 2021 after an £18 million three-year facelift, the Museum Of The House (previously the Geffrye Museum) has virtually double the house of its former incarnation.

Tracing every part from altering fashions and know-how at house to the impression of faith, in addition to tackling homelessness, it’s a fascinating manner for youths to know altering society and completely different cultures via individuals’s homes.

And the interval rooms via time, all the time a customer favorite have remained too, together with a lot of interactives, whether or not that’s taking part in on early video games consoles or attempting to squash digital bedbugs.

Free to go to, together with some pretty little themed gardens, there’s no have to prebook.

Try my assessment of the Museum of the House right here

1970s style West Indian family living room at the Museum of the Home in London, one of the series of period rooms

Imperial Struggle Museum London

Based in the course of the First World Struggle, the galleries on the Imperial Struggle Museum deal with the experiences of individuals affected by battle, so when you’ll additionally get to see some very giant weapons, planes hanging from the ceiling and collections of medals, there’s extra emphasis on particular person tales.

A brand new gallery overlaying the Second World Struggle was added in 2021, good for youths learning it at college, and the museum runs common household occasions throughout faculty holidays – a current one was primarily based round spies and espionage, one other on battle in video and pc video games.

There’s a separate exhibition on the Holocaust as properly, though that is solely beneficial for youngsters aged 14+.

Tickets for IWM London can be found on the door – you might have to attend at busy occasions so prebooking timed entry slots is beneficial.

Older youngsters may also take pleasure in visiting the Churchill Struggle Rooms, the place you will get a glimpse what life would have been like in these secret corridors in the course of the tense days and nights of the Second World Struggle

HMS Belfast

As soon as a Royal Navy gentle cruiser, now a museum ship completely moored on the Thames, HMS Belfast is essentially the most important surviving Second World Struggle Navy warship – current on the D-Day landings and within the Korean Struggle.

Reopened after main renovations, you’ll be able to uncover what life would have been like on board for the crew who served aboard – and with 9 decks to discover, there’s a lot to see aboard.

Interactive experiences vary from a sound set up inside a gun turret to an opportunity to see simply what it takes to feed the 950 males aboard (trace: which means peeling a LOT of potatoes) and steering the ship.

There are additionally reminiscences from veterans who served on HMS Belfast, in addition to common household trails and actions throughout faculty holidays.

Prebooking tickets is beneficial.

View of HMS Belfast warship museum on the Thames with Tower Bridge just seen in the background - one of the best things to do in London with kids

RAF London

The Royal Air Pressure Museum in Colindale, north London tells the story of the RAF over its first 100 years, from its founding in 1918.

Contained in the hangars, you’ll be able to see a complete string of plane from through the years, in addition to shows of every part from logbooks and hidden maps to survival rations, plus different autos.

Youngsters can strive on an RAF uniform or check their very own response occasions, together with sensory areas to the touch the fashions and uncover some RAF smells and sounds, plus the prospect for the littlest ones to climb right into a miniature airplane.

There’s additionally an amazing playground with mini fashions of plane. Tickets to the museum are free however should be prebooked.

For extra concepts of free issues to do in London with youngsters, try my high picks – plus this downloadable model

The Nationwide Military Museum

With 5 galleries taking a look at every part from life as a soldier to the impression the military has had on the world, the Nationwide Military Museum in Chelsea is a superb choices for youths who love historical past (or taking part in soliders).

There are sections on the English Civil Struggle, in addition to later conflicts, plus artefacts linked to everybody from Napoleon to Lawrence of Arabia.

However one of the vital standard areas for youthful youngsters is the museum’s Play Base, geared toward youngsters aged one to eight, with a tender play assault course, and play vehicles and cookhouses – restricted numbers and classes, so that is one it’s essential to prebook for.

Entry to the principle museum is free and doesn’t should be prebooked. There’s a cost for Play Base, and timed hourly classes so whereas you will get tickets on the day, prebooking is beneficial at peak occasions.

The Postal Museum

One of many latest museums to open in London, the Postal Museum covers the historical past of the Royal Mail – however that is positively not only for stamp collectors.

With a particular play space, Sorted, for age eight and beneath, plus the Mail Rail practice to experience, there’s loads of interactive enjoyable for youths.

The shows cowl among the quirkier facet of the historical past of the submit, from a lion on Salisbury Plain to cryptic Valentine playing cards, and among the rarest and Most worthy stamps round.

Prebooking is beneficial for the 45-minute classes at Sorted (it’s additionally barely cheaper than paying on the day), an immersive mini-town with possibilities to get constructing and little streets to inhabit.

Teenagers may go on the particular tunnel walks, whereas there are classes for neurodiverse households too.

Tickets give limitless entry for a 12 months, though they’re solely legitimate for one experience on Mail Rail throughout your first go to – there’s a reduction if you happen to prebook. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (besides some dates throughout faculty holidays).

For extra uncommon issues to do in London with youngsters, try my choose of one of the best

A lion statue in London against a blue sky - one day in London with kids who love animals, my ideas for animal-loving kids if you've only got a short time to explore

Animal sights in London with youngsters

There’s a lot in London for youths who love animals, from the largest zoos to little metropolis farms and aquariums.

London Zoo

The world’s oldest scientific zoo, London Zoo continues to be one of many metropolis’s greatest sights – for youths and adults – greater than 170 years after it opened.

As soon as house to the bear that impressed Winnie the Pooh, as of late, you’ll be able to see every part from lions and tigers to with the ability to stroll with lemurs, enterprise into rainforest situations, see animals from the African savannah and Australian Outback, and much extra.

There are three colour-coded routes across the zoo, pink, blue and orange – all completely different lengths, they begin and finish in roughly the identical place so you are able to do them in any order you need, and if you happen to’re in need of time, it enables you to focus in your favourites.

There are keeper talks which occur all through the day, in addition to particular animal experiences – you possibly can even assist feed the gorillas. In the event you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to spot the keepers feeding the animals as you discover.

Maintain a watch out for normal particular household occasions, particularly throughout faculty holidays, too. Tickets should be prebooked.

For extra data on visiting London Zoo, click on right here, and take a look at a few of my different suggestions from our earlier visits to London Zoo

Penguin stands by the edge of the pool at London zoo waiting for feeding time - my top tips for visiting London Zoo with kids

Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo

This little youngsters’s zoo is nice for youthful youngsters – much less overwhelming, much less far to stroll and loads of animals to please, particularly if you happen to’re in need of time (a few hours is a lot) or visiting London on a finances.

As a result of whereas London Zoo is a incredible day trip with youngsters, there’s no query that it’s a pricy one – and for youthful toddlers, they’re typically as excited by a rabbit as one thing uncommon and unique.

You gained’t discover larger creatures at Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo however there are monkeys and lemurs, wallabies, cattle, birds, reptiles and diverse small furry issues. There’s additionally an journey playground to entertain – in addition to loads of house within the park across the zoo.

Tickets don’t should be prebooked – under-twos go free.

Check out my assessment of a day at Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo with a child in addition to extra of London’s smaller zoos, together with a little bit free zoo in north London

Metropolis farms

In the event you’re visiting London with youngsters who love animals, add one of many many metropolis farms to your listing, with a string of websites dotted across the capital.

Freightliners Metropolis Farm (between Caledonian Highway tube and Highbury & Islington) has some uncommon breeds, as does Spitalfields Metropolis Farm.

At Vauxhall Metropolis Farm, you’ll discover alpacas alongside farmyard animals and even a few cats, whereas there are llamas at MudchuteHackney Metropolis Farm has some smaller fluffy inhabitants together with rabbits and guinea pigs in addition to bigger creatures too.

A number of the farms have restricted opening hours/days, so all the time examine instantly for the most recent data.

Jellyfish against a purple background floating at Sea Life London Aquarium - one of the things to do in with kids London this summer

Sea Life London Aquarium

A stunning various to the town’s zoos for animal lovers, the Sea Life London Aquarium is a superb place to go to – one of many greatest collections in Europe.

London’s aquarium homes over 500 species, 14 themed zones and greater than 2 million litres of water with some uncommon creatures to find, in addition to some favourites together with penguins and clownfish.

Set close to the London Eye it will probably get busy at peak occasions and on wet days, so it’s properly price prebooking and there are normally reductions if you happen to purchase on-line upfront.

For extra concepts on how to save cash on days out in London with youngsters, try my high suggestions

Historic sights in London

One of many issues I really like most about London is the truth that strolling down a single road enables you to uncover round two thousand years of historical past – my daughter and I’ve retraced among the areas of the Nice Fireplace of London, in addition to exploring different components of London for youths who love historical past.

My daughter walks between concrete blocks with the words of the song London's Burning near Pudding Lane - a Great Fire of London walk with kids, visiting Great Fire of London locations

You may as well uncover Roman London, together with components of the outdated partitions and different out of doors websites, good for theming a stroll across the outdated metropolis of Londinium.

Check out this submit for concepts of a few of one of the best landmarks to identify

The Tower of London

The Tower is one in all my very own private favourites, and from the astonishing crown jewels to the well-known ravens and beefeaters, it’s an amazing day trip with youngsters in London too.

You’ll be able to discover former royal flats, adorned as they’d have been when kings lived there, and uncover the Tower’s grim historical past as a jail too, together with a memorial to 2 of Henry VIII’s executed queens.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for the Tower of London and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for a visit to the Tower of London with kids, only 99p'

It additionally homes a part of the Royal Armoury, plus you’ll discover shows on the Tower’s menagerie of animals, uncover reside performances throughout faculty holidays, and stroll the partitions.

Tickets may be purchased on the day, though prebooking is beneficial – there’s a reduction if you happen to ebook by way of tiqets utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

For a memorably uncommon night, ebook separate tickets to go to within the night and observe the Ceremony of the Keys – try my expertise of watching the Ceremony of the Keys with youngsters.

There’s additionally a brand new immersive expertise close to the Tower themed across the Gunpowder Plot, the place you’ll be whisked again to 1605 to see if you happen to can foil Man Fawkes…

A view of part of the Tower of London against a blue sky - my 12 days out in London with kids 2018

Hampton Court docket Palace

This magical Tudor palace – constructed by Cardinal Wolsey and ‘acquired’ by Henry VIII – is a wonderful day trip with youngsters in London.

In addition to exploring inside, tracing the palace’s historical past from its Tudor days (don’t miss the sprawling kitchens) to Georgian occasions, there are grounds and gardens to find too, together with the Maze – the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze.

And put aside a few hours for the Magic Backyard playground too: a really enchanting set of play areas, together with sand play, climbing gear and faux hills.

Though it’s proper on the sting of London, there are quick trains operating from Waterloo. Prebooking tickets is beneficial, with extra prices for some particular household actions – there’s a reduction if you happen to ebook by way of tiqets utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Try my assessment of our most up-to-date go to to Hampton Court docket Palace after lockdown in addition to extra concepts for day journeys from London with youngsters

Kensington Palace

Childhood house of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was a favorite of George II and his court docket, and has additionally been house to Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince William and Harry.

With altering reveals, together with a brand new exhibition on royal style, you can too see shows from Queen Victoria’s early years, from her troublesome relations together with her mom to her first assembly with future husband Prince Albert, in addition to tracing her path from a princess no-one thought could be Queen to her coronation.

Elsewhere within the palace you’ll be able to nonetheless play Georgian playing video games, spot a throne, marvel on the grand staircase and picture the balls held right here – plus the seedier facet of the royal court docket with some horrible historical past positive to entertain youngsters.

Prebooking tickets is beneficial – and Kensington Gardens are on the doorstep to discover afterwards.

Try my assessment of visiting Kensington Palace with youngsters after lockdown

Gilded gates and front view of Buckingham Palace - the best of the many royal places in London to see with kids

Buckingham Palace

In the event you’re fascinated by the royal household, the place else must you begin than the monarch’s personal official residence? You may get a glimpse of the outside of Buckingham Palace year-round, in addition to the prospect to go indoors for a couple of months of the 12 months.

Check out the flagpole to search out out whether or not the King is staying there throughout your go to: if it’s the Royal Commonplace, which means Charles III is in residence, but when it’s the Union Flag, he’s at present residing elsewhere. In the event you’re visiting on a weekday, you’ll have extra luck discovering him in than a weekend.

There are numerous completely different opening occasions on the public areas of Buckingham Palace, with some particular guided excursions of the State Rooms throughout Could and June, earlier than its common essential opening dates from July to September.

The Palace gardens are additionally open in the course of the summer time months, whereas the Queen’s Gallery can also be open year-round (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) – prebook tickets right here.

And you can too see among the well-known carriages (and horses within the stables) on the Royal Mews.

For extra concepts of one of the best royal locations in London with youngsters, try my picks from palaces to historic websites

Altering of the guard

One other custom that dates again centuries – this one to the late fifteenth century – the Altering of the guard is one in all London’s hottest free sights as they march of their well-known bearskin hats as a full navy band performs.

The Family Troops have guarded Buckingham Palace since Queen Victoria moved in in 1837, though they’ve guarded the monarch and royal palaces for hundreds of years earlier than then. And from 10.43am, the Outdated Guard palms over to the New Guard in a ceremony which takes round an hour.

You may as well see the guards beginning to type up by the palace from 10.30am and the brand new guard arriving from Wellington Barracks. The Altering of the Guard usually takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, day by day throughout June and July, however could also be cancelled for main occasions in addition to significantly dangerous climate – examine it’s going forward earlier than you queue.

Anticipate to get there early if you need a great place – being too near the palace isn’t all the time excellent, as you don’t essentially have one of the best view via the gates. In the event you’re visiting London with youthful youngsters, get a style at Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Stroll beforehand, the place you’ll be able to spot them forming up and listen to the music at round 10.15.

For a much less busy possibility, you can too see the Queen’s Life Guard change on Horse Guards Parade, which tends to be much less busy – 11am day by day, besides on Sundays when it takes place at 10am.

For extra concepts of free issues to do in London with youngsters, try my high picks – plus this downloadable model

A view across the Thames to the Elizabeth Tower containing Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster - my 22 things to do on the Thames, London, with kids or without

Hearken to Large Ben

One of many icons of London, the Elizabeth Tower – which homes Large Ben – has been beneath scaffolding for the previous couple of years throughout a protracted restoration venture, however has been unveiled in all its glory as soon as once more.

The 96m tall clocktower dates again to 1859 and with London visitors (and plenty of guests climbing the steps inside as a part of the Large Ben excursions), the renovations have been the primary for round 40 years.

Now unveiled as soon as once more, the clock face is seen and excursions are anticipated to start out once more as soon as all of the conservation work is completed.

The 13.7 tonne Nice Bell, as Large Ben is formally recognized, was silenced in the course of the facelift, apart from particular events, however the well-known ‘booooong’ is ringing once more, putting the hour and sounding the quarter chimes.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for London's iconic sights and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for finding some of the iconic sights of London with kids, only 99p'

Homes of Parliament

In the event you’ve all the time fancied seeing contained in the Homes of Parliament there are numerous excursions you’ll be able to take to discover inside.

There are multimedia excursions, if you happen to desire to go at your personal tempo – together with an audio information for youths – or you’ll be able to take one of many guided excursions, to find extra concerning the historical past and traditions of Parliament and its house.

In addition to the 90-minute guided tour out there for all guests, there’s additionally a 75-minute free possibility for UK residents.

UK residents may get a free ticket to see a debate, both within the Home of Commons or the Home of Lords – price doing if you happen to fancy taking in one of many extra standard debates. You’ll want ID, there’s airport-style safety and it’s plan to decorate moderately neatly too.

Contact your MP upfront, in any other case you’ll be able to probability your luck on the day and queue to get in to see the Home in session – recess very often coincides with faculty holidays if you happen to’re visiting with youngsters although.

View of the side entrance to Westminster Abbey with its rose window - one of the best places to visit in London with kids who love history

Westminster Abbey

Unmissable in case your youngsters are involved in British historical past, over 3,300 individuals have been buried or commemorated at Westminster Abbey, together with 16 separate British monarchs (or 17, if you happen to consider the bones regarded as the Princes within the Tower embrace these of Edward V) plus a lot of their consorts.

As you discover inside, you’ll be able to see the tombs of Henry V and all of the Tudors besides Henry VIII, alongside early kings corresponding to Edward the Confessor, who died per week after the abbey was consecrated.

Plantagenet kings together with Henry III, who had the present abbey constructed within the 13th century, and Edward I additionally lie right here, whereas Mary I and Elizabeth I share a tomb. The final King of England to be buried right here is George II.

And each king or queen of England has been topped right here, besides two – Edward V, who was deposed and presumed murdered earlier than his coronation, and Edward VIII who abdicated earlier than his might happen.

Prebooking tickets is beneficial – you can too purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.

Nationwide Belief

You should enterprise out of central London to discover the capital’s Nationwide Belief websites, however there are some nice historic homes to discover, in addition to pretty grounds to get open air in London with youngsters.

  • Osterley Park
    The ‘palace of palaces’, as the home in west London was described, has reopened and you’ll be able to discover the gorgeous gardens in addition to the ‘lengthy stroll’ via the woods. Prebook tickets right here. Try our day trip at Osterley Park after lockdown
  • Ham Home
    This Nationwide Belief property in south west London sits on the banks of the river Thames and has its personal pretty gardens and parkland to discover – there are sometimes nice household trails at school holidays, plus crafts within the servants’ quarters. Prebook tickets right here Get a style of Ham Home with youngsters on this submit.
A view of the rear of Osterley House against a blue sky - visiting Osterley Park after lockdown

English Heritage

London can also be house to a number of superb English Heritage properties, though once more, you’ll should enterprise a little bit manner out of the centre.

  • Kenwood Home
    One of many closest historic homes to central London, set in Hampstead, you’ll additionally discover nice Christmas trails at Kenwood. Prebook tickets right here.
  • Eltham Palace
    Uncover the fantastic Artwork Deco inside of the mansion, together with the medieval nice corridor, gardens, playground and cafe. Prebook tickets right here
  • Chiswick Home
    Spot velvet wallpaper, Outdated Masters and different luxurious touches at this Palladian villa in west London. The gardens are free for the general public to enter, or prebook tickets right here to see inside the home.
  • Marble Hill Home
    The ‘nation retreat’ of the Countess of Suffolk in Twickenham, south west London, reopened in Could 2022 after a serious restoration, bringing the Georgian villa to life and retelling the dramatic story of her life. Free to enter, prebook tickets right here.

There’s at present 15% off membership for English Heritage utilizing code EHAFF2023

A view along the terrace to the rear of Gunnersbury House, the white building against a blue sky with the start of the lawns - my review of a free day out in London, visiting Gunnersbury Park Museum with kids

Gunnersbury Park and Museum

The Rothschilds west London mansion as soon as laid declare to being one of the vital opulent homes within the capital – Disraeli stated even a banquet at Windsor Fortress and Buckingham Palace couldn’t evaluate to dinner right here.

Now was the Gunnersbury Park Museum, you’ll be able to study extra about its historical past in addition to exploring the outdated kitchens, with interactive enjoyable for youths and a small museum on the world.

Entry is free, though the museum is at present closed on Mondays, whereas the kitchens are closed on Mondays-Wednesdays. You may as well uncover among the secrets and techniques of the park – together with a waterside temple constructed for a princess.

For extra concepts of free issues to do in London with youngsters, try my high picks – plus this downloadable model

London excursions and different sights

In the event you’re wanting to save cash on a vacation in London with youngsters (and who isn’t), try the London Move and London Explorer Move – each embrace barely completely different sights and offers, in addition to lasting for various durations, so one of the best London metropolis go relies upon very a lot on how lengthy you’re staying and what you’re planning to see.

For extra concepts on easy methods to lower your expenses on days out in London with youngsters, try my high suggestions

Thames river cruises

I really like seeing London from the river, and it’s my favorite strategy to journey right down to Greenwich on a sunny day too, with the river cruise and sightseeing firms operating once more as regular.

There’s an enormous alternative of boat excursions in London with youngsters too, together with the Horrible Thames cruise which was launched in 2021 by Horrible Histories, together with sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off choices, speedboats and even an opportunity to get behind the wheel your self.

For sightseeing, try Metropolis Cruises which runs varied excursions alongside the river, or if you happen to’re not bothered about commentary, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is usually a less expensive possibility, and a great way to get from A to B.

Click on right here to take a look at the entire set of boat journeys in London with youngsters

Ship in a bottle outside the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich - there's a choice of river cruises in London, including ones to transport you along the Thames to Greenwich

London open-top buses

London has varied open-top bus sightseeing excursions to select from, with completely different choices relying which routes and occasions you need.

Tootbus (beforehand referred to as The Unique Tour) has a particular 45-minute London Youngsters tour in addition to the London Categorical two-hour tour, plus a hop-on hop-off possibility.

Or the hop-on hop-off route from London Large Bus Excursions additionally takes you previous most key landmarks, with some reductions on-line if you happen to purchase upfront.

In the event you fancy creating your personal bus tour for much less – and using on a pink doubledecker as a bonus – Route 15 takes you previous St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London, the 11 passes Westminster Abbey and Horseguards parade, whereas the quantity 9 goes from Trafalgar Sq. to the South Kensington Museums.

For extra of the greatest bus excursions in London with youngsters, try my choose of one of the best, together with choices for teenagers and toddlers

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is well essentially the most well-known of London’s bridges, and in addition to getting a view of its well-known blue and white paint, you’ll be able to head inside to find its historical past.

There’s an opportunity to face on the glass walkway and look down, head into the engine rooms, and there are common household actions for youths too.

Try the Tower Bridge Path for Little Explorers and household path app. Purchase tickets to Tower Bridge by way of the Tiqets web site and there’s a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

In the event you’d like an opportunity of seeing the bridge’s spectacular opening as a much bigger boat comes via, examine the carry occasions.

Try the Tower Bridge Cat collection of tales too, one in all my picks for the greatest youngsters books about London

View of Tower Bridge seen through an arch at the Tower of London - the Tower Bridge exhibition is one of the options for families in London this summer

The Sky Backyard

London’s highest public backyard is free to go to, though you do have to ebook upfront to take in the views – unsurprisingly tickets to the Sky Backyard get snapped up, particularly for weekends and also you’ll want ID, so plan forward.

Not removed from Monument station (check out the well-known Monument itself on the best way, one other free factor to do in London with youngsters if you happen to don’t climb it), the backyard sits on the high of the skyscraper Londoners know because the Walkie Talkie constructing – if you happen to’re combating instructions, it’s not difficult to identify.

With a lined terrace, you will get some superb views throughout to the Shard, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge and alongside the Thames throughout your hour slot. You’ll be able to keep longer if you happen to plan go to one of many locations to eat and drink, though these are (clearly) not free.

You may as well try the view from 300m up within the UK’s tallest constructing – purchase tickets to the View from the Shard right here – in addition to these different nice views in London with youngsters

The London Eye

One of many iconic sights of the town, the London Eye can also be an amazing place to get a hen’s eye view of the capital.

Turning excessive above the South Financial institution and searching throughout the Thames, it’s greatest for good climate – unsurprisingly – however chilly sunny winter days may give some gorgeously clear views.

Or time your ‘flight’ for sundown and watch the lights twinkling on throughout London.

Prebooking is strongly suggested, with reductions if you happen to purchase your tickets on-line upfront. There are additionally fast-track tickets out there to skip the queues, which is right with youngsters, particularly in peak season.

You may as well purchase mixture tickets with the London Dungeon and close by London aquarium.

For extra concepts on how to save cash on days out in London with youngsters, try my high suggestions

A view towards the London Eye against a blue sky, with the river Thames and the old County Hall building seen in the foreground - if you're looking for things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, fast track tickets are definitely a good idea

Madame Tussaud’s

From celebrities to superheroes to the royal household, you’ll be able to whereas away hours gazing on the waxworks on show at Madame Tussauds – and posing alongside fairly a couple of.

And there are always updates and new figures being added: the Marvel Corridor of Heroes is all the time a favorite for followers of the films, there’s a Star Wars space, in addition to seeing the celebs of sport, style and movie.

Prebooked tickets are suggested – if you happen to purchase direct, you’ll be able to reschedule without spending a dime plus there are on-line reductions for reserving upfront.

You may as well purchase mixture tickets with the London Dungeon and London aquarium, in addition to tickets with free cancellation from Get Your Information.

For extra uncommon sights in London with youngsters, keep watch over the pop-up occasions going down in addition to new short-term experiences like Twist Museum of Illusions

The London Dungeon

One for older and braver youngsters, a visit to the London Dungeon is assured to scare you into forgetting the climate, with reside actors whisking you thru 1,000 really alarming years of historical past, plus loads of particular results and rides to get your coronary heart racing even sooner.

One among a string of areas across the UK, like the opposite Dungeons, every location has areas themed to swimsuit its personal historical past too. The London Dungeon, for instance, brings you nose to nose with the Nice Fireplace and Sweeney Todd.

Prebooking is strongly suggested, with on-line reductions if you happen to purchase your tickets upfront: greatest for teenagers and braver tweens. You may as well purchase mixture tickets to different Merlin sights.

For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with youngsters, try my suggestions

Looking down over some barrels to the buildings beyond the Golden Hinde

Golden Hinde

On the banks of the Thames, head again to Tudor occasions as you discover the reproduction of the Golden Hinde, the ship which Francis Drake sailed world wide.

Tickets may be booked on-line or there are walk-up choices, in addition to some very enjoyable household experiences – to this point, we’ve loved a very memorable sleepover in addition to attempting out the model new escape room with youngsters, Escape from the Golden Hinde.

Go Ape excessive ropes

Head up into the bushes to get your coronary heart racing at one of many London Go Ape areas.

There are a number of completely different programs to select from, however essentially the most central is Go Ape Battersea Park, together with a treetop journey course if you happen to’re visiting with youthful youngsters (minimal peak 1m).

Head additional out and there are extra programs at Alexandra Palace with some nice views to distract you: one of many two treetop journey programs at Ally Pally is for any age (1m+), the opposite with a bit extra problem for age 6+ and 1.2m tall.

Or at Cockfosters has a course that’s good for older youngsters, though that is solely appropriate for ages 10+ and 1.4m tall.

Silhouette of the obstacle course against the sky - my Go Ape Battersea Park review, a day out at the city course

Shrek’s Journey

Shrek followers will love the prospect to stroll via the world of Far Far Away, assembly among the well-known characters together with Princess Fiona and Donkey.

There’s a problem to gather elements to search out Shrek and make it house safely, in addition to 10 themed reside reveals and a 4D flying bus to finish Shrek’s Journey. Higher for main faculty aged youngsters who’ll respect the enjoyable than for toddlers and preschoolers.

With the choice to reschedule without spending a dime, you can too get mixed tickets to different Merlin sights, together with the close by aquarium or London Eye. Tickets with free cancellation are additionally out there from Get Your Information.

Discover Harry Potter in London

Harry Potter followers can discover a string of websites from the books and flicks throughout the capital, together with an opportunity to see the designs which introduced the wizarding world to life, in addition to areas which pop up within the movies.

Begin at King’s Cross: Platform 9 ¾ was truly filmed between platforms 4 and 5, however there’s an opportunity to pose with a baggage trolley disappearing via the wall on the station concourse.

Then uncover among the areas used within the Harry Potter motion pictures, together with Leadenhall Market and the Millennium Bridge, and enter the Wizarding World on the Home of MinaLima – graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima created every part from the Marauder’s Map to packets of Bertie Bott’s Each Flavour Beans.

For extra Harry Potter areas in London, try this submit, or try one of many Harry Potter excursions, together with this child-friendly Harry Potter strolling tour.

And whereas the Harry Potter studio tour isn’t in central London, it’s solely a brief journey from Euston and has rapidly change into one of many high London sights with youngsters.

Be ready to ebook properly upfront to discover the Harry Potter Studios, particularly for Hogwarts within the Snow at Christmas and permit a lot of time – there’s an enormous quantity of element for followers to take pleasure in.

For extra recommendations on visiting the Warner Bros studios in Leavesden in addition to concepts of the place to remain close to Harry Potter World, try this submit.

A view across the Thames to St Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium bridge - one of my top 31 days out for Harry Potter fans

Catch a present

The West Finish is rightfully well-known for its theatre so if you happen to’re visiting London with older youngsters, try the offers on the TKTS sales space in Leicester Sq. if you happen to haven’t booked upfront.

There’s a lot for youthful guests to take pleasure in as properly, with nice child-friendly reveals and a few superb youngsters’s theatres. Strive puppet and marionette reveals on the Little Angel Theatre in Islington, whereas the Unicorn Theatre close to London Bridge is geared toward mini theatregoers aged six months plus.

You’ll discover performances in central London as properly: on the Theatre Royal Haymarket, you’ll be able to see reveals just like the Tiger Who Got here To Tea, in addition to Frozen the Musical on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, to call just some.

For extra methods to discover low cost theatre tickets in London with youngsters, try my suggestions

Go to The Globe

Step again to Tudor England with a go to to the Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of the open-air playhouse the place Shakespeare labored, and the place his performs are carried out right now.

And in addition to shopping for a ticket for a efficiency – positively one of the vital memorable methods to see Shakespeare, particularly for teenagers learning the performs – there are sometimes household workshops and occasions throughout faculty holidays.

You may as well take a tour behind the scenes, together with tales of the unique sixteenth century playhouse and London in Shakespeare’s Day, the way it survived plague and political oppression, together with how the Globe was recreated, all packed into 50 minutes.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for London's iconic sights and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for finding some of the iconic sights of London with kids, only 99p'

Get open air in London

London could also be one of many world’s greatest cities however there’s nonetheless loads of inexperienced house – the eight royal parks alone cowl a whopping 5,000 acres, not forgetting the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and loads of locations to play.

Get a free listing of the highest 20 locations to get open air in London with youngsters if you happen to join the London with Youngsters publication right here

Go to the parks

London’s parks are good if you happen to’re seeking to escape the crowds, or for some cool inexperienced house on sunny days, and every has its personal character – to not point out bathrooms and cafes, and normally at the least one playground.

In central London alone, you’ll be able to wander via Hyde Park, with the Diana Memorial fountain to find in addition to its personal playground for youths and the Serpentine Lake.

Subsequent door, Kensington Gardens is house to the Diana Memorial Playground (working a one-in one-out rule at busy occasions), among the best playgrounds within the metropolis, together with the Peter Pan statue and the fountains within the north-east nook.

Two pelicans swimming in the lake at St James's Park in London - one of the unusual things to do in London with kids in the royal parks

The well-known pelicans at St James’s Park are one of many greatest sights there – and an amazing place to burn off some steam after visiting Westminster.

You’re virtually assured to identify the birds swimming and lounging on their island as you wander via the oldest of the royal parks.

Or spot the peacocks in Holland Park, typically to be discovered strutting close to the Japanese backyard. There’s an amazing journey playground right here for youths too.

Pitzhanger Manor has a nature treasure hunt to obtain that’s nice for exploring any park or convey a duplicate of I Spy within the Park for some added enjoyable

Not removed from the British Museum, Coram’s Fields is house to playgrounds, a wildlife backyard and paddling pool – and it’s good for households as you’re solely allowed in if you happen to’re visiting Coram’s Fields with youngsters.

In north London, you possibly can get a sneak peek of some of the animals at the zoo from the trail at Regent’s Park – the zoo itself can also be open – or mix your stroll with a stroll alongside the Regent’s Canal.

From right here, you possibly can additionally head to Primrose Hill, or additional north is the open house of Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill park with its personal little free zoo.

In the event you’re in south London, you’ll be able to take pleasure in some extra river views from Battersea Park as discover tranquillity on the Peace Pagoda. The sights inside the park embrace Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo (check out my assessment of the little zoo right here), and Putt within the Park mini golf, plus the Go Ape excessive ropes course.

Additional out, in addition to recognizing deer at Richmond Park, you possibly can climb King Henry’s Mound and absorb the views of the town or see the vivid flowers of the Isabella Plantation.

My daughter looks down from the hill by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich across the park to the Royal Naval college and skyscrapers on the London skyline - visiting the parks is one of my top things to do in London with kids this summer

Greenwich park has its personal herd of deer in addition to some nice views from the hill on the Royal Observatory.

And for a extra uncommon day trip in London with youngsters, you’ll be able to nonetheless head to Crystal Palace park to see the dinosaurs (the megalosaurus is again with a facelift – it had been present process repairs after sadly being broken a couple of years in the past).

For extra free locations to go to in London with youngsters try this submit – or purchase my downloadable information

Discover a playground

Together with the playgrounds within the royal parks, together with the Diana Memorial Playground and Holland Park journey playground, you’ll discover some nice locations for youths to have enjoyable all through the town.

The ship in the sand at the heart of the Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens - one of the great free things to do in London with kids

Paddington Recreation Floor – aka Paddington Rec, close to Maida Vale tube – is without doubt one of the most spectacular, with its pastel colored playhouses, steamliner, practice, tunnel, musical devices and forest play space, all designed to encourage artistic play.

On the riverside, Bishop’s Park has water play and an city seashore amongst its playgrounds, plus a rose backyard and sculpture backyard. You can additionally be a part of the Thames Path right here in addition to trying out Fulham Palace gardens subsequent door.

Jubilee Park & Backyard close to the London Eye has its personal playground if you happen to’re taking a stroll alongside the South Financial institution.

And in east London, Victoria Park has each a playground and a splash park, or there’s the Tumbling Bay playground with sand, wobbly bridges, swimming pools and extra to play in on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

For extra of the greatest playgrounds in London, try this submit

Splash within the fountains

One attraction that’s just for the summer time, there’s nothing like cooling off from the warmth of the town in one of many pop-up fountains.

Simply behind King’s Cross, the fountains at Granary Sq. are made up of 1,080 choreographed jets – every individually managed – which squirt in patterns for youths to splash in.

Or on the South Financial institution, the Showing Rooms on the Southbank Centre is a enjoyable various (youngsters have to put on a high right here). Designed as an interactive sculpture, the jets of water create ‘rooms’ as they shoot into the air – earlier than vanishing once more simply as rapidly.

Additional alongside the river, you’ll discover the Extra London fountains close to Tower Bridge, and one other set within the courtyard of Somerset Home on the other financial institution.

It goes with out saying to take spare garments!

For extra concepts of issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, try this submit

View along the Thames with one of the bridges and St Paul's visible

Stroll by the river

There are miles and miles of Thames path to discover in addition to the parks – one in all my favorite components of the town, the river is the true coronary heart of London for me.

There are many London sights by the Thames if you wish to mix one thing else along with your stroll.

In any other case, head to the South Financial institution, the place there’s all the time one thing to see – try the programme right here, from the Christmas market in winter to pop-up occasions and festivals with road meals, reside music, markets, rides and video games.

One among my favorite stretches of river, you’ll discover quirky artwork and iconic buildings for a few of London’s greatest Instagram views too.

In the event you’re seeking to get onto the river itself, try one of the best boat journeys in London with youngsters

Discover the canals

For one more waterfront wander, head to London’s canals. The stretch of the Regent’s Canal round Little Venice is without doubt one of the greatest recognized however you can too head right down to Paddington Basin, to take a look at the Floating Pocket Park (mini inexperienced areas which bob on the water).

At noon on Wednesdays and Fridays, or 2pm on Saturdays, you’ll be able to see the Fan Bridge being lifted at Paddington Basin as properly.

Stroll The Line

The Line is London’s first public artwork stroll, operating between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, alongside a few of east London’s waterways and following the road of the Greenwich Meridian.

There are half a dozen artworks on the North Greenwich peninsula alone, close to The O2 if you happen to don’t fancy following all the route, which takes round 2 1/2 hours to stroll (doubtless extra if you happen to’re doing it with youngsters!)

The Sackler Crossing bridge over the lake at Kew Gardens after reopening post-lockdown

Go to Kew Gardens

I’ve visited Kew Gardens numerous occasions with my daughter, ranging from a picnic shortly after she was born to repeated visits throughout current lockdowns – and there’s all the time one thing new to find.

Try my suggestions for exploring Kew Gardens with youngsters

You’ll discover common household occasions going down, from faculty vacation trails (corresponding to this one themed round the Beano) to the Christmas at Kew gentle path, in addition to the incredible Youngsters’s Backyard playground.

However even other than the additional actions, there are acres to discover, recognizing the dragons on the pagoda and the close by Japanese backyard, seeing peacocks strut alongside Cedar Vista and recognizing Syon Palace throughout the river from Syon Vista.

You’ll be able to stroll contained in the Hive and head as much as the treetop cover, enterprise into the glass homes, and discover out what it feels prefer to be a badger – to not point out flowers galore all year long.

Tickets can be found a number of months upfront – click on right here to prebook – and time slots to the Youngsters’s Backyard can be prebooked, which is a good suggestion throughout peak season, weekends and faculty holidays particularly.

You may as well go to Kew Palace as a part of entry to the gardens, whereas Queen Charlotte’s cottage is open in the course of the summer time months.

My daughter walks across the wild walk ropes course at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes, one of the best places to get outdoors in London with kids

WWT London Wetland Centre

At this inexperienced oasis not removed from Hammersmith, you’ll be able to spot short-clawed otters and uncover extra concerning the wetlands, in addition to attempting household actions throughout holidays.

There are additionally two play areas – an indoor play room, which is nice on colder, drizzly days, in addition to the Wild Stroll and fabulous wildlife-themed out of doors play space, with tunnels, water play and the standard playground enjoyable.

Look out for particular trails, together with big Lego statues, in addition to serving to youngsters to study extra about nature and conservation as you stroll across the wetlands themselves.

Tickets to the London Wetland Centre in Barnes may be prebooked, though it’s not important.

Examine a few of our earlier visits to whet your urge for food right here – assembly the otters on the London Wetlands and our day trip pond dipping.

See Walthamstow Wetlands

Round quarter-hour from central London, the Walthamstow Wetlands are the latest and largest wetlands within the metropolis and are free to go to – with 13 miles of paths via the character reserve to discover throughout 211 hectares.

Europe’s largest city wetland reserve is about round 10 reservoirs, and there are common trails to find, plus a customer centre within the Victorian Engine Home.

It’s also strolling distance from a number of tube stations, together with Tottenham Hale and Blackhorse Highway on the Victoria Line, which is round 10 minutes from the principle entrance on Ferry Lane/Forest Highway.

For extra free locations to go to in London with youngsters try this submit – or purchase my downloadable information

Fulham Palace Gardens

As soon as the gardens at Fulham Palace have been the protect of Bishops, who’d stroll right here on the banks of the Thames. Now the 13 acres of botanic gardens are open to the general public, together with a pure play space.

Whilst you go to, you can too pop inside the home and museum – prebook a free timeslot to go searching or simply flip up. There are household trails too, in addition to a restaurant, whereas Bishop’s Park is subsequent door for much more inexperienced house.

My daughter walks through Chelsea Physic Garden - one of my things to do in London with kids this summer

Chelsea Physic Backyard

The fascinating mixture of vegetation on the Chelsea Physic Backyard make it a beautiful place to whereas away an hour or so with youngsters.

One thing of a hidden gem beside the Thames, there are sometimes youngsters’s trails in addition to the glasshouses to discover.

Stroll-up tickets can be found, or you’ll be able to prebook tickets, together with for household exercise days.

Discover Covent Backyard

There’s all the time one thing to see across the Covent Backyard Piazza, whether or not you like to browse the market stalls, take pleasure in some road theatre or uncover the most recent shows.

At Christmas, big baubles dangle from the glass roof, when you might additionally discover something from Lego creations to Disney-inspired enjoyable to occasional leisure on the massive screens.

The road performers audition for the coveted slots right here, and also you may spot something from magic tips to music – it’s free to observe, though if you happen to benefit from the present, it’s solely honest to drop one thing within the hat on the finish.

Whilst you’re there, take a stroll over to close by Neal’s Yard for its eye-catchingly shiny buildings.

In the event you’re on the lookout for one of the best locations to remain close to Covent Backyard with youngsters, try my choose of household lodges in London

Spot road artwork

There’s loads of road artwork to identify across the capital – one thing which adjustments repeatedly, so it’s doable to search out new additions even in your doorstep.

The largest concentrations are round East London, particularly Shoreditch and Hackney. Wander alongside Brick Lane and the roads close by, or if you happen to’re near Liverpool Road and Spitalfields, there’s road artwork to be discovered right here too.

The Leake Road tunnel close to Waterloo adjustments always however you’re assured to find one thing eye-catching right here as properly.

In any other case, the South Financial institution and Camden have a lot to identify, whereas Walthamstow is making a reputation for its road artwork too – comply with the Wooden Road Partitions maps.

For extra issues to do in Camden with youngsters, try my high picks

And you may nonetheless spot among the 40 artistic endeavors created by greater than 15 artists in the course of the London Mural Pageant again in 2020.

Street art figures on a yellow background at London's South Bank - discovering street art in London with kids

Go on a treasure hunt

I’m an enormous fan of treasure-hunt fashion trails to discover cities with youngsters – way more thrilling than merely wandering, it retains them engaged and entertained, and also you get to do a lot of sightseeing alongside the best way.

For youthful youngsters, I’ve created a easy scavenger hunt to identify a few of London’s iconic sights, to allow them to tick them off as they go.

Or the maps from Treasure Map Trails are good with youngsters: brightly colored, with a unusual theme, plus the problem of recognizing a lot of sudden particulars you may in any other case miss.

There’s 10% off all of the Treasure Map Trails with code MUMMYTRAVELS, together with all of the central London mapsCovent Backyard, Leicester Sq. & Chinatown + Trafalgar Sq..

There are extra choices to boost a stroll in London with youngsters from Treasure Trails too. We adopted the Greenwich Treasure Path with buddies final summer time which took us from the Cutty Sark via the park, previous the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian and to the Nationwide Maritime Museum and riverside.

There’s a whole of fifty completely different Treasure Trails throughout London so that you’re assured to search out one near you – as a result of even after a lifetime visiting and residing in London, there’s all the time one thing new to find.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for London's iconic sights and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for finding some of the iconic sights of London with kids, only 99p'

Uncover the Secret Tales of London

With so many centuries of historical past, you possibly can spend your entire life discovering new corners and new tales as you discover.

Happily, the Ordnance Survey Secret Tales app has made it simpler by turning a few of these quirky tales into themed excursions, together with less-visited corners of the town, in addition to routes previous the enduring landmarks.

Designed with youngsters in thoughts, they’re written to entertain in addition to inform (full disclosure: I’ve written a number of for OS) with matters on every part from Stuart kings and queens to the highwaymen of Hyde Park, the Romans, ghosts, authors and extra.

The app is free to obtain for ioS and Android – tour costs fluctuate, together with some free choices.

Banner image including two shots of a phone, and the words Secret Stories: Discover mini adventures - the Ordnance Survey Secret Stories app is a fun way to explore London with kids

London sights that are nonetheless closed

The next London sights are nonetheless closed or have but to announce their opening date after lockdown.

The gallery is closed till 2023, as a part of ongoing renovations.

The Museum of Childhood (Younger V&A)

Additionally set to reopen in 2023, the previous Museum of Childhood is being reworked into the Younger V&A.

For concepts of the place to remain in London with youngsters, try my choose of one of the best household pleasant lodges and flats

Getting round London with youngsters

Realistically, it’s difficult to get round London with out utilizing public transport in any respect – if you happen to do plan to drive, the congestion cost has been expanded over the previous couple of years, with the fee rising to £15.

Some autos should pay additional inside the Extremely Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ), which can also be increasing in 2023

And that’s all earlier than you pay for parking as properly… So public transport is by far the best strategy to get across the centre, together with the brand new Elizabeth line, tube, bus, DLR and overground (to not point out boats and bus excursions).

A London Underground sign with the words underground on - my 12 days out in London with kids 2018

Youngsters beneath 11 journey free on the tube, with decreased costs for youngsters aged 11-15 as properly – for extra recommendations on utilizing the London Underground with youngsters, click on right here, together with particulars of getting decreased fares.

Accompanied youngsters aged beneath 15 journey free on buses as properly. Click on right here for the most recent data on public transport in London, together with security measures, corresponding to particulars of carrying masks and when the busiest stations and occasions to keep away from are, accessibility and some other adjustments.

When you’re within the centre, I’d all the time suggest strolling round London the place you’ll be able to as there’s a lot to see that you just’ll miss underground.

For extra information and concepts, join the London with Youngsters publication or be a part of the London with youngsters Fb group which I assist to run

*First printed summer time 2020, final up to date 2023*

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS

The best things to do in London with kids, from museums to animal attractions including London Zoo, ways to get outdoors and other family attractions and tours in London

Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee.

Fundamental picture/Science Museum/Buckingham Palace/Homes of Parliament/HMS Belfast/lion statue/Millennium Bridge/Diana memorial playground/underground signal courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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