14 of the Best Things to Do with Kids in London

Looking for ideas on kids’ activities in London that will keep the whole family entertained? London is a surprisingly family-friendly city with lots for children of all ages. There's plenty of outdoor space for running around and letting off steam as 47% of London is green space.

Located in South Kensington, close to some of the best museums for kids in London, Kensington Gardens and a wide range of family-friendly activities, Fraser Suites Kensington provides a comfortable base for families of all sizes. With a range of spacious and modern apartments available, furnished with everything you need for an unforgettable family stay, we ‘re ready to welcome you to your home away from home.

Best Places to Visit in London with Kids 

Finding things to do with kids in London may seem tricky, but London is packed with all kinds of activities. From sprawling parks and green spaces, museums and theatre shows, to zoos and historical hot spots that will spark their imagination, here is our roundup of kids’ activities in London.

1. Royal Parks

The Royal Parks are all well-maintained and great for freedom. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are side by side so you could walk from the end of Oxford Street to Notting Hill within the parks. Look out for the Peter Pan Statue and stop at the Diana Memorial Playground for a safe and exciting free playground. 

The pirate ship has recently been replaced by a new three-level wooden Galleon, with wheelchair-accessible spaces built in, and it's just as popular with kids. 

2. Changing of the Guard

St James's Park and Green Park are next to Buckingham Palace so perfect for a picnic after watching the Changing of the Guard. St. James's Park has pelicans and you can see them being fed at 2.30pm every day.

3. London Zoo

The Regent's Park has formal flower gardens, a boating lake, an open air theatre in the summer and the park goes right up to  ZSL London Zoo so you can see some of the animals from the park. ZSL London Zoo is always one of the most popular things to do with kids in London, and under 3s go free making it a good choice for younger members of the family.

4. National Maritime Museum

Greenwich Park is part of the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site which includes the National Maritime Museum, The Queen's House and The Old Royal Naval College which are all free to visit. 

5. Royal Observatory

Up on the hill is The Royal Observatory alongside Flamsteed House. Watch the large red time ball move up the pole at 12.55pm every day and then drop at exactly 1pm. This was a signal to passing ships to let them know the time.

6. Cutty Sark

Down by the river Thames in Greenwich is the Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper, and The Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre which has free activities for all.

7. Trafalgar Square

Back in central London it's good to watch one of the annual parades. Some of the best ones for families include the New Year's Day Parade on 1 January, Chinese New Year in January or February, and the St Patrick's Day Parade in March. There are also many cultural events in Trafalgar Square including music, food and theatre.

8. Hamleys & Carnaby Street

And if you need to hit the shops, Hamleys toy store is on Regent Street and teens love the boutiques at nearby Carnaby Street.

9. British Museum

If your kids love Ancient Egypt and want to see real mummies, then the British Museum is one of the best museums for kids in London. As well as the popular mummies, look out for the Easter Island statue as if you have seen the Night in the Museum films it's hard to resist the line "Dumb dumb, you give me gum gum!" when you see it!

When the kids need time to run around again, near to the British Museum is Coram's Fields - a wonderful central London playground and city farm. There's also a cafe if you need a coffee while the kids are safe to play as no adults can enter without a child.

10. DLR

Take a trip on the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) and you can get a seat right at the front as these are driverless trains. (They are included on a standard London Transport travelcard or Oyster card along with tubes, buses and some trains.)

11. London Museum Docklands 

One of the top kids' activities in London, our best reason for taking the kids to the docklands is to enjoy the free London Museum Docklands as it has a lovely indoor play area for children called Mudlarks with soft play for the babies, water play for the pre-schoolers and building fun for everyone.

12. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Also in east London is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. There's the Tumbling Bay playground in the north of the park with sand pits and the chance to climb through the trees, and the south of the park has the climbing wall and fountains to play in. There's also the London Aquatic Centre where you can swim in the London 2012 Olympics swimming pool.

13. Kew Gardens

Over in west London, Kew Gardens is a great day out too. The free Discovery Map is worth following to let the kids lead - and to ensure they don't dash straight into the Climbers and Creepers (the indoor play space) and not come out!

The Children's Garden is the big draw for younger visitors now, an outdoor play space built around the theme of what plants need to grow, with water, mud and climbing elements kids can lose an hour in easily.

14. Natural History - Science and V&A museums

There's all this and more in London and we haven't even mentioned the ever popular South Kensington museums: Natural History Museum (a.k.a. dinosaur museum), The Science Museum and The V&A, all firm favourites and some of the best museums for kids in London, with plenty more in the neighbourhood besides. 

Your Family Base in Kensington

However you spend your days in London, having a comfortable base to come back to makes all the difference with kids in tow. Two and three-bedroom apartments give the whole family room to spread out, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and an in-suite washer-dryer, useful when you're travelling with young children. There's also a secure private garden on site for safe outdoor play when a full day of sightseeing feels like one park too many, and baby cots are available at no extra charge for families travelling with the very youngest. Book directly for the best current rates on your family stay.

FAQs about Things to do with Kids in London

Do children travel free on the London Underground?

Children under 5 travel free on all TfL services, and those aged 5 to 10 travel free on the Tube, DLR and Overground too, as long as they're with a fare-paying adult, up to four children per adult. Once kids turn 11, they need their own ticket, though visiting families can get a Young Visitor discount added to a standard Oyster card for 50% off adult fares for up to 14 days.

What is it like living in Kensington with kids?

Kensington offers families a well-connected base with plenty to enjoy as part of everyday life. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens provide easy access to outdoor space, while nearby museums, cultural attractions, cafés and family-friendly amenities give parents and children plenty of options throughout the week.

Which area of London is best to stay in with kids?

South Kensington is consistently rated one of the best bases for families, thanks to its cluster of free museums and direct access to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, all reachable on foot. It also tends to be quieter and greener than more central tourist areas like the West End, which matters when you've got a pushchair or tired legs in tow.

Is a serviced apartment better than a hotel for a family trip to London?

Serviced apartments give families more of the space and facilities needed for everyday life than a standard hotel room. A fully equipped kitchen makes it easier to prepare meals at home, while separate bedrooms and living areas allow parents and children to maintain their usual routines.

For longer stays, practical features such as laundry facilities and additional living space can also help families settle into London more comfortably.

What's the best time of year to explore London with kids?

Late Spring and early autumn tend to offer the most manageable combination of decent weather, bring higher prices and busier attractions, so booking well ahead matters more if you're travelling then.