Best Things to Do in London with Kids

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it’s not just for adults. Families traveling here will find an amazing mix of history, culture, food, and fun that kids of all ages can enjoy. From riding the London Eye to eating fish and chips, the city offers endless opportunities to make family memories. In this guide, I’ll share the Best Things to do in London with Kids, with details on how much time to spend, ticket prices, and other great tips.

1. London Theatre – See a Show

London’s West End is world-famous for its dazzling theatre productions. Families can choose from long-running hits like The Lion King, Matilda the Musical, or even Frozen. Kids will be captivated by the lights, music, and magic on stage. I had my teenagers with me, so we opted for Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi, and all my kids absolutely loved it!

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours, depending on the show.
• Cost: Prices vary widely, usually £25–£80 per ticket. Discounts are sometimes available for matinees.
• Tickets: Book in advance at officiallondontheatre.com or check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day deals.
• Getting There: Most theatres are located in Covent Garden, Leicester Square, or Soho. Take the Tube to Leicester Square (Northern or Piccadilly line).

Tip: If you’re traveling with younger kids, choose afternoon shows to avoid late nights. I had a mixture of kids and teenagers, so we opted for a 7 pm show.

2. Shopping at Harrods

Even if you’re not planning to buy luxury goods, Harrods is a must-see. This iconic department store is like a palace of shopping, with incredible food halls, toy sections, and seasonal displays that kids love to wander through.

• Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
• Cost: Free to enter, but shopping is extra (of course!).
• Tickets: No tickets required.
• Getting There: Tube to Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line).

Tip: Stop by the toy department—it’s a wonderland for kids, with games, gadgets, and cuddly mascots.

3. Fish and Chips Dinner

No trip to London is complete without trying traditional fish and chips. Crispy fried fish with chunky chips (fries) is a meal that kids and adults alike enjoy. Popular family-friendly spots include Poppies Fish & Chips or The Golden Hind.

• Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours for a sit-down meal.
• Cost: Around £12–£20 per plate.
• Tickets: None needed, but reservations are recommended for peak hours.
• Getting There: Varies by restaurant—Poppies has locations near Spitalfields and Soho, accessible by Tube.

Tip: Pair the meal with a side of mushy peas if you want the full British experience.

4. St. Paul’s Cathedral

This stunning cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Kids will love climbing the Whispering Gallery inside the dome, where whispers travel across the walls, and then heading up further for breathtaking city views.

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
• Cost: Adults £23, children (6–17) £10, under 6 free. Family tickets available.
• Tickets: Buy online at stpauls.co.uk for a discount.
• Getting There: Tube to St. Paul’s (Central line).

Tip: Pack light—the climb to the dome involves 528 steps.

5. The Shard

For panoramic views of London, The Shard is unbeatable. This 95-story skyscraper has observation decks where kids can spot the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and even Wembley Stadium on a clear day.

• Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours.
• Cost: Adults from £28, kids (4–15) from £22. Children under 4 free.
• Tickets: Buy in advance at theviewfromtheshard.com.
• Getting There: Tube to London Bridge (Jubilee or Northern line).

Tip: Go in the late afternoon so you can see the city in daylight and then at night as the lights come on.

6. London Eye

This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank is one of the most family-friendly attractions in the city. The 30-minute ride gives stunning views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the Thames.

• Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours, including waiting in line.
• Cost: Adults from £32.50, children (3–15) from £29.50. Family packages available.
• Tickets: Book ahead at londoneye.com to skip long queues.
• Getting There: Tube to Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, or Waterloo & City line).

Tip: Combine it with nearby attractions like the SEA LIFE London Aquarium.

7. Tower of London

Step back into history at the Tower of London. Kids will be fascinated by the Crown Jewels, tales of knights and kings, and the famous ravens that live inside the fortress walls.

• Time Needed: 3–4 hours.
• Cost: Adults £33.60, children (5–15) £16.80, under 5 free. Family tickets available.
• Tickets: Book in advance at hrp.org.uk.
• Getting There: Tube to Tower Hill (District or Circle line).

Tip: Don’t miss the guided Yeoman Warder tours—they’re both educational and entertaining.

8. London Bridge

London Bridge itself is a simple but iconic spot, but nearby Tower Bridge is the real star. You can walk across the bridge, see the glass-floored walkways, and visit the engine rooms that once powered the bridge lifts.

• Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
• Cost: Adults £12.30, children (5–15) £6.20, under 5 free.
• Tickets: Buy online at towerbridge.org.uk.
• Getting There: Tube to London Bridge or Tower Hill.

Tip: Kids love looking down through the glass floors—it feels like you’re floating above the Thames.

9. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Big Ben (officially the Elizabeth Tower) is perhaps London’s most famous landmark. While you can’t currently tour the inside with kids, just standing outside and hearing the bells is a memory in itself.

• Time Needed: 30–60 minutes for photos and a walk around Westminster.
• Cost: Free.
• Tickets: None required.
• Getting There: Tube to Westminster (Jubilee, District, or Circle line).

Tip: Combine this stop with the London Eye across the river for a perfect half-day.

10. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

For families with Harry Potter fans (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us), a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is unforgettable. Kids can explore actual sets from the films, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and even the Hogwarts Express. They’ll also get to see props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes magic that brought the movies to life.

• Time Needed: 4–6 hours (plus travel time)
• Cost: Adults £53.50, children (5–15) £43, under 4 free
• Tickets: Must be booked in advance at wbstudiotour.co.uk. Tickets often sell out months ahead.
• Getting There: It is on the outskirts of London. Take a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (20 minutes), then hop on the official Harry Potter shuttle bus (free with ticket entry) (15 minutes). It took us about an hour to get there from our flat in the middle of London.

Tip: Try the famous butterbeer at the studio café—it’s a highlight for kids and adults alike!

11. Day Trip to Paris

One of the coolest things about visiting London is how easy it is to hop over to Paris for the day. The Eurostar train takes just over 2 hours from central London to Gare du Nord, making it possible to see highlights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or Notre Dame all in a single trip.

• Time Needed: Full day (12–14 hours with travel).
• Cost: Tickets range from £50–£150 one way depending on the season and how early you book. Kids under 4 travel free on a lap.
• Tickets: Book directly at eurostar.com.
• Getting There: Depart from London St. Pancras International (connected by King’s Cross and Euston Tube stations).

Tip: Pack light—you’ll want to make the most of your time in Paris without heavy bags. Here is a guide to the Best things to do in Paris with Kids if you plan on staying more than a day.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in London With Kids

Traveling with kids in London can feel like a whirlwind, but with a mix of history, food, and family fun, it’s an adventure worth taking. By balancing big attractions like the London Eye and Tower of London with lighter experiences like fish and chips dinners and Harrods shopping, you’ll keep the whole family happy.

And if you really want to go big, cap it off with a day trip to Paris—because what could be more magical than visiting two world capitals in one family vacation?

These Best Things to Do in London with Kids will give your trip structure, excitement, and memories that last a lifetime. If you want to pack light for your whole trip, see how we flew to London with Kids with only a Personal Item.