London makes a fabulous European trip for families, especially for first-timers, and exploring London with kids has several advantages.
The surroundings are different enough to be interesting, but familiar enough to keep kids at ease in a new place. The city is easy to navigate and still holds that kind of storybook magic that appeals to kids’ (and grown-ups’!) sense of wonder. And best of all, there are plenty of things to do and see that appeal to travelers of every age.
As a certified London travel expert who specializes in designing custom itineraries, I want to share some of my inside tips for seeing London with kids in a way that will feel exciting, energizing, and fun for the whole family.
When traveling with kids, always remember: keep it simple
We tend to overestimate the level of entertainment and excitement that kids want and need.
So for families who want to make the most out of enjoying London with kids, my mantra is always: Keep it simple.
That means:
- Plan a maximum of two things a day — one is even better.
- Stay in a place that’s central to where you want to explore, that offers a quiet night’s sleep, and that has easy access to good food.
- Make time for plenty of play, snacks, water, and fresh air.
- Avoid lines whenever you can (I can help you with this!).
Just like at home, children and adolescents thrive on regular meals, lots of sleep, and a solid routine. It’s totally possible to see the top sights in London with kids, to have a blast, and to do it all in a way that limits exhaustion and tantrums (for travelers of all ages).
Alright, ready to start exploring?
Cassie’s Tip: Lots of the most popular attractions in London sell out quickly and can have brutally long lines. I can help you plan ahead and save tons of time and frustration by making all reservations and purchasing all your tickets in advance, so that all you have to do is show up!
Feel the magic with all things Harry Potter
There’s nothing like entering the enchanting story of the Boy Who Lived. And London provides a veritable treasure trove of Harry Potter adventures.
If you want to go behind the scenes and see how this story came to life on the big screen, don’t miss the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter. Wander the streets of Diagon Alley, explore the sets, see the costumes, and learn about all that went into creating the iconic movie series.
There are three main ways to enjoy this tour:
- You can buy tickets online and get there on your own
- You can buy a ticket with roundtrip direct double decker bus transportation from Victoria station
- You can join a guided tour with roundtrip luxury motor coach transportation from Kings Cross station
Remember: purchase tickets in advance! This attraction sells out quickly.
To see specific filming locations throughout the city, you can book a Walking Tour, Bus Tour, or Private Black Cab Tour.
For a fun (and free!) stop, you can check out Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross train station. Take your own photo or purchase one from the professional photographers who operate out of the nearby shop.
If you’re seeing London with kids who are old enough to enjoy a night at the theater, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is showing in the West End and makes for a wonderful evening together.
Cultural & historical experiences
Adventure, battles, curiosities, and of course all things Royal: the coolest thing about seeing historic London with kids is that there are so many fascinating places that will keep both young ones and adults engaged.
If you want a leisurely, lovely glide that offers great views of the city, I love a Thames River Cruise. With four different loading areas, you can opt for tickets for specific routes or a 24-hour hop on/hop off pass.
What says “London with kids” more than the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace? This is the kind of thing your kids will remember forever, and it provides a unique glimpse into royal life. You can go on your own for free (arrive early for a good spot) — or better yet, join this tour that will make sure you get up close and see every bit of the ceremony.
The Tower of London is full of intrigue, hair-raising tales, and the ghosts of England’s storied past. There’s something for everyone in this place. Kids will enjoy the Yeoman Warder (“Beefeater”) tour, walking the walls, exploring the White Tower’s armory museum, and marveling at the glittering Crown Jewels.
Cassie’s Tip: If you read my blog, you know I am a big fan of high-quality tours! They save time and hassle, they offer unique access to famous places that most people never get, and you get the immense benefit of learning from experts who are passionate about people, locations, and history and can bring even the most subdued places to vivid life. For a VIP experience with early entry access to the Crown Jewels and a guided tour of the entire complex, I highly recommend this tour.
Entertainment, toys, and activities
On the South Bank of the River Thames is a neighborhood packed with kid-friendly attractions. It’s very easy to spend an entire day in this relatively small area, where you can visit the Sea Life Aquarium, the Jubilee Gardens Playground (perfect for burning off extra energy), Shrek’s adventure, or take a 360º-view ride on the famous London Eye.
For more toys than one kid can even imagine, head to the flagship Hamley’s store on Regent St., or take in the extraordinary Pollock’s Toy Museum.
With tons of hands-on exhibits, a gorgeous layout, and larger-than-life displays, the Natural History Museum can provide all-day fun for the whole family. Depending on your schedule and preferences, you can explore the place on your own, with a small-group tour, or with a private guide.
London is a world-renowned theater town (Shakespeare, anyone?), and many people don’t know that you can see Broadway shows at a fraction of the price (with discounted tickets available at TKTS booths like this one). Here’s a current list of family-friendly shows, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Wicked, Lion King, and Frozen.
Make the most of London with kids
Traveling with children can pose some extra challenges — there’s just more to plan and keep in mind — but there’s absolutely no doubt that London is the perfect European city to explore with your kids. It is packed full of fun and magic, and it can be even more fun and relaxing with a custom-designed itinerary that makes room for all the adventure and rest you need along the way. With an itinerary planned ahead of time, you can make the most of every moment together!
SAVE TIME. AVOID FRUSTRATIONS. EXPERIENCE A BETTER VACATION.
European Destination Specialist
& Itinerary Designer
Hi, I’m Cassie! Here at Montage Travel, I’m crafting custom itineraries for independent travelers who want to make the most out of their valuable vacation time in Europe (who wouldn’t?).
My mission is to ensure travelers like you save time on planning and experience frustration-free trips with a well-optimized itinerary. Each and every itinerary I create is made from scratch and tailored specifically to your interests, travel pace, and preferences. An optimized itinerary and practical travel advice go hand-in-hand and are essential factors that will determine how much you will enjoy your vacation. Equipped with your own itinerary, you’ll see more by visiting sites during less crowded times, you’ll know which museums are best explored independently and which are enriched by visiting with a guide, and you’ll avoid getting lured into a tourist trap restaurant that will cost you more and be less authentic than the restaurant I’ll point you towards just down the street that caters mostly to locals.
Travel with confidence. Itineraries include unlimited revisions and unlimited 1-on-1 travel advice.
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