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Teenagers in London – 75 Things To Do

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By Fiona Tapp

Teenagers can be notoriously hard to please so we’ve put together a guide to over 70 fun activities in London for teenagers.

London is arguably one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Home to world-class tourist attractions, music, theatre, restaurants and shopping.

But to your average tween or teenager?

Not so much.

It can seem like things they enjoyed just a short time ago are suddenly worthy of a seriously harsh eye roll.

So if you’re looking for cool things to do in London with your teenage daughter or son, consider making them the expert and ask them “what’s cool?”

If they’re reluctant to share, take a look over our list of things to do in London with teenagers and be prepared to elicit that rare sighting, a smile!

Wondering about activities for teenagers in London?

London offers a wide range of exciting and fun things to do for young adults, such as exploring iconic landmarks and immersing themselves in the city’s rich cultural scene.

There are numerous things to do in London for teens – mine enjoy visiting iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, exploring the vibrant street art scene in Shoreditch, and enjoying the shopping on Oxford Street.

Days out for teenagers can include visiting museums, exploring theme parks, or going on guided tours.

70+ Things To Do With Teenagers In London

Shop Til They Drop

Most teens are happy to spend their parent’s money as long as they can find a shop to match their personal style.

oxford_circus

Oxford Street isn’t like it used to be (love and miss you old friend Topshop) but still worth a trip.

For the alternative crowd, grab one of their friends, hit up outdoor markets like London’s Camden, Covent Garden and Spitalfields.

For more shopping ideas, check our guide to the best London shops for teens.

camden market

Horizon 22

Horizon 22 is London’s highest free viewing platform.

view from horizon 22

A short nine-minute walk from Liverpool Street station, the platform offers 300-degree views of London, is fully accessible and assistance-dog friendly.

The building is perfect for featuring on their social media feed.

night view  from horizon 22

Get deals and discounts on train tickets with Trainline.

Gripped

  • Hounslow
  • Tickets from £20
  • Height restrictions apply

Gripped is part of the largest leisure development in London since the Olympics, which in total spans 126 acres.

The aerial attraction is the first of its kind in the UK and a totally new offering to London.

gripped london

At Gripped you can:

  • Explore the treetops and enjoy sky-high views on one of two high rope trail courses.
  • Bounce and scramble across the net adventure park – burn off some energy navigating the series of tunnels, jumps and slides.
  • Free jump from platforms onto huge inflatable bags – unattached to any equipment
  • Whizz down one of two 50-metre-long and 20-metre-high speed and spiral slides.
  • Jump off a 24m high tower attached to the Power Fan restraint system.
  • Join a dual zip line trekking course – the longest in London – and speed through 30m tall trees

You can easily spend a day at Gripped if you do five or more activities.

We went with a group of kids ranging from 9 to 16 and they had such a great time! The staff are super friendly, nothing is too much bother and we will 100% be going back.

It’s right next door to Hobbledown Heath which is marketed toward kids aged 5 to 13 but we took a 14 year old (who expected not to like it) and he had a blast!

hobbledown heath

A must-visit during the summer holidays.

We live in south east London but it’s more than worth the trip!

iFly Indoor Skydiving

It’s not cheap but iFly is the only place in London you can try your hand at indoor skydiving.

iFly Indoor Skydiving

Located in The O2, iFly aims to replicate a skydiving experience and their flights are about 1.5 times longer than a tandem jump at around 60 seconds.

Prices start at £39.99 per person and kids as young as three can take part.

Snorkel With Sharks – SeaLife London

Spend 15 minutes snorkelling in a transparent cage with 360° views of the aquarium’s sharks.

Snorkel With Sharks - SeaLife London

All dive and safety equipment is provided and the £170 price tag includes entry to explore the aquarium.

Monopoly Lifesized

Monopoly Lifesized is a new, participatory gameplay attraction featuring the best of the iconic board game, escape rooms and team challenges.

monopoly lifesize london

All the most well-loved elements of classic Monopoly gameplay have been translated into a 4D experience on a full-sized board that teams of players will move around.

You’ll be participating in challenges as you go in order to acquire properties, earn money as you Pass Go, Go To Jail, pick up a Chance Card and maybe get lucky landing on Free Parking.

There are three individually designed and unique main gameplay boards:

  • Classic
  • The Vault
  • Junior Board (for kids age 5 to 8 if you’re visiting with little brothers/sisters.)

The game consists of 75 minutes of gameplay on a 15 x 15m board, featuring eight properties, two utility companies, two train stations, jail, free parking, Go, and just visiting.

Inside Monopoly life sized London

Each board can host between 8 and 24 people split into four teams, all playing against each other.

Each team will have their own personal Monopoly token to lead them around the game, taking scores, and giving hints where required.

The challenges are a mixture of physical and mental puzzles and games that test players’ skills and lateral thinking.

Challenges are themed appropriately for the square, featuring either some historical or current day relationship with that part of London.

Puttshack

Puttshack is like standard mini-golf but better.

They’ve combined your standard mini golf with great food and drink, and ground-breaking technology.

You won’t need your standard pencil and paper scorecard, it’s all done virtually.

Your profile is linked to your ball and you work your way around trying to score as many points as possible.

End your game with a teen favourite – burger and chips.

Puttshack_Food

Delicious!

Visit A Gruesome Museum

When it comes to London activities for teens, anything strange, gross or gruesome holds particular appeal.

Clink Prison Museum

So skip the traditional museums and instead take a trip to The London Dungeon or the Clink Prison Museum to see how crimes were punished in the past.

Or for some really unusual exhibits, visit the Grant Museum of Zoology home to a huge variety of  animal specimens including a jar of moles and a Quagga skeleton (a rare type of Zebra extinct since 1883.)

Take your teenager to Grant Museum Zoology London
(c) Matt Clayton

Spy On A Real Trial

Teenagers 14 years old and over can make a trip to London’s Old Bailey and listen to a real-life court drama.

It’s one of the more unusual teenage attractions but young people interested in a career in law may find this day trip educational.

Be advised – you cannot enter the court with a camera phone.

Aerial Gymnastics

Aerial Gymnastics London offers a range of adult and kid classes designed to develop a happier mind and healthier body.

Aerial Gymnastics

Combining gymnastic and circus elements, it’s an inclusive place with all ages, bodies are fitness levels welcomed.

Read the Grants page for news on how you can get between 25% and 100% off class fees for families who couldn’t otherwise afford them.

Skywalk, Tottenham Hotspur

The Skywalk experience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is great for adventure seekers.

Skywalk experience

VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Check out 360-degree views of London’s iconic skyline from the top of the stadium.

After walking around the world-famous golden cockerel, the brave among you can finish strong with a controlled descent from the roof of the stadium.

skywalk descent

VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

StreetHunt Games

When the kids are too old – or have already done – the major London attractions, try StreetHunt Games.

streethunt games London

It’s an engaging outdoor, self-guided mystery set in London – think grown-up scavenger hunt meets escape room meets murder mystery, played outside across the city.

In The Case of Colombia’s Finest, you’re introduced to Jim Robusta and his coffee company.

Jim’s colleagues have shady pasts, and you must sniff out evidence of a crime amongst the caffeine.

treasure hunt london

It costs £15 per person and takes around two hours with individual team sizes of two to five (if you’re in a larger group you can form multiple teams and pit your wits against each other).

You’ll self-navigate to offbeat locations, solving location-specific cryptic clues as you’re immersed in your own murder mystery investigation.

scavenger hunt London

Cruise London’s sights in a hot tub

Why see the Thames by boat when you can sail in a floating hot tub?

Hot-Tub-Boat

Whatever the weather, the water inside Skuna’s unique vessels is heated to a balmy 38ºC (100ºF): so grab your family, friends and swimwear for a bonkers (yet brilliant) private voyage through Canary Wharf.

Skuna’s BBQ boats are hot property in summer too, featuring sizzling grills and plush sun loungers.

Skuna-BBQ-Boat

Look Over London

For an impressive view over London check out the Sky Garden 525 feet up. You can also eat in the restaurant if your budget allows.

As the highest public garden, Sky Garden boasts panoramic views of the capital and is a great free place to see just how spectacular the city looks from above.

Take your teenager to Sky Garden London

If you’re looking for the best things to do in London with your teenager for free, visit Sky Garden.

Although entry is free you do need to reserve a ticket.

You can also get great views of the city from the London Eye, Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK.

london eye

Thames Rockets

Thames Rockets offers sightseeing tours with a twist.

Board their speedboats and see over 20 iconic landmarks and sights while hurtling down the Thames at high speeds of up to 35 knots.

thames rockets speed boat

There are quick-witted tour guides and super-skilled skippers on board to add a personal touch to the experience through the capital.

Go On A Thames Cruise

Get on at Westminster and see sights like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and Tate Modern.

thames cuise

Get off at Greenwich and cruise the market, museums and Cutty Sark.

Start A Business Together

We are huge believers in entrepreneurship; the job your teenager ends up doing might not even exist yet. The creativity and business ideas they come up with might surprise you.

Give them a head start with our free e-book on 25 business ideas for teens.

Visit Up At The O2

Looking for outdoor activities for teenagers?

The adventurous among us looking for things for teens to do in London can book a 90-minute walk over the top of The O2 building.

Up at the O2

Dressed in fetching boiler suits or body warmers in summer, you and your teen, after watching a safety video, will be clipped into a wire.

You’ll then follow a guide to the very top of the structure for breathtaking views and a real sense of achievement.

Ride The ArcelorMittal Slide

If you’re wondering what to do in London with teenagers that like an adrenaline rush, visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Let the bravest among you take a slide down the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide where you might just reach speeds of up to 15 miles an hour!

Arcelor Mittal Slide

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is 250 feet high and features 12 thrilling twists and turns.

Tour Wembley Stadium

Footie fans will be beside themselves at the opportunity to check out the players’ dressing room and walk the tunnel onto the pitch just like their favourite players on the Wembley Stadium Tour.

wembley stadium tour for teenagers

You can tour most London football stadiums too.

The ones in the (2024) Premier League are

  • Arsenal
  • Brentford
  • Chelsea
  • Crystal Palace
  • Fulham
  • Tottenham Hotspur
  • West Ham United 

Most tours offer access to behind-the-scenes areas such as the player’s tunnel and the home team dressing room and a unique view of the history and legacy of your favourite team.

Go Skating

If you’re looking for things to do in London with teens that like sports, go and learn to do tricks on their board at BaySixty6 covered skate and BMX skate park in Ladbroke Grove.

Your teenage daughter might particularly appreciate the “girls only” skate times where she can practice without the boys stealing the limelight.

Other popular skateboarding locations include:

  • Finsbury Park Skatepark
  • St Paul’s Cathedral
  • South Bank
  • Canada Water
  • Harrow Skatepark
  • Victoria Park
  • Stockwell Skatepark
  • Charlton Park
  • Stratford Shopping Centre 
  • Peckham Rye Park
  • Charlton Park
  • Rom Skatepark, Hornchurch

See An Opera/Ballet at the Royal Opera House

If your young person is aged 16-25, take advantage of the Royal Opera House’s Young ROH scheme.

Members can see a variety of shows for £25 if they open an account.

Young ROH

They can also enjoy Young ROH nights filled with world-class opera and ballet in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by other cultured young people.

Go For A Drive

If your teen is under 17 and desperate to get on the road, take them to Young Driver for some lessons.

They’ll be able to develop their skills on a simulated road with a two-way traffic system and roundabouts.

Creative Career Sessions At Somerset House

Somerset House has a two-pronged approach to introducing young people to a creative career.

Somerset House
(c) Robert Sae-Heng

Creative Careers Academy supports young under-represented people (18-25) interested in the creative industries with paid work placements (London Living Wage salaries) across different organisations based at Somerset House.

Their Creative Job Studio helps young people understand exactly what creative roles are through face-to-face networking sessions with industry professionals, curated artistic events, talks, screenings and podcasts.

Get A Makeover

Visit a beauty counter and try make-up on at a make-over or make-under.

MAC and Fenty Beauty (from Rihanna) both have a wide range that suits all skin tones.

Volunteer

Encourage your kids to volunteer for a range of causes that will make them feel warm and gooey inside and also look good on their developing CV.

volunteering teenagers London

Try to choose options that are aligned with your teenage son or daughter’s interests or future career aspirations.

If they are inspired to enter broadcasting, for instance, consider signing them up to volunteer at a radio station; Reprezent Radio accepts younger people.

Discover Bunker 51

Head to the Docklands where an old nuclear shelter has been turned into a laser tag and paintball emporium.

Those over 12 will graduate from the junior paintball lower impact equipment to something a little more serious, parents beware.

Get Outside And Go Climbing

Need inspiration for fun activities for teenagers?

Get above the treetops at Go Ape (various sites around London).

Go Ape London

The course takes 2-3 hours including a zig-zag bridge, stepping stones and a 50m zip line to really up the adrenaline factor.

Jump

Head to Croydon, Greenwich or Acton where you’ll find Oxygen Freejumping trampoline park where your teen can bounce around on over 100 trampolines.

oxygen freejumping trampoline park

They can also explore 14 different zones and play games like Dodgeball and Aeroball, they can even have their birthday party here!

Wherever you are in London, there’s a trampoline park near you.

Solve The Perfect Crime

Running at 30-minute intervals, Wednesday to Saturday, the Perfect Crime is based on the world’s greatest unsolved art heist— the theft of Rembrandt’s The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

the perfect crime escape room London

Perfect Crime combines immersive theatre, live-action, a gripping storyline, problem and puzzle solving and a race against the clock.

And if you do solve the mystery will you abide by the law or join the underground network of thieves and criminals? 

the perfect crime immersive art heist London

Tickets cost £20 per person.

See our guide to escape rooms in London if that’s their thing.

Kilo Sale Event

Lots of the teens we know love a vintage shop and appreciate the circular economy so may well be up for a visit to the Kilo Sale Thrift Factory in Silvertown, E16.

The premise is simple; bring a bag (or buy one for 50p) and rummage through the rails and rails and boxes and boxes of vintage clothing, shoes and handbags.

discount shopping

You don’t pay per item, you pay £10 per kilo so buy one kilo and you’ve got many many outfits for just a tenner.

It’s bonkers but it’s fun!

Visit Madame Tussauds

Selfie obsessed teens will be excited about getting their picture taken with their favourite celebrities even if they’re not real.

Madam-Tussauds-London-unveils-new-Beyoncé-

Be sure to get the bonus ticket to see the Alien experience and expect to hear a few screams!

Get Better At Snooker

Sign your teen daughter or son up for a lesson with a master player; John Woods is a qualified World Snooker Grade A coach who has competed in EASB and World Snooker events.

snooker teenagers things to do London

On Saturdays from 10 am-1 pm, he holds a junior coaching workshop in Kings Cross, where kids can learn the basics.

Visit An Art Installation

London is home to some of the best art in the world and there’s something for everyone’s tastes, from the weird to the wonderful.

Try neon art at God’s Own Junkyard or the Leake Street graffiti tunnel under Waterloo Station (the largest legal street art area and home to original Banksy works).

God's Own Junkyard
(c) Phil Dunlop

You can also paint with the LSA Artist in Residence at the Leake Street Arches Grafitti Workshops.

Leake Street Arches Grafitti Workshops

If your teen is into art, consider joining one of these art classes for kids.

Learn To Draw At The Royal Drawing School

Kids aged 15 to 18 can join the Royal Drawing School’s Young Associates programme, while younger kids between 10 to 14 who love to draw can join weekend or after-school drawing clubs.

If you’re looking for things to do in London with teenagers over the school holidays, the Royal Drawing School also offers one-week holiday courses during the Easter and Summer school holidays for young artists aged 11–15 years.

Royal Drawing School

Every first Thursday of the month, during term time and the holidays, there is a free life drawing session, in collaboration with Time Out and the Whitechapel Gallery between 6.30-9 pm.

Visit One Of London’s Many Museums

Head to South West London and visit one of the capital’s many museums or galleries.

Once kids leave primary school, their visits to a museum can become few and far between so feed their culture and their soul at a museum.

Get To Know The City’s Royal Parks

Choose from one of London’s thousands of parks – each special in its own way:

  • Bushy Park
  • The Green Park
  • Greenwich Park
  • Hyde Park
  • Kensington Gardens
  • The Regent’s Park + Primrose Hill
  • Richmond Park
  • St James’s Park

London parks are great for a general walk around, a picnic (there are supermarkets, cafes, coffee shops and takeaway spots available close by) and some offer rowing on their lakes, which is harder work than it sounds!

If water play excites them, pack a swimsuit and try outdoor swimming.

Toca Social

TOCA Social (at The O2) is a completely original, interactive football-based concept taking London by storm. 

The team behind this experience really have thought of everything to make this a unique, high-quality experience for all ages.

Toca Social at The O2

Exchange your shoes for football boots and sign in to one of the many booths for your 60 or 90-minute immersive game of challenges, knockouts and tournaments.

Balls are fired out for you to control and strike aiming for targets on the massive screen.

Sounds easy enough but believe me you will be puffing and panting in no time.

The food and drinks alone are worth a visit!

Curated by Michelin starred chef Ross Clark there is literally something for everyone.

He has put together a world-class food menu brimming with creative and unexpected dishes that have been inspired by modern Americana with twists from around the world.

Vegans are catered for too.

Food at TOCA Social

The very thorough drinks selection offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

The dessert bar Sweet Finish – a reason to go in itself – has delicious ice cream sandwiches, indulgent fresh s’mores and bubble tea milkshakes which give you all the sugar rush you need to power through your matches.

Go To The Market

Chose a market, take some cash and see what you can find.

camden market

Our favourites are:

  • Brick Lane
  • Portobello Road
  • Greenwich Market
  • Borough Market
  • Spitalfields Market
  • Camden Market
  • Broadway Market
  • Covent Garden Market

Visit A Boxpark

With Boxpark pop-up malls in Croydon, Shoreditch and Wembley, there’s a park not too far from you and with independent stores, good food and seasonal events, the parks are a retail destination in their own right.

Boxpark London

Croydon has axe-throwing and baseball, Shoreditch has fabulous shopping and Wembley offers VR, ping pong, pool and foosball.

The team behind Boxpark is opening a modern dining concept, Boxhall, at London’s Liverpool Street in 2024.

Go To The Zoo

There are almost 20 farms and zoos in the capital, some of which offer work experience and volunteering opportunities.

london zoo

Go For An Outdoor Swim

This only works if the weather is on your side (or you’re feeling very brave) but there are over 20 different outdoor pools, lidos, fountains and paddle/splash areas to visit when everyone needs a bit of a cool down.

Southbank fountains

Ice Skating + Hot Chocolate

Another semi-weather-specific activity (some rinks are only open over November/January), ice skating is a lot of fun and they can reward themselves with a hot chocolate when they’ve had enough on the ice.

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

Go To The Theatre

When your kids were young you probably went to the theatre more regularly than you do now.

But there’s more to theatre than Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Panto.

There are plenty of shows suitable for older teens; try Thriller, Wicked, or Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap.

london theatre

Read our guide on the best children’s theatre in London for more suggestions.

STILL LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH A TEENAGER?

The Roundhouse

Choose from workshops and courses for participants aged 11 to 25 years old covering music, creative media and performing arts, music production, filming and editing, journalism, drama and circus skills.

Teens can also audition for the Roundhouse Choir or Music Collective or develop their radio, circus and DJ skills.

Lots to see at South London Gallery including Art Assassins – a peer-led group of 13 to 19 year olds that meet every Thursday and learn about the inner workings of a contemporary art gallery.

south London gallery for teenagers London

Get Creative At Battersea Arts Centre

Learn to beatbox, how to dance or develop an idea that exacts positive social change.

battersea arts2 centre

The Old Vic

Young writers, producers, actors and directors can join social events, masterclasses and workshops run year-round by industry professionals.

National Theatre Entry Pass

Take advantage of the Entry Pass – a membership scheme for 16-year-olds and young adults (up to 25 years old).

The pass offers £5 and £10 tickets to NT shows, free pre-and post-show talks and backstage tours, and exclusive access to a range of theatre-related workshops.

Tate Modern Lates

Visit Tate Modern after hours for a grown-up look at art, music and film.

Late at tate
(c) Dan Weill Photography

Working collaboratively with artists, teens can discuss art platforms and new media in response to exhibitions at Tate Britain and Tate Modern.

When you’re done, enjoy a meal at Tate Modern’s Level 6 Restaurant.

meal at Tate Modern

Visit Wigmore Hall

Enjoy an ever-changing selection of programmes for young people under 25.

Tower Bridge + Monument

Get a whole new perspective on London at these two (Instagram friendly) attractions.

They’re both fab London attractions for teenage tourists.

The Monument London

Start at The Monument and climb the 311 steps – wear comfy shoes – to the top of Sir Christopher Wren’s design which commemorates the Great Fire of London that devastated the City of London in 1666.

At 202 feet high, The Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world and although the climb isn’t easy, it’s worth it for the amazing 360 degree views of London.

Climb The Monument London

Plus, you get a certificate after your descent (expect wobbly legs) which deserves pride of place on your mantle.

Or the kids’ social media accounts.

From there it’s a 15 minute walk to Tower Bridge.

Thankfully there are no steps involved; a short elevator ride takes you 42 metres above the River Thames where you can – but don’t have to – walk over the famous glass walkway for a bird’s eye view of London.

Try and plan a visit for when the bridge will be raised.

London in one day - Tower Bridge

Alternatively, download the Augmented Reality ‘Raise Tower Bridge’ app for a full 360-degree panoramic video of the Bridge being raised from inside the Exhibition.

Budding engineers will love the Engine Rooms where explains the original workings of the Bridge and houses the coal boilers and steam engines that kept the bridge functioning.

Tickets to The Monument and Tower Bridge start at £8.70 for an adult and £3.70 for a child.

Save by booking in advance rather than on the door.

Chislehurst Caves

Technically not in London but close enough, these caves can’t be navigated solo; you must go with a tour guide.

The caves are a labyrinth of 22 miles of dark mysterious passageways which you would be unlikely to find your way through unaided.

Chislehurst-Caves-Tour

No torches are allowed, the guided tours last around 50 minutes and cover many aspects of the Curriculum, from simple Light & Dark, Rocks & Soils, Stone Age, Roman, Saxon right up to the Second World War, when the caves became one of the largest air-raid shelters in the country.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Try London’s biggest indoor inflatable aquatic experience the sports facilities, the park and waterways or try a shoot down the ArcelorMittal Slide.

olympicparkpool

Throughout the year there are live music events, theatre, arts in the Park, food and local events around and in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and East London.

Hang Out In Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a destination in itself with plenty to do and see (it’s a great place for people-watching), cafés and restaurants of pretty much every type with high street and boutique shops.

You can have a coffee in Timberyard while they are let loose in the neighbourhood.

coffee shop

Keep walking for some great food and drink in Chinatown.

Walk some more for Leicester Square and a little further for Trafalgar Square.

trafalgar square

You’ll soon realise how small and connected London really is!

Go On A Sightseeing Bus Tour

See lots of London quickly and while seated on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus.

You’ll see all of London’s most important sights on a bus route with 36 stops, starting at Grosvenor Gardens and ending at Buckingham Palace.

sightseeing bus tour

Highlights include Queen Elizabeth Gate in Hyde Park, Thames Embankment, Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Audio is available in English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Polish and Arabic.

See Some Street Art

Looking for arty things to do with teens in London?

Make a trip to the Leake Street graffiti tunnel under Waterloo Station – the largest legal street art area and home to original Banksy works.

leake street tunnel

There are plans to regenerate the area and the arches in the tunnel are set to house pop-ups, a sensory space and bars and cafes, but until then, it’s a great place to admire art before tucking into one of the nearby street food stalls.

Harry Potter Tours

Explore the sets used in the Harry Potter films on the Warner Bros Studio Tour and find out what wizarding magic went into making this film series the most successful of all time.

You’ll also see a massive variety of genuine props, models and artwork.

potter tour

Highlights include a behind The Scenes Walking Tour, seeing the actual props and costumes from The Harry Potter Film Series and buying a cup of frothy Butterbeer.

Tickets include return Transportation From Central London

Ride The London Eye

Enjoy excellent views of London 365 days of the year or check out The London Eye’s seasonal events including yoga and photography sessions.

The-London-eye

Go On A Sherlock Holmes Tour

Searching for things for teenagers to do in London that like Holmes and Watson?

Take a free, self-guided walking tour of Sherlock Holmes sights in London or a Sherlock inspired live game.

Leicester + Trafalgar Square

It takes less than five minutes to walk between the two and there are lots of opportunities for people-watching, street performers, galleries and museums to visit en route.

leicester square

Step at Pret on the corner if you get peckish.

The Crystal Maze Live

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is open to kids aged 13+ and offers 75 minutes of fun, challenges and laughter.

Teams are led around the attraction by a charismatic and eccentric Maze Master, who will guide you through the maze’s four themed zones: Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Futuristic, with the ultimate goal of winning a crystal.

crystal maze live london teenagers

Each crystal won means more time in the iconic dome, where the aim is to catch enough golden tickets to bag yourself a spot on the coveted leaderboard!

Once you complete the maze, celebrate your successes and laugh at your failures whilst enjoying a drink and burger at The Wildcat Bar inside the West End maze which overlooks Shaftesbury Avenue.

Young Barbican

The Barbican Centre has a scheme perfect for teenagers in London.

Young Barbican scheme gives 14 to 25 year olds discounted access to art and entertainment as well as exclusive events and creative opportunities.

young barbican

Free to join, every year they offer members (and their 14-25 year old guests) over 50,000 tickets across art, film, music, theatre and dance for only £5, £10 or £15 with new film releases just £5.

Young Barbican also provides talent development opportunities for them to gain the skills and confidence needed to progress in today’s creative industries.

Head East To Lee Valley

Lee Valley has a variety of things for young people to enjoy including:

Lee Valley VeloPark
  • Hockey and Tennis Centre
  • Boat Centre
  • White Water Centre (we love white water rafting here)
  • Ice Skating
  • Athletics Centre
  • Riding Centre
white water rafting lee valley

Tweens and teens up to 16 years old can join Lee Valley VeloPark school holiday sessions and after school clubs where they can learn basic skills like how to ride a bike, while more experienced riders can develop their skills with experienced coaches.

BFI Imax

For an alternative to your local cinema, try the UK’s biggest cinema screen.

BFI Imax

There’s plenty of choice for everyone, from offbeat indie films to the latest blockbusters.

BFI | 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk | Waterloo SE1 8XR

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality arcades are on the rise in London, with the chance to immerse yourself in everything from video games to outer space.

Here are our top picks for teens:

Electronic Theatre
Electronic Theatre

Sing Your Heart Out At Karaoke

Belt out your favourite tunes in a karaoke booth, with a choice of over 35,000 English songs plus plenty of international hits.

Under 18s usually have to leave the venues before 8 or 9 pm.

Play Laser Tag

Looking for indoor activities for teenagers?

Laser tag arenas are a great way for teens to actively show their competitive side (without the risk of injury).

Star Command is an excellent venue where laser tag games take place inside a themed spaceship.

Star Command laser tag

Star Command Laser Tag | The Outpost East Village, 31-34 Victory Parade, London E20 1FS (currently closed)

Play Indoor Cricket

Head to Fulham or Fitzrovia for a spot of cricket.

This is not the stuffy cricket our grandparents played, Sixes is the world’s first cricket simulator venue that also offers gastropub-style food and drink.

sixes cricket club
@lateef.photography

You don’t need to be great at the sport, simply book your private nets, go out to bat and then tuck into some delicious grub.

indoor cricket
@lateef.photography

Chaos Karts Go Karting

Chaos Karts, from the founders of the Crystal Maze, combines the worlds of Go-Karting and Augmented Reality, throwing players into a virtual world inside a real-life video game, to race-battle friends and foes.

chaos karts go karting

Using state-of-the-art technology, the karts are kitted out with features to produce real life sensations and reactions that will immerse competitors fully into the ride of their life.

The experience comes complete with varying circuit designs, pumping music and most importantly, usable in-kart power-ups and weapons that will allow players to ‘battle’ right up to the finishing line.

You now have over 60 ways to answer your question – what is there to do with a teenager in London?

Play Arcade Games

Old school is new school so visit one of these for some good old fashioned gaming.

Check opening hours for young people before heading over.

The Best Teen Friendly Places To Eat In London:

By Georgia P (15) + Jedidah W (15)

We like our days out with teens to involve outdoor activities, and food always goes down well! We suggest:

Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream

Mamasons is my new favourite place – the whole experience is simply 10 out of 10.

As soon as we walked in, we immediately felt welcomed.

There was a long queue outside which is a testament to just how popular Mamasons is.

Mamasons don’t simply serve ice cream; they create an unforgettable cultural experience.

mamasons dirty ice cream

The love that was shown in the shop was definitely reflected in their delicious sweet treats.

They make their ice creams using flavours and ingredients from the Philippines – our favourites included the ube brownie, the milo bilog and the calamansi-ade.

The interior matches the exotic vibe – think stunning pinks and purples with few seating options. Overall, it was an amazing experience with the friendliest staff, amazing food – all at a reasonable price.

Cuppacha

Cuppacha offers a large selection of hot and cold bubble teas,  giving an insight into Asian cuisine.

It’s great if want to step out of your comfort zone and try something new and a little out of the norm.

They offer milk, fruit and ombre bubble teas where you can include popping pearls – little explosions of flavour in your mouth – or you could pair it with a variety of fruit jellies.

cuppcha bubble tea

We added fruit jellies to our teas which were delicious, and the texture along with the drink was amazing in our mouths.

The interior design was cute; the only downside is that there is no seating area so you just grab your drink and go.

Bubblewrap Covent Garden

Bubblewrap is the modernised, re-invention of traditional Hong Kong street snack egg waffles from the 1950s.

You may have seen Bubblewrap all over your socials and it definitely lives up to the hype.

They provided us with their new waffle collaboration with American comic strip Peanuts.

bubblewrap waffles london

We had the classic waffle base with fresh gelato, cream, sauce and a cute Peanuts-themed shortbread on top. 

The interior design was remarkable and the flower wall makes for a perfect background for great Instagram pics.

Inside is beautiful and definitely added to the overall experience.

bubblewrap waffles covent garden

Inside, there’s seating overlooking the basement level of Covent Garden and we ate our waffles with a lovely violinist playing in the background.

If you’re unfamiliar with Covent Garden, Bubblewrap is a little difficult but it’s worth the effort to find it!

Poppies Fish and Chips

Head to Poppies for a delicious meal of authentic fish and chips with a lovely 50’s retro vibe, gorgeous interiors, friendly staff and amazing customer service.

Service is quick and the staff is very warm and welcoming which added to an awesome experience.

Poppies fish and chips soho

We had cod and chips which were cooked to perfection and weren’t too greasy.

The price was around £20 for your choice of fish accompanied by chips and a variety of sides.

The quirky decor provides a great talking point – think classic wallpaper and mood lighting which sets a comfortable and retro old-school vibe.

The Knot Churros

Social-media friendly and absolutely delicious, eating here is a treat for the eyes and the belly!

the knot ice cream
Where The Pancakes Are

Want pancakes all day, every day?

Go here!

Where The Pancakes Are serve sweet and savoury pancakes and it doesn’t matter if you have allergies or dietary needs; all can enjoy the delicious pancakes served.

where the pancakes are london
(c) Milly Fletcher

We tried both sweet and savoury pancakes as well as the vegan versions and they all tasted like your standard pancake – no cloying flavours and cardboard textures here!

The staff is friendly and the interior design is definitely IG worthy with tones of light pink and white; it was definitely appealing to the eyes.

The restaurant is located on a nice quiet road so you can enjoy your pancakes without being disturbed.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink (hot or cold) whilst eating delicious pancakes and quiet enough to even get some work done on your phone or laptop.

House Of Cinn

House Of Cinn’s buns look good, taste good and do good!

house of cinn cinnamon buns London

Available in Selfridges London (and Manchester and Birmingham), they’re a social enterprise that reinvests 65% of profits in social causes.

Started by two students in 2020, the brand’s Co-Founders are passionate about building a more socially inclusive society that works towards the improvement and well-being of its most vulnerable members.

This includes those who have been socially isolated and financially disadvantaged and the founders are creating opportunities for them that usually only come with privilege.

They are also extremely passionate about good food, and its ability to bring people together.

Their cinnamon buns are delicious treats with exciting and adventurous flavours including Lotus Biscoff, Salted Caramel + Pecan and Pistachio Baklawa.

best cinnamon buns London
Sketch

If you’re celebrating a special occasion with your teen in London, sketch is one of the best places to treat them to a meal.

sketch_mayfair

Famous for its pastel pink booths and egg-shaped toilet pods, there’s plenty of content for their Instagram and TikTok accounts.

The breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menus are perfect for snap-happy teens.

Plant-based diners will appreciate the new vegetable-based Garden Menu served in the iconic Glade restaurant and bar.

Glade restaurant and bar - sketch mayfair

Think yummy daikon radish in blond beer and lentils perfumed with juniper berries, vegetable lasagna, red quinoa with red beetroot juice, spinach fondue with diced apple and potato gnocchi with turmeric.

Dessert options include fondue made from Yorkshire rhubarb coupled with a vanilla crumble, Kent-sourced strawberry and Yorkshire rhubarb fruit salad in syrup, burrata and Campari ice cream and a guanaja chocolate mousse, buckwheat praline and caraїbes chocolate water ganache.

sketch mayfair london

You can also bring a bit of sketch home with you thanks to their new lifestyle shop which sells social-media friendly accessories such as candles, water bottles and chocolate.

Inamo

When your kids are older you can finally enjoy a meal in a nice restaurant again without worrying about them having a tantrum or flinging their food around.

Inamo Restaurant

A trip to London with teens can end at Inamo restaurant and its innovative and unique way to order.

We think it’s a great restaurant in London for teenage birthday celebrations.

Choose from the Soho, Camden or Covent Garden branches and see how quickly your teens can master the interactive projections on the table that allow you to change the mood, order your meal and even play games.

If you’re visiting London with 12 year olds, try here.

Chin Chin Ice Cream

Kids of all ages love ice cream, but skip the cornet and flake for a futuristic ice cream made with liquid nitrogen at Chin Chin Ice Cream in Camden, Soho or Street Feast.

chin chin ice cream London teenagers

The ice cream sandwiches are amazing!

Cereal Killer Cafe – (cafe now closed – available online only)

cereal killer cafe London brick lane

The cafe was an unfortunate casualty of 2020 but the idea of colourful and outrageous cereal lives on via their online store. Cereal Killer Café was a crazy establishment in Camden and Brick Lane.

The café was pretty much made for social media but you can buy their cereal online and recreate the flat lays at home.

cereal killer cafe London

Would you like a free printable itinerary on how to spend four days in London with teenagers?

We’ve put together a guide on fun things to do in London with young adults. Download your copy below!