The vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, London is a prime destination for a family getaway. Its iconic historic monuments, vast parks and interactive (and free!) museums are sure to enthrall young and old alike. Whether you want to explore the secrets of the Tower of London or immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter, you'll find plenty to do in London with kids. Follow the guide to discover how this cosmopolitan city can be transformed into the perfect playground for families!
1. Discover Harry Potter film locations
London, of course, is one of England's must-visit cities, and is best known as the birthplace of Harry Potter. Are your children (and perhaps you too) fans of this best-selling saga? Let's take a look at four must-see places in London:
- Leadenhall Market leadenhall Market: a fairy-tale setting used in the films for the "chemin de traverse". A must-see, whether you're a Harry Potter fan or not!
- St. Paul's Cathedral, whose staircase leads straight to the divination class.
- King's Cross Station, meeting place for the Hogwarts Express.
- The Australian Embassy, showcase for Gringotts Bank.
To book: 30 km from London, in Leavesden, you can visit the Harry Potter film studios. This is one of the best things to do in London with children, in addition to exploring the heart of the city. Tempted? Take advantage of our partner's special rates and book your visit to Warner Bros. Studios here, including return transport from King's Cross in London.
2. What to do in London with children Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Admire Buckingham Palace and watching the Changing of the Guard is one of the best things to do in London with children. It's all about admiring the graceful ballet of the Royal Family Guards, as old and new guards take turns in front of the palace. You can watch this amazing spectacle on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, at 10:30 am. It's totally free and 100% unusual! For 45 minutes, children and parents alike can enjoy watching the red and black guards with their rising headdresses perform their relay. Not to be missed!
3. Family visits to London by river shuttle
Say goodbye to traffic jams with one of the many river shuttles on the Thames! Much more pleasant than a cab, your boat trip will give you a different view of the city's various monuments. What's more, the shuttles stop off at various points, so you can enjoy a leisurely visit to the museums and buildings you fancy, including :
- london Bridge,
- tate Modern,
- Tower of London,
- Greenwich, etc.
A fun and enjoyable way to take part in London's best activities with kids!
To book: Click here to book a motorboat tour of London: a memorable experience guaranteed!
Petit Futé Tip: by buying your tickets in advance for monuments such as the Tower of London, you can avoid long queues. This is even more important when traveling with children. Don't forget it!
4. Strolling through St James's Park with the family
When you're on your way to see Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, make sure you stop off at St James's Park. You'll have a great time with the whole family, especially at the lakeside, where ducks, pelicans and other not at all shy animals can be found! The many squirrels in the park will even provide an opportunity to organize games with the younger ones, by looking for them at every corner of the driveway, for example!
The article to read: The world's most beautiful urban parks
5. What to do in London with children Attend a musical
The West End is the equivalent of London's Broadway. The good news is that there are musicals and theater adapted for children. With stars in their eyes, they can enjoy musicals such as The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Wicked and the Witches of Oz, which are among the top 10 musicals to see in London. Admittedly, the shows are performed in Shakespeare's language, but they're a great way to brush up on English lessons and are, in any case, totally dazzling!
To book: Take advantage of our partner's rates and book your tickets here for The Lion King, Disney's award-winning musical.
For Harry Potter fans, watch the eighth installment of the series live on stage by booking your tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child here .
Finally, defy gravity with Wicked and book your tickets for the musical Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre here !
6. Marvel at Hamleys, toys and entertainment
Welcome to one of London's oldest toy stores, and one of the biggest in the world! Located on Regent Street, Hamleys is a children's delight. Not only do you find toys on several floors, they also immerse you in a marvellous universe dedicated to leisure. Giant toys help to immerse you in the atmosphere, while a variety of activities provide fun for the whole family. This is clearly one of the must-do activities in London with children, even if you may have trouble convincing them to leave!
7. Visiting the Science Museum, one of the best things to do in London with children
The Science Museum is one of the best things to do in London with children. Young and old alike will marvel at the interactive exhibits, which make science and technology fun. You'll discover over 300,000 objects, including iconic pieces such as Newcomen's steam engine, Babbage's calculating machine and the famous Apollo X module. Over seven floors, you'll explore a universe populated by cars, planes and other historic inventions: a real showstopper!
The article to read: What to do in London in 3 days Itinerary tips
8. Take a punt in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is best explored in summer, when you can take a punt on the lake. But whatever the season, it's a pleasant haven for nature-lovers. Hyde Park is the city's green lung, where children can run, play and let off steam, while the whole family can recharge their batteries surrounded by abundant vegetation. With its ancient buildings, free-roaming animals and tennis courts, it's a park loved by Londoners and visitors alike.
9. What to do in London with children Fun at Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens adjoins Hyde Park, separated only by Serpentine Lake. This royal park is ideal for a family picnic, after admiring the magical gardens of Sunken Garden. From the Peter Pan statue to Kensington Palace, wonders are everywhere! Here and there, you'll find plenty of activities for young and old alike:
- playgrounds
- climbing structures,
- outdoor board games,
- tennis courts, etc.
Serpentine Lake also offers a pleasant getaway, often populated by animal species of all kinds.
10. Unforgettable views from London's Sky Garden
The spectacular view from Sky Gardens is sure to put stars in the eyes of the whole family. Surrounded by huge bay windows, these hanging gardens invite you to experience a change of scenery, while delighting young and old alike. A restaurant, bar and souvenir store round off this memorable, free, must-see tour of London. One thing's for sure: you can take some of your best family vacation photos here, with the city as a backdrop stretching out in a spectacular panorama!
Free family activities in London
Gourmet families can embark on a succulent tour of London with the Free Tour. It takes you on a tour of the capital's best addresses, so you can treat yourself while admiring the city's iconic buildings and districts.
But the real bonus in London is its museums : most of them are free, including the most important ones, such as:
- the British Museum
- the Royal Air Force Museum,
- tate Modern, etc.
Many others are also free, but these three will be of interest to children and teenagers. Of course, we can also add the natural History Museuma must-see and free of charge! With its giant animals and dinosaur skeletons, it defies the imagination of children.
What about a walk along the River Thames? This is one of the most popular activities for families on vacation in London. Of course, London's various parks and Harry Potter film locations are also completely free of charge.
Good to know: London has many streets and neighborhoods rich in street art. Visit Shoreditch, Middlesex and Sclater Streets to admire them - for free, of course!
Want even more? Check out our top 15 free family activities in London!
London is an ideal destination for traveling around Europe with children, without having to stray too far from France. Accessible by Eurostar, it even allows you to travel without a plane, and in an original way. If you can, we invite you to discover London during the Christmas season, when the city comes to life under a multitude of twinkling lights. It's magical! It's not for nothing that London is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world to visit, even with children: go for it!
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