Visiting London with kids should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. So, if you’re planning on visiting London with little ones and want to guarantee an unforgettable family trip, it’s important to know all about the best London attractions for kids.
Based on our own experience living in London with our two little ones, we have prepared a list of what we consider the Top London Attractions to visit with kids. If you have any questions about how to make the most out of your visit to each of them, leave a comment, and we will help you. We have visited all of them!
London is a city where children come first, so you’ll always be able to find fun and unique attractions for kids as well as children’s events throughout the year.
The best London attractions for kids
To help you in your quest to entertain the children in London, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 London attractions for kids.
The London Eye
A ride on a giant Ferris wheel is something that most children will love. Rising to a height of 135 metres, the London Eye offers wonderful views of London, so adults tend to enjoy it just as much as kids! We recommend booking in advance to avoid the queues and take advantage of the online discounts.
⇒ Buy tickets for the London Eye
Sea Life London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London Aquarium is next to the London Eye and is one of the best-known London attractions for children. Families can see sharks, turtles, rays, penguins and colourful reef fish. Opening and last-entry times vary by date, so check the official calendar rather than relying on a fixed weekly timetable. Timed tickets use dynamic pricing and advance online booking is normally cheaper; under-twos enter free but still need to be included in the booking.
⇒ Buy tickets for the Sea Life London Aquarium
London Zoo
London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful parks. Enjoy a trip to the London Zoo and get up close and personal with lions, tigers, giraffes and creepy crawlies – it’s a must-see attraction for little ones. Be sure to check out the daily schedule of events and feeding times.
⇒ Buy tickets for the London Zoo
HMS Belfast
Situated between the Tower of London and London Bridge, the HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving warship of World War II. This floating museum offers an insight into life onboard during wartime. Kids will love climbing the ladders between decks and exploring below sea level, and there are even interactive games. Special family events are held sometimes during the weekend, which we would highly recommend. Entry is free for under 5’s.
Hop-on hop-off bus tour
A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus can be an easy way to see central London with children. You get elevated views of the landmarks, and the open-top deck is often part of the fun. A Thames cruise is included with some multi-hour or multi-day ticket types, but not every operator or fare includes one, so compare the exact package before booking.
⇒ Find out More about London Sightseeing Bus Tours
Legoland Windsor
LEGOLAND Windsor is outside London, near Windsor Castle. Trains run from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside and from Paddington via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central, followed by a local bus or taxi. The London Line 702 also runs between London Victoria and LEGOLAND via Windsor, but families should check the current timetable and the park’s seasonal opening calendar before setting out.
⇒ Buy tickets for Legoland Windsor
Shrek’s Adventure
Shrek’s Adventure, near the London Eye, is a timed 70-minute interactive walk-through with live characters and a 4D flying-bus experience. It works best for children happy to join in with a theatrical story rather than expecting conventional rides. Booking a time slot in advance is strongly recommended.
⇒ Buy tickets for the Shrek’s Adventure London
Harry Potter Studios
If your child (or you) are a Harry Potter fan, then a visit to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. studios is a must. Discover the scenes where much of the films were filmed, ride the Hogwarts Express, learn to ride a broomstick and try a famous butter beer as you follow in Harry Potter´s footsteps.
This is one of the region’s most popular attractions and standard tickets can sell out far in advance, especially in school holidays. Book only after checking transport, because the studio is in Leavesden outside central London and admission is for a fixed time slot.
The Lion King Musical
The Lion King is simply outstanding and remains one of our top recommendations to friends visiting London with children. Ticket prices vary by performance and seat, so compare the seating plan rather than relying on a fixed headline price. The official production recommends the show for ages 6+; children under 3 are not admitted, and everyone needs a ticket.
⇒ Find out more about London’s Best Musicals
The Natural History Museum
At first, you could be mistaken for thinking that the Natural History Museum wouldn’t be that entertaining for kids, but the truth is, it’s made for them! They will be able to admire some of the strangest preserved animals on the planet, along with dinosaur skeletons. The show’s star is currently ‘Hope’, the giant whale skeleton that presides over the central gallery. And, the best thing… it’s a free museum for adults and children!
⇒ More information about London’s Best Museums
More things to do in London with kids
In addition to these top 10 London attractions for kids, there are many other places to consider when visiting London as a family.
We particularly love musicals as they offer so much fun and entertainment for families. In addition to The Lion King, long-running choices include Matilda and Wicked; suitability and minimum-age rules vary by production. Disney’s Frozen ended its London run in September 2024, so check our current guide to the best musicals in London before booking.
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Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.