The Only Itinerary You Need For A Visit To London With Kids
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
If you’re thinking about a family vacation in London, it can feel a little overwhelming which is why we’ve put together a London itinerary for a visit with kids.
London is brilliant and yes, we’re biased.
Most of The London Mother staff were born and raised here and we wouldn’t want to do what we do or raise our families anywhere else.
Consider us your friendly virtual tour guides and just the right people to show you around.
We’ll show you the best things to do in London with kids (of all ages) and what to do if you’re only in town for three or five days.
If you’re researching family vacations to London, this guide will show you the best things to do in the capital with kids (of all ages) even if you’re only in town for three or five days.
Where to stay in London with kids
Where to stay really comes down to personal choice and budget.
Staying in Zone 1 is the most expensive but means you’re close to all the tourist attractions and traveling back to your hotel will be easy.
The further away from Zone 1 you go, the cheaper things will be.
Our favourite family hotels in London include:
Check out our full guide to the best family hotels and another article on the best family apartments in London.
Things To Do In London With Toddlers
If you’re visiting the city with little people, we suggest the following:
- Visit the London Transport Museum
- Take them to play at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground
- Explore The Barbican Centre
- Let your tot interact and experiment at The Science Museum
- Go to The Unicorn Theatre and watch their baby and toddler-friendly shows
Get more inspiration via this article for 11 things to do with toddlers (all under £10).
London Itinerary with Tweens and Teens
Tweens and teens need activities specially designed to appeal to their likes (and social media feeds).
Why not try:
- Shopping on Oxford Street
- A thrilling climb across The 02
- Singing, acting, producing or writing at The Roundhouse’s workshops and courses for young people
- Visiting the amazing street art that London has to offer
- Climbing The Monument
- Seeing one of London’s top theatre shows
- Going for a wander around Covent Garden Market
- Grabbing lunch or dinner at sketch
- Playing laser tag
Read this article for more things to do with tweens and teenagers.
Top 10 London Attractions for Kids
If time is short or you’re searching for what to do for a day in London with kids, add the following places to your must-visit list:
- Science Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Hamley’s Toy Store
- Coca-Cola London Eye
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium
- Covent Garden
- Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Itinerary for 3 days in London with family
If you’ve only got three days in London with kids, we suggest:
Day 1
The Changing of the Guards takes place from 10.45 am daily, which you can view from outside the Palace forecourt.
There is a playground on the southwest corner of St James Park that you can take the kids to whilst you’re waiting for the Changing of The Guard.
Big Ben
Arguably the most iconic symbol of London, its official name is actually the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is actually the largest of the tower’s five bells and weighs 13.7 tonnes!
A must-do whilst you’re in London, a ride on this giant Ferris wheel offers unrestricted views across London and beyond.
Every ticket comes with The London Eye 4D Experience, a multi-sensory show that captures the history of The London Eye through to incredible special effects.
Queues can be long, so make sure you purchase fast-track tickets or try going towards the end of the day.
SEA Life has 350 species of sharks, octopuses, piranhas and more for the family to discover.
For an extra special visit, book one of their VIP experiences, which can include a behind-the-scenes tour with the experts or even a chance to feed the penguins.
Day 2
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an excellent place for everyone to learn and discover – whatever the weather.
Free family activities include the famous Dinosaurs gallery, an investigation centre where kids and adults can hold fossils, talk with scientists and more.
There is an outdoor gallery is open all year round, with more than 3,000 species of creatures and plants to explore throughout the seasons.
Science Museum
The Science Museum always offers interactive and educational activities for families.
‘The Garden’ is an excellent multi-sensory play space for kids to discover all things scientific.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Constructed in memory of the late Princess Diana, the playground has a huge wooden pirate ship that kids will love climbing.
There are also different sculptures to climb and a water play area.
Hyde Park
As London’s largest Royal Park, it covers more than 350 acres and its fine scenery will be a welcome change to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Day 3
The Tower is a renowned historical castle and fortress famous for being home to the Crown Jewels.
Another legendary part of visiting the Tower of London is the Beefeaters, so make sure you book the Yeoman Warder tour, where the Beefeaters will enlighten you on the history of the Tower.
They also have plenty of anecdotes to keep the kids entertained.
Tower Bridge
Another iconic symbol of London that has much to offer families.
The bridge has a dedicated rota for young visitors full of fun activities, and their interactive Family Trail app and booklet will keep them entertained as they learn.
See if the kids (or the adults) have the nerves of steel needed to walk across the glass floor!
Borough Market
One of London’s most popular food markets, you can try pretty much any food from around the world.
Perfect for both foodies and fussy kids.
5 Day London Itinerary With Kids
Days 1 – 3 as above
Day 4
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular tourist spots, and for good reason.
You can watch the street performers, browse the interesting shops and markets or dine at one of the restaurants (Cafe Murano is great for kids).
The London Transport Museum is a great place for families to visit, full of interesting exhibitions and displays, and it has a play zone for kids aged 7 and under.
Have Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea has become a vital part of a visit to London.
When you’ve got kids in tow, you don’t need to miss out on this regal tradition.
Many of London’s top hotels and restaurants offer afternoon tea for children, with fun themes like ‘Mad Hatters’ and ‘The Tiger Who Came to Afternoon Tea’.
We’ve got a guide to the best afternoon teas for children here.
Catch a show in London’s West End
Seeing a show is one of the most exciting ways to spend time together as a family while you’re in the city.
Classics like The Lion King will please kids and adults alike.
Or why not try newer productions like Mary Poppins and Back to the Future?
Try and book in advance so you can get your theatre tickets at a cheaper price.
Whatever your personal taste, London offers many family-friendly stage productions.
Day 5
Hamleys Toy Store
Hamley’s at Regent Street is the world’s largest toy store, with seven sprawling floors of toys to explore.
There are many activities for kids to do here, including joining Hamley’s and Hattie (the shop’s famous bears) to help them open the shop, and then take a selfie with them afterwards.
We know that many capital cities now have one, but the very first Madame Tussauds opened in London over 180 years ago.
Since then it’s charmed many with its realistic collection of waxwork A-List celebs, superheroes, sports stars and more.
Kids (and adults!) will love posing next to their favourite film characters like Beyonce, Yoda and Spiderman.
Kitschy but worth the trip.
It’s hard to find a more family-friendly attraction in London than Battersea Zoo as it was created with younger ones in mind, aiming to offer a more personal experience at the zoo for families.
Check their website for animal feeding times, as kids can experience feeding otters, meerkats or even monkeys!
We recommend taking the River Bus to Battersea Park to visit the Children’s Zoo
It’s a great way to see some of the sites on an alternative mode of transport.
If the weather is against you (always carry an umbrella; London’s reputation for rain, rain and more rain is deserved!) try one of London’s indoor playgrounds.
London’s Best Parks
If the weather is on your side, London has some fabulous, free parks with lots of family-friendly activities on offer.
Our favourites are:
- Bushy Park
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Victoria Park
- The Green Park
- Clissold Park
- Greenwich Park
- Hyde Park
- Hampstead Heath
- Kensington Gardens
- The Regent’s Park + Primrose Hill
- Richmond Park
- St James Park
These parks are great for a general walk around, a picnic (food is important to Londoners so there are supermarkets, cafes, coffee shops and takeaway spots on most streets).
Some offer rowing on their lakes, which is harder work than it sounds!
If you’re visiting in summer, pack some swimwear as London is home to some great outdoor swimming and water play areas.
London’s Best Markets
If you want to pick up something a little different, try one of London’s many markets:
Brick Lane – East London
You never know quite what you’re going to find here but that’s part of its charm.
We love the saris and genuine Indian food.
Portobello Road, Notting Hill – West London
Nothing like the film (sorry) but great for vintage finds in music, vintage, art and fruit and vegetables.
Greenwich Market – South East London
Small business owners sell a curated selection of food, clothing, beauty, art and homewares.
The market owners are very fussy about who they allow to sell here so you can buy with confidence knowing you aren’t being ripped off or buying rubbish (South East London).
You’re also close to the delights of Greenwich.
Spitalfields Market – East London
A short walk from Shoreditch station, you can find everything here – food, fashion, art, vintage, beauty.
It’s not the cheapest market but it’s one of the most unique.
Camden Market – North London
Always overflowing with tourists and locals, it’s an odd mixture of everything.
Maybe not the best advert for London but worth a visit nonetheless.
Broadway Market – East London
Fabulous food, fashion and furniture.
Expect the weird and wonderful.
We hope our guide enables you to have the best family vacations in London.
From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to family-friendly attractions like London Zoo and the Harry Potter Studio Tour, create unforgettable memories while exploring the vibrant city.
Enjoy your visit!