12 Things to do in London with Kids

Ahhh London… one of my absolute favorite places to visit with kids. Years ago, we brought our four oldest on a spontaneous adventure that completely stole our hearts. This summer, we returned with all six of our kids in tow and London proved once again why it’s one of the best family-friendly cities in the world.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this iconic city blends history, play, and delicious eats in a way that speaks to every age. Here’s our updated list of the best things to do in London with kids, featuring classic favorites from our original trip and all the new gems we discovered in 2025.

12 Things To Do in London with Kids

1. Tower of London & Tower Bridge

Let’s start with the crown jewel, literally. The Tower of London was just as captivating the second time around. Daring knights, real-life crown jewels, and centuries of royal drama kept all six of our kids entertained (yes, even our toddler lasted longer than expected!).

On our first trip, we toured with Context Travel and had an incredible docent who brought the stories to life. This time, we took things at our own pace, soaking in the history and enjoying a walk over nearby Tower Bridge afterward.

2. Borough Market Food Crawl

You know a place is good when even your picky eaters find something to love. Borough Market was one of our biggest surprises this trip. We snacked our way through Ginger Pig sausage rolls, empanadas from Portena, ramen from Oroshi, oysters, doughnuts… and yes, we somehow still made room for soft-serve from Humble Crumble.

Tip: If you’re exploring with a little one, having a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller was a game-changer. Ours handled the cobblestones and crowds like a champ—and it folds up small enough to squeeze into tight cafés. Grab yours here!

3. Ride a Double-Decker Bus (and Try the Uber Boat!)

There’s something magical about sitting up top on a double-decker bus, cruising past Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. It’s the easiest way to get the lay of the land in a new city quickly, and in a place like London, you check off a ton of must-see sights without anyone complaining about tired feet.

This time, we also hopped on the Uber Boat, and it was such a fun way to see the city from the water. You can use your contactless card to tap on and off, and the kids loved feeling like we were on a mini cruise through the city.

4. Visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Calling all Potterheads! This was an absolute highlight for our crew. From pulling mandrakes in the greenhouse (yes, they scream!) to sipping butterbeer and walking through the actual Hogwarts Great Hall, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour delivered all the magic.

Bonus: We booked the double-decker shuttle that picks you up in central London and drops you off right at the studios. Super convenient.

5. Explore Iconic Playgrounds

European playgrounds just hit different. Whether your kids are toddlers or tweens, they’ll love the adventurous layouts, climbing structures, and mix of local and international kiddos.

Favorites from both trips include:

Princess Diana Memorial Playground – pirate ship & sand galore
Battersea Park – boats + zoo!
Jubilee Gardens Playground – right near the London Eye, and a great break after sightseeing

Boy about to board the London Eye | London with Kids | Global Munchkins

6. Ride the London Eye

Confession: I once thought the London Eye was a total tourist trap. I was wrong. It’s an amazing way to see the city, and it’s shockingly relaxing. Our littlest loved spotting landmarks from the top while the older kids took turns pointing out all the places we’d been.

Tip: Spring for the Fast Track tickets if you can. It’s worth avoiding the wait when you’re traveling with kids in tow.

7. Walk Through Chinatown & Eat Your Way Through Soho

London’s Chinatown is bursting with color, energy, and delicious food. We wandered under the lanterns, picked up bubble tea and bao buns, and ended the night with dinner in Soho.

If you’re craving a more elevated dinner with kids in tow, Dishoom Battersea also deserves a shout-out. It’s beautiful, flavorful, and surprisingly welcoming for families.

Pro Parent Tip: For big city days, we put Apple AirTags in silicone watch-style bands on the younger kids. It gave us so much peace of mind in crowded areas like Soho and Borough Market. You can track them in real-time using your phone – lifesaver!

8. Wander Boroughs & Bookshops

One of the best things about London is how walkable it is. We spent hours strolling through Notting Hill, popping into antique shops, drooling over Creme cookies (they live up to the hype), and visiting the famous Notting Hill Bookshop.

Let your older kids wander a vintage market, grab a coffee, and enjoy the little pockets of beauty on every block.

9. Madame Tussauds (Still a Hit!)

This one was a favorite back when our older kids were little, and we were happy to see it still delivers. From Marvel heroes to sports stars to a 4D cinema experience, Madame Tussauds gives kids a chance to interact with pop culture in a new way.

10. Museum Time (Rainy Day Gold)

The Natural History Museum was a big hit for our younger crowd this time around. Dinosaurs, gems, and hands-on exhibits made it a perfect break from walking-heavy days. Plus, it’s FREE. Always a win when traveling with a big crew.

11. Watch Street Performers & Relax Along the Thames

After a full day of museums or sightseeing, we loved just sitting along the Thames, grabbing a coffee or gelato, and watching the world go by. The South Bank often has musicians, bubble artists, and spontaneous moments that end up being some of your best memories.

12. Let the Kids Lead

Some of the best moments weren’t the landmarks or the “must-dos,” but the times we let the kids choose; playing pirate ship at a local playground, picking out their own snacks at Borough Market, or wandering down an alley that looked fun.

Sometimes the best travel hack is letting go of the itinerary and just following your child’s curiosity. That’s where the real memories are made.

Our 5-Day London Itinerary with 6 Kids

Wondering how we fit in the fun? Here’s our EXACT itinerary!

Day 1: Arrival in London

Arrived in the evening
Checked into our Airbnb in Lambeth
Grabbed Indian food at a nearby spot and settled in

Day 2: Exploring Borough Market & Southbank

Breakfast at The Hercules
Borough Market for snacks and lunch (Ginger Pig, Humble Crumble, more!)
Walked along the Thames
Visited Jubilee Playground
Dinner in Soho/Chinatown (kids had sushi, we tried Fatt Pundit)

Day 3: University Tour & Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Breakfast at Kennington Lane Cafe
University College London (UCL) campus tour
Lunch at Mercato Mayfair
Warner Bros. Studio Tour (booked the shuttle bus—so easy!)
Dinner at Crust Bros near Waterloo

Day 4: Notting Hill & Museum Day

Breakfast at Seven Dials Market
Walked through Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
Natural History Museum with younger kids
Dinner at Dishoom Battersea (amazing!)

Day 5: Final Morning & Cruise Boarding

Packed up and grabbed breakfast nearby
Headed to board our Northern Europe cruise!

Have you visited London? What were your favorite things to do or see?

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Mama Munchkin

Amber is not only the dynamic CEO and founder of our team but also a dedicated mother of six and savvy entrepreneur. Her extensive travels with her family have not only created lasting memories but have also led to their tight-knit bonds. Helping you bring your family closer together and finding community with all of you is what gets her out of bed everyday (although her toddler plays a role in this as well).

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12 Spectacular Things to do in London with Kids [Some are FREE!]

February 21, 2019

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