Taking Your Kids to London? Here's What They Will Absolutely Love!

Having spent many a summer in London with cousins, nieces and nephews one thing is clear, the city has a host of activities and attractions that the little ones (and even you) can enjoy.  So without any further ado I bring to you ten of the city’s finest activities and attractions which you can enjoy as a family.

London Zoo

Let’s face it, kids love zoo’s and what better zoo to treat them to than the London Zoo! Spread over a rambling 36 acres, it is home to over 760 species of animals, many of which are endangered. So as to make the animals and birds feel at home, the zoo has tried to replicate their natural habitat. The zoo has been divided into different zones where your little ones can spot  animals like Western Lowland Gorillas, Giraffes, Kangaroos, various kinds of fish and corals, Sumatran Tigers, Penguins, Butterflies and different kinds of birds. Pelican feeding at the London Zoo remains an all-time favourite activity of children. In fact, a scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone was shot in the Reptile House of the London Zoo.

Handy Tip: The London Zoo has regular events, such as feeding sessions, keeper talks and a sight of birds in flight on the display lawn. If you want to relax, there are many café’s and picnic spots on the premises where you can spend time with your little ones.

Address: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park London, NW1 4RY

Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily. Last entry at 5 pm.

London Eye

Many families travelling with kids cross the London Eye off their itinerary presuming that it is not child friendly. This is a misconception, as the London Eye is absolutely child friendly and is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Kids will enjoy the 30-minute ride in an enclosed glass capsule, while you take in stunning views of London’s famous landmarks, such as the Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Canary Wharf, among others. Try and plan your visit on a bright and sunny day if you wish to take advantage of the view.

Handy Tip: When boarding the London Eye with kids please ensure that their pushchairs are folded completely and all items have been removed from them. If your child’s pushchair cannot be folded there is a facility for that at the ticket office. For those travelling with infants there is a baby changing facility at the ticket office.

Address: Riverside Bldg, Country Hall, Westminister Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB

Opening Hours: 10 am to 9 pm, daily

Sealife London Aquarium

Right beside the London Eye, the Sealife Aquarium is a great place to spend the day with your kids. One of the largest aquariums in Europe, the aquarium is home to over a hundred varieties of fish and sea life from around the globe, such as Piranhas, Stingrays, Sea Scorpions and Octopuses. One of the most captivating features of the aquarium is the Shark Walk, which allows visitors to walk over a glass platform with sharks swimming right below their feet. Another interesting feature of the aquarium is a tunnel constructed using a 25 metre long whale skeleton, under which visitors can observe tropical fish, turtles and colourful corals.

Handy Tip: The Sealife Aquarium is centrally located and is a 20-minute walk along the Thames from the Tate Modern. It will be a good idea to call the aquarium to find out if they have any special events around the time when you’re visiting.

Address: Country Hall, Riverside Building, Westminister Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday-10 am to 7 pm (last admission at 6 pm), July 20^th to September 1^st and October 26^th to November 3^rd Monday to Sunday 10 am to 8 pm (last admission at 7 pm).

Madame Tussauds

This museum houses wax models of film stars, royals, sports stars, superheroes, cultural and music icons and famous world leaders. Your little ones will enjoy posing and getting clicked with Spiderman, Shrek, the Hulk and even ET. Other than the wax figures, there is also a small exhibition on the premises where you can see how the wax models are made from scratch. For those who like to be spooked, there is also a tour named Scream. As the name , this is a house of horrors all set to give you nightmares! (only children aged 12 and above can visit Scream).

Handy Tip: Madame Tussauds is child friendly and there are baby changing facilities on the premises. Pushchairs are not allowed, though you can use a baby carrier available at the entrance (these are subject to availability and a 10 pound refundable deposit).

Address: Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Monday to Friday); 9 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

London Dungeon

If your little one can handle the chills and thrills then a visit to the London Dungeon is a must! Adults enjoy this attraction as much as the munchkins. Start at the Labyrinth of Lost Souls (Mirror Maze), take a look at the Great Plague, walk through the Torture Chamber, meet Jack the Ripper and the evil barber of Fleet Street. Children will particularly enjoy the spooky, ghostly boat ride, the gory hangman’s drop rides, fake blood and actors dressed as torturers and criminals.

Handy Tip: It will take you a good 90 minutes to experience the London Dungeon, so make sure you have time at hand. I would recommend you buy the tickets online so as to fetch cheaper rates.

Address: Riverside Building, Country Hall, Westminister Bridge Road, City of London, Greater London SE1 7PB

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday), 11 am to 5 pm (Thursday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday). From 26^th July to 31^st August the opening hours are- 10 am to 7 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday), 11 am to 7 pm (Thursday) 10 am to 7 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Little Angel Theatre

London has some of the finest theatres dedicated to children. One of the most popular children’s theatres in London remains the Little Angels Puppet Theatre. Also referred to as the “Home of British Puppetry”, it is one of the only three building-based theatres in England. Established in 1961, the Little Angels Theatre can accommodate up to hundred people. The little ones will enjoy the puppets come to life on stage. Some of the popular plays staged here include Fantastic Mr Fox, We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, Cindermouse and Jabberwocky.

Handy tip: Other than the theatre, there is also a workshop on the premises where ideas for new puppets are developed, carved and constructed.

Address: 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN

Opening Hours: Opening hours depend on show timings. It is recommended to call them before planning a visit.

Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood

A visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood is a must when travelling to London with kids. The museum is home to some of the finest collection of dolls, games, costumes and toys from around the world. The Museum of Childhood, which is part of the legendary Victoria and Albert Museum will be an absolute treat for your kids. At the museum you will get to see childhood related objects dating back to 1872 and other items like puppets from the 1970’s ,Victorian praxinoscopes, Barbie dolls, children’s costumes, books and childhood equipment. Another interesting exhibit in the museum is a recording of school lessons from the 1930’s and a film of young children playing on the street in Edinburgh in the 1950’s.

Handy Tip: There is plenty of hands on stuff available for the little ones in the museum. Regular exhibitions are also held here. Other than there is also a caféon the museum premises where adults can rest their feet and enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks.

Address: Cambridge Health Road, London, E2 9PA

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:45 pm everyday. Last admission is at 5:30 pm.

Changing of the Guards at the Buckingham Palace

Your kids will love the pomp and splendour of this ceremony, which includes bearskin-hatted soldiers clad in bright red tunics. The ceremony lasts for half an hour and includes sergeant majors calling out orders, dramatic foot stomping, tunes played by the Regimental Bands and tracking the new guards from the Wellington Barracks.

Handy Tip: Since the event takes place at the Buckingham Palace it is recommended you visit the palace as well. The official residence of the Queen, the Buckingham Palace is spread over an area of 40 acres and houses the Throne Room, Music Room, State Dining Room, a gallery of paintings and many beautiful apartments. If you happen to see the Royal Standard flag flying, this means that the Queen is at home.

Address: Street Buckingham Palace Road

Opening Hours: 11:30 am daily from April to June. The ceremony also takes place from August to March depending on the weather. The State Rooms at the Buckingham Palace are open to visitors during August and September from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Discovery Children’s Story Centre

Children love stories and what better way for them to enjoy than by embarking on an indoor story trail! What’s more, they’re assisted by fantasy characters who help the children come up with their own stories! 

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