Whether you’re staying in London for a weekend or just heading into the city for a few days, there are so many wonderful things to see and do while you’re in the capital.
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Of course, if you’ve got children with you, fancy dinners at The Shard and drinks in the Ice Bar are out of the question.
The good news is, there are plenty of family-friendly activities you can take part in that the whole family will love.
But if you’re in need of some inspiration ahead of your trip, you’ve come to the right place. Here are eight things to do with kids in London.
1. Ride the London Eye
Possibly one of the most popular attractions in London, the London Eye offers breathtaking views over the city, particularly at sunset or when the city is lit up beautifully at night.
And did you know that the London Eye is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe? Your kids will love the journey as they spot the sights and famous landmarks around the capital. There is even a 4D video experience they can enjoy included in the price of their ticket.
But if you don’t want to wait for hours to get in, you have the option to buy fast-track tickets and jump the queue. Which, let’s face it, when you have young kids in tow can be a lifesaver!
2. Hop on and off the busses
There are so many impressive landmarks and buildings to see around London, but that can involve a lot of walking, which isn’t always ideal when you’re travelling with children.
However, if you get yourself a ticket to the open top hop on hop off sightseeing tour, you and the family can experience the city in style without having to trudge around on foot.
Best of all, you can jump on and off the bus wherever you like if you want to see some of the sites up close and personal. Then you just hop back on when you’re done and move on to the next place of interest.
The kids will love the open-top experience (providing the weather is right, of course), and it will make it much simpler and easier to get about.
3. Go see a show
A trip to the theatre is a chance to create some unforgettable memories with your children and, who knows, maybe even spark a lifelong passion. But choosing which show to see can be tricky, especially as not all are suitable for kids.
That being said, there are loads of wonderful shows currently on at the West End that are perfect for the whole family. From the Lion King to Matilda, some of the best children’s stories are brought to life on stage in a burst of colour, costumes and songs they will love.
So before you go, check out what’s going to be on during your visit and be sure to get yourself some theatre tickets for the best seats in the house.
4. Visit Madame Tussauds
Although it might feel like Madame Tussauds is one for the parents, there is also a lot for the kids to see and enjoy as they study the hall of waxworks.
OK, so they might not recognise Freddie Mercury or the plethora of royals within those walls, but they’ll be excited to see some of their favourite pop stars, along with Marvel heroes, Star Wars characters and even E.T, preserved forever in wax.
And one of the greatest things about Madame Tussauds is that there will be plenty of awesome photo opportunities for the whole family.
5. Go toy shop hopping
London has some pretty impressive stores and shopping centres, something which doesn’t usually appeal to children. But in London, you’ll find some great shops that will get the kids very excited.
In Leicester Square, you’ll find the M&M and Lego store, where you can play with the Legos, and the kids can make their own creations. There is also an impressive toy department in Harrods if you want to treat your little ones to a reminder of the day.
But with so many toys to choose from, just be prepared to spend quite a bit of time there; it might take a while to narrow it down!
6. SEA Life aquarium
What better place to take the kids and encourage their love of the ocean than the SEA Life aquarium? Located near the London Eye, inside, you’ll have your pick of multiple aquariums and sanctuaries with creatures from all over the world for them to marvel at.
In fact, the aquarium is home to sharks, seals, penguins, octopuses, crocodiles, coral reefs and all manner of wonderful species.
There are also lots of tours, talks and workshops taking place throughout the day to educate your little ones, as well as interactive activities and annual events like Shark Week.
You can pre-book your tickets for better savings, or simply grab them on the day.
7. Visit a museum
London is home to some of the world’s most interesting and impressive museums, and if you plan a trip to just one of those, we can guarantee it won’t just be the kids that are learning something.
And you don’t have to stop at one. You can visit multiple museums during your stay, perhaps starting at the Natural History Museum, where the kids will be blown away by Dippy the Diplodocus or the Blue Whale skeleton.
Alternatively, head over to the British Museum to see the Egyptian mummies or the Science Museum packed with games, simulators and interactive exhibits to get them interested in science from a young age.
8. London Zoo
The final suggestion on our list is London Zoo. Originally opened back in 1828, the zoo was meant to be for scientific research but has since become a haven for animals from around the world. The kids will be amazed by the selection of animals, including lemurs, lions, giraffes, tigers, hippos, gorillas, and so much more!
There are also lots of activities that the kids can take part in, such as feeding the penguins and meeting the meerkats. There are also sensory sessions and the chance to be a zookeeper for the day (depending on your age). So just be sure to check which activities will be taking place the day of your visit.