Vacation Ideas

22 Things To Do In London With Kids

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Whatever your age, there is an almost endless amount of pleasure to be experienced in London. You may be sure to find something for everyone to enjoy in a place with nine million residents.

In fact, there are so many kid-friendly activities in London for the summer break or holiday. If you have some extra funds, you can spend a wonderful day visiting a popular attraction like the London Zoo or the London Aquarium. But there are many activities that are free if you are on a tight budget. 

So, we have listed 22 outdoor activities that can do in London with kids:

1. Natural History Museum

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  • Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1881
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 5 million

Established around 142 years ago in London, the Natural History Museum has a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. It is home to life and earth science illustrations containing some 80 million items.

The kid-friendly museum with its Dinosaur exhibits is officially known as the British Museum (Natural History) until 1992. Overall, it is a world-class tourist attraction leading science research center that accesses an extensive collection of journals, books, manuscripts, and artwork linked to the work and research of the scientific departments.

2. Science Museum

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  • Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1857
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 3 million

The publicly-founded national museum named Science Museum is a world-class collection that forms an enduring record of scientific, medical, and technical advancement from across the world. They inspire tourists with award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects, and stories of incredible scientific achievement.

If you are planning to visit the Museum of London, then the museum might be the best option in one of the five museums in the Science Museum Group, UK. The most interesting fact is it does not charge visitors for admission, but requests to make a donation if they are able. Overall, the two buildings including the main building and the Wellcome Wing access the different galleries.

3. London Eye

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  • Location: Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Rd, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
  • Established: December 31, 1999
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 3 million

The world's largest cantilevered observation wheel conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects is 135 meters (443 ft) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 meters (394 ft). Publicly, it was opened in 2000. The most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK has won over 85 awards for national and international tourism.

Are you planning to visit the London Eye? If yes, then the ticketing prices will cost around £25.50 to £70 per person according to its various experiences such as the London Eye, River Cruise, and others. Overall, the most known thing before going there is the London Eye rotation lasts 30 minutes.

4. London Zoo

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  • Location: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
  • Established: April 27, 1828
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 1 million

Formerly known as ZSL London Zoo or London Zoological Garden, London Zoo was initially considered to be used as a collection for scientific study. The world's oldest scientific zoo was opened to the public in 1847 with 19,289 different animals and 673 species.

In the United Kingdom, it is one the largest collections appearing in many films and television programs including Sabotage, The Fallen Idol, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and so on.

5. The British Museum

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  • Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, England, United Kingdom
  • Established: June 7, 1753
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 4 million

The British Museum was the first museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, and open to tourists from across the globe. Publically, it was opened in 1959 with a permanent collection of 8 million objects. Increasingly of 209 percent tourists, the museum ranked third in the list of most-visited art museums in the world.

Additionally, children can enjoy a range of activities during their visit, and their exhibition program is free for children under 16 when accompanied by a paying adult. In general, there is plenty for families to do at the Museum whether it's your first visit or you are seasoned regulars.

6. Tower of London

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  • Location: London EC3N, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1070s
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 2 million

Formally known as His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions which was formerly used as a prison and witnessed the First and Second World Wars.

The place spans almost 1,000 years and has played a prominent role in English history. The most visited place costs ticketing prices from £16.80 to £33.60 according to the age however, the members of the Tower of London will get free entrance.

7. London Transport Museum

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  • Location: London WC2E 7BB, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1980
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 411,000

The transport museum based in Covent Garden, London includes over 500,000 objects and hosts exhibits relating to the heritage of London's transport such as the world's first underground railway and 20th-century poster art. It was renamed London's Transport Museum to show its collection of areas beyond London Trasport.

Out of this, the gallery is a great place to have fun together and discover the history of London's famous transport network which is open for 363 days a year. They also host events for families throughout the year at both the Museum and their Depot.

8. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

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  • Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
  • Established: March 1997
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 1 million

SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to over 500 species in 14 themed zones. It is a great place to learn more about their oceans and the incredible creatures that live in them.

Furthermore, it consists of two classrooms themed around the conservation campaigns where the zoo supporters host up to 40,000 school children each year. The aquarium also hosts breeding programs such as seahorses, Cuban crocodiles, jellyfish, and butterfly goodeids.

9. Hyde Park

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  • Location: Westminister, Greater London, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1637
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 9 million

The largest parks and green spaces form a chain from Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. It is divided by the Serpentine and the Long Water lakes.

It is a Grade-I listed major park in London and is also the largest of four Royal Parks. The children can play several sporting activities such as football and a Tennis table. In addition, it is also famous for horseriding and cycling as well. 

10. Covent Garden

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  • Location: West End, London
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 44 million

A district in London located on the eastern fringes of the West End between St Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. The place is associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square. Nowadays, it is famous for its shopping and tourist sites and for the Royal Opera House known as Covent Garden.

The market building is always open and is a public space and free for anyone to walk around day or night. Nearly, it is going to organize the fashion week, the Tusk Gorilla Trail, London Cocktail Week, Musicals, and others.

11. Tower Bridge

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  • Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United States
  • Established: June 30, 1894
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 4 million

Tower Bridge was built to ease road traffic while maintaining river access to the busy Pool of London dock which lasted over 125 years. It is close to the Tower of London and crosses the River Thames. With 800 feet in length and including two 213-foot (65m) bridge towers, it remains an important traffic route with 40,000 crossings every day.

It is free entry where families are able to explore the Towers and Engine Rooms in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It will be always a perfect day out with the family with plenty of fun things to do and see inside Tower Bridge.

12. Tootbus London

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  • Location: 5-1 Coventry St, London W1D 6BH, United Kingdom
  • Established: June 1951
  • Number of Passengers Per Year: 1.62 billion

Previously known as The Original Tour, Tootbus London is a London Tour bus tour operator using open-top double-decker buses. You can board any of the tour routes at more than 80 different shops without another charge after you purchase a 24 or 48-hour ticket.

It operates four sightseeing routes having two connectors from other places. If you have teens or young ones, it will provide an easy journey rich with fun, discoveries, and education, and suitable for the whole family.

13. Buckingham Palace

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  • Location: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1837
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 500,000

A royal residence in London named Buckingham Palace is recognized as the home of the monarch, the focus of national and royal celebrations. It includes 775 rooms and includes the largest garden in London.

While visiting Buckingham House, you can explore the Palace with their multimedia tour designed for families and children. Additionally, there is also a Throne Room and Ballroom, White Drawing Room, Marble Hall, the Picture Gallery, and others to visit.

14. Borough Market

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  • Location: London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1850s
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 4.5 million

A wholesale and retail market hall, Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London which buildings were built in the 1850s. Having 1,000 years of history, it has access to British and international produce that is unique to its producer or exceptional in its quality.

It has evolved into a sprawling street market that includes over 100 different stalls selling everything fish, vegetables, meat, and bakery items. For the kids, it is a great place to learn through their senses where they can enjoy plenty of food and their great environment.

15. Regent's Park

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  • Location: London, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1811
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 8 million

Regent's Park is one of the Royal Parks of London which covers 410 acres of high ground in north-west Inner London. It offers a wide range of sports including football, cricket, and lacrosse.

If you try to visit the Park with your children, they will experience more than 120 species of birds and around 5,000 varieties of trees, precious historic grassland, and areas of wild meadow. In general, it provides beautiful green spaces right in the heart of the capital where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

16. Sky Garden

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  • Location: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, United Kingdom
  • Established: 2004
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 10 million

Sky Garden is a vibrant social space with a 360-degree view of the city's iconic skyline. London's highest public garden is free of charge but space is limited.

You and your families can experience London from a spectacular viewpoint and also enjoy lush greenery, observation decks, exquisitely landscaped gardens, and an open-air terrace. It is safe for children when accompanied by an adult however the children under 16 are not able to enter after 6pm and one adult can bring a maximum 3 children with them.

17. HMS Belfast

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  • Location: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1936
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 400,000

Publicly opened in October 1971, HMS Belfast is now permanently moored as a museum ship on the River Thames in London which is operated by the Imperial War Museum. A Town-class light cruiser that was built for the Royal Navy is 613 ft 4 in long.

You can enjoy their various family activities on board every weekend and every day during the school holidays with free entry tickets. It allows around 3 hours for a visit where you can experience the living conditions and working life of sailors during wartime.

18. National Maritime Museum

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  • Location: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1937
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 2.3 million

A maritime museum officially known as the National Maritime Museum is a part of Royal Museums Greenwich. The site located within 200 acres includes more than 2 million objects. 

After exploring the gallery, people came to know about the sea, the exploration of space, and Britain's role in world history. Likewise, the museum includes more for children to see and aspiring young pirates and they can expect an action-packed and fun day out.

19. Shrek's Adventure London

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  • Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
  • Established: July 2015

Shrek's Adventure London is a unique themed visitor attraction that transports tourists through a live interactive adventure appearing Fiona, Shrek, Puss, Donkey in Boots, and other favorites from the beloved franchise.

It is a collaboration between Merlin Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation. Europe's largest and the world's second-largest tourist attraction operator has worked with a Hollywood studio. Visiting Shrek with your families will be a wonderful experience that is suitable for all ages.

20. Horniman Museum and Gardens

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  • Location: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ, United Kingdom
  • Established: 1901
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 950,000

Well regarded for its large collection of taxidermied animals, Horniman Museum and Gardens is a non-departmental public body of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It specializes in natural history and musical instruments and has a collection of 350,000 objects.

The museum connects all with the global cultures and the natural environment and encourages you to shape a positive future for the world. So, exploring with the family will be the gaining of various knowledge where children need to be accompanied by an adult where ticketing prices are £7 for an adult and £4.50 for a child under 16.

21. Kew Gardens

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  • Location: Richmond TW9 3AB, UK
  • Established: 1759
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 1.35 million

A botanical garden has more than 8.5 million preserved plant and fungal specimens. Kews Garden is one of London's top visitor attractions and is a World Heritage Site.

It is perfect for a fantastic family day out where the Children's Garden is specially created for 2 to 12-year-old children. There is a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts where children can explore all the things including plants needed to grow, earth, air, water, and sun.

22. Harry Potter: Warner Bros Studio

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  • Location: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom
  • Established: March 31, 2012
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: 2million

A walk-through exhibition and studio tour Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter was owned by Warner Bros and operated by their studio Tours division. It is a permanent exhibition of authentic costumes, props, and sets used in the production of the Harry Potter films.

It was opened to the public in 2012 and has since welcomed up to 6,000 tourists a day. The Studio tour has been the highest-rated attraction worldwide every year according to TripAdvisor. Similarly, the tour is suitable for all ages, and children aged four and under can explore for free.